Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Brothers and Sisters
Be gentle and generous
With all of your kin

Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 / Col 3:12-21 / Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

The Sun has risen
Bringing unexpected gifts
Dare you unwrap them?

Is 9:1-6 / Ti 2:11-14 / Lk 2:1-14

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Prove your love, O Lord
Shock and awe; Let us have it
Wait, a lullaby?

Is 7:10-14 / Rom 1:1-7 / Mt 1:18-24

Third Sunday of Advent

In darkness, we wait
For our champion to come
Hope springs eternal.

Is 35:1-6a, 10 / Jas 5:7-10 / Mt 11:2-11

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Holy Mama Bear
Evil shall not conquer you
Never on Her watch!

Zec 2:14-17 / Lk 1:26-38

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our beautiful curse
Original Consciousness
First wonder … First dread

Gn 3:9-15, 20 / Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 / Lk 1:26-38

Second Sunday of Advent

Look, your family
Not in some future dreamworld
But right here, right now!

Is 11:1-10 / Rom 15:4-9 / Mt 3:1-12

First Sunday of Advent

A glimmer of dawn
Something fresh upon the breeze
Dare you awaken?

Is 2:1-5 / Rom 13:11-14 / Mt 24:37-44

Thanksgiving Day

Low has sin brought me
That I might discern Your door
Sing, O my soul, sing!

Sir 50:22-24 / 1 Cor 1:3-9 / Lk 17:11-19

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Left, Right, and Center
King Jesus marches with us
Fantasy fiefdoms.

2 Sm 5:1-3 / Col 1:12-20 / Lk 23:35-43

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Apocalypse now
Forms go extinct, Love remains
And the Dance moves on.

Mal 3:19-20a / 2 Thes 3:7-12 / Lk 21:5-19

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Idolatry sings
Take a bite, just a nibble
Only fools resist.

2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14 / 2 Thes 2:16–3:5 / Lk 20:27-38

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deplorable fools
Deserving of karma's wrath
Delivered, always.

Wis 11:22-12:2 / 2 Thes 1:11-2:2 / Lk 19:1-10

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

But where shall we go
Up, down, a place in between?
Something wonderful!

Wis 3:1-9 / Rom 5:5-11 / Jn 6:37-40

Solemnity of All Saints

We Sons and Daughters
Fools, weaklings, outcasts, dreamers
O blessed kingdom!

Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 / 1 Jn 3:1-3 / Mt 5:1-12a

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We crave division
Rich and poor, saint and sinner
They select us all.

Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 / 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 / Lk 18:9-14

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A thorn in Their side
Pestering … Pleading … Praying
A Parent's delight!

Ex 17:8-13 / 2 Tm 3:14-4:2 / Lk 18:1-8

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

They speak as They wish
Whenever, to whomever
Tradition be damned.

2 Kgs 5:14-17 / 2 Tm 2:8-13 / Lk 17:11-19

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

A world of justice
For those who have eyes to see
Their garden; Their way.

Hb 1:2-3; 2:2-4 / 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14 / Lk 17:5-10

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Naked and alone
With you, I have everything
O beloved yoke!

Gal 6:14-18 / Mt 11:25-30

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hearts dulled by goodies
Blind to needs under our feet
Beware: just desserts.

Am 6:1a, 4-7 / 1 Tm 6:11-16 / Lk 16:19-31

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"You can have it all!"
Brought to you by, "Greed is good!"
Sing, O dear cross, sing.

Am 8:4-7 / 1 Tm 2:1-8 / Lk 16:1-13

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

From each, as they are.
To each, as they truly need.
The glory of grace.

Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 / Mt 9:9-13

Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

So smooth and silky!
Aah, the finer things in life.
But what a price tag.

1 Tm 6:2c-12 / Lk 8:1-3

Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Sweet tears of remorse.
Their love greater than my sin.
In this, I believe.

1 Tm 4:12-16 / Lk 7:36-50

Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Dance for me, Jesus!
Wisdom or affirmation?
Time to grow up, kids.

1 Tm 3:14-16 / Lk 7:31-35

Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Dead as a doornail,
Our souls long to hear Their voice:
"I tell you, arise!"

1 Tm 3:1-13 / Lk 7:11-17

Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

"I am not worthy."
Yet They refuse me nothing.
O my beloved!

1 Tm 2:1-8 / Lk 7:1-10

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Come and celebrate!
Boundless generosity
For we wayward fools.

Ex 32:7-11, 13-14 / 1 Tm 1:12-17 / Lk 15:1-32

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

O beloved Cross!
Create in me a clean heart.
Your will, forever.

Nm 21:4b-9 / Phil 2:6-11 / Jn 3:13-17

Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Weep! Wail! Knash those teeth!
Confronting sin feels so right!
And cheaper than love.

1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14 / Lk 6:39-42

Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Beat me. Steal from me.
Cannot change your name to me.
My sibling, always.

Col 3:12-17 / Lk 6:27-38

Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Death comes for us all,
In tumult or in whispers.
Not the final word.

Col 3:1-11 / Lk 6:20-26

Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Sweet utopia,
Full of love, light, and candy.
Too sweet to be True.

Col 2:6-15 / Lk 6:12-19

Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Blood, sweat, toil, and tears.
For the family. For you.
Rejoice, O my soul!

Col 1:24-2:3 / Lk 6:6-11

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Glorious wisdom!
Mysterious is your way,
But never unknown.

Wis 9:13-18b / Phlm 9-10, 12-17 / Lk 14:25-33

Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Laws, laws everywhere.
But whom is the final judge?
Love über alles.

Col 1:21-23 / Lk 6:1-5

Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

The old might be good,
But this new vintage delights
Everlastingly.

Col 1:15-20 / Lk 5:33-39

Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Depart from us, Lord,
For we are but sinful fools!
Then, They astonish.

Col 1:9-14 / Lk 5:1-11

Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Hope springs eternal.
Not in you or me, but Them.
O blessed garden.

Col 1:1-8 / Lk 4:38-44

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Their times and seasons
Are most wondrous to behold.
Can you not see them?

1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11 / Lk 4:31-37

Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Behold, the cool kids:
So shiny! Shall we follow
Or love the outcasts?

1 Thes 4:13-18 / Lk 4:16-30

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Think not of yourself
As big or grand or special.
Their prize, not the world's.

Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 / Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a / Lk 14:1, 7-14

Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Invest your talents
And earn your Lord a profit.
But what currency?

1 Thes 4:9-11 / Mt 25:14-30

Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

"In lustful passion,"
We indulge without a care.
But whom do we use?

1 Thes 4:1-8 / Mt 25:1-13

Thursday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

"Increase and abound."
May your heart be overwhelmed
And know as They know.

1 Thes 3:7-13 / Mk 6:17-29

Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Woe to us blind fools.
Style over substance: Our grail.
Seek what is honest.

1 Thes 2:9-13 / Mt 23:27-32

Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Woe to us blind fools.
Minutiae: Our fetish.
Seek what is weighty.

1 Thes 2:1-8 / Mt 23:23-26

Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Not just pretty words.
Delicious fire everywhere.
Taste and see Their truth.

1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 / Mt 23:13-22

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Narrow, but stretchy.
Fear not, your Parent's trials.
Their gate is open.

Is 66:18-21 / Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 / Lk 13:22-30

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

Before you were born,
They held your soul in Their hands.
"Glorious splendor!"

Rv 21:9b-14 / Jn 1:45-51

Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Love God. Love neighbor.
That is all They ask of you.
"Praise the Lord, my soul!"

Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22 / Mt 22:34-40

Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

The unworthy soul
Stands naked before their Lord.
Silence is deadly.

Jgs 11:29-39a / Mt 22:1-14

Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Deathbed conversion
Equals lifetime of sainthood.
Only in Their dreams.

Jgs 9:6-15 / Mt 20:1-16

Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

A tiny camel.
Rich or poor, obey Their will
And you shall pass through.

Jgs 6:11-24a / Mt 19:23-30

Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Give all, then follow.
Will you walk away sadly?
Or rejoice gladly?

Jgs 2:11-19 / Mt 19:16-22

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hiding from Truth's fire
Leads to tepid harmony
Not the finish line.

Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 / Heb 12:1-4 / Lk 12:49-53

Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Pious barricades
Shall not keep us from our prize.
"Let them come," They say.

Jos 24:14-29 / Mt 19:13-15

Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Such glorious fruit
From orchards we did not plant.
Fat and happy souls!

Jos 24:1-13 / Mt 19:3-12

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O Holy Mother,
Infuse us with your boldness.
Blessed be Their will!

Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab / 1 Cor 15:20-27 / Lk 1:39-56

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

For whom would you die?
Lover? Stranger? Enemy?
Precious in Their eyes.

Wis 3:1-9 / Jn 15:12-16

Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Foolish innocence.
Embrace your dependency.
Embrace your greatness.

Dt 31:1-8 / Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Stranger to someone,
Whom shall show mercy to you?
Befriend the unknown.

Dt 10:12-22 / Mt 17:22-27

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Vigilance, my friends,
Vigilance. The end is near,
Or not. Vigilance.

Wis 18:6-9 / Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 / Lk 12:32-48

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Give all, for your God.
Give all, for your family.
The language of love.

2 Cor 9:6-10 / Jn 12:24-26

Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Earth. Water. Air. Fire.
Signs and wonders and a cross.
All for you and me.

Dt 4:32-40 / Mt 16:24-28

Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A simple question:
"Who do you say that I am?"
My beloved friend.

Nm 20:1-13 / Mt 16:13-23

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

"Send these dogs away.
They do not belong with us."
A surprise ending.

Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26-29a, 34-35 / Mt 15:21-28

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Sublime truth exposed.
Their glory, for us to see.
Siblings, your siblings.

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 / 2 Pt 1:16-19 / Lk 9:28b-36

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Eat, drink, be merry!
Let your troubles fall away.
They will satisfy.

Nm 11:4b-15 / Mt 14:13-21

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wealth. Security.
Vanity, sweet vanity!
Grace is all you need.

Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23 / Col 3:1-5, 9-11 / Lk 12:13-21

Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

The trumpet's echo:
You did not create your feast.
Deal fairly. Forgive.

Lv 25:1, 8-17; Mt 14:1-12

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Ordinariness,
Sits right next to godliness.
Sing to Them with joy!

Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Mt 13:54-58

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Behold, Their dwelling!
Come, good and bad are welcome.
See, a new day dawns.

Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

Their glory or mine?
Arrogance is slippery.
Surrender to Them.

1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Lk 14:25-33

Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Stubborn, stubborn fools!
They love us so very much.
The icy furnace.

Ex 33:7-11, 34:5b-9, 28; Mt 13:36-43

Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Look, our Golden Calf!
Now we will have it our way!
Yay! What could go wrong?

Ex 32:15-24, 30-34; Jn 11:19-27

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Beauty, sorrow, hope,
And love. We receive so much,
But refuse to find.

Gn 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13

Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Divide and conquer.
Souls under the microscope.
They find only wheat.

Ex 24:3-8; Mt 13:24-30

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Idols everywhere.
You shall know Them by their love.
Jealousy or truth?

Ex 20:1-17; Mt 13:18-23

Feast of Saint James, Apostle

Grant my wish, O Lord,
To bear the greatest title:
Your useless servant.

2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt 20:20-28

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Troubles and trials.
Unrecognizable grace.
"You shall have your fill."

Ex 16:1-5, 9-15; Mt 13:1-9

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

We are Their children.
Friend and foe, all family.
Behold, the kingdom!

Ex 14:21-15:1; Mt 12:46-50

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Longing and aching,
Loving unashamedly.
Something wonderful!

Sg 3:1-4b; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Image. Power. Stuff.
We fuss and fret till we die.
Choose better. Choose Them.

Gn 18:1-10a; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Behold, Their chosen,
Their beloved, Their delight!
Hint: That is all you.

Ex 12:37-42; Mt 12:14-21

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Sacred Tradition.
All honor to its owner.
Hint: That is not us.

Ex 11:10-12:14; Mt 12:1-8

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

What is in a name?
Definitions and answers.
We Are; all you need.

Ex 3:13-20; Mt 11:28-30

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Wondrous mystery!
Books and degrees are useless.
Listen to the fool.

Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Mt 11:25-27

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

"The abysmal swamp."
You cannot escape alone.
Trust or die. Your choice.

Ex 2:1-15a; Mt 11:20-24

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Truth or ecstasy.
Pick one and claim your reward.
"Not peace but the sword."

Ex 1:8-14, 22; Mt 10:34-11:1

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

See the one you hate.
Their hand offered in friendship.
"Go and do likewise."

Dt 30:10-14; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37

Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Fear not, my siblings.
You will never be denied.
"May your hearts be glad!"

Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Mt 10:24-33

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

"Here I am," O Lord.
Your refuge, your love, your all.
For you, I endure.

Gn 46:1-7, 28-30; Mt 10:16-23

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Holy E ticket!
Twist! Turn! Loop! How will it end?
Marvel of marvels.

Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Mt 10:7-15

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Who are these "lost sheep"?
This tribe? That tribe? All the tribes?
Mercy shall be theirs.

Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Mt 10:1-7

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Test me with your fire.
I long to behold your face.
Something wonderful!

Gn 32:23-33; Mt 9:32-38

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Life is dangerous.
My enemies everywhere.
Courage! Trust in Them!

Gn 28:10-22a; Mt 9:18-26

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Cry out with delight.
For the kingdom is at hand.
Do you not see it?

Is 66:10-14c; Gal 6:14-18; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Behold, something new!
Co-opt? Reject? Embrace? Fear?
They favor the bold.

Gn 27:1-5, 15-29; Mt 9:14-17

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Racist, sexist scum.
Whom would They dine with today?
Love the unworthy.

Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Mt 9:9-13

Independence Day

Love says: Sacrifice.
World says: Be free! Take! Use! Play!
Whom shall you obey?

Gn 22:1b-19; Mt 9:1-8

Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Something wonderful!
What proof could ever quench doubt?
Embrace mystery.

Eph 2:19-22; Jn 20:24-29

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Life is violence.
"Save us! We are perishing!"
All as it should be.

Gn 19:15-29; Mt 8:23-27

Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Evil, we have done.
Destruction, do we deserve.
Mercy, They give us.

Gn 18:16-33; Mt 8:18-22

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Follow me," They say.
Grace, your sole inheritance.
O Lord, you are mine.

1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

The Persecutor,
And the Disloyal Witness.
Let these be our rocks.

Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Losers, They so love.
Make us sleek and strong again!
Glory be, O fools!

Ez 34:11-16; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5b-11; Lk 15:3-7

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Behold, the kingdom!
Your resume matters not.
Did obey their voice?

Gn 16:1-12, 15-16; Ps 106:1-5; Mt 7:21-29

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

What fruit do I bear?
They whisper into my heart.
My words: false or true?

Gn 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps 105:1-9; Mt 7:15-20

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Fame! Money! Power!
The world sees a narrow gate.
Fools see a freeway.

Gn 13:2, 5-18; Ps 15:1-5; Mt 7:6, 12-14

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Hear me, O siblings.
They created me to speak.
Will any listen?

Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Hear our Parent's voice:
You are worthy to receive.
All. No exceptions.

Gn 14:18-20; Ps 110:1-4; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Serve God or mammon?
One brings fun, and one brings joy.
But which gift will last?

2 Cor 12:1-10; Ps 34:8-13; Mt 6:24-34

Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Earthly treasures fall.
Wonder is all you will need.
Delight in weakness.

2 Cor 11:18, 21-30; Ps 34:2-7, 18; Mt 6:19-23

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Holy foolishness!
Forgive and be forgiven.
Whose will shall be done?

2 Cor 11:1-11; Ps 111:1-8; Mt 6:7-15

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Be like your Parent.
Live with generosity.
Signal virtue, not.

2 Cor 9:6-11; Ps 112:1-9; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

See the one you hate.
Help them. Befriend them. Love them.
"Praise the Lord, my soul!"

2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146:1-9; Mt 5:43-48

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

A human doormat?
Trust in salvation alone?
"Wondrous deeds", indeed.

2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98:1-4; Mt 5:38-42

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

God: Three equals one.
They are strange! Alleluia!
More to say. Not now.

Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:2-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord

The tomb is open and here is your hope: "Seek what is above."

Many will call this escapism. They find hope in the power of smart people and smart ideas. They place their faith in utopian promises of transforming our world into something better, something beautiful. But such dreams, noble as they might be, always end in death and despair. For they are human schemes, and such things always come with the human baggage of greed, arrogance, and brutality.

Which is why our Parent asks us to "think of what is above, not of what is on earth." This is not a call to deny the reality of the culture of death, but an invitation to see that reality for what it truly is. Things we perceive as ugly or futile are actually steps in a grand plan that might take decades or centuries to come to fruition. God always produces what they desire, which is why love always wins.

Yes, accepting this invitation brings great challenges, but not an impossible task. And once you gaze through your Parent's eyes, you will never want to look away. You will come to know that your purpose is not to fix the world, but to weave your small piece in the grand tapestry of life. In short, you will find something wonderful, something that makes every day worthy of rejoicing and being glad.

So once more, here is your hope: "Seek what is above." Will you take it?

Acts 10:34-43; Psalms 118:1-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9

Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

We are a brutal species. Our record of murder and warfare stretches back thousands upon thousands of years. We can cry out "never again" all we want. We can march and protest day after day. We can strategize and legalize and proclaim all sorts of noble things. But we will still kill one another, over and over and over again. As long as we are human, we will kill one another. It is what we do.

And today, of all days, we are called to confront this truth. For the cross is not a moral aberration. No, it is who we are: abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, gangs, genocide, honor killings, terrorism, vigilantism, et cetera, et cetera. Is there any doubt that ours is a culture of death? Even if we never pull a trigger or plunge a dagger ourselves, we all enable it and we are all drowning in it.

Yes, hope lies just beyond the horizon. But we are not there yet, not today. Today, we are called to lie in the tomb; to sit with who we are and what we do; to recognize that hope is not the product of smart people or smart ideas; to see that while the culture of death might be our reality, we do not have to live there. Yes, hope is within reach, if we are brave enough to wait in the tomb for her arrival.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalms 31:2-25; Hebrews 4:14-5:9; John 18:1-19:42