Commentary: The English word "Lent" is of Germanic origin, from the Old English (A.K.A. Anglo-Saxon) lencten & related etymologically to the Dutch lente & the German lenz, both meaning "spring" (the season, not the water source or the metal curly-cue). The Latin name, Quadragesima, means "fortieth," referring to the penitential season's length.
Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Second Sunday of Lent
The Book of Genesis, chapter twenty-two, verses one, two, nine(a), ten thru thirteen, & fifteen thru eighteen;
Psalm One Hundred Sixteen, verses ten, fifteen, sixteen & seventeen, & eighteen & nineteen;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter eight, verses thirty-one(b) thru thirty-four;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter nine, verses two thru ten.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today’s Gospel presents the Transfiguration of Christ. What is the Transfiguration itself? Mark speaks literally of a metamorphosis, of going beyond the form that he had. If I can use Paul’s language, it is “the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ.” In and through his humble humanity, his divinity shines forth. The proximity of his divinity in no way compromises the integrity of his humanity, but rather makes it shine in greater beauty. This is the New Testament version of the burning bush.Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Jesus who is both divine and human is the Jesus who is evangelically compelling. If he is only divine, then he doesn’t touch us; if he is only human, then he can’t save us. His splendor consists in the coming together of the two natures, without mixing, mingling, or confusion.
This same Jesus then accompanies his disciples back down the mountain and walks with them in the ordinary rhythms of their lives. This is the Christ who wants to reign as Lord of our lives in every detail. If we forget about this dimension, then Jesus becomes a distant memory, a figure from the past.
Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.
Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.
Mass Journal: Week Nine
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:
I believe God wants us to be happy. I believe God gave us this yearning for happiness that constantly preoccupies our hearts. It seems He has placed this yearning within each human heart as a spiritual navigational instrument designed to lead us to our destiny. God Himself is the author of our desire for happiness. The philosophy of Christ is the ultimate philosophy of human happiness. It isn't just a way of life; it is the way of life. At the same time, the philosophy of Christ is one of self-donation. This is the great paradox of God's teaching. In our misguided adventures, we may catch glimpses of happiness as we live outside of the philosophy of Christ. You may even taste happiness for a moment living a life contrary to the philosophy of Christ, but these are stolen moment. They may seem real, but they are just shadows of something infinitely greater.†
Otherwise, 25 February would be the festival of Saint Walpurga, Abbess, O.S.B. (circa 710-779; also spelt Walburga, A.K.A. Vanderburg, etc.): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
Commentary: Wayback Machine. Daughter of St. Richard the Pilgrim [7 February], niece of St. Boniface [5 June], & sister of Ss. Willibald [7 June] & Winebald [18 December].
'Twould also be the festival of Saint Gerland of Agrigento, Bishop (died circa 1104): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, Religious, O.F.M. (1502-1600, the "Angel of Mexico"): Blessed-link ūnus, Blessed-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.
'Twould also be the festival of Saints Luigi Versiglia, Bishop, & Callistus Caravario, Priest, Martyrs (died 1930), martyred defending girls from Bolshevik slavers, the last two of the one hundred twenty Martyr Saints of China (A.K.A. Saint Augustine Zhao Rong & Companions: Martyr-link Lima Victor & Martyr-link Charlie Charlie; Martyrs-link CXX & Wikipedia-link CXX.
Papal Quote o' the Day
"Follow Jesus in order to listen to Him. But also let us listen to Jesus in His written Word, in the Gospel. This is what Christian life is. It is a mission for the whole Church, for all the baptized, for us all: listen to Jesus & offer Him to others."Saint Quote o' the Day
—Pope Francis
"We judge all things according to the divine truth."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast day: 28 August)
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