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  The Transfiguration Blessed Fra Angelico [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel   Mark 9:2-10 ( English Standard Version Anglicised: India) After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,   and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one   on earth could bleach them.   And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.   And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”   For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.   And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”   And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. And

Today's Gospel, Mark 1:12 - 15 , is a sort of segue between our Lord's baptism and recruitment of brothers Simon and Andrew, then James son of Zebedee and John. All four were in the fishing industry, and that's another topic. Mark summarizes Jesus the Nazarene's 40-day fast in 33 words. That's 33 words in my native language, English. In a particular translation of Sacred Scripture. And that, finally, gets me to Matthew 6:9 - 13 , which was the Tuesday Gospel for February 20, 2018. And, more to the point, an example of the Lord's Prayer.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

   The Temptation of Christ Tintoretto [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel  Mark 1:12-15 ( English Standard Version Anglicised: India) The Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.   And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.   Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,   and saying,  “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Léachtaí i nGaeilge Responsorial Psalm  (NAB Lectionary, Philippines, USA) One of my teachers in the Columban seminary in the 1960s was a saintly priest, Fr Edward McCormack. Father Ted, as we knew him, spent most of his life as a priest teaching Scripture to Columban seminarians in Ireland and the USA. But he taught ou

Today is Ash Wednesday. The COVID-19 pandemic is still in progress, so this one will be a bit different. I'll still get ash on my head. But instead of getting a thumb-drawn cross on my forehead, I'll get a sprinkling on my head. Seems that this offends and affronts some Catholics. Me? I'd prefer getting that cross on my forehead this year. But I'm okay with doing what I can and not fussing — to excess — at what I can't. And letting the Pope and bishops sort out policy during a pandemic.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

In North Carolina, we are under a state of emergency, where no more than ten people can congregate at one time. Therefore, our Bishop cancelled all Masses throughout my Diocese, until further notice. Yet, this is the holiest week of the year, with Mass on Holy Thursday, Good Friday Services, and of course, the Easter Vigil. So, how might one honor Holy Week while the Churches are closed? Honor Holy Week Although we cannot attend services here in North Carolina, and perhaps in your neck of the woods, as well, here are some suggestions on how you might honor Holy Week, safely from our own homes: Read Scripture, specifically the daily Mass readings. You can find them by... Read more...

The Raising of Lazarus Rembrandt [ Web Gallery of Art ] There is  a very good commentary  on this painting in the March 2020 issue of the liturgical monthly  Magnificat. A Comment on the Covid-19 Pandemic A diocesan priest in Canada, officially retired but very active pastorally in his diocese and who is a good friend, sent me the following, which I have slightly edited, a few days ago . I can see how this trial can make for a great Easter. Only our relationship with Christ cannot be destroyed by the horrors of the world. The prayer on the opening Sunday of Lent reads:  Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observance of holy Lent,  that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ  and by worthy conduct pursue their effects .  Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who ives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.  The Season of Lent will deliver us into the riches hidden in Christ  [ emphasis  ad