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Readings: First Sunday of Lent | USCCB “Lead us not into temptation,” a line from the Our Father, has always disturbed me.  Why would God want to lead us into temptation?  The reality is that God cannot be led into temptation, nor lead us into temptation (CCC #2846). Some scholars hold that the prayer asked God that we not fall into temptation. In Genesis 3:5-6, the snake tempted Eve, and the scriptures were vague if Adam was present or not but do say the fruit on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was tempting.  Literally, from the beginning of creation to the present, humans have been tempted to sin, to disobey God.  This first temptation wasn’t just about food, but control, as Satan said, “You will be like gods.” This is the point of today’s readings for the First Sunday of Lent, which are always taken from either Matthew, Mark, or Luke.  Today Matthew lists the three temptations symbolic of our human struggles.  From stones to bread represents our struggle with reliance on God versus self-sufficiency.  Jesus being tempted to throw himself off the parapet of the Temple represents the struggle of satisfying our physical desires with […]

Ash Wednesday Today’s Readings   “Even now” turn your hearts to God with prayer, fasting, and alms giving. See this video reflection from Fr. Chris Collins, Vice President for Mission, and join us for Ash Wednesday services:   12:00 PM Chapel of St. ���Ҵ�ý More 12:10 PM Chapel of St. ���Ҵ�ý Aquinas 5:05 PM Chapel of St. ���Ҵ�ý Aquinas   Stations of the Cross will be offered at 3:00 PM Fridays during Lent in the Chapel of St. ���Ҵ�ý Aquinas: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

Today’s Readings The Epiphany of the Lord Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally on January 6th, but liturgically observed this Sunday. We know the story of the magi—wise men who traveled far to encounter the Holy Family and adore the newborn Jesus. Imagine Mary treasuring this moment in her heart, and Joseph in awe as he embraced the mystery of the child entrusted to him. The epiphany was the manifestation of God’s love to the world. For Mary and Joseph, this visit confirmed the greatness of their Son. For all of us, it revealed that this child, vulnerable as he was, is the Son of God, that we all, no matter our vulnerability, are children of God. Salvation’s doors were opened to all and every nation. God’s love and might was revealed not in power, but in the poverty of a stable and yet welcoming these kings from afar. Traditionally, this feast has been a day of prayer for immigrant families. Following the visit of the Magi, Joseph and Mary learned of Herod’s persecution and fled to a foreign land, where they spent the first three years of Jesus’ life. They knew firsthand the hardships of being […]

Today’s Readings Saying “Yes!” to God’s Plan January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (in Greek, Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God”). Jesus’s conception, birth, and circumcision after eight days began with Mary saying, “Yes!” Yes to God’s plan. Yes to being Mother of God: “May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) How do we say “Yes!” to God’s plan? Today’s Scriptures suggest we should follow the law, be open to adoption as God’s children, and reflect upon God’s plan. Follow the law. Not only the positive law (the focus of most law schools!) but also the natural law, divine law (Scripture), and eternal law. As St. Paul says: “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Be open to adoption by God. Jesus’s coming fulfilled the Mosaic Law. Jesus freed us from sin, so we might receive adoption. As God’s adopted children, we are no longer slaves to sin but “heirs” to God’s grace. Reflect upon God’s plan for us. “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” We should […]