November 27 - The First Sunday of Advent

The Coming

Today's Readings

The word “Advent” is from the Latin “Adventus” which means “coming.” Advent is the beginning of the new Liturgical Year in the Church as we switch from Year C to Year A and begin reading from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew quotes Jesus speaking about the need for wakefulness, for watchful waiting, for the coming of the Son of Man.

The Gospel selection is perfect for the season, which is intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during Advent as we prepare for the celebration of Our Lord’s birth on December 25. 

Matthew’s Gospel focus is not on the birth of Jesus, but rather his second coming in glory at the end of time. The message in the Gospel passage is more about the manner of waiting rather than preparation for the Lord’s coming. Jesus compares our waiting to that of a homeowner who knows the plans of a thief. He tells us to be watchful and prepared for the moment of his return, for like the thief, it may come at any time.

Nick O’Hearn, parishioner and RCIA team member

Introduction - One Step Closer

There are certain things, I feel safe assuming about you, the reader.

First, I would bet you are busy. Whether it is work, school, hobbies, a list of new books to read or movies to see, friends, family, and (hopefully) Church community, you have a multitude of things filling your daily schedule.

Two, no matter if you never quite remember to say grace before meals or a short prayer before bed or you spend hours in adoration and catch Mass daily at 6 am, you could take one step further in your relationship with God.

That is what we are focusing on this month - challenging you to take one step closer to God. This isn’t intended to be a major theological construct or a long list of things to do to make you more holy. Rather, this is our simple offering of a reflection, some media, or other bite-sized daily content that you can spend five minutes with, and therefore spend five minutes more with God.

Each week will have a different theme between now and the First Sunday of Advent. There will be a pattern for each weekday highlighting things like scripture, art, music, and of course the highest form of communication - memes.

We invite you to join us for this first week as we focus on encounter.

Encounter isn’t a word we use in casual conversation. It may creep its way into more dramatic stories we recount over dinner to our friends. The word has more weight, more drama, than to simply say, I met someone. There is a sense of intimacy, of surprise to the word.

It is appropriate to apply the word to our God. We have a God who we can encounter daily. Our God is one who seeks that intimate relationship with us. Our God is a God of surprises.

This week we challenge you to encounter God in your life.

• Take a minute at the start of the day to ask God to open your mind, heart, ears, and eyes to God’s presence?
• Take a minute midday to offer a prayer that you might be the presence of God for someone you will encounter this afternoon.
• Take a minute to offer a prayer for a priest, lay minister, or volunteer you have encountered at Church.
• Take a minute over your dinner to encounter God’s presence in the individual you are sharing the meal with, the hands that prepared the food, and the hands that grew the food.
• Take a minute at the end of the day to ask yourself where you were surprised by God?

Jennifer Delvaux

Director of Faith Formation

March 27 - The Resurrection of the Lord

Christ Indeed Has Truly Risen

Today's Readings

Beginning with last night’s Easter Vigil the Church has embarked on the most important 50 days of the Liturgical Year. Easter is the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead and our salvation. It culminates in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. 

The Easter season stretches 50 days, from East Sunday to Pentecost, but a special part of that season, the “Octave of Easter” comprises the eight days from East Sunday to the Second Sunday of Easter. During these eight days the Church celebrates the joy of Easter as if Easter Sunday is happening over and over. The joy of the Octave is expressed in the words of St. Paul in his 1st Letter to the Corinthians, Alleluia! All faith flows from faith in the resurrection: “If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching; empty, too, is your faith.” (1 Cor 15:14)

The word “Easter” comes from Old English, meaning simply the “East.” The sun rises in the East, bringing light, warmth and hope. It is a symbol for the Christian of the rising Christ, who is the true Light of the world. Last night at the Easter vigil, Archbishop Cupich blessed the fire used to light the Pascal Candle and that fire was eventually shared with everyone in the Cathedral to light their candles as the deacon carried the lit Pascal Candle through the darkness of the night proclaiming the Exsultet, the proclamation of Easter: God’s saving activity throughout human history, culminating in Christ’s defeat of death and resurrection from the dead.

The Pascal candle is the central symbol of Christ’s divine light. It is kept near the ambo (the lectern used for the readings at Mass) throughout the Easter season. It is lit for all liturgical celebrations. Afterward it is moved to the baptistery and used at every baptism. 

St. Augustine was fond of quoting part of the Exsultet that exhorts us: “Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness. Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of his glory, let this holy building shake with joy, filled with the mighty voices of the peoples”

Nicholas O’Hearn

Holy Name Parishioner; Co-Chair, Cathedral’s Faith Formation Commission;

Member, RCIA catechetical team and usher 

March 26 - Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

Holy Saturday

Today's Readings

I have often thought of this day as the between day, after Good Friday and before Easter. However, as I have experienced life, Holy Saturday has expanded for me. It has become a point of reflection on God’s plan of salvation for us. I first, meditate on Abraham and Isaac. How Abraham is obedient to God’s request to offer Isaac as a holocaust. Then he answers Isaac’s question by professing “God himself will provide the sheep for the holocaust.” 

In this answer, I reflect on Jesus laying in his tomb and the apostles in hiding. What did the apostles think about? Did they have faith in God like Abraham? It is my understanding that Abraham trusted in God’s promise and had faith that he would raise Isaac from the dead. 

I will continue to look into the areas of my life that remain hidden, among the dead. What actions can I take, to embrace the resurrected Jesus? 

My invitation is that you take a space of time this Saturday and reflect on how to allow God’s light to illuminate the hidden areas of your life.

Reflection by J.G.G

March 25 - Good Friday

Silent Celebration

Today's Readings

In some countries, Good Friday is referred to as Silent Friday. Silence is a key theme that we see in today’s readings and it is significant because it unites us with God and with each other. In the last verse when the Gospel is almost over, we kneel and pause for a short time. After reading through the details of how Jesus lived out each scene preceding his death, we are silent. There is nothing to say, because, no matter how gory and painful and “un-heavenly”-like this whole experience was, God’s will had been fulfilled. Once Jesus “hands over the spirit”, we are silent. Similar to the silence of Jesus’ death when he met God his father, we are silent in this holy moment when the spirit is passed on to us as well.

When can you be silent in order to unite yourself with God?

Who are you close to that you can be silent around without feeling uncomfortable?

Noelle Bond
Young Adult volunteer and RCIA sponsor

March 25 - Good Friday

Today's Readings

Who would believe what we have heard?

Yet it was our infirmities that he bore,

our sufferings that he endured,

while we thought of him as stricken,

as one smitten by God and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our offenses,

crushed for our sins;

upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole,

by his stripes we were healed.

We had all gone astray like sheep,

each following his own way;

but the LORD laid upon him

the guilt of us all.

he shall take away the sins of many,

and win pardon for their offenses.

Today we commemorate a revolution. The very fabric of the universe was forever altered. God, the creator of Heaven and Earth, became man, and suffered one of the cruelest deaths man ever imagined for another man. By doing so, God set in motion the upheaval of the system left behind in those earliest days of creation. It was a in a garden that sin entered this world. The free choice of a man and a women separated humanity from the closest of relationships with God. In another garden one Man's free will to accept the cup, the fate, handed to him would lead to the possibility of man's reconciliation with God. A single act of sacrifice becomes the moment when the order of the universe is changed. Man has renewed hope to be in right relationship with God. 

The words from Isaiah remind us of Christ's willing self-sacrifice. Isaiah reminds us of the gifts given to us through this tragic, revolutionary day.

Let us remember it is due to our sins, not his, that Jesus was on that cross we venerate today. As you meditate on the scripture, change the we to me. Put yourself in this passage. hear all that God has done for you. Then, offer God your response - it may be gratitude, humility, awe, silence, worship...maybe a little bit of many things. Take time today to respond to God's revolutionary sacrifice. A sacrifice made out of an unimaginable love...for you.

March 24 - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

We Become What We Receive

Today's Readings

Have you been at the Eucharistic table when Fr. Boivin is presiding? Upon receiving the Eucharist himself, Fr. Boivin repeats the words from today's Psalm: "How shall I ever repay the Lord for all that he has done for me? I will take this cup and call upon that holy name." Both the Psalm and the Gospel today tell us precisely how we are to repay the Lord for his love and mercy. We are to receive Jesus as pure gift. Like Peter, we struggle to simply accept Jesus' love poured out for us. Next time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, let us remember the words of today's Psalm and the actions of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. And when it feels strange to be the recipient of such a gift, remember that in the Eucharist we become what we receive.

In the next few days, how will you prepare your heart to receive the Risen Lord this Easter?

Karen L.

RCIA Sponsor and Minister of Care

March 23 - Wednesday of Holy Week

The Sting of Betrayal

Today's Readings

How chilling it is, to read about Judas' blatant, methodical betrayal of Jesus! Not only was he already in cahoots with the leadership wanting Jesus' removal, but he sat with Jesus, shared a meal with him, and played innocent to His face! How sad, for Jesus, I feel, to be among friends, knowing His death is near, and yet also knowing one of these men would betray Him to that end. I find myself, not only in awe, but pitying Jesus. Though "just a man," He was willing to take on the mantle of our sins and die to cleanse us of them. Not only that, but He had to face some of the darkest aspects of humanity on His way to the cross, and the first, that betrayal from one of His own.

And yet he still went along with God's plan. He still chose to die for us – He suffered this pain, for us. Jesus knows the darkness of mankind: Anything we suffer, so has He – Multifold.

Raina

RCIA Candidate

March 23 - Wednesday of Holy Week

What was he thinking?

Today's Readings

I want to despise Judas, I really do. And it is so incredibly easy to cast him as a two dimensional villain. He is the foil upon which Salvation depends. Yet, he was a real person - he had far greater depth and breadth to his personality, life, and history than the few short verses the Gospel spares for him.

I wonder, what prompted Judas to go to the chief priests? Was he disillusioned because the Jesus he knew was not the Christ he wanted? Did he do the deed for those silver coins, perhaps to pay a bill or purchase a medicine? Did someone plant the idea in his mind, whispering doubts and fears? 

The ramifications of our decisions and words may reverberate far beyond our initial intentions. Short sighted plans and hastily spoken words may have lasting effects. Let us pray with the words from Isaiah for "a well-trained tongue" and ears that are open to hear God's guidance in our lives.

March 22 - Tuesday of Holy Week

Called from Birth

Today's Readings

Today Holy Name Cathedral celebrates the Chrism Mass, one of my favorite Masses of the year. If you appreciate the priesthood as I do, then the sight of these generous and holy men gathering together and renewing their commitment to the Church and to us is sure to swell your heart. Each one gave up having a family of their own to father the family of God. We should thank them, and we should pray for them daily.

In Isaiah we hear that “the Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name”. We have a shortage of priests, but God must be calling enough men and wanting to name them in persona Christi. What is preventing more from saying “Yes”? Should we simply accept that we will have fewer priests in the future, or can we do more to encourage and support those who are called? We know the reasons why we have fewer priests, and some of them are hard to talk about, i.e. the priest scandal or why our families are now on average so small. Should the Church reflect the culture or should we work even harder to get the culture to reflect the Church? Isaiah says we do not toil in vain, even when we think we do. Our recompense is with God, and we are called to bring light to the nations. 

Our own nation needs the light of Christ more than ever. Ask yourself “How can I be formed into what Isaiah calls “a polished arrow” and hit a bullseye for the Lord?”

From Barb R

Liturgical Minister at HNC

March 21 - Monday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

“He shall bring forth justice to the nations,” starts Isiah in the first reading for the first day of Holy Week. He then exhorts all of us to seek justice, not with shouting and preaching but with our lives. How is justice manifest in our lives? 

Recently, as I returned home from the University, the cleaning people were already in my condominium as I was late and the concierge let them in. A mother and her teenage son were working diligently. The short Mother did all the eye level work and the son did all the high level work. I noticed he had ‘cleaned up’ around my computer and was horrified. His Mother could see the expression on my face and apologized. No one ever touches anything near the computer! They continued cleaning and got all their work done. As they were leaving I thanked them and apologized for my reaction about the computer. I gave the Mother a tip and asked where the son was. She said he was already out in the hall. I gave him the same tip I gave his Mother and he said: “Wow, you’re really fair!” Thanks, I need ear plugs. The look on his face was that he was for once treated justly. 

Justice is sometimes difficult to mete out. Our own perception sometimes blocks our sense of justice. We sometimes hear: “ I had to work hard for what I have, ‘they’ should too!” Today, let us remember Isaiah’s exhortation to bring justice to our world as Christ did. What can I do at my work or at home to be just to the people I interact with? When someone is unjust to me on the road or at my work desk or on social media what is my reaction? How can I be a just disciple of Christ?

Professor Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D
Extraordinary Minister, Faith Formation, RCIA team member, Lector, facilitator of Mercy in the City small group

March 20 - Palm Sunday

The Master has need of you
Today's Readings

Today we celebrate the beginning of the key moments of Jesus’ life. The reading for the beginning of Mass that precedes the procession with Palms tells the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He sent His disciples to get a donkey. In Jesus’ time, as it is today, a donkey was a very humble, very “low” animal, used only for labor. Jesus instructed His disciples that if anyone challenged them about taking the donkey, that they should reply “The Master has a need of it”.

They got a young donkey, one that no one had sat on before. At that moment, the most humble of creatures became the bearer of Christ. The rich and the powerful rode horses, but the King of the World rode a donkey. Jesus resisted many times to be called the "Messiah", but at the climax of His life, when He allowed people to call Him "Messiah", as He entered Jerusalem, it was in this manner.
The donkey has great significance in our lives and our understanding of Jesus’ mission. He denied the traditional view of a Messiah, one of power and domination, but instead preached love and humility. At Jesus' entrance, probably no one payed any attention to the donkey, but his mission was very significant. The donkey brought Jesus to Jerusalem to fulfill all the prophecies and bring Salvation to the world.

Happiness can come to us when we discover the mission that God has for us, when instead of looking for completeness through self-sufficiency and self-determination, we humble ourselves and realize that our life is not about us, it’s about surrendering our lives to Christ. When we let Him do great things in us and through us, we realize that the Master has a need for us too.

Reflection by Flor Delgado
A member of the Young Adult Board and the Faith Formation Commission

March 19 - Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent and Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Readings

Sin must be something most horrible since it has obliged GOD to condemn creatures as perfect and as lovable as the angels. But what then must Your mercy be, Dear GOD, to bear with me after so many crimes, with me who am no more than a handful of mire, and to recall me to You without any wish to destroy me! How great must Your Love be to outweigh, to overcome this dreadful aversion which You naturally have for sin! Really, this consideration pierces my heart, and fills me, with a very tender love for You.

After the sight of my disorders, a sweet thought has succeeded the confusion which I felt as a result of them. It concerned the greatness of the matter on which GOD's Mercy could be exercised, and a most firm hope that He would be Glorified in forgiving me. "This hope is laid up in my bosom" (Job 19:27). This hope is so firmly fixed in my heart that with GOD'S Grace, I would yield up my life before surrendering it.

Then I cast myself into the arms of the Blessed Virgin. She received me with a readiness and a sweetness that was wonderful. And what touches me most about this is that I AM conscious of being at fault in having up to now, served her ill. But I have come here with a great purpose of overlooking nothing this year, which would help me to conceive a great love of her, and to draw up a plan of devotion towards her which I shall try to keep all of my life.

Saint Claude La Colombiere +1682

March 18 - Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

“The Lord GOD is with me, a mighty hero.” 

Jeremiah 20: 10-13

Today Jesus teaches us that God, our champion, never abandons us. This is true at every turn in our lives, from the most mundane of our daily struggles to our darkest moments of doubt and despair. Gods steadfast love is ALL that we need to know and count on. Our faith in our God is triumphant. 

“The Lord is with me, my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.” 

In the readings Jesus relies completely on the Father for protection against being stoned by the crowds as He defends His works and His reality as the “Son of God.” Jesus does elude the angry crowds and walks back to the river Jordan where John had baptized. 

Where will you go to be with the Father? 

A very human image of our Lord is one of Jesus taking refuge and seeking comfort in a familiar place, a holy place. As we recall the Father declared His love and approval of His son during the baptism at the river Jordan. And Jesus returned to this place, it helps us understand how to live but especially during those times of trial and tribulation, or even persecution. Our champion is always with us to defend us in daily battle and there is a place to retreat. In the end, the people began to believe the words John spoke about the Son of God. 

Where is your refuge or retreat to be with the Lord? 

Is this refuge a physical place or place within you heart?

Are there certain people that bring you closer to God?

Reflection by J. Yacopino

A parish member of Holy Name Cathedral for many years, active in the Faith Formation Commission, serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion and participates in RCIA as a sponsor.

March 17 - Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

O GOD, who chose Bishop Saint Patrick to preach Your Glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of CHRISTian, may never cease to proclaim Your wondrous deeds to all.

Through our Lord JESUS Christ, Your Son, Who Lives and Reigns with You in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, One GOD , for ever and ever. Amen! Ave Maria!

Denying Self, Taking Up Our Cross, and Following JESUS
Today's Readings

Saint Bernadette's 'testament' is an exceptionally expressive statement of gratitude for the gifts that she received:

For the extreme poverty of my father and mother,the failure of the mill,the wood that brought unhappiness,the wine of fatigue,the dirty sheep.........thank You , my GOD.

For the extra mouth to be fed that I was,for the ragged children,for the sheep that I watched.....thank You, my GOD.

Thank You, my GOD, for the procurator, the superintendent of police, the policemen, and for Abbe' Peyramale's harsh words!

For the days when you came, Our Lady Mary; for the days when you did not come- only in paradise can I give you thanks!

For the slap in the face,.....for the bantering, the insults, for those who believed I was crazy, for those who believed I was lying, for those who believed I was greedy, thank you Lady Mary!

For the spelling I never learned, the knowledge of books I never had, for my ignorance and my stupidity, thank You!

Thank you! Thank you! Because had there been in this world a girl more ignorant and stupid than I, You would have chosen her.

For my mother who died so far away, for my sorrow when my father instead of opening his arms to his little Bernadette, called me "Sister Marie-Bernard," I thank You JESUS!

Father Tadeusz Dajczer +2009

March 16 - Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Truth Will Set You Free

Today's Readings

We often hear this in our daily lives, most frequently in a more secular setting. A favorite of academia, the quote evokes a sense of openness and freedom for the pursuit of knowledge. But for us as Christians and Catholics, this has a much deeper and more profound meaning. In John 8:31-32, Jesus challenges us to embrace a greater truth to guide our lives, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

The words preceding the “truth” statement are particularly important. Understanding the “Word” calls for us to pay particular attention to the source of our truth, especially today. There is a relentless stream of sources of “truths” bombarding us everyday – in the media, on the Internet, through our social media, in polls & surveys of public opinion…

What are your sources of “truth”?

Who is your authority?

I am always fascinated by the etymology of words and phrases. This is part by the historical context, but also because we often don’t pay enough attention to the original meaning of everyday language. Sometimes I find looking up the original meaning makes me laugh but more often, I find myself stopping to reflect on its original intention. 

The word “truth” comes from the Old English triewð (West Saxon), meaning faith, faithfulness, fidelity or loyalty. This is more than just discovery of a fact. It calls for a way of being, a way of living your life as a Disciple of Christ. It takes actions and behaviors consistent with the Word. It shifts things around, making the means far more important than the ends. Truth is hard and often difficult, but it is truly what “will set you free.”

Our Holy Father recently spoke to this in his daily homily. Here is a brief excerpt to reflect upon:

http://www.catholic.org/news/international/europe/story.php?id=51313

Lori Doyle

Parish Pastoral Council/Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

March 15 - Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Look Up!

Today's Readings

How often do we grow impatient and grumble when life does not go smoothly and easily for us? Like the people of Moses' time, we often lose sight of God because we are focused on our own comforts and worldly pursuits. When we have fallen into sin and despair, God reminds us to look up. The children of Israel were instructed to look at the mounted serpent for healing from their sins. We are called to lift our heads and gaze upon Christ on the cross, and in doing so we are constantly reminded of his endless love and mercy.

Reflection questions:

1. What do you see when you look at the crucifix?
2. What attachments in this world keep you from looking up to behold God's love for you?

Karen L.
RCIA Sponsor and Minister of Care

March 14 - Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

See the Light

Today's Readings

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 

“I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, 

but will have the light of life.”

Light is the giver of life, both literally and spiritually. We know without sunlight, all of God’s creatures cannot thrive and eventually will not survive. The same is true for us – without the Lord we cannot thrive and grow. It is our relationship with the Lord that brings us strength, hope and life. 

We can turn to Him in faith for courage, especially in the darkest and most difficult of days. The first reading shows how Susanna, facing the certainty of an unfair death, still turned away from the darkness of evil and to Heaven for hope and survival delivered by the words of Daniel. “Through tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly.” Trusting in God means believing even when we cannot see how He will be there for us. 

How do you stand up for someone or something in the face of others who contradict what you believe? 

How has the Lord come to you when you were hopeless?

What stops you from completely trusting He will be there for you?

Daylight savings time started yesterday bringing us another hour of daylight for the next six months. Spring starts in six short days on Sunday, March 20. We are entering the season adding a few additional minutes of light each day as we approach the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.

Consider making those few extra minutes each day as time with God – 

praying, listening and being with Him.

The Light of the World by William Holden Hunt was first painted in 1853. Notice the sole source of light in the painting comes from the lantern carried by Jesus. A closer look at the lantern reveals a pattern of stars and symbols of Judaism and Islam, symbolizing Christians’ belief that Jesus is the Light for all people. 

Lori Doyle
Parish Pastoral Council; Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

March 13 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

God’s mercy and forgiveness

Today's Readings

In the gospel of John 8:1-11, we see that the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus, again, with the case of an adulterous woman. Jesus’ response is to ask those among them that are without sin to step forward and carry out the sentence laid down by the law. When no one steps forward, Jesus then sends the woman on her way with his compassion, to sin no more and to live in God’s love. This gospel not only teaches us that we shouldn’t pass judgment of others (ever hear of the saying “when you point a finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you?”), but we should show mercy and forgiveness to those that sin. Have you lived your life without sin? All of us have sinned, in one way or another, and are unworthy to judge other sinners. Jesus, the one without sin and our judge, offers up His mercy and forgiveness so that we may continue to live in God’s love.

J. Wright

March 12 - Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

As I read today's readings, while there were a few things that struck me, the psalm struck a unique chord in me. It seemed to me that what echoed throughout the psalm was the idea of God as the protector. Over the last few years I have experience an array of big "life events." Some of them have been beautiful and blessed (marriage, birth of children), while others have been challenging, difficult or sad (sickness or death of a loved one). Throughout each event, God seems to have filled a slightly different role....and He knows best which role I need filled. While He may fill a unique role depending on the event (ie comforter at one point, healer at another), above all He is the protector. With faith in Him, there is no way I could despair.

1. Are there any times where you have been in the midst of hardship/on the brink of despair and things suddenly "worked out?"
2. What role is Christ playing in your life today? Is He a Healer? Comforter? Companion?"

Reflection by ML

RCIA Candidate