Our USCCB 2019 Plenary Assembly in Baltimore has just concluded. For the first time in a few years, I was able to stay for the Thursday morning of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, which for many reasons, is such a good way to conclude these gatherings. After Mass, the Eucharist is Read more…
Hi, Gang. Another full week. Still waiting on pictures from last Sunday’s visit to St. Nicholas in Gig Harbor. (Hint, Hint, to all you folks down there …) Sometimes it is hard to believe that the Kingdom is advanced in through so many meetings, but even on that front I Read more…
Our Lenten journey is now over. We have accompanied Jesus through his agony, passion and death. Tonight / Today we celebrate that he who was dead now lives forever, and holds the keys of death and hell. (3rd Antiphon; Holy Saturday Morning Prayer) Just when those who sought to silence Read more…
We stand on the Eve of the greatest Liturgy of the Year – the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, which culminates in the celebration of Easter. Jesus is calling us to spend time with him during these Holy Days. The One who as God came to Read more…
Just a few days ago, our USCCB Retreat concluded. We gathered at the request of Pope Francis, and enjoyed the direction and wisdom of the Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM. With nearly 280 bishops registered, which is a similar number of those who are present for Read more…
For various reasons, I have been slow to share my own thoughts with you about our USCCB meeting in Baltimore earlier this month. I needed time to sit and pray with all the events and input of the week. I am sure about two things, one; the People of God Read more…
Happy Easter! On this Easter Sunday the Church hears the message proclaimed to Peter and the Beloved Disciple, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” (John 20:2) Most of us after living for a while know the experience of grief, Read more…
[laread_first_letter]O[/laread_first_letter]n this 2ND Sunday of Lent, we hear Scriptural accounts of powerful experiences of God. Abram hears God directing him to leave his homeland behind to discover a new land which God will show him. He hears of God’s promise of blessing, and Abram followed the direction of God. Peter, Read more…
We are now in the final days of Advent. Is our longing for the Lord stronger? Is our cry for the Lord more intimate? Today’s first reading from the Song of Songs is perhaps one of the most intimate expressions of longing for the Lord in all of Sacred Scripture, Read more…
Twice in today’s Gospel, (John 20:11-18) Mary Magdalen is asked why she is weeping. She has kept vigil at the tomb, grieving the tragic crucifixion and death of Jesus. The man who loved her with great mercy and forgiveness has been taken from her. Now, on top of this grief, the empty tomb Read more…