Legions of Angels, the Adulteress, and Christ’s Sacrifice

"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" (Matthew 46: 53-54)  Legions of Angels       Many Years ago I taught in a (more or less) Catholic high school. … Continue reading Legions of Angels, the Adulteress, and Christ’s Sacrifice

Have Mercy – Lotti’s Miserere (Music for Lent)

Have mercy on me, O God,according to thy steadfast love;according to thy abundant mercyblot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1) Have Mercy       And what transgressions they were!  King David had used trickery and deceit to send Uriah the Hittite to his death.  He had, in fact, murdered his loyal soldier in order to hide his own adultery.  Tradition … Continue reading Have Mercy – Lotti’s Miserere (Music for Lent)

A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love

Tough Love and Unconditional Love Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.’ (Luke 15:23-24)  The Prodigal Son       Who hasn't heard, or at least heard of, Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son?  I've encountered people with no experience of … Continue reading A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love

Gabriel’s Annunciation and Mary’s Renunciation

Gabriel's Annunciation and Mary's Renunciation   Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son,and shall name him Emmanuel,which means “God is with us!”    (Isaiah 7:14)   Gabriel's Annunciation        There's something that doesn't seem to make sense at first in today's Gospel reading (Luke 1:26-38).  Here's the … Continue reading Gabriel’s Annunciation and Mary’s Renunciation

Do You Consider Yourself a Leper?

     A few years ago, during a previous Lent, I attended a mass in which the Gospel reading came from Matthew 8, which included the following passage:  . . . and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."  And he stretched out his hand … Continue reading Do You Consider Yourself a Leper?