Podcasts about Paschal mystery

Read Onlinehile they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Mark 14:22–24 (Year B Gospel)At the holy Mass, as soon as the priest pronounces the words of the consecration, transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord, he genuflects, rises, and then says, “The mystery of faith.” What is “the mystery of faith?” Oftentimes, when we say that something is a mystery, we mean that the conclusion is hidden but that there are certain clues to help solve the mystery. And once the mystery is solved, everything is clear and it is no longer a mystery.“The mystery of faith” is much different. Those words are spoken at Mass immediately after the consecration as a way of drawing the faithful into a holy awe and amazement of what just took place. But this mystery can only produce wonder and awe if the reality of what just took place is understood through the gift of faith. Faith is knowing and believing without perceiving the reality before us with our five senses or through logical deduction. In other words, faith produces true knowledge of a spiritual reality that can only be known, understood and believed through spiritual insight. Therefore, if we attend the Mass and have been gifted with the knowledge of faith, then as soon as the consecration of the bread and wine takes place, we will cry out interiorly, “My Lord and my God!” We will know that God the Son is present before us in a veiled way. Our eyes do not perceive, nor do any of our senses reveal to us the great reality before us. We cannot rationally deduce what just took place. Instead, we come to know and believe that the Son of God, the Savior of the World, is now present before us in His fullness, under the veil of mere bread and wine.In addition to the divine presence of our Lord and our God, the entire Mystery of our Redemption is made present. Saint Pope John Paul II tells us that in this moment there is a “oneness in time” that links the Paschal Mystery, that is, the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, to every moment that the Eucharist is celebrated and made present through the words of consecration. And that unity between each Mass and the Paschal Mystery “leads us to profound amazement and gratitude” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #5). Do you sense and experience this profound amazement and gratitude each time you attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Do you realize as you attend the Mass and as the words of consecration are spoken that the entire Mystery of your redemption is made present before you, hidden from your eyes but visible to your soul by faith? Do you understand that it is God the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity Who descends to us to dwell with us in that moment of time in this glorious Sacrament?Reflect, today, upon the hidden but real Mystery of Faith. Allow yourself to be drawn into a wonder and awe at what you are privileged to attend. Let your faith in the Most Holy Eucharist grow by being open to a deepening of this gift of faith through spiritual insight and belief. Behold this great Gift of the Eucharist with the eyes of faith and you will be drawn into the wonder and awe that God wants to bestow upon you. My ever-glorious Eucharistic Lord, I do believe that You are here, made present in our world under the form of bread and wine, every time the Holy Mass is celebrated. Fill me with a deeper faith in this Holy Gift, dear Lord, so that I may be drawn into wonder and awe every time I witness this holy Consecration. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Philippe de Champaigne, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Fr. Mike reviews the major solemnities and feast days that make up the liturgical year and explains why they are important to celebrate. We learn that the liturgical year highlights key moments of the Paschal Mystery and commemorates the life of our Blessed Mother and the lives of the saints and martyrs. The feasts and solemnities of the liturgical year ultimately point us to Christ's sacrifice and strengthen our faith. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1168-1173. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism introduces the seven sacraments that Christ offers the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Catechism highlights the fact that the sacraments are “by the Church” because the Church is “Christ's action at work”, and they are “for the Church” because they “manifest and communicate to men…the mystery of communion with the God who is love.” Fr. Mike focuses on the fact that while ministerial priests administer many of the sacraments, their priesthood is at the service of the baptismal priesthood, into which all of the baptized are ordained. Today's readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1113-1121. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

At the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the epiclesis, when the priest begs the Holy Spirit to come and transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. The Catechism explains this mysterious reality, and Fr. Mike reiterates that the Mass is not a repetition of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice, but a re-presentation and celebration of his eternal sacrifice on the Cross. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1104-1112. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Why does the Ascension of Jesus—one of the great feasts of the Church—end up celebrated on a Sunday in most dioceses, while others keep it on Thursday? And what does that tell us about our faith, traditions, and the challenges of Holy Days of Obligation? Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack the significance of the Ascension within the Paschal Mystery, showing why it's more than just a “tag-on” after Easter, but a powerful reminder of Christ's victory and our shared destiny in Him. But as usual, sports, movies, and mild chaos before the theology kicks in. Join them as they recap the NBA and NHL playoffs, share stories from the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and Coca-Cola 600, and offer a review of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (complete with seat mix-ups and a D-Box adventure). They also chat about Father Dave's solo Thai food outing, pay tribute to the late George Wendt—aka Norm from Cheers—and reflect on how these everyday moments can point us toward joy, gratitude, and community. The episode wraps with humor, brotherhood, and a reminder that no matter where you are—whether at a car race, a movie theater, or Mass on Sunday—our true hope is in Jesus Christ. And yes, the Topps Pope Leo XIV baseball card is still on their wish list. Highlighted Sections (00:00) Playoff Plot Twists, Fast Cars, and Father Dave's Almost-Trip to the Indy 500 Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off the episode with a rundown of the latest sports headlines, including the Pacers and Knicks battling in the NBA playoffs, and the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers making waves in the NHL. They also discuss the excitement surrounding the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Coca-Cola 600. (12:07) Movie Review: Mission Impossible + Solo Movie Etiquette Father Dave recounts his solo movie theater adventure to see Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, complete with a funny seating mishap and his first-ever D-Box chair experience. They reflect on the perks (and occasional awkwardness) of going to the movies alone, and whether movie theaters are best for deep conversations or just a chance to unwind. (20:03) Thai Food, Pity Tips, and Remembering Norm The conversation shifts to Father Dave's recent solo Thai food experience—one of the best meals he's ever had, which he may or may not have posted about on Instagram—and a reflection on how dining alone can be a quiet joy. They also pay tribute to the late George Wendt (Norm from Cheers)and share laughs about a show that captured the essence of community in the most unexpected places. (26:13) Relics on Display and Catholic Curiosities The hosts dive into the story of St. Teresa of Avila's relics being publicly displayed, exploring the beauty, reverence, and quirkiness of Catholic traditions. They discuss how relics inspire faith, connect us to the saints, and remind us that the Church is both ancient and alive. (28:41) Thursday or Sunday? The Ascension's Place in the Paschal Mystery Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack why the Ascension is a crucial part of the Paschal Mystery, how it's celebrated differently across dioceses, and why it's much more than just a calendar quirk. They encourage listeners to see these Holy Days as not just “rules to follow” but as moments to pause, celebrate, and remember the story of salvation. (37:45) Closing Blessings, Pentecost Prep, and Hope in the Everyday The episode wraps with reflections on Pentecost, Holy Days of Obligation, and staying grounded in faith—whether you're at a playoff game, a movie theater, or wrangling kids at home. Father Dave offers a prayer for graduates, families, and the entire They That Hope community, with a reminder that hope is our anchor—on Thursdays, Sundays, or any day in between. Resources Mentioned Steubenville Conferences – SteubenvilleConferences.com Discipleship Quads – dquads.com Topps Pope Leo XIV Baseball Card

We continue our examination of Christ's acts through the sacraments that he instituted. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding that the sacraments are sacred signs that “make present efficaciously the grace they signify.” The sacraments specifically signify the Paschal mystery, Christ's life, death, and resurrection. We also explore how the Paschal mystery cannot remain in the past. Though it occurred in time, it transcends all time and is made present in all time. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1084-1090. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Together, we begin Section One on the sacramental economy. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the sacramental economy is both what God has done for us and how we should participate in it. He also emphasizes the blessings we receive from the sacraments through the Father. We conclude with an examination on the dual dimension of the sacramental liturgy, that while we are praising the Father, we are praising the Father with his own gift, his own Son. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1076-1083. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What a marvellous reality does Jesus tells us in today's gospel reading: that God wants to dwell within our soul through the working of sanctifying grace!We don't deserve this. We don't merit it in any way. But this is God's gracious gift to us obtained for us by the Paschal Mystery, the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.We must then be truly grateful and truly faithful. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email:frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.auAlso if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation. Music by Samuel F. Johannson and by Tomomi Kato from Pixabay

May 18, 2025. Fifth Sunday of Easter homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how we are invited to embrace the paschal mystery with Jesus of His suffering, death, resurrection, and glorification.

In this heartfelt episode of Father and Joe, hosts Father Boniface and Joe Rockey dive into the profound theological and personal significance of Mary, the Mother of God. Released two days after Mother's Day, this conversation centers on honoring our spiritual mother by exploring her vital role within the Church and our personal faith journeys. Father Boniface eloquently clusters Mary's unique relationship with Jesus, emphasizing her position as the Church's heart, perfection in heaven, and the mystical bride receiving the Father's love through Jesus. They explore how everything in the Church flows from Jesus and is received through Mary, who is the human reception of divine grace.The episode also reflects on how, like our biological mothers, Mary introduces us to familial and divine relationships, highlighting her nurturing role in our spiritual development. Father Boniface provides deep theological insights, explaining how Mary is central to the Paschal Mystery and our salvation, noting how she embodies the Church's voice and perfection in heaven.Listeners will find encouragement to foster a personal, tender connection with Mary, akin to a childlike trust in a mother's love. This relationship opens us to all the graces God wishes to bestow, emphasizing the necessity and beauty of simple yet profound devotions such as the Hail Mary, the Rosary, and the Angelus. Joe shares touching personal examples and reflections, enhancing the compelling narrative of how Mary's undisputed significance is present throughout Catholic tradition and practice.As they peel back layers of this mystical relationship, Father Boniface and Joe Rockey elucidate the embodiment of love and salvation that Mary represents. This episode offers listeners an invitation to deepen their connection with Mary, rediscover their faith, and comprehend the encompassing mystery that Mary and Jesus together embody within the Catholic Church. It's an episode filled with awe, profound insights, and a call to embrace our spiritual foundation through Mary.Tags:Mary, Mother of God, Catholic Church, spirituality, faith journey, theological insights, divine grace, religious practices, mystery of faith, Catholic traditions, spiritual relationships, Paschal Mystery, Hail Mary prayer, Rosary devotion, Angelus prayer, faith development, church teachings, Father's love, childlike faith, divine reception, heart of the Church, spiritual awakening, sacramental grace, mystical bride, salvation, church's face, spiritual nourishment, Mary's role, divine participation, understanding faith, tender relationship, theological depth, motherly love, spirituality, divine connection, Catholicism, spiritual podcast, grace, family of faith, engaging faith, devotion, spiritual conversationHashtags:#MaryMotherOfGod, #CatholicFaith, #SpiritualJourney, #TheologicalInsights, #DivineGrace, #CatholicTraditions, #HailMary, #RosaryDevotion, #AngelusPrayer, #FaithDevelopment, #PaschalMystery, #ChurchTeachings, #ChildlikeFaith, #SpiritualRelationships, #HeartOfTheChurch, #MysticalBride, #DivineParticipation, #SpiritualNourishment, #FaithAwakening, #TenderRelationship, #MotherlyLove, #Spirituality, #CatholicPodcast, #DivineConnection, #EngagingFaith, #SacramentalGrace, #FaithConversation, #ChurchCommunity, #SpiritualAwakening, #MarysRole, #UnderstandingFaith, #CatholicTradition, #GraceOfGod, #NurturingFaith, #TheologicalDepth, #FamilyOfFaith, #FaithReflection, #ExploringFaith, #JoyOfFaith

Life in Christ is not an abstraction and the gospel is not simply a set of teachings or an ideology. It is clarion call to “Follow Me” from He who is the Lord of life and love. We are invited to participate in the mystery of Divine Life. Just as the fathers  tell us that we are to “become prayer” and not simply engage in a discipline, likewise, we must become Christ. We must put on Him mind and our hearts must be animated by His Spirit of love.  It is for this reason that Saint Isaac the Syrian places desire at the heart of the spiritual life. There is one path that lies ahead for us – we are to long for Christ and for the life of the kingdom. Anything else is reductive; shrinking the faith down to what is manageable and acceptable to our sensibilities and understanding. It is no longer faith but a simulation or as Christ would say “hypocrisy“.  The reality that Saint Isaac places before us is the need for the healing of the soul; afflicted by sin, we are dominated by the passion. Yet because we are made in the image and likeness of God we often unknowingly reach out to grasp what is greater than ourselves while neglecting purity of heart and the need for God‘s grace and mercy. Such a path only leads to greater darkness. Sin unaddressed, like illness undiagnosed only grows worse. We must seek the healing that comes through participation in the Paschal Mystery; that is, a dying and rising to new life in Christ. We must die to sin and self in order to have the purity of heart and the depth of faith that allows us to comprehend what is beyond the senses and reason.  Central to Saint Isaac's thought is the purification of the Nous, the eye of the soul. If neglected one simply becomes blind to the presence of God and his love. The words of Christ come to mind in this regard: “the eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is  bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” To neglect such a reality is like the man who shamelessly entered into the wedding feast with unclean garments. We seek to enter into the fullness of life and love while yet immersed in the mire of our sin and clinging to the things of the world. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:13:13 susan: wish I could be there  I am a piano teacher  lol 00:13:20 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 123, paragraph 11 00:27:04 Myles Davidson: Father, a week or so ago you mentioned private revelation, many of which seem to also fit into this category (ie. fantasies of the mind). There are a plethora of so-called seers around today, many of which have been shown to be fakes. How do the Orthodox deal with this phenomena? I've heard they have a policy of keeping private revelations as just that… private. What are your thoughts on this? 00:28:12 Anthony: If Christ on the criss is the Bridegroom,  then I can see a person who has desired impure thoughts is running to be like the Bridegroom but is not "ready" to be married. Although, the Gospel does tell us to take up the cross and follow Christ,  without reference to one's state of mind or holiness. 00:37:36 Ren Witter: In my notes from the last time we did Isaac, you said that this teaching is not harsh, but practical. Sin being understood as a sickness, a person who has not yet been purified through praxis simply would not have the strength to take up the cross in such a way as to ascend to theoria. Sounds a lot like the teaching on taking up fasting beyond your strength - you'll just end up worse off than you were before. 00:44:14 Joshua Sander: My apologies if you've already covered this or if Isaac is about to get to this and I'm getting ahead of him, but how does one discern that one's own "senses have found rest from their infirmity" and that he or she is ready for theoria, especially given that temptations and struggles against sin will always be with us while we are in the flesh? 00:47:00 Nypaver Clan: What page are we on? 00:47:07 Ren Witter: 124 00:53:46 Anthony: I suspect a lot of us seekers are like St Teresa d'Avila who suffer much from bad advice until we run into clearer presentations of faith, hope and love. 00:54:15 Catherine Opie: Replying to "I suspect a lot of u..." Definitely my path

Each year, this Sunday of Divine Mercy reminds us and compels us to enter more deeply into the Divine Heart of Christ, wherein is a limitless ocean of mercy, waiting to be poured out upon those who dispose themselves to receive it.This feast day is intimately connected to the Paschal Mystery of Christ's death and resurrection and so it finds its place correctly and properly on the Second Sunday of Easter, when our Risen Lord gave to His Church the power and authority from Him to forgive sins.Jesus, I trust in you. If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email:frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.auAlso if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation. Music by Samuel F. Johannson and by Tomomi Kato from Pixabay

Read OnlineAnd it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:30–31Two of Jesus' disciples had been discussing the events of the past week as they walked the seven-mile journey along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They previously had hoped that Jesus was the one Who would redeem Israel—but then He was killed. And three days later, there were rumors of His Resurrection, which only left them confused. As they journeyed, Jesus appeared to the two disciples, but they did not recognize Him at first. His identity was hidden from their eyes. Jesus listened to them and expressed sorrow at their lack of understanding, so He explained to them the teachings of Moses and the prophets and that the Messiah needed to suffer, die and rise on the third day. As Jesus spoke, the disciples began to understand, and their hearts burned within them. Finally, in the gift of the Holy Eucharist, in the breaking of the Bread, their eyes were opened to see that it was Jesus with them.Why did Jesus hide His risen presence from these disciples? It appears that He did so because they lacked faith. They said, “...we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel.”  But the Crucifixion was too much for them to handle. They could not comprehend why the Redeemer had to suffer as Jesus did, so they began to doubt.Too often we are like these disciples who are confused about matters of faith and who struggle with doubts. For that reason, we must see ourselves in the persons of these disciples as they walked the road to Emmaus. Jesus offered these disciples a wonderful gift of mercy by helping them to understand His saving act. He explained to them all that was taught in Scripture regarding Him. And as these disciples listened to Jesus teach them, they slowly came to believe. We, too, must allow Jesus to teach us about the transforming power of His death and Resurrection. We must listen attentively and allow our hearts to burn within us as we listen to His holy Word. Only in this way will we come to the level of faith we need to more fully comprehend and accept the transforming power of the Paschal Mystery. Reflect, today, upon these disciples and their need to reflect upon the Word of God so as to understand, believe and have their eyes opened. Know that you need this same grace. You need to spend time with our Lord, immersed in His Word, listening to His voice, so that you will come to believe more fully. Allow the message of Jesus' death and Resurrection to burn within you so that you, too, will come to believe. My resurrected Lord, You appeared to these disciples who lacked faith and understanding and gave them the gift of Your holy teaching. Teach me, dear Lord, all that I must come to understand and know about You, Your death, Resurrection and glorious gift of new life. May Your Word burn within me and lead me to a transformation of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Abraham Bloemaert, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Why does God permit so many attacks against the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? How does Holy Thursday, and the whole Paschal Mystery, shed a light of hope?

For Easter Sunday, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the hope of the Resurrection. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Preaching for Holy Thursday, Kathleen Dorsey Bellow offers a reflection on being drawn into the Paschal Mystery through the Triduum: "During the sacred passage through the Triduum, we will encounter God through powerful word, symbol and ritual in the retelling of humanity's redemption. During the three-day celebration, may we come to know that full, conscious and active participation with Christ in the Eucharistic liturgy is a share in his resurrection for our salvation and the deliverance of the world."Kathleen Dorsey Bellow is the director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies of Xavier University, where she also holds the Drexel Society Endowed Professorship in Black Catholic Studies. A pastoral theologian she writes, consults and presents on several aspects of Catholic ministry, including worship, evangelization, and faith formation. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04172025 to learn more about Dr. Dorsey Bellow, to read her preaching texts and for more preaching from Catholic women.

For Easter Sunday, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the hope of the Resurrection. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

The Resurrection is a reality that we experience today in the here and now. It is not just something that happened in the past. We can have hope in Jesus Christ. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, in his reflection on Pope Francis' homily from the Easter Vigil, 2024. The Resurrection gives us great hope, this is what we celebrate at Easter.‘Brothers and sisters, Jesus is our Pasch. He is the One who brings us from darkness into light, who is bound to us forever, who rescues us from the abyss of sin and death, and draws us into the radiant realm of forgiveness and eternal life. Brothers and sisters, let us look up to him! Let us welcome Jesus, the God of life, into our lives, and today once again say “yes” to him. Then no stone will block the way to our hearts, no tomb will suppress the joy of life, no failure will doom us to despair. Brothers and sisters, let us lift our eyes to him and ask that the power of his resurrection may roll away the heavy stones that weigh down our souls. Let us lift our eyes to him, the Risen Lord, and press forward in the certainty that, against the obscure backdrop of our failed hopes and our deaths, the eternal life that he came to bring is even now present in our midst.Sister, brother, let your heart burst with jubilation on this night, this holy night! Together let us sing of Jesus' resurrection: “Sing to him, everything sing to him: rivers and plains, deserts and mountains … Sing to the Lord of life, risen from the tomb, more brilliant than a thousand suns. All peoples beset by evil and plagued by injustice, all peoples displaced and devastated: on this holy night cast aside your songs of sadness and despair. The Man of Sorrows is no longer in prison: he has opened a breach in the wall; he is hastening to meet you. In the darkness, let an unexpected shout of joy resound: He is alive; he is risen! And you, my brothers and sisters, small and great ... you who are weary of life, who feel unworthy to sing… let a new flame be kindled in your heart, let new vitality be heard in your voice. It is the Pasch of the Lord, brothers and sisters; it is the feast of the living” (J-Y. QUELLEC, Dieu face nord, Ottignies, 1998, 85-86).” (From Easter Vigil homily by Pope Francis, 2024) Notes:Jubilee ResourcesRead Pope Francis' Homily HereOn Mission: Easter Vigil and Easter Traditions Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

In this blog post, Sarah shares some insights into the last week of Jesus' life, Holy Week, and looks forward to the celebration of Easter. Jesus knew what he was about to face on the Cross; he knew about his eventual Death and Resurrection. Yet, he knew his work before those events was not done; he had to continue to preach to the apostles. In hindsight, probably no one would've expected him to do that; he was facing death! Nowadays, people will say, “If you knew you only had one week left before you died, what would you do?” The usual answers are things like going on a fancy vacation, winning the lottery, and completing items on one's bucket list, but the reality is that most of us don't know when our time will come. On the contrary, Jesus did know what his fate would be when he entered Jerusalem. He knew the importance of his death on the Cross, and he knew it was important for him not to stray from his intentions. The strength shown by Jesus in this Last Supper is one that few could've shown, and it is important for us to recognize as we continue through Holy Week. As we finish up our Lenten season, I hope that you all have taken some time to deepen your relationship with Christ and reflect on the importance of the season in your own heart. May these last few days of Lent guide you through some of the darkest days of our Church into the glory of the Resurrection. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebration! Author:Sarah Harrigan is the Manager of Communications and Special Programs for the Catholic Apostolate Center where she coordinates the promotions and logistics of various groups and visitors coming to our Green Hill facility.  She also assists with the day-to-day operations of Green Hill and other administrative duties and is responsible for the creation and publication of our Center newsletter.   Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Friends of the Rosary,Today is Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Passion, the beginning of the solemnity of Holy Week. It commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem to complete the Paschal Mystery.We enter the holiest part of Lent, with the Passion and the Resurrection, with the Cross as the way to Easter victory, with the sacred passion of Christ as a prerequisite to Easter's glory.During the liturgy of the Mass of Palm Sunday, the priests and deacons wearing red vestments do a special entrance that includes the blessing of the palms remembering how Jesus entered in triumph into his own city, to complete his work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die, and to rise again (Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-16; Luke 19:28-40).The palms are blessed with the following prayer:Almighty God, we pray that you bless these branches and make them holy. Today, we joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we one day reach the happiness of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.As the faithful, we remember and dramatize Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey.At that time, a vast crowd assembled, put their cloaks or branches on the ground, and waved palm branches, acclaiming Christ as the King of Israel, the Son of David.Today, we wave our palm branches and sing as the priest enters the church:Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.Our joy is quickly subdued as we read the Passion in the Gospel.Jesus' experience of being loved and hated, of being welcomed and then rejected, gives us the strength to endure the injustices and hardships of our lives.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• April 13, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

How can we understand these painful times for the Church?  By looking at the Passion, the Paschal Mystery of Jesus.

Entering into Holy Week on Palm Sunday, Jesus invites us deep into His passion-filled heart to experience the Paschal Mystery anew and more profoundly than ever before. Revelations of His amazing love are ready to be poured out as we enter mystically into the events of Holy Week...

This weekend we embark upon the holiest week of the year. It is an opportunity to journey with our Lord and have revealed to us the glory of the Paschal Mystery. This week on Register Radio, Register contributor Fr. Jeffrey Kirby returns to help us finish our lent properly. And, the fashion giant Chanel is restoring Aubazine Abbey, a jewel of medieval Cistercian heritage nestled in the heart of southwestern France. Solène Tadié, Europe Correspondent for the National Catholic Register, tells us why.

The Catechism wraps up its discussion surrounding Article 5 of the Creed (“He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead”) and asks the question, “What does Jesus' resurrection mean for me?” Fr. Mike points out that Christ's resurrection proves—definitively—that he is the only begotten Son of God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 651-658. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike begins his examination of the Paschal Mystery of Christ's passion, death, and ultimate Resurrection. He emphasizes that all of Scripture points to this Paschal Mystery, and that through our faith, we can try to examine the circumstances of Jesus' life to fully understand our own redemption. We also explore Jesus' relationship with Israel and our own relationship with our Jewish forefathers. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 571-576. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Many of the things we'd like to know about Jesus' life we don't know, but remember, as Fr. Mike has told us, a Christian mystery is not “a case to be solved.” It's a beauty to bathe in. The Catechism explains the three characteristics common to each of Christ's mysteries: revelation, redemption, and recapitulation. Fr. Mike shows how we are to participate in the mysteries of Christ. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 512-521. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent (Year C), preached March 9, 2025.Those of us who are already baptized don't need to be baptized again, but we do need to remember what our baptism means for us, to renew our rejection of Satan and all his empty promises and to rejoice in what Christ has accomplished for us through his passion, death and resurrection — what we call the Paschal Mystery. We need to remember these things. The scripture scholar Dr. John Bergsma says that, “one of the enemies of the spiritual life is forgetfulness. We forget what God has done for us,” he says. “We forget who we are, what we have experienced as God's people, where we come from, and where we are going. As they say,” he continues, “those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. Applied to the spiritual life,” he says, “that means those who forget the bondage God has saved them from will slide back into that bondage.”

Your podcast host starts off Lent on the right foot: with prayer! In a season focused on returning our gaze to Christ's Paschal Mystery, we are so honored to walk with you this Lent, wherever you are on the path of infertility! Find your favorite place to pray, turn off all distractions, and pause to pray with us. Links:Lent Carried BundleSubmit a Prayer RequestFifth Station Sticker

As we approach Lent, Father Dave welcomes Josh Noem, editorial director of Ave Maria Press, to discuss his new devotional, “Lord Show Me the Way.”

Friends of the Rosary, Happy New Year in Christ! Our Trinitarian God's love is much more powerful than the dark powers of this world. The unfaithful, including the lukewarm, unleashed at that time its entire force against the Incarnated Wisdom and ended up putting the Son of God on the Cross. But God the Father expressed His authority by raising the Son and unveiling that human life is about love. It's about defeating sin and death. “This is the message of Christ. Therefore, when you place yourself on the side of this power, you are on the winning side, though dark powers gather around you. It is expressed in the Paschal Mystery,” Bishop Barron writes today. Nothing can overwhelm or overcome the authority of the Lord God. In today's Gospel (Luke 4:14–22), Jesus sums up who he is by reading a scroll of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61). In his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, he reveals, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." And He said to them, “Today, this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”  At that time, like today, the lowly, the poor, the unjustly treated, the marginalized, the forgotten, and those oppressed by sin — all of us — hear this and should rejoice in their — our — liberation. This way, through faith and love, we conquer the world. As John writes (1 John 4:19–5:4), also today, “For the love of God is this,that we keep his commandments.And his commandments are not burdensome,for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.” Emmanuel, God is with us. It's the message of Christmas. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠⁠Enjoy this video and enhance your faith in our newly released Holy Rosary University iOS app. • ⁠January 9, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 186The Saint of the day is Saint John of the CrossSaint John of the Cross' Story John is a saint because his life was a heroic effort to live up to his name: “of the Cross.” The folly of the cross came to full realization in time. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34b) is the story of John's life. The Paschal Mystery—through death to life—strongly marks John as reformer, mystic-poet, and theologian-priest. Ordained a Carmelite priest in 1567 at age 25, John met Teresa of Avila and like her, vowed himself to the primitive Rule of the Carmelites. As partner with Teresa and in his own right, John engaged in the work of reform, and came to experience the price of reform: increasing opposition, misunderstanding, persecution, imprisonment. He came to know the cross acutely—to experience the dying of Jesus—as he sat month after month in his dark, damp, narrow cell with only his God. Yet, the paradox! In this dying of imprisonment John came to life, uttering poetry. In the darkness of the dungeon, John's spirit came into the Light. There are many mystics, many poets; John is unique as mystic-poet, expressing in his prison-cross the ecstasy of mystical union with God in the Spiritual Canticle. But as agony leads to ecstasy, so John had his Ascent to Mt. Carmel, as he named it in his prose masterpiece. As man-Christian-Carmelite, he experienced in himself this purifying ascent; as spiritual director, he sensed it in others; as psychologist-theologian, he described and analyzed it in his prose writings. His prose works are outstanding in underscoring the cost of discipleship, the path of union with God: rigorous discipline, abandonment, purification. Uniquely and strongly John underlines the gospel paradox: The cross leads to resurrection, agony to ecstasy, darkness to light, abandonment to possession, denial to self to union with God. If you want to save your life, you must lose it. John is truly “of the Cross.” He died at 49—a life short, but full. Reflection In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John's message—like the gospel—is loud and clear: Don't—if you really want to live! Saint John of the Cross is the Patron Saint of: Mystics Learn more about John of the Cross! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Special Guest Host Ken Hensley addresses a fascinating question from Ryan, a brave 13-year-old defending his Catholic faith at an evangelical school. Facing tough questions about the Eucharist, Ken explains Old and New Testament teachings, clarifying the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Kudos to Ryan for turning a challenging environment into an opportunity to strengthen his faith and learn apologetics.   Kay - I wrote a note in thanksgiving for a good confession when I was at the NEC, which really helped me in life. (01:42) Dave - I am thankful for God and family and would like to share that I found out I had a half-sister and she will be coming to celebrate thanksgiving with us. (04:17) David - Is it okay to invest in stocks of a company that has a woke agenda? (05:52) Ryan - I go to an evangelical Christian school, but I am Catholic. My bible teacher told me that the Eucharist can't be real because the Old Testament says you can't drink blood. How do I respond? (12:39) Nancy - My mother died when I was a kid, but God took that tragedy and made a beautiful story with it. (21:00) Fr. Bill - Thankful for The Paschal Mystery of Christ (27:12) Victoria – I work at an Evangelical school. Our witness as Catholics changed the way the school is run (28:57) Katarina - Thankful for my 40 hours fast and the grace to continue (47:40) Rose – Reading a book where a concentration camp prisoner could even find thanks in his dire situation (48:37) Darlene – I'm thanking for the popping lids on my canned goods (50:02)

4th October, 2024  – Join Fr Martin Shanihan for a discussion on Catholic teaching, current events and general updates! In this episode of Chatechesis on Radio Maria Ireland, Father Martin Shanihan explores the profound significance of the sacraments within the Church's liturgical life. He delves into how Christ's Paschal Mystery—the death, resurrection, and ascension—continues to […] L'articolo E1102 | Chatechesis – Fr Martin Shanihan – proviene da Radio Maria.

Why is it that we engage in the ascetic life and the spiritual life as a whole?  How is it that we come to understand the extreme practices of the desert fathers as they entered into the struggle with the passions? Seemingly they were willing to do almost anything to overcome temptation and to suffer extreme disciplines, punishing the body, until the passions were overcome. Again, we must understand that the desert was a laboratory. The fathers were driven there by their desire to live for God and to live for Him completely. Of course, they entered into these exercises with an imperfect understanding. Yet, in reading the Evergetinos we are blessed to see the development of their understanding and practice; how it becomes more measured and more focused upon God and the grace he provides. Beyond this, however, they were engaging in this way of life not simply in the pursuit of certain principles. Nor were they seeking to overcome their natural flaws and defects. They understood the struggle was also with demonic provocation. Therefore, they were not simply trying to foster good habits or to acquire a taste for that which was more virtuous. They understood that the spiritual life involved a bloody warfare against evil. The shadow of the Cross always falls over our struggles and stands as a reminder of the costs of sin. To overcome sin and its consequence, Christ sweat blood in the garden of Gethsemane and was obedient unto death on the cross. The spiritual life is formed and shaped by the Paschal Mystery. It involves always a dying to self and rising to new life in Christ. To strip it of this understanding is to make our spiritual life and practices impotent. We are to be conformed to Christ in every way. We preached Jesus Christ and him crucified not only in words, but in our day-to-day struggle against sin and the passions. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:13:41 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 172, # C   00:22:42 Myles Davidson: What's the difference between an oath and say, a general intention to do something?   00:24:43 Kate : What about resolutions that we make for a penitential time, such as Lenten resolutions or Advent resolutions?   Is this a good practice according to the Fathers?   00:26:58 Forrest Cavalier: And all of these rely on God's grace for success. not our will alone.   00:37:38 Erick Chastain: Why does fat mean there are increased passions? Are there other foods like that?   00:38:25 Myles Davidson: Today is the beginning of St Martins Lent so to finish this now has been good timing   00:40:39 Erick Chastain: Why does fat mean there are increased passions? Are there other foods like that?   00:42:05 Myles Davidson: I've been eating less meat meals and find a definite increase in nepsis and general ability to concentrate in my prayer   00:43:18 Wayne: I think you you eat to much surgar etc you get highs and low  from it..   00:44:33 Sheila: It's a true challenge to avoid all the desserts because it seems these days people start Christmas festivities as soon as Thanksgiving ends, or in the case of many around me at school...now.   00:44:55 Sheila: Secular Christmas is all around.   00:47:16 Kate : And there are so many different diets now that encourage us to fixate on certain types of foods…keto, carnivore, longevity diets, etc. etc.  There might be some health benefits to them, but they can become intense distractions.   00:48:22 Anna Lalonde: Homeschooling... Everything then is centered in faith.   00:49:50 Anna Lalonde: There's so many resources and online live classes and tutoring we have less issues as homeschooling.   00:50:01 Anna Lalonde: Lol   01:01:14 Myles Davidson: Better to engage in the battle imperfectly than to not engage in it at all   01:18:21 Anna Lalonde: Yes that's what I do. Go to Jesus Prayer   01:19:12 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!   01:19:16 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you

We have continued to make our way through the final few hypotheses about fasting and eating in general. What is gradually coming to light is that our relationship with Christ and our identity in Him is to form and fashion every aspect of our lives. This includes what we might consider the most mundane aspects of our life or what we take for granted, such as eating and common meals.  What becomes perfectly clear in this hypothesis, however, is that there is a specific decorum that emerged in the practice of the fathers. The way that they looked at food and the way that they ate their common meals was all shaped by their greater commitment to the life of prayer and silence. The ascetical life shaped their actions and supported their pursuit of the ultimate goal. Thus eating, the quality of the food, the mannerisms at table and amount of food that other monks ate and the general behavior during meals all became important matters and subject to proper formation.  The ideal was not to form a Christian gentleman, but rather to form a heart that was watchful at all times of the day and that was very much aware of the power of our most basic appetites. We see restraint being taught; that is, slowing oneself down at meals and not being driven by the pressure of hunger or the allure of delicious food. It is Christ the Bread of Life that one is always seeking and so the way that we approach our meals should be a reflection of how we approach the Lord in the Holy Mysteries. Our mindset, our sense of gratitude, the solemnity of our attitudes and behaviors are all reflection of our understanding of the connection with the Paschal Mystery. When we think of our own formation we must have this broad scope so that we do not treat our ascetic practices as ends in themselves. All that we do must be offered to God or it is wasted. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:17:20 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 165, #A   00:44:06 Una: LOL about the comment about men eating. And then they throw their silverware in the trash? Obviously, I've never been in a men's monastery. But how can we who are living in the world apply these standards to everyday dinners with family?   00:46:49 Una: I'm thinking of Thanksgiving Dinner where people gobble gobble gobble and aren't focused on God at all. Last year I had a hard time getting them to listen to the Prayer of St. Francis before the meal. Very secular family. How I personally may maintain my recollection yet still be social   00:47:50 Una: I find I can "go out" of myself so easily and get lost in socializing and talking (I'm an extravert) and then have difficulty becoming recollected again   01:03:42 Una: Is it true that the early Irish monasticism came from Egypt?   01:10:13 Una: There's a new book on this subject: Monastery and High Cross: The Forgotten Eastern Roots of Irish Christianity   01:10:20 Una: by Connie Marshner   01:10:34 Una: Sophia Institute Press   01:11:49 Steve: Good story   01:11:59 Una: Connie Marshner is a Melkite Green Catholic in Virginia   01:21:26 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!   01:21:48 Troy Amaro: Thank you Father.   01:22:30 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you, sorry I was so late, our clocks went back an hour yesterday and I forgot about the time difference   01:24:18 ANDREW ADAMS: Where does one find the substack? I'm not knowledgeable on the whole social media scene.   01:25:19 Adam Paige: Where does one find the substack? I'm not knowledgeable on the whole social media scene. https://substack.com/@frcharbelabernethy   01:25:44 ANDREW ADAMS: Replying to "Where does one find ..."   Thank you!   01:27:47 Bob Cihak, AZ: .. or https://frcharbelabernethy.substack.com/   01:28:16 Paul G.: Replying to ".. or https://frchar…" +1   01:29:21 Maureen Cunningham: Thank  you   01:32:17 Maureen Cunningham: Wow  

Why are Catholics obligated to attend Mass every Sunday? The Catechism teaches us today about the centrality of the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Sunday Mass is at the heart of our worship because it is the participation in the representation of the Paschal Mystery. He invites us to honor the Sunday obligation out of love for Jesus. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2177-2183. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Father David Skillman and Adam continue to discuss Pope John Paul II's second encyclical "Dives in Misericordia" ("Rich in Mercy").  Today they continue the discussion focusing on the Paschal Mystery and how the Blessed Virgin Mary obtained mercy in a particular and exceptional way, as no other person has. For more information on Covenant Network, please visit OurCatholicRadio.org

This episode of the Revive Podcast is unlike any other. Listen to Bishop Andrew Cozzens' keynote address at the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress on the Eucharist and the Transfiguration live from Quito, Ecuador.In the address, Bishop Cozzens, discusses the intricate connection between the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery and how, as believers, we are called to further partake in Christ's sacrifice.An NEC Podcasts original.

Fr. David Skillman speaks reflects on The Paschal Mystery in the context of St. John Paul II's encyclical "Dives In Misericordia" ("Rich in Mercy"). Cory Grizzle joins the show. Cory and Adam discuss how the examples we set impact our families and our children. For more information on Covenant Network, please visit OurCatholicRadio.org

Jesus uses the example of a grain of wheat to help us understand how we die (to sin, self, life) so that we can rise to new life in Christ. (Lectionary #618) August 10, 2024 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Fr. Mike reviews the major solemnities and feast days that make up the liturgical year and explains why they are important to celebrate. We learn that the liturgical year highlights key moments of the Paschal Mystery and commemorates the life of our Blessed Mother and the lives of the saints and martyrs. The feasts and solemnities of the liturgical year ultimately point us to Christ's sacrifice and strengthen our faith. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1168-1173. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Mark 14:22–24 (Year B Gospel)At the holy Mass, as soon as the priest pronounces the words of the consecration, transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord, he genuflects, rises, and then says, “The mystery of faith.” What is “the mystery of faith?” Oftentimes, when we say that something is a mystery, we mean that the conclusion is hidden but that there are certain clues to help solve the mystery. And once the mystery is solved, everything is clear and it is no longer a mystery.“The mystery of faith” is much different. Those words are spoken at Mass immediately after the consecration as a way of drawing the faithful into a holy awe and amazement of what just took place. But this mystery can only produce wonder and awe if the reality of what just took place is understood through the gift of faith. Faith is knowing and believing without perceiving the reality before us with our five senses or through logical deduction. In other words, faith produces true knowledge of a spiritual reality that can only be known, understood and believed through spiritual insight. Therefore, if we attend the Mass and have been gifted with the knowledge of faith, then as soon as the consecration of the bread and wine takes place, we will cry out interiorly, “My Lord and my God!” We will know that God the Son is present before us in a veiled way. Our eyes do not perceive, nor do any of our senses reveal to us the great reality before us. We cannot rationally deduce what just took place. Instead, we come to know and believe that the Son of God, the Savior of the World, is now present before us in His fullness, under the veil of mere bread and wine.In addition to the divine presence of our Lord and our God, the entire Mystery of our Redemption is made present. Saint Pope John Paul II tells us that in this moment there is a “oneness in time” that links the Paschal Mystery, that is, the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, to every moment that the Eucharist is celebrated and made present through the words of consecration. And that unity between each Mass and the Paschal Mystery “leads us to profound amazement and gratitude” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #5). Do you sense and experience this profound amazement and gratitude each time you attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Do you realize as you attend the Mass and as the words of consecration are spoken that the entire Mystery of your redemption is made present before you, hidden from your eyes but visible to your soul by faith? Do you understand that it is God the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity Who descends to us to dwell with us in that moment of time in this glorious Sacrament?Reflect, today, upon the hidden but real Mystery of Faith. Allow yourself to be drawn into a wonder and awe at what you are privileged to attend. Let your faith in the Most Holy Eucharist grow by being open to a deepening of this gift of faith through spiritual insight and belief. Behold this great Gift of the Eucharist with the eyes of faith and you will be drawn into the wonder and awe that God wants to bestow upon you.My ever-glorious Eucharistic Lord, I do believe that You are here, made present in our world under the form of bread and wine, every time the Holy Mass is celebrated. Fill me with a deeper faith in this Holy Gift, dear Lord, so that I may be drawn into wonder and awe every time I witness this holy Consecration. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Last Supper By Philippe de Champaigne, via Wikimedia Commons

The Catechism introduces the seven sacraments that Christ offers the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Catechism highlights the fact that the sacraments are “by the Church” because the Church is “Christ's action at work”, and they are “for the Church” because they “manifest and communicate to men…the mystery of communion with the God who is love.” Fr. Mike focuses on the fact that while ministerial priests administer many of the sacraments, their priesthood is at the service of the baptismal priesthood, into which all of the baptized are ordained. Today's readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1113-1121. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

At the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the epiclesis, when the priest begs the Holy Spirit to come and transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. The Catechism explains this mysterious reality, and Fr. Mike reiterates that the Mass is not a repetition of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice, but a re-presentation and celebration of his eternal sacrifice on the Cross. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1104-1112. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

We continue our examination of Christ's acts through the sacraments that he instituted. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding that the sacraments are sacred signs that “make present efficaciously the grace they signify.” The sacraments specifically signify the Paschal mystery, Christ's life, death, and resurrection. We also explore how the Paschal mystery cannot remain in the past. Though it occurred in time, it transcends all time and is made present in all time. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1084-1090. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism wraps up its discussion surrounding Article 5 of the Creed (“He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead”) and asks the question, “What does Jesus' resurrection mean for me?” Fr. Mike points out that Christ's resurrection proves—definitively—that he is the only begotten Son of God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 651-658. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this week's episode, we conclude our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and discuss the theme of “focus”. We chat about our natural temptation to focus on our woundedness, why we should take action and invite Jesus into these places, and how our wounds can be transformed into signs of the resurrection power of Christ. We also talk about the crosses we bear and the importance of recognizing the little resurrections in our life. Friends, thank you for journeying with us this Lenten season. We look forward to seeing you again after Easter!   Heather's One Thing -  Our team behind the scenes: Kate, Camille, and Kristina! We are so grateful for you Sister Miriam's On Thing - Springtime! Michelle's One Thing - These Easter themed charcuterie boards! Option 1 Here. Option 2 Here.   Announcement(s): We will be taking a two week break for Easter beginning on 4/1/24! Season 14 will continue on 4/15/24!   Journal Questions: What was hard for me? What were the graces and mercies I experienced? How have I grown? How can I make this week holy? What wounds do I bring to Jesus? What wounds do I simply “stare at”?   Discussion Questions: Where in your life are you seeking glory? Do I live like the Resurrection is a reality? When do you lose hope? Does the story you tell yourself about God align with God's story (the Paschal Mystery)? What are the places of my heart that I don't believe the narrative (of the Paschal Mystery)?   Quotes to Ponder: “How are wounds made glorious? By our deciding what we will do with them. Our Jesus turned his wounds into beauty, and there is not one of us who would say, “Oh, this should not be in eternity.” Our poor hearts thrill to the verity that he is always showing his wounds to the Father on our behalf. They are transformed now in glory. Likewise, there is a transformation that we too can make of our own little everyday wounds which sometimes seem so deep and so big and so insufferable to us. How do we transform them into glory? By looking at Jesus, by remembering his suffering which was turned into glory.”  (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 207)   ““This is Holy Week.” This is the sacred week. But Holy Week does not work, as it were, “ex opere operato”. The Church does not say that this is Holy Week, and therefore we automatically become holy in it. No, the Church says this is the great week of opportunity for growing in holiness; this is the week of tremendous graces. But how holy a week it will be for us is ours to decide.”  (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 213)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)   Sponsor - Pearl and Thistle: Pearl & Thistle equips Catholics to both understand and love God's design for our bodies and menstrual cycles – from puberty to perimenopause, and everything in between!  Pearl & Thistle features online courses, like:  Cycle Prep - for parents and daughters to prepare for her first period, together! Perimenopause Prep - for couples who want to navigate NFP amidst cycle changes, together!  Plus, books for teens and single women and tons of downloadable body literacy resources! Pearl and Thistle founder Christina Valenzuela weaves together modern cycle science with insights from Scripture, tradition, and JPII's Theology of the Body to give us the positive language to talk about cycles, periods, and fertility – even when it all may just feel like a confusing mess.  Learn more about Pearl and Thistle's innovative approach to Catholic body literacy @pearlandthistle or pearlandthistle.com, and be sure to use code TOGETHER to get 10% off at-home courses!

Fr. Mike begins his examination of the Paschal Mystery of Christ's passion, death, and ultimate Resurrection. He emphasizes that all of Scripture points to this Paschal Mystery, and that through our faith, we can try to examine the circumstances of Jesus' life to fully understand our own redemption. We also explore Jesus' relationship with Israel and our own relationship with our Jewish forefathers. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 571-576. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Many of the things we'd like to know about Jesus' life we don't know, but remember, as Fr. Mike has told us, a Christian mystery is not “a case to be solved.” It's a beauty to bathe in. The Catechism explains the three characteristics common to each of Christ's mysteries: revelation, redemption, and recapitulation. Fr. Mike shows how we are to participate in the mysteries of Christ. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 512-521. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.