Category: Lent and Easter

meatless friday

Are Meatless Fridays Still A Thing?

Historically, practicing meatless Fridays is one of the most obviously Catholic social practices. From school menus to restaurant fare, there is an across the board acknowledgment of this devotion dating back hundreds of years. Yet in tandem with the Second Vatican Council and the liberal direction of the 1960s, this practice is no longer widespread. Unfortunately, this presents a weakening...

new covenant, divine mercy, lamb of god, eucharist

The New Covenant Brings the Lamb of God

The readings for Holy Thursday clearly illustrate Jesus’ intent concerning worship for the Catholic Church. We see the Old Covenant fulfilled and that the New Covenant brings an entirely new reality. The first reading, from Exodus provides a glimpse into the Jewish tradition of Passover – a practice Jesus would have participated in with His family. The LORD said to Moses...

temptation of christ, temptation

Temptation, Gratification, and Dependence on God

Today is Ash Wednesday and we begin our Lenten journey. These forty days offer a beautiful opportunity to apply the principle of spring-cleaning to our spiritual life. During the gloomy days of winter, many cobwebs gathered, yet the light of spring exposes all that was previously hidden in darkness. This Lenten Season provides a time to refocus our dependence on...

jesus, manifestation, baptism

The Four Manifestations of Christ

Jesus lived an obscure, private family life for three decades. During this time His life was not unlike any others of His time in history. Scripture tells us that Mary pondered many things in her heart. She knew His full identity and knew he was destined for greatness. Undoubtedly, she also greatly basked in the honor of raising the Son of...

mercy

Lord, Have Divine Mercy on Us

  The true meaning of the word mercy is often misunderstood and misused. Far from indicating that all bets are off and you are free to do whatever you please – without repercussions – true mercy has ramifications that benefit the immortal soul. The definition of Mercy is: The disposition to be kind and forgiving. Founded on compassion, mercy differs from compassion...

easter, lily, butterfly

Easter: Joyful Beginning
or Disappointing Letdown?

Easter joy is the culmination of a Lent filled with prayer, sacrifice, and giving. Yet we sometimes feel let down, as if we had reached our goal and now it is all over. Instead, we need to use each Lenten season and Easter Octave as a means of continually strengthening our resolve to live as the children of God.

politically correct

Are We Politically Correct Like Pilate?

As Holy Week begins, we might ask ourselves if we are a part of the ‘go along to get along’ crowd like Pilate. Do we simply sit back in our comfortable haven or are we advocates for the less fortunate? Do we join in the Cross or wait, selfishly, for Easter joy? Jesus admonishes us to take up our cross and follow Him.

seder

Seder Meals Are Not Catholic Practice

  During a past Lent, I shared a seemingly innocuous and informative post about the Jewish practice of Seder during Passover. The resulting confusion and charges of antisemitism bewildered me. The catalyst? A fact-packed video by a Catholic priest, The Christian Seder Meal: A Violation of  the First Commandment and a blog link to another video by a Catholic priest. Strong Reactions Below...