When we recognize the place of the Transfiguration in the historical context of Jesus' public ministry, we will appreciate even more the deeper meaning of this miracle (which St Thomas Aquinas describes as the greatest of all Christ's miracles).
The Transfiguration occurs late in our Lord's life, perhaps only a half a year or less before his death - and it is a real turning point, in which Jesus moves towards his passion and death. The Transfiguration occurs on the Octave Day of the establishment of the primacy of St Peter ("On this rock, I will build my Church") and of the first prediction of the Passion. Further, immediately after the Transfiguration, our Lord tells all the Apostles that certain demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting. Thus, the Transfiguration inspires us to persevere in our Lenten Fast.
Listen online [here]!
Mar 10, 2020
Mar 5, 2020
Sunday Sermon, March 1st -- On Avoiding the Occasions of Sin
Sermon for the First Sunday of Lent.
Jesus allowed himself to be tempted, even though he could never sin (both because of the grace of the union of humanity and divinity, and because he is a divine Person) - in doing this, he teaches us that temptation will always accompany the believer.
The second temptation in St Matthew's Gospel, in which our Lord is taken by Satan and placed on the pinnacle of the Temple, stands for us as a warning to avoid not only mortal sin but also the occasions of sin. We consider, in particular, the dangers of the internet (especially pornography), alcoholism, and gossip.
Listen online [here]!
Jesus allowed himself to be tempted, even though he could never sin (both because of the grace of the union of humanity and divinity, and because he is a divine Person) - in doing this, he teaches us that temptation will always accompany the believer.
The second temptation in St Matthew's Gospel, in which our Lord is taken by Satan and placed on the pinnacle of the Temple, stands for us as a warning to avoid not only mortal sin but also the occasions of sin. We consider, in particular, the dangers of the internet (especially pornography), alcoholism, and gossip.
Listen online [here]!
Feb 27, 2020
Ash Wednesday Sermon, February 26th - More Fasting this Lent
100 years ago, our fathers in the faith would fast every day of Lent except Sundays. Further, abstinence meant not only abstaining from meat but from eggs and dairy as well. We should all consider adding at least one or three days of fasting during Lent. Further, we might also abstain from meat from all of Lent, or at least abstain from meat, eggs, and dairy on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Listen online [here]!
Listen online [here]!
Sunday Sermon, February 23rd -- The Corinthians and All Early Christians Were Roman Catholics
We consider that St Paul sent his letters under the care of bishops and to be interpreted and applied by bishops. The Church and the Mass are older than the Bible, and the Bible comes from the Church and from the Mass. No early Christian could even imagine the Protestant heresy of "Bible Alone" without the Magisterium of the Bishops of the Church.
Further, we consider the Letter of St Clement, Pope of Rome to the Corinthians. Written in about AD 75 (only 5-10 years after St Paul died and during the lifetime of St John the Evangelist but before he had written the 4th Gospel), this Letter emphasizes that Jesus and the Apostles established the hierarchy of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. The lay faithful do not get to vote for their priests, but these are appointed by the bishops. Further, this Letter shows the authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope - that he has supreme, universal and immediate authority over all Christian faithful.
The Corinthians and all early Christians were not only Christians, they were Roman Catholics -- and, the study of Church History is the death of Protestantism.
Listen online [here]!
Further, we consider the Letter of St Clement, Pope of Rome to the Corinthians. Written in about AD 75 (only 5-10 years after St Paul died and during the lifetime of St John the Evangelist but before he had written the 4th Gospel), this Letter emphasizes that Jesus and the Apostles established the hierarchy of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. The lay faithful do not get to vote for their priests, but these are appointed by the bishops. Further, this Letter shows the authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope - that he has supreme, universal and immediate authority over all Christian faithful.
The Corinthians and all early Christians were not only Christians, they were Roman Catholics -- and, the study of Church History is the death of Protestantism.
Listen online [here]!
Feb 21, 2020
Ash Wednesday and Lent Schedule!
Ash Wednesday, February 26 -- Not an Holy Day of Obligation
7-7:40 am Latin Mass, beginning with distribution of ashes promptly at 7am (those who need to leave for work are welcome to leave after receiving ashes)
5:30 pm Solemn Mass with incense, with distribution of ashes after the homily
Lenten Confessions and Devotions Schedule
Confessions:
Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30 to 7 pm (with 5:30 pm parish Rosary)
Friday, 4:30 to 5:30 pm and following Stations of the Cross until 7 pm
Saturday 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Sunday 10:45 to 11:15 am
Stations of the Cross
Fridays, 5:30 pm followed by soup supper
7-7:40 am Latin Mass, beginning with distribution of ashes promptly at 7am (those who need to leave for work are welcome to leave after receiving ashes)
5:30 pm Solemn Mass with incense, with distribution of ashes after the homily
Lenten Confessions and Devotions Schedule
Confessions:
Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30 to 7 pm (with 5:30 pm parish Rosary)
Friday, 4:30 to 5:30 pm and following Stations of the Cross until 7 pm
Saturday 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Sunday 10:45 to 11:15 am
Stations of the Cross
Fridays, 5:30 pm followed by soup supper
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