Our readings for this Sunday lay out the reason for this penitential season of Lent: sin, repentance, and salvation. Our first reading reminds us of mankind’s first sin: the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3: 1-7). In our Psalm, we acknowledge our sinfulness and cry out for God’s mercy: “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned” (cf Psalm 51: 3). In our second reading, St. Paul explains that our plea for mercy has…
What a beautiful Savior we have. God the Father didn’t send Jesus to appease His wrath and sentence us to death. Instead, Jesus came to save us: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:17). Jesus holds the power of divine judgment (Jn 5:22-24). Dying for our sins to save us took more love and power than merely…
Imagine what the prodigal son must have looked like when he returned home. He wasn’t wearing his fine clothes or jewelry—he had probably pawned them off. He was dirty from tending the swine and walking for miles with no shoes. He may have even lost weight from lack of food. Even looking so unlike himself, his father recognized him “while he was still a long way off” (Lk 15:20). The son, who had once turned…
The Transfiguration of the Lord shows a powerful manifestation of the Holy Trinity. Peter, James, and John go with Jesus to Mt. Tabor to pray, and Jesus is transfigured: “his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white” (Lk 9:29). The glory of the Risen Christ was revealed. The veil of His humanity was lifted, showing His divine nature: “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12). The transfigured Jesus is light…
Jesus was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk 4:1), which led Him into the desert. Are you ready to follow Him? The desert of Lent can seem a little overwhelming at the beginning. It’s hard to stare down forty mostly cold winter days. Most of us long for spring this time of year. We can’t wait to leave our coats at home, feel the sun on our faces, and see the daffodils cheerfully greeting us.…
Every year on Ash Wednesday, you bow your head and are crowned with ashes. You are told, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Hear these words: “you are dust.” We are made from the most basic, humble, fleeting substance: the dirt of the earth. But God’s presence in our lives is what makes us into His image and likeness. His holy breath brings us life. “Then the Lord God formed…