“It was a huge change. They had been in hiding, scared out of their wits. Jesus had been arrested. Rumors flew that the high priests wanted Him crucified. The “Powers-that-be†wanted to send a message to all who would dare challenge their authority. The message was received, loud and clear. None of the disciples were […]
Solemnity of Pentecost – May 19, 2013 Read More »
The Jewish leaders possibly reasoned with themselves, saying that Jesus brought His death upon himself. There would have been no problem if He had stayed in Galilee, working as a carpenter and not trying to change the world by speaking about a heavenly kingdom of justice, love and peace. Jesus died on the cross, they
Good Friday – March 29, 2013 Read More »
Jesus and the apostles lived in a warm climate and spent their days wandering dusty roads and the none-too-clean fishing boats in which most of the apostles found their second home. At the end of the day, they enjoyed the momentary luxury of immersing hot and dusty feet into cold water, removing the grime and
Holy Thursday – March 28, 2013 Read More »
Reflecting on Christ’s life, His humility and incarnation, and His death on a cross, St. Paul wrote a triumphant hymn, our second reading, in his praise. The rejoicing of the disciples on that first Palm Sunday, the celebration, their exultation as Jesus went to take His throne, is all recaptured. Their faith was vindicated. This
Palm Sunday – “C†– March 24, 2013 Read More »
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.†This, people say, is an ancient Chinese proverb. Wherever there is oppression, we will light a candle and scatter the works of darkness. In the darkness of this night, we light a fire, and from that fire, a candle; and we proclaim the
Holy Saturday – April 7, 2012 Read More »
In St. John’s Gospel, the meeting of Jesus with Pilate takes centre stage. We hear their conversation at some length, as well as Pilate’s negotiations with the crowd outside. To our minds, the trial of Jesus seems quite clearly unfair and unjust, but life is not so simple. To the Jewish elders this man was
Good Friday – April 6, 2012 Read More »
The drama of the Last Supper is full of unforgettable action, none more so than when Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. Many artists through the years, have painted scenes from the Last Supper, and many have taken the episode of the washing of feet as their subject. This action of Jesus is a complete role
Holy Thursday – April 5, 2012 Read More »
HOLY MONDAY, April 18th 7:30AM – Holy Mass in Frackville. HOLY TUESDAY, April 19th 10:00AM – Central Diocese Clergy Conference in Scranton. 4:00PM – Holy Mass of Chrism in St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA. — At the Holy Mass, which the bishop concelebrates with his presbyterium, and at which the oils are blessed, manifests the
Holy Week Schedule Read More »