Erbarme Dich, mein Gott Yesterday was the fifth Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Passiontide. The liturgical prayers and observances of the Church are building ever more urgently to the climax of the Triduum. Today's musical selection, my second-to-last Lenten music post, is from what is perhaps the greatest musical composition created for the penitential … Continue reading “Erbarme Dich” from St. Matthew’s Passion by J.S. Bach
Let’s Keep the Confessional Open
God could simply forgive any and all sins any time we ask for it in prayer, but instead he tells us through his Holy Scripture: "Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." (James 5:16) There is a reason that the Word chose to become Flesh.
Stay the Course: 2nd Sunday of Lent and Purgatory
We can see today's readings as encouragement to stay the course, to persevere. This applies not only to the disciplines of the next few weeks. It also applies more broadly to the course of entire life.
Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday
Symbol of Repentance A symbol of repentance is not necessarily something that we're proud of. Most of us prefer not to advertise our own sinfulness. And yet, I've noticed a curious thing about Ash Wednesday. We all know people whose connection to the practice of the Faith has become somewhat tenuous. You will rarely see them darken … Continue reading Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday