The Mass in Focus
Like the journeying disciples, we know the Risen Jesus in breaking of the bread
The Emmaus account of the resurrected Jesus reminds us of the encounter we have with our Lord as we journey through life. Jesus has risen from the dead and he remains with us on our journey of life. The encounter between the two disciples and Jesus finds striking similarities with the framework of the Mass.
The Mass of Easter Sunday
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Easter Sunday Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, March 31, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Passion Sunday invites us to join the characters witnessing Jesus’s suffering and death
The drama of the Lord’s passion is proclaimed and remembered in Sunday’s liturgy. At the beginning of Mass we have the blessing of palms and the proclamation of the Gospel account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. During the Liturgy of the Word we hear the Lord’s passion proclaimed. The festive and triumphant entry into Jerusalem quickly turns as the week progresses and Jesus is arrested, tried, sentenced and put to death.
Readings for the holy Mass – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, March 24, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Jesus’ few words speak volumes: “Neither do I condemn you”
“Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus says. “Go, and from now on sin no more.” The mercy of God speaks loudly in this passage even though Jesus does not say much until the end of the encounter. The passage begins with the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman who had been caught in adultery to Jesus. Notice there is no doubt about the woman’s guilt. As the scribes and the Pharisees speak, they speak of condemnation. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman.” St. John tells us this was a test for Jesus. The law was clear on the point and the Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus.
Readings for the holy Mass – Fifth Sunday of Lent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Fifth Sunday of Lent Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, March 17, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Where do you fit in the story of the Prodigal Son?
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them,” say the pharisees as they level their accusations at Jesus. The accusations are true. Jesus does eat with sinners and tax collectors. In fact, Jesus is getting a reputation for associating with the disreputable. In response to this criticism He tells the story that begins: “A man had two sons.” Hearing these words we immediately know the story. In common parlance the story is referred to as the “Prodigal Son,” being named after one of its main characters. Yet scholars continue to debate whether this title is the most apt for the story. The reason for the debate is that the younger son, the “prodigal son,” is only one of the three main characters in the story. The other two are the older brother and the father. Each plays a very important role in the story.
Readings for the holy Mass – Fourth Sunday of Lent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Fourth Sunday of Lent Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, March 10, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio
Jesus teaches us to repent and experience His mercy
“Repent and believe in the Gospel,” are the words that for many of us signal the beginning of the Lenten season. These words are one of the formulas used in the distribution of ashes. The expression comes from Jesus Himself. In the Gospel according to St. Mark, Jesus uses this expression to inaugurate the public ministry. Today we are reminded, once again, of the need for repentance and a turning back to God. In the Gospel passage for today’s liturgy, Jesus speaks to a group of people. A general historical background for two references is helpful to understand the urgency in Jesus’ response.
Readings for the holy Mass – Third Sunday of Lent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition. Third Sunday of Lent Read Msgr. Joseph Prior’s commentary on the readings for this Sunday’s Mass. See the Mass readings for Sunday, March 3, 2013 See the readings for today’s Mass Listen to the daily readings in audio