Spirituality
As a Shepherd, Our New Pope Leads a Flock ‘From Every Nation’
Like most people, Msgr. Joseph Prior watched the election of Pope Leo XIV with great interest. He noted how the people in Rome represented the diversity of the universal Church, a theme reflected in the readings for this Sunday.
‘If You Love Me’: Our Calling to Accept Jesus’ Love and Mercy
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how in this Sunday's Gospel, Peter receives the mercy and love of Jesus. Peter is transformed, then boldly proclaims the Gospel to the world.
Proclaiming Risen Jesus as ‘My Lord and My God’ Is Work of All Christians
Faith in Jesus after the resurrection replaced the doubts of Thomas. By keeping Jesus at the center of our lives, we make Thomas' proclamation our own in how we live and love one another, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Freed from Sin, We Proclaim Christ’s Invitation to New Life
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how the resurrection of Jesus Christ helps Christians today answer the question of suffering and confusion in one word: Easter.
In His Passion and Death, Jesus Keeps Focus on the Father
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains this Sunday's Palm Sunday Gospel account of Jesus’ crucifixion and death as a celebration of God’s love, a costly love that knows no bounds.
Jesus Enters our Darkness, Dispels it, and Leads Us to Life
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the Gospel account of Jesus' raising Lazarus to life, in the Scrutiny readings this Sunday. Christ grieves with us, then restores life through the light of his Resurrection and his defeat of death.
Though in Darkness, a Time to Rejoice in Light of Christ
The Fourth Sunday of Lent shifts color from dark violet to rose, a symbol of Christ breaking the power of sin and leading us to the light of life, and from blindness to sight.
How a Simple Request for Jesus Leads to a Movement of Faith
Msgr. Joseph Prior writes about the growth of faith in our region, and its example in this Sunday's Gospel. The Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, and thus begins a journey of faith toward life for her and her town.
In Transfiguration, Christ Embraces Suffering, Transforms it Into New Life
A famous painting by Rafael presents a "wonderfully beautiful" insight into the human condition and Jesus' mission. It fills us with hope in Lent and through life, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
When Temptations Arise, Rely on Greater Beauty of God’s Love
Lent calls Christians to employ “weapons of self-restraint:” prayer, fasting and good works. The greatest of these, Msgr. Joseph Prior explains, is the ever-growing awareness of God’s love.