Spirituality
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.
Jesus Teaches Us Not to Judge People, but to Show Mercy
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the emphasis on mercy in this Sunday's Gospel. God’s judgment on the world is forgiveness and Jesus pours forth this mercy in his ministry, passion and death.
Jesus Commands Us to Show Mercy in Life’s Ordinary Moments
Just as God "is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked," so we must respond to people in our lives, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. He points to Jesus' teaching: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Trust in the Lord During Ordinary Life, to Face Hardest Times with Hope
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,” says Jeremiah in this Sunday's readings. Msgr. Joseph Prior compares the prophet's plea with the Beatitudes of Jesus, which encourage his disciples to place all their hope in the Father.
When God Calls Us to Risk Going ‘Into the Deep,’ He Stays With Us
When we sense God asking us to do something that might seem challenging or frightening, like Peter we should put our trust in Jesus and go deeper into the life of faith, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Prayer of Praise to God Quiets Our Busy Lives Before Sleep
Msgr. Joseph Prior shows how the prayer of Simeon in the Temple, consoled by the infant Jesus, eases us into rest and prepares us for a new day of doing good in God's service.
Mary’s Words, ‘Do Whatever He Tells You,’ Place Trust in Jesus
Jesus' miracle at Cana reminds us that God’s love is present in every aspect of our lives, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior. Like water turned into wine, Jesus transforms our worries and pain.