of the human person from conception until natural death
The phrase “Women, behold your son! /Behold your mother!” refers to a moment in the Gospel of John (John 19:26-27) where Jesus, while on the Cross, entrusts his Mother, the ever-Virgin Mary, to the care of John the beloved disciple, and conversely, entrusts John to Mary. This act is often…
The liturgical revisions of the Second Vatican Council sought to reaffirm the close connection between the gift of the Spirit and the Lord’s resurrection and ascension. The Spirit and the accompanying seven-fold gifts are essential to understanding and living out the Paschal Mystery, which is the central mystery of salvation…
Though used three times as the Responsorial Psalm this week, most commentators believe Psalm 68 is connected with the coming of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) – not only celebrating that event, but also the faithfulness of God to give Israel victory over her enemies, and…
In the first three chapters of his Letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul explained that God had given the Church great spiritual riches so that she could lead the world into peace. Then, in that letter’s subsequent chapter, Paul declares that the first way that believers can show the world…
The Ascension of Jesus has theological affinity with Yom Kippur, the annual Jewish Day of Atonement. Both observances revolve around the notions of the cleansing of sin, God’s forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. This Jewish ritual involved sacrifices, the scapegoat ceremony, and the cleansing of the Holy of Holies, all…
Between the glory of the Resurrection and the fire of Pentecost lies an often-overlooked event in the life of Christ and the Church. Forty days after Easter, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension, where we read of Christ’s bodily ascent into heavenly glory. According to the Catechism of…
In this week’s Gospel, there is one of the several references to the Paraclete (Jn 14:26) rendered, in English, as Advocate. All references to the Paraclete (or the Spirit of Truth) occur multiple times in the Farewell Discourse of John’s Gospel (Jn 13:31–17:26) that are the extensive teachings and promises…
5th Week of Easter Psalm 115 or Psalm 113 This week, on Monday, the chosen psalm is Ps 115 (113) and the response is “Not to us, O Lord, but…
Nature and dignity 