Thursday, April 9, 2009

"They have taken the Lord from the tomb"

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
Issue Date: April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday (LEasterB)


BURNING QUESTION: Do you invite the poor to your banquet?
FEATURED BLOG: "Easter is not a low-budget Christmas!"
PASTORAL HISPANA: La resurrección de Cristo cambió al mundo

Dear Friends,

This is the week we celebrate the Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Pope Benedict calls it the "Fulcrum" of our liturgical year. It is our Holiest Week and we would like to share with you "A Practical Guide to the Liturgies of Holy Week."

HOLY THURSDAY. Fr. Richard Lifrak, SSCC delves into the events of Holy Thursday and explains the "The Inspiration and Application of the Eucharist." And Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB preaches about "The Bare Facts and Bare Feet of the Last Supper." Then we look at Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece and explain an artistically sublime way to understand the passion of Jesus. And "Servant Kings" dwells on Christ, a King with a towel around his waist.

GOOD FRIDAY. The examination of the relationship between the Transfiguration and the Passion of Christ, between Mount Tabor and Calvary, makes for helpful reading either for Holy Week. From Tabor to Calvary, "Did God abandon Jesus?" We also share with you a powerfully poetic sermon on the "Cross of Christ as the Cosmic Tree" that was preached during Holy Week in the early church, somewhere around the 5th century. Fr. Thomas Rosica, shares his Good Friday homily, "Embracing the True Science of the Cross." And Paul Dion, STL shares his Holy Week report from the Holy Land called "Jerusalem - Good Friday."

HOLY SATURDAY. Here's a Holy Saturday reflection from Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB: "Between the Sadness of the Cross and the Joy of Easter."

EASTER HOMILIES. First, here are the Discussion Questions for Easter Sunday's Readings. Fr. James Gilhooley kicks things off with a very reflective Easter parable. Fr. Campion P. Gavaler explains that the climax of the Easter gospel lie in the statement "he saw and believed." Fr. Thomas Rosica echoes the sentiment when he talks about the silence and courage of the Resurrection witnesses.

The tomb is empty. But the world is full. The Savior Lives. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains this in "From Sacrifice to Salvation." Father Cusick says this is the beginning of the new creation ushered in by Christ's Resurrection.

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Fr. Phil Bloom preaches that by prayer and sacraments, He wants us to have His life - eternal life begins now. And without us - you and I - such a Savior would never have had a reason to come. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says now Christ’s wounded arms can sweep us up, comfort and absolve and hold us. And Deacon Jonathan Sorensen preaches that today we can laugh and rejoice in the great gift of our Risen Lord.

Finally, Fr. Alex McAllister reminds us that this is also the acid test of Christianity: whether there actually is a difference in our lives. And our Burning Question appropriately asks each of you: Do you invite the poor to your banquet? Check out "Chicken ala Carte," a moving video about the forgotten of our society for whom food is a luxury.

MORE ON EASTER. Many of us are getting ready for our Easter Sunday fiesta. The Easter ham has been bought, the other goodies are being prepared, the Easter eggs arew getting decorated. So here's a loud reminder to all: "Easter is not a low-budget Christmas!" Easter is what gives faith its meaning. Fr. Romy Seleccion, MS shares his "Ten Alleluias of the Resurrection." And Paul Dion, STL reminds us that this is the season of new life and vitality, the season when the cleansing that took place during Lent blossoms into greater resolve in the life of the Spirit.

ON LITURGY AND FAITH. we often hear the ambiguous assertion that the liturgy should be solemn and that people are looking for a solemn liturgy. Here's an article that serves to remind us that "A 'Solemn' Liturgy is Not a Somber Liturgy." And Paul Dion, STL reminds us that we Catholics have so much religion. We’re so proud of it that even when we haven’t the slightest idea of what it means to be a disciple of Christ, we still brag, “Yeah, I was Baptized Catholic.” Paul's "Lotsa Religion, How Much Faith?" will challenge you.

CATHOLIC NEWS. By now you've all heard about the Notre Dame-Obama controversy. Finally, here's an article that finally talks about the decades-old elephant in the closet: the issue that many Catholics privately disagree with abortion while publicly supporting it. And this week the Vatican, here's the full text of the Pope's homily for Chrism Mass for the church of Rome in St Peter's.

SPRING HEALTH TIPS. First, we bring you an article that challnges what is really a healthy weight. after reading this, you might decide that "Maybe You Need to Gain 10 Pounds?" Plus here's 9 health tips you can ignore right now. From eggs raising cholesterol to cold weather giving you a cold, Health magazine busts the biggest health myths out there.

Another eventful and reflective week in our Catholic world. Have a happy and most blessed Easter.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

Post a comment.
Click Here to view any of our previous weeks' issues
Click Here to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email


No comments:

Post a Comment