The striking parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as our Lenten meditation today, challenging us to reconsider what constitutes true wealth. While the rich man enjoyed every comfort and ignored the beggar at his gate, their eternal fates revealed a profound reversal – Lazarus carried to heaven by angels, the rich man cast into torment.
This powerful story exposes uncomfortable truths about our modern American lifestyle. Most of us live with material abundance unimaginable throughout human history, yet we've become remarkably stingy with our time, possessions, and affection. We hesitate to lend a $20 book for fear it might come back damaged. We splurge on premium coffee when that extra money could help someone in need. Our reluctance reveals how deeply materialism has penetrated our hearts, even when we consider ourselves people of modest means.
The meditation reminds us that Christ himself – the King of Kings – chose poverty during his earthly life. Not that poverty itself is inherently virtuous, but detachment from possessions creates space in our souls for what truly matters. As Bishop Chevrot wisely notes, "The man who spends money right and left damages not only his own interests but the interests of others." Our Lenten journey calls us to examine where our treasure truly lies, to become less dependent on consumer comforts, and to open ourselves to genuine generosity. Through prayer, mindful choices about our resources, and heartfelt giving, we can cultivate the spiritual riches that ultimately open heaven's door. What simple acts of generosity might transform your Lent today?
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Christ is risen! The glorious transformation we've been preparing for through forty days of Lenten sacrifice has arrived, but what happens to our spiritual journey now?
This meditation explores the profound significance of Eastertide—not merely as the end of Lenten disciplines but as the beginning of a new way of living. From the triumphant moment when "light has triumphed over darkness," we are called to understand that Easter isn't about abandoning our spiritual progress, but redirecting it toward a fuller expression of our life in Christ.
As St. Paul reminds us, being "risen with Christ" means elevating our desires toward heaven while detaching from mere earthly satisfactions. For newly baptized Catholics, this season marks their first days in the faith, while for all believers, it offers a time to balance joyful celebration with continued spiritual growth. The Easter octave specifically highlights this transition as we learn to live out the new life received in baptism.
The meditation offers ...
The sacred stillness of Holy Saturday holds a unique place in our spiritual journey - that profound pause between the Crucifixion and Resurrection, where we are invited to contemplate the mystery of Christ's rest in the tomb. Through ancient liturgical texts and thoughtful meditation, we explore this day not as empty waiting, but as fertile ground where the seed of Resurrection quietly germinates.
"Today I am plunged in anguish, but tomorrow I will break my bonds." This powerful antiphon sets the tone for our reflection on what appears as defeat but secretly harbors victory. We join Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus at the hasty burial of Jesus before walking through the profound symbolism of the Easter Vigil ceremonies—the blessing of new fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle representing Christ risen, and the gradual illumination of darkness as this light spreads throughout the congregation.
The beautiful paradox of Holy Saturday emerges as we contemplate both loss and anticipation. "The ...
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A good (long) read by Fr. Z.
The following is a good point to keep in mind:
“ Allow me to go back to my food analogy for liturgy. This might seem a little insulting but it is just intended to make a point about the continuum we are on.
In 99% of a man’s day and activities, it is beneath his dignity to scrunch up his face and make airplane noises while moving a spoon around with his hand. People would think he was nuts. OR… if he is sitting in front of the high-chair of his little son, who can only eat goop and must sometimes be convinced to eat it, then that man is not doing anything beneath his dignity. On the contrary, he is performing a sacrificial act of love for his child. He sacrifices his dignity – becoming more dignified yet – for the sake of his boy’s eating something that will help him to grow out of the need to eat that sort of thing in that sort of way. He helps his boy move up the food and eating continuum to more complicated foods eaten in a more human way....
