The Sign of the Cross The two main parts of the Mass are the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Before we begin the Liturgy of the Word, we have the Introductory Rites. They begin with the procession and music that we have already reflected on. As part of the procession, …
In today’s parable Jesus talks about “how much” the landowner pays his servants. As the sun rises he “went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.” He agreed to pay the “usual daily wage.” All is as it should be. At nine o’clock the landowner hired more laborers. Since the work day had …
I am happy to say I will be beginning a new series of presentations in October exploring what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The series is called Made for Discipleship. Honestly, I am a little behind on my preparation, having just finished the gender article I posted about yesterday. With that done, I …
Those of you who are regular readers of my blog know that I am passionate about helping people understand Catholic teaching. With that in mind, I have just finished the largest paper I have ever written and put it on my website. I wrote simply to help people understand a very difficult topic, gender. This …
The Importance of Music Music has long been part of how people give thanks and praise to God. We hear of how the people sang in thankful response to God’s action in their lives in Exodus 15, Numbers 21:17, Judges 5, and in 2 Samuel 6:5. The chief document for the way we celebrate Mass …
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year ASirach 27:30-28:7Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 (8)Romans 14:7-9Matthew 18:21-35September 17, 2023 Last week we heard Jesus give us instructions on what to do when our brother sins against us. Deacon Tom talked about our need to forgive others. Our readings today continue on the theme of forgiveness. Why is …
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The ProcessionAs each person arrives for Mass, they find a seat in the pews. It is a good time to pray in silence as you wait for the Mass to begin. When it is time for Mass to begin, the altar servers, lectors, and clergy process in. Their procession is symbolic of the entire congregation gathering …
Last Saturday I read a news story (Sarah Maddox, “Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church.” September 9, 2023. CBSnews.com.). You may remember that in 2019, the United Methodist Church held a conference that discussed same-sex relationships. Since then there have been whole congregations that have left the United Methodist Church …
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In the Lord’s Prayer we pray, “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” In the Act of Contrition we “firmly resolve to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads us to sin.” Avoiding temptation is not easy. We need God’s help. We need to avoid temptation and we are called to …
The Hidden Depths of the Mass #5Gestures Before we enter our pew we genuflect. When we come up for Communion we bow before we receive Communion. Why? Because our gestures mean something. In this case, they signify our reverence for the presence of our Lord in int Tabernacle and in the Eucharist. We genuflect to …
