First Sunday of Lent - 2025

Some reflections for prayer on the First Sunday of Lent Gospel for the First Sunday Lent invites us to go with Jesus into the wilderness – not literally, rather into the wilderness of or our own minds & hearts. Like Jesus, we want our own integrity to be tested, to examine the true quality of our faith. What kind of believer am I? So, let us look at the three tests to which Jesus was subjected by the devil, which are the same tests we too must face this Lent. The first test: integrity, security of our lives, "my bread of life". It is said that we are living in the Age of Individualism – the “Me First Generation", the “What-ever-makes-you-happy” generation. That is “my truth”, and it’s my right to have what I need and want to make me happy. Jesus’ response: Truth comes from God the creator. The true goal of every life is to discover and pursue God’s plan for my existence. The question I must ask myself is what truth is shaping my life? What is my daily bread I seek and desire each day? The second test: proof; seeing is believing.  We are also called the Scientific Age. Sound reason demands proof. If religion is true, where is the proof? If God is, and God is love, why so much suffering in the world? Jesus’ response: believing is seeing. No human mind can capture the essence of God – but God will reveal himself to those who open their minds and hearts. Ask yourself, is the secularism of today eroding my faith? The third test: power & possession – “to the victor goes the spoils”.  We are also called the Age of Success. My life is measured by all my successes and the power that I must have to control them. Jesus’ response = wealth & power last but a few years – then death comes to everyone. It is said of our age that the rich are getting richer; poverty in the world is growing. But where is this leading us? History has some worrisome suggestions. Ask yourself: life is short, eternity is forever; where do I wish to end up?

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When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at and desirable for gaining wisdom Pride of the flesh (appetites) Pride of the eye (possessions) Pride of life (control) “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.” ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

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"The first temptation is the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread.  Well why does he do that and is that a real temptation?" >>> LINK <<<

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Ash Wednesday - A History

Written by Doug Archer, Catholic Register

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the period of penance, prayer and sacrifice that precedes the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. 

Since the earliest days of the church there is evidence of some form of Lenten preparation for Easter; but the duration and nature of this preparation took countless centuries to evolve and is still changing even today.  

As early as the second century, St. Irenaeus, an influential bishop and missionary, wrote to Pope Victor I complaining of controversy around the dating of Easter and the observance of a period of fasting leading up to this feast day. Some regional churches fasted for one day, others for several days and still others for 40 hours (most likely based on the traditional belief that Christ lay for 40 hours in the tomb).

It was another two centuries before the Council of Nicea tackled St. Irenaeus’ issues head-on. Assembled by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 325, bishops at Nicea developed a complex formula that placed the date for Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the first day of spring. The canons emerging from that council also referenced a 40-day Lenten season of fasting. 

The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words, lencten, meaning “spring,” and lenctentid, which was the word for “March,” the month in which the major part of this season of sacrifice falls. 

Why the period of 40 days was chosen is not entirely understood, but scholars believe it was influenced by biblical references to 40-day fasts by Moses on Mount Sinai and by Christ in the desert before He began His public ministry. Nonetheless, by the time of Pope Gregory the Great in the last decade of the sixth century, Christians in Rome and the West were generally observing six weeks of fasting prior to Easter.

But the math wasn’t quite right. Given that no fasting was to occur on Sundays — as Sunday was viewed as a weekly memorial of the Resurrection and therefore a day of celebration, not fasting — six weeks of fasting added up to 36 days, not 40. To correct this, Pope Gregory moved the start of Lent to a Wednesday.

Gregory is also credited with initiating the practice that gave the first day of Lent its name, Day of Ashes or simply, Ash Wednesday. To begin the season of fasting and repentance, Gregory marked the foreheads of his congregation with ashes, a biblical symbol for penance. It was also a reminder to early Christians of their mortality (“For you are dust, and to dust you shall return” Genesis 3:19) and the need to prepare for the afterlife.

A millennium and a half after Pope Gregory, the duration of the Lenten observance is still not immediately clear to many Catholics. Confusion stems from the fact that liturgically, Lent lasts 44 days. 

The traditional 40-day Lenten fast begins on Ash Wednesday, excludes Sundays and carries through to the night before Easter. But the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969, established slightly different parametres for the season of Lent. 

Returning to a long-held custom within the church, the Second Vatican Council re-established the three days before Easter as a separate holy time apart from Lent proper. Known as the Easter or Sacred Triduum, this three-day period begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and concludes at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, which is when the Easter season begins. So, from a liturgical perspective, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends just before the Mass on Holy Thursday, the start of the Sacred Triduum. And it includes Sundays, making it 44 days in duration.

The nature of the Lenten observance has changed significantly over the millennia. While fasting seems always to have been part of the paschal preparation, there was significant latitude around abstention in the early centuries of the church. Some Christians fasted every day during Lent; others, every other week only. The more austere fasters subsisted on one or two meals a week; but many found that cutting back to one repast a day was a sufficient sacrifice. And while many abstained from meat and wine, some ate nothing but dry bread. 

Pope Gregory weighed in on this issue as well. He established the Lenten rule that Christians were to abstain from meat and all things that come from “flesh” such as milk, fat and eggs. And fasting meant one meal a day, normally taken in the mid-afternoon.

The prohibition around milk and eggs gave rise to the tradition of Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), which is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. On this day Christians would feast on the foods they were required to abstain from during Lent — gorging before the fast as it were — and pancakes became a popular meal for using up all the eggs and milk. 

Over time, concessions were made to the rules around fasting. In the 12th and 13th centuries, church authorities such as St. Thomas Aquinas accepted that a certain amount of “snacking,” in addition to one meal a day, should be allowed, particularly for those employed in manual labour. Eating fish was eventually allowed and even the consumption of meat and dairy products as long as a pious act was performed to compensate for the indulgence. 

Today the Catholic Code of Canon Law requires those 18 to 59 years of age to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

And fasting means partaking of only one full meal, with snacks or smaller meals allowed at two other times through the day. It is also recommended that those 14 and over abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent.

Lent is not just about fasting, however. Prayer, almsgiving and works of charity have always been encouraged by the church. And walking the Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis) is a Lenten devotion that dates back to the fourth century.

Pilgrims to Jerusalem would retrace the steps that Christ walked on His way to Calvary, stopping at specific points to pray. When the Crusades in the Middle Ages prevented such sacred journeys to the Holy Land, the Via Crucis was reproduced in different parts of Europe. Chapels and markers (first referred to as Stations of the Cross around 1460) decorated with scenes of the Passion were erected in monasteries and in numerous cities to allow for miniature pilgrimages. Now images of the Stations of the Cross appear in almost all Catholic churches and are an integral part of many Lenten worship services.

The traditions and practices surrounding Lent are varied, but they have a common focus:  preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Some would argue that at the start of this new Lenten season, that should be the focus of every Catholic.

Eighth Sunday of the Year - 2025

 

Lent, An Invitation to Join Him

I like to think of Lent as beginning with an invitation from the Lord to join him on "His" journey into the wilderness. Thinking of it in this way indicates that the agenda for Lent will be the Lord's and not ours. If we accept, then we should begin by asking the Lord what we will need to bring with us. The wilderness is to be a place of prayer. Here is a list that very well my be the same list the Lord gives to you. The first thing you must bring is a generous portion of your time. You cannot be in two places at the same time. Notice that the wilderness is an empty place, without the distractions of the secular world surrounding you. Try to find such a place in your day where you can be alone - only you and the Lord. Arranging a time and place is most important. Remember, the Lord has invited you to come and be with him. Be assured, he will be there. You might offer a prayerful word of thanks for such an unimaginable privilege. Next you will need a way to listen to the Lord's voice. Our world is a stadium full of people, all speaking at the same time - can any sense be made of it. The scriptures, especially the gospels reduces the voices down to one, the Lord's. It takes some practice on your part, what with the ringing in your ears from that stadium we live in. "Speak Lord, I am listening". You too can speak. The Lord wants you to understand, but we are a little slow and our thinking has been shaped by that world we have just left, or misshapen by it. Your seeking understanding becomes your prayer. "How can this be Lord?" "Yes Lord, with you all things are possible". Takes notes as they say. When you go back to that stadium of confusing voices, you will need a good way to remember what the Lord has taught you. It will need perseverance, it is a desert after all. Do not give up.

In this video, Dr. Pitre gives insight into the Biblical foundation for Ash Wednesday, as well as the rationale and purpose of the season of Lent.  He addresses questions such as: Why do you we use ashes? Why are we asked of the Church to increase our fasting, prayer, and almsgiving during Lent? Is Lent just about abstaining from a favorite food, or is there something more to it? <<< LINK >>>

Seventh Sunday of the Year - 2025

Luke 6:27-38 Jesus sets before us some very challenging statements in this gospel passage; “Love your enemies . . . do not judge . . . forgive and you will be forgiven!” This seems to go against our deep-rooted sense of fairness, of justice. Why must we forgive those who harm us, should they not be held accountable for their wrongdoing? Is not justice the very foundation of our society? When you look up at the archways to our courts of justice, you see symbol of the scales, balanced evenly, one side measured against the other. If you do the crime you must do the time. Simply put, this is the ancient principle of “an eye for an eye.” (Leviticus 24:19) In many places around the world, if you murder someone you will be put to death. Canada has done away with the death penalty and replaced it with life in prison. Let us look a little more deeply into what Jesus is teaching here. In Matthew’s account of today’s gospel we read: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’, and then he continues; “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you ….” Mtt. 5:38, 43. Here, Jesus is bringing to light full meaning the Father’s words spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, rather that they should be converted from their evil ways and live.” Ez. 18:23. Now the key word here is “converted”. The goal of forgiveness is conversion, a deep and true turning away from evil doing and embracing all that is true and good. This is what the Father wants for all people. God wants every person to come to heaven and share in His divine glory. But that is not possible if their hearts are full of evil. First, they must be purified, (converted) then they can come. This is beautifully demonstrated at the scene of the crucifixion. Crucified with Jesus on his left side is the unrepentant, unconverted thief challenging Jesus to cause their escape from justice. On his right is the other thief, equally guilty of the same evil, but now repentant, knowing he deserves punishment for his crimes, asking only mercy. In him Jesus sees that “conversion of heart” he is looking to find in all sinners, so he can take them home with him to Paradise. Jesus is the incarnation of the Father loving his enemies; full of forgiveness for all sinners. Just as he now teaches us to do the same. In Matthew 9:10 we read: Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” A further note: do we not understand that Jesus love is unconditional? Is not adding “conversion” to the mix adding a condition? Jesus’ love is unconditional. You need only to look at the cross to know that. His love is always in his heart for the sinner. It’s our choice to accept or reject his love. On Good Friday we sing what is known as The Reproaches. Not words of scripture per say but speak so truly of the heart of Jesus the lover rejected. My people, what have I done to you How have I offended you? Answer me! I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom, but you led your Savior to the cross. My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me! For forty years I led you safely through the desert. I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to a land of plenty; but you led your Savior to the cross. What more could I have done for you. I planted you as my fairest vine, but you yielded only bitterness: when I was thirsty you gave me vinegar to drink,  and you pierced your Savior with a lance. "My people...." I gave you a royal scepter, but you gave me a crown of thorns. I raised you to the height of majesty, but you have raised me high on a cross.

Sixth Sunday of the Year - 2025

The Beatitudes in Matthew Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Pope Francis In His Own Word - Joy of the Gospel: 271. It is true that in our dealings with the world, we are told to give reasons for our hope, but not as an enemy who critiques and condemns. We are told quite clearly: “do so with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet 3:15) and “if possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18). We are also told to overcome “evil with good” (Rom 12:21) and to “work for the good of all” (Gal 6:10). Far from trying to appear better than others, we should “in humility count others better” than ourselves (Phil 2:3). The Lord’s apostles themselves enjoyed “favour with all the people” (Acts 2:47; 4:21, 33; 5:13). Clearly Jesus does not want us to be grandees who look down upon others, but men and women of the people. This is not an idea of the Pope, or one pastoral option among others; they are injunctions contained in the word of God which are so clear, direct and convincing that they need no interpretations which might diminish their power to challenge us. Let us live them sine glossa, without commentaries. By so doing we will know the missionary joy of sharing life with God’s faithful people as we strive to light a fire in the heart of the world. REFLECTIONS It comes down to attitude. A "Holier-than-thou" attitude is quickly picked up by people and turns off any receptivity they have to what is being said. * The topic of religion is unpopular because it often ends in acrimonious debate. * Showing how things can change for the better, with one's self as an example, can start a dialogue. 272. Loving others is a Spiritual force drawing us to union with God; indeed, one who does not love others “walks in the darkness” (1 Jn 2:11), “remains in death” (1 Jn 3:14) “does not know God” (1 Jn 4:8). Benedict XVI has said that “closing our eyes to our neighbour also blinds us to God”, and that love is, in the end, the only light which “can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working”. When we live out a Spirituality of drawing nearer to others and seeking their welfare, our hearts are opened wide to the Lord’s greatest and most beautiful gifts. Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something new about God. Whenever our eyes are opened to acknowledge the other, we grow in the light of faith and knowledge of God. If we want to advance in the Spiritual life, then, we must constantly be missionaries. The work of evangelization enriches the mind and the heart; it opens up Spiritual horizons; it makes us more and more sensitive to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and it takes us beyond our limited Spiritual constructs. A committed missionary knows the joy of being a spring which spills over and refreshes others. Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness, can be a missionary. This openness of the heart is a source of joy, since “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We do not live better when we flee, hide, refuse to share, stop giving and lock ourselves up in our own comforts. Such a life is nothing less than slow suicide. Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Deus Caritas Est (25 December 2005), 16: AAS 98 (2006), 230. 210 Ibid., 39: AAS 98 (2006), 250. 204  REFLECTION * Make a list of the ways you are engaged in the world that make a difference. 273. My mission of being in the heart of the people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an “extra” or just another moment in life. Instead, it is something I cannot uproot from my being without destroying my very self. I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world. We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing. All around us we begin to see nurses with soul, teachers with soul, politicians with soul, people who have chosen deep down to be with others and for others. But once we separate our work from our private lives, everything turns grey and we will always be seeking recognition or asserting our needs. We stop being a people. REFLECTION * Those engaged in special service often wear a uniform. As they put on their uniform, their true identity is made evident, both to themselves as well as others. Symbolism is an important part of how we communicate. Often today, we see outward religious symbolism being suppressed. * “…… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mtt. 5:16 * Let it be known, in who's name you are acting. 274. If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation. God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives. Jesus offered his precious blood on the cross 205 for that person. Appearances notwithstanding, every person is immensely holy and deserves our love. Consequently, if I can help at least one person to have a better life, that already justifies the offering of my life. It is a wonderful thing to be God’s faithful people. We achieve fulfillment when we break down walls and our heart is filled with faces and names! Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon for Sunday Feb. 16, 2025

Fifth Sunday of the Year - 2025

Imagine there is a meeting of some amateur botanists, who love to meet and discus all things plants and flowers. They are meeting to plan a trip to some exotic place to experience new and mysterious plants. The chairperson of the group has some brochures to look at but also mentions a place he just heard about that is most exotic but has no further information. Then a person raises their hand and announces they can help. Then the person proceeds to describe a place of utter beauty, saying that they had spent time there as a botany student studying these magnificent plants. No doubt when asked everyone will agree that this will be their trip this year. Travel brochures can be of some help, but eye witness and first-hand experience has so much more to offer.  Today’s First Reading gives us an account of the call of the prophet Isaiah. I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphim were stationed above. They cried one to the other, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!" Isaiah is experiencing the very presence of God. He is seeing and hearing for himself; (my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!") Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?  Who will go for us?" "Here I am," I said; "send me!" – then an angel purifies his lips with the flame of truth, to become God’s messenger. True prophets are not just person with there own take on theology – so much more. As I have often mentioned all of us baptized believers, gifted with the Holy Spirit in the sacraments, are called to share in the Church’s vocation to be God’s prophets in our time. St. Paul in Roman’s lays it out so very well for us. How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?  And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to proclaim the good news. Rom. 10:14: Our world needs new Isaiah’s. Now we may hesitate to say, “here I am, send me”, because I am surely no theologian. But look again at today’s gospel. The people Jesus is calling to be his disciples are not the learned Scribes and Pharisees, they are simple fishermen. As prophets, we are called to be living evidence of the gospel of Jesus. When people see and experience your goodness, they will take notice. “Don’t tell me, show me.” Not every one will respond positively to our efforts. So it was with the first disciples Jesus sent out, but many did. In Luke 10:1 we read: After this the Lord appointed seventy-two a others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few . . . . . Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Then in Verse 17: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven . . . . . but, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Did we come to Mass today able to say, “Lord, I am happy to report these good things have happened this week because of the grace you put into my heart.”  And what will this week bring? Think of the final words of the Mass today, “Go in peace, glorify the Lord by your life.”

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - 2025

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Lk. 2:22 Points for Consideration & Meditation [...... their purification according to the law of Moses ......] ·         While we see our faith as a deeply personal matter, it belongs to a greater reality, part of a family of believers to which we belong, in who's company our portion of the faith was awakened. [...... had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit ......] ·         Consider how much we appreciate the guidance of another as we delve into new and hidden things about our lives. In our faith journey, that One is the Holy Spirit. Talk to the Spirit - invite the Spirit into each and every prayer time you begin - "Spirit show me, what should I see, what are you teaching me?" [.....the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.....] ·         To have prejudged what we think the Spirit has in store for us is likened to one covering their ears, lest they hear. Be amazed. "Eye has not seen, ear heard, or we ever imaged, what God has in store for those who love Him." (1Cor. 2:9)

Third Sunday of the Year - 2025

The Bible Speaks We Listen

Third Week in Ordinary Time | Sunday, January 26, 2025

In the Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis, Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God, which is celebrated on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are encouraged to spend this day learning how The Bible Speaks and how We Listen.

"Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world."

Pope Francis, Aperuit illis, 2

To live out the Sixth Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis has chosen as the theme, “I hope in your Word” (Psalm 119:74). It is a cry of hope: man, in a moment of anguish, tribulation, and confusion, cries out to God and puts all his hope in him. We invite you to partake in the Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook for this theme.

For more information and suggestions visit the Diocese of Hamilton web page ----

Diocese of Hamilton

The Third Epiphany - The Wedding at Cana - 2025

Jesus did this, the first of his signs in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believe in him. The seven signs John lists are: 1.       Changing water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11 - "the first of the signs" 2.       Healing the royal official's son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54 3.       Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15 4.       Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14 5.       Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24 6.       Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7 7.       The raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-45 The seven signs are seen by some scholars and theologians as evidence of new creation theology in the Gospel of John, the resurrection of Jesus being the implied eighth sign, indicating a week of creation and then a new creation beginning with the resurrection. So why are these signs important – what are signs anyway? Simply, they are visible markers pointing the way. For example, as you drive around this area of the mountain, you see signs pointing the way to the airport. These signs are important to those wishing to board a plane and fly away. But first they must get to the airport. But to others who have no plans to fly – they are of no interest. John is writing his gospel account for people who are searching for direction for their lives – there must be more to life – how will I find it – who can help me get there? The miracles of Jesus are clear and dramatic signs. Here is One who has control over the natural world surely, he is able to lead us to the fullness of life. When we are onboard with Jesus we will fly away home to heaven. Now the signs John sights are dramatic, they have to be. They must be clear and convincing. As John’s gospel unfolds it demonstrates who are the true seekers and who are not, those who stubbornly refuse to see – I am perfectly fine thank you, just as I am. So how about us – are we seekers or stay-at-homer’s? The fact that we here in this place or worship suggests we are seekers. Yet we must always examine the motives of our hearts. There are so many distractions, so many misleading signs, redirecting our hearts to seek other ways – shortcuts to happiness. Spiritual writers call this discernment and the prayer of examine where we ask the Holy Spirit to point out if we have taken any wrong turns alone the way. So the three Epiphanies have been manifested, and the signs laid out. Let us take up the gospels anew and follow him who is the Way, the Truth and Life eternal. + + +  For more on the Prayer of Examine go to:  . . . LINK . . .

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The Second Epiphany - The Baptism of Jesus - 2025

We commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold; 1. the visit by the Magi, 2. the baptism of Jesus by John, and 3. the miracle of the wine at the wedding feast of Cana. The Greek word, “epiphaneia”, was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this later, likely the original use of the word. St. Paul used the word "epiphany" three times. The first was in reference to Jesus first coming; He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance (epiphaneias) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Tim. 1:9-10. The other two uses refer to Jesus second coming; (Titus 2:13) and (2 Thess. 2:8) “. . . not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began.”  What an extraordinary statement Paul is making here. We need to unpack it and ponder it. “. . . not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace”. In one of his Sunday Sermons,  Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire) identified a trend that is becoming more and more common in society today. People are leaving the tradition practice of their Christian Faith and embracing what they call “spirituality”. They describe themselves as no long religious but spiritual. Being spiritual is their seeking to attain an inner peace by their own efforts using things like meditation, yoga, communing with nature and the like. The opposite to this, Bishop Barron points out, is Faith, faith in divine revelation. It is not us seeking God bur God seeking us. A Voice outside of ourselves is calling us to go outside of ourselves to hear and embrace truth and wisdom being taught by the very voice of God. A person of faith recognizes that Jesus is the very Voice of God incarnate, speaking and teaching. A person of faith also realizes that if God did not reveal Himself, did not come down to us and teach us by his very own word, we could never arrive at such truth on our own. This is why these days of Epiphany, days of making him visible are so important. “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My Son the beloved; with You I am well pleased’. Later in Mark’s gospel in the Transfiguration, “Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’ Mk. 9:7 So the question for today is, am I listening? And a further question as well, to whom am I listening? There is a great competition happening today for our attention, made so by the rapid advances of electronic communication: radio, T.V., internet etc. So many voices speaking at us. But which voices are speaking the true Word of God? Jesus warned us this challenge. “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” Lk. 21:8-9 The responsibility of discerning and protecting us was given to the Church which Jesus founded on Peter, promising that He would remain with his church in every age. That is why we are not surprised when we see Satan waging vicious attacks against the church. So now we are entering a new period of Ordinary Time, Year C in the liturgical cycle. This year we take up Luke’s gospel as our main focus, our main instrument for hearing the voice of God speaking, teaching us and protecting us from the deceiver. * * * * * * For this blog I thought it appropriate not only to behold these wondrous appearances but also to listen to the voices of those who were the first to see. THE MAGI "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." Prayer: O Lord, where in my heart is such wonder and awe, such hunger to find you, that I might surrender my whole heart to your kingship? My eyes are no longer fixed heaven ward, but rather on the empty and passing things that surround me, like dark clouds covering my view of the stars. Let the brilliance of your true presence break through my darkness and lead me once again in search of you. JESUS BAPTISM BY JOHN "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Prayer: O Lord, is there a day, soon to come, when a new fire will burn in my heart. Has my baptism become but a single ember, barely glowing? Fan into flame once again, that fire of faith I was given. Baptize me anew in your Holy Spirit and awaken in me the fire of your Love. Let me hear once again, in my heart, your voice speaking to me, "You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased." CANA Mary said, "They have no wine." ... "Do whatever he tells you." Prayer: Mary, these words you speak are now about me. The wine of my faith and the wine of my hope and the wine of my love have surely run out. I am but a clay pot, idle and empty. Where would I be now, if your motherly love for me was not speaking to me these words of wisdom. I will do what your Son now tells me. I will take the water of my humble prayers, the water of my study of his word, the water of my examination of mind and heart to fill my idleness and emptiness, while I await his transforming grace of renewal.

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