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 […]
In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the Gospel passage of the Passion of Christ (Luke 22:14-23:56) which is read on Palm Sunday. During this time, the Church invites her people to focus directly on the suffering of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The longer Gospel readings help us to honor Christ’s request […]
“Holy Week…so very close to the moment when the Redemption of the whole human race was accomplished on Calvary, it seems to be an especially appropriate time for you and me to reflect on how Our Lord Jesus Christ saved us, and to contemplate this love of his — this truly inexpressible love — for […]
“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. […]
The Seven Last Words is a beloved devotion of the Church that invites us to recall and meditate on Jesus’s last words as he hung on the cross. In this collection, each word is accompanied by the corresponding Gospel passage and a reflection and prayer from St. Josemaria Escriva. The devotion can be prayed over […]
The Seventh Word “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk 23:46) Gospel It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, […]
The Sixth Word “It is finished.” (Jn 19:30) Gospel When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. Jn 19:30 Reflection “God our Father has seen fit to grant us, in the heart of his Son, ‘infinite treasures of love,’ mercy and affection. If we […]