HOLY THURSDAY – The Other Great Commission

Lenten Reflection, #37

Jesus gives two Great Commissions. One is called “The Great Commission” and was given before leaving his Disciples after the Resurrection. The other was given at the Last Supper. Fr. Bill discusses how Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, but also of the Commission Jesus gave to His Disciples, and, by extension, to the entire Church.

JUDAS ISCARIOT, SCANDALS AND THE CHURCH’S CREDIBILITY

Reflection for Wednesday of Holy Week

Judas Iscariot is addressed in all four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Each one tells the story differently, and in one case the tradition of his fate is a bit different than the traditional story. What does the story of Judas and his betrayal of Jesus tell us about what the early Church had to face in dealing with him and his memory, and how can we, as Church, learn from that experience as we face scandals today?

MARY MAGDALENE – Model of Purification and Gratitude

Reflection for Monday of Holy Week

St. Mary Magdalene is identified by name in all Four Gospels, but is also associated with Mary of Bethany, and two anonymous “sinners” to become a unique and dynamically substantial presence in Church tradition, born from her presence in the Holy Scripture.

How does Mary Magdalene reflect a kind of discipleship, and how does she compare with the “other” Mary of the Jesus story?