The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Sunday January 15, 2016 Lectionary: 64 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Isaiah 49:3,5-6 This week’s first reading is from the forty-ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah. This chapter introduces us to the “Suffering Servant” whose vocation was to liberate the people of Israel and bring salvation to the whole… [Read More]
Sunday Says – June 12, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary:93 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 2 Samuel 12:7-10;13 This week’s first reading is from Samuel we hear Nathaniel appear to David to chastise him in the name of the Lord. The Lord reminds David that everything great that he has received has been a direct blessing from Him. It… [Read More]
Sunday Says – June 26, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 99 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21 This week’s first reading from the first book of Kings in a story from the end of Elijah’s retirement when the Lord has asked him to appoint his successor. This is a perspective that reminds us what it means to… [Read More]
Sunday Says – June 5, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections
Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Sunday June 5, 2016 Lectionary: 90 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 1 Kings 17:17-24 In this week’s first reading from the first book of Kings in the Old Testament, we see the Prophet Elijah demonstrate the power of God by raising someone from the dead. A poor widow in the pagan… [Read More]
Popular Misconceptions About the Catholic Mass, Part III: Communion Reception
“The concept that communion in the hand is the only or preferred form of reception for Catholics since Vatican II is mistaken.” Also in this series: Popular Misconceptions about the Catholic Mass Part I: Music Popular Misconceptions about the Catholic Mass Part II: Ad Orientem With this third and final piece in our series on… [Read More]
Sunday Says – May 22, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Lectionary: 166 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Proverbs 8:22-31 This week we celebrate the the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, and this first reading is a unique perspective from a personified wisdom. The book of proverbs is part of a greater collection of the wisdom of the Jewish people…. [Read More]
Popular Misconceptions About the Catholic Mass, Part II: Ad Orientem
“Many Catholics are unaware that priests are not required to celebrate Mass facing the assembly.” In the second of a series on popular misconceptions about the Catholic Mass – particularly a few widespread changes in practice since the Second Vatican Council that many assume to be required – I would like to address the issue of… [Read More]
Sunday Says January 17, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 66 After a long season of purple and white, we’re back to the green ordinary time this week. Reading 1 Isaiah 62:1-5 This week’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah is beautiful imagery of God espousing His people. No longer would the people of God be discarded or treated… [Read More]
Catholic Liturgy 101: Introduction to Liturgical Catechesis
A handful of friends and colleagues have requested a very basic survey of concepts on Catholic worship and liturgical catechesis – that is, teaching on liturgy. I find the progression in the following outline very helpful when explaining what liturgy is and why it’s important in the big picture of the Catholic faith, as well… [Read More]
The Prayers – 4th Sunday of Advent
Since we can learn much from what we pray day in and day out in our Liturgy it would be profitable for us to reflect more profoundly upon the prayers of each day. We should especially do this over the season of Advent which marks the end of one liturgical year, and the beginning of… [Read More]
Popular Misconceptions About the Catholic Mass, Part I: Music
A number of liturgical reforms seen in the U.S. since Vatican II were not actually mandated or even recommended by the Council, but were reactionary shifts that had more to do with the culture of the decade – it’s time to revisit those changes. Numerous articles and studies published in recent months and years indicate that without a doubt the Catholic… [Read More]
The Prayers – 2nd Sunday of Advent
Since we can learn much from what we pray day in and day out in our Liturgy it would be profitable for us to reflect more profoundly upon the prayers of each day. We should especially do this over the season of Advent which marks the end of one liturgical year, and the beginning of… [Read More]
The Prayers – 1st Sunday of Advent
One of the guiding principles of the early church in formulating her doctrine was the phrase, lex orandi lex credenti, which translated means “the law of prayer [is] the law of believing.” In that time, the Church Fathers, plagued as they were with heresies no less than we are and faced with formidable intellectual rhetoricians… [Read More]
Sunday Says – November 22, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
The Solemnity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Lectionary: 161 This week we celebrate the end of the liturgical year with the great solemnity of Christ the King. Reading 1 Daniel 7:13-14 Last week and this week, we hear from the prophet Daniel as he proclaims the prophecies of the coming King. This… [Read More]
Liturgy and Culture: A Review of Ratzinger’s “Spirit of the Liturgy”
Pope Benedict XVI, as Cardinal Ratzinger, wrote a magnificent book called The Spirit of the Liturgy which I had the opportunity to read, think, and write about for one of my classes here at the seminary. He has a great insight into the Liturgy’s meaning and its centrality to the world in which we live…. [Read More]
Sunday Says – August 9, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Sunday, August 9, 2014 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 116 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 1 Kings 19:4-8 In this week’s first reading from the book of Kings, we return to Elijah in a dramatic scene where he has just about given up on life. He even calls out to the Lord to come and… [Read More]
Sunday Says – April 12, 2015 – Mass Readings and Reflection
Second Sunday of Easter Sunday of Divine Mercy Lectionary: 44 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) This is the great feast of Mercy which was proclaimed by John Paul II to fulfill the desires of Jesus as expressed to St Faustina. It’s a beautiful day to focus on the Divine Mercy of Jesus that seeks to forgive… [Read More]
Sunday Says – March 8, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Sunday, March 8, 2015 Third Sunday of Lent – Year A Scrutinies Lectionary: 28 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Reading 1 Exodus 17:3-7 There are two different parts of Exodus that could be read for this week’s first reading. You will either hear the familiar story of the Prophet Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from… [Read More]
Local Workshop for Music Ministry
The arts are a necessary part of the work of the Church. The beauty of good art is not just superficial positive emotions about Jesus, rather beauty is in support and extension of Truth. It requires craftsmanship and skill to execute effectively. In recent generations, with a lack of training and attention on the arts, parishes scrambled to find… [Read More]
Sunday Says – December 28, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflection
December 28, 2014 Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Lectionary: 17 (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) This is a Sunday mass that has several options for the each of the readings, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Gospel lengths. The version or length could vary grately from parish to parish, but the… [Read More]
First Comes Love, Then Comes…
This past Saturday Pope Francis presided over a Mass during which several couples celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (aka, Marriage). What made these couples “unique” according to social understanding of the Catholic faith is that all of these couples were either living together or who have had annulments. It seemed odd to the media… [Read More]
3 Ways for 3 Days: How to Grow Spiritually During the Easter Triduum
Easter Triduum 2014 is upon us. It begins this Thursday evening. Yes, THIS Thursday, April 17, 2014. Are you ready? Are you sure? Okay, Pop Quiz time! I promise, it’s not too hard. Pop Quiz 1. What does the word Triduum mean? Answer: Three days. 2. When does Lent officially end and the Easter Triduum… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – February 16, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday Says Podcast – February 16, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday February 16, 2014 Lectionary: 76 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 16, 2014. This Sunday’s readings focus on the Law as defined in the Old Testament and fulfillment… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – January 19, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday Says Podcast – January 19, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday January 19, 2014 Lectionary: 64 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 19, 2013. We’re happy you’ve joined us here once again as we move through this period of… [Read More]
Part 5 of 6 – Pope Francis, Teaching, and Parenthood
As with previous Popes, Francis teaches. It’s his job so to speak. As parents, we also are called to be the first and primary teachers, the “first heralds” of the faith to our children. We can learn a great deal about fulfilling that role by watching him do his job. In order to help us… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – November 3, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time November 3, 2013 Lectionary: 153 Reading 1 WIS 11:22-12:2 Today’s first reading comes again from a very Catholic book of the Old Testament not typically found in Protestant bibles. I find a lot of beauty in this reading that places its focus on God’s intention for all creation and His… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 20, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 20, 2013 Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 147 Reading 1 EX 17:8-13 This week’s first reading from Exodus is famous battle story of Moses. This is one of those stories that the future generations of Hebrews probably enjoyed telling over and over again in memory of Moses…. [Read More]
The Soul’s Movement at the Moment of Communion
Consider this article as a monologue or an interior thought, as if someone was thinking out loud and searching for an answer within themselves. At some points, I address the soul as “her,” instead of “it.” I do this partly because St. John of the Cross uses that kind of language in his writings. It… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 22, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 22, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 135 Reflection begins at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 AM 8:4-7 This first reading from Amos is short and to the point. We haven’t heard from this prophet in over a year and half at Sunday mass,… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 15, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 15, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 132 Reflection begins at 4:40 minute mark. Reading 1 EX 32:7-11, 13-14 This first reading features a conversation between Moses and God, showing an angrier side of the Father than we are used to hearing about. The… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 8, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time http://universalis.com/mass.htm Sunday September 8, 2013 Reading 1: Wisdom 9:13-18b This week’s first reading comes from the book of Wisdom. This book is generally not found in non- Catholic bibles, but is part of our Canon of scripture and was used at the time of Christ. Here the author… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 1, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 1, 2013 (USCCB NAB Readings) Lectionary: 126 Reflection begins at the 4:00 minute mark. Reading 1 SIR 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 The book of Sirach, also referred to as the book of Ecclesiasticus in some translations, is a collection of wisdom of the Jewish… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 25, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 25, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 4 minute mark. Reading 1 IS 66:18-21 The week’s first reading from Isaiah doesn’t sound very new to us, but to the Jewish people, this was almost too hard to comprehend. The Jewish people rightfully thought of themselves as the people… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 18, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 18, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 JER 38:4-6, 8-10 This first reading sounds like it comes straight from the storyline of a dama. Jeremiah is caught up in a messy scandal of politics in 7th century B.C. Jerusalem. Unfortunately, we miss most… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 11, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C Sunday August 11, 2013 Reading 1 WIS 18:6-9 This week’s first reading comes from a very Catholic book. The book of wisdom comes from what is sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha, but we Catholics just say that it is part of the canon of scripture…. [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 4, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C August 5, 2013 First Reading ECC 1:2; 2:21-23 This week’s first reading includes a very unique passage. It’s from one of the most difficult books to understand. In fact, this is the only time we’ll hear from the book of Ecclesiastes on a Sunday in the… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 28, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Reflection starts at 5:30 minute mark. Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary July 28, 2013 First Reading GN 18:20-32 In the first reading we see further development of the identity and character of Father Abraham, as we have seen the pat few weeks. Here we see that he has a very personal relationship with God. The Lord… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 21, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Reflection starts at 3:50 minute mark. Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary First Reading GN 18:1-10A This is a fascinating story that hides some supernatural details. On the surface, this looks like a very simple lesson about the importance of good hospitality, especially in contrast to the difficult times Abraham and Sarah experienced in Egypt and… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 14, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
Reflection starts at 4:30 minute mark. 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 14, 2013 Reading 1 DT 30:10-14 In the first reading we hear Moses speaking to the people of Israel in contrasts. He compares their faith to those of the neighboring pagans and reminds them of the simplicity of their faith. Sometimes people try… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – July 7, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 7, 2013 Reflection starts at 4:15 minute mark. The language in this week’s readings is colorful. If this was your first mass, and first time to hear these readings, I’m sure they would leave quite the impression, but possibly even more confusion. Some of the central themes of these… [Read More]
