We have to die to ourselves and be born again to a new life. Jesus Christ obeyed in this way, even unto death on a cross; that is why God exalted him. If we obey God’s will, the cross will mean our own resurrection and exaltation. Christ’s life will be fulfilled step by step in […]
“Our transgressions and our sins are upon us; they weigh us down; and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” (Ezekiel 33:10). These words of the prophet powerfully express how sin affects us—creating a heaviness in the soul, a feeling of dejection, a sense of deadness in mind and heart. Sin […]
“Woman is stronger than man, and more faithful, in the hour of suffering: Mary of Magdala and Mary Cleophas and Salome! With a group of valiant women like these, closely united to our Lady of Sorrows, what work for souls could be done in the world!” The Way, no. 982 In the principal feasts of the liturgical […]
“Surely it is not I, Lord?” (Mt 26:25) All of the apostles reclining around the table at the Last Supper ask this question; one of them, Judas, asks it just to keep up appearances. He is about to set up Jesus for arrest and condemnation. And the Lord knows every step Judas will take to […]
(cf. Isaiah 49:1-6) Throughout Lent the Roman liturgy often sings of the “rewards” or fruits of fasting and penance: sobriety and clarity of mind, a humbled heart, works of mercy, and forgiveness of sins—rewards that are gifts from God and which dispose us to an even greater attentiveness to Him. We can rest more fully […]
“But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me’” (Mk 14:6). This verse, although not recorded by St. John in his account of the anointing at Bethany is recorded by both Matthew and Mark, indicating how deeply Mary’s gesture touched our Lord’s heart, His priestly heart. […]
“Don’t you see? We have to learn from Jesus, who is our only model. If you want to go forward without stumbling or wandering off the path, then all you have to do is walk the road he walked, placing your feet in his footprints and entering into his humble and patient Heart…. In a […]
Today once again I prayed full of confidence. This was my petition: “Lord, may neither our past wretchedness which has been forgiven us, nor the possibility of future wretchedness cause us any disquiet. May we abandon ourselves into your merciful hands.” The Forge, no. 426 The words of the priest at the conclusion of a […]
“Don’t forget that you are a temple of God. The Paraclete is in the center of your soul: listen to him and follow his inspirations with docility. Don’t hinder the work of the Paraclete: seek union with Christ so as to be purified….” St. Josemaria Escriva The Way, nos. 57-58 Traditionally the feast of our […]
“We need a strong life of faith to appreciate the wonder his providence has entrusted to us—a faith like that of the Magi, a conviction that neither the desert, nor the storms, nor the quiet of the oases will keep us from reaching our destination in the eternal Bethlehem: our definitive life with God.” St […]