All posts by : Rich Detrick

My dear brothers and sisters, today, as we gather to reflect on the Word of God, we are invited to delve into the profound mystery of the new covenant that the Lord offers us, a covenant sealed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The readings presented to us on this Fifth Sunday of Lent reveal to us the depth of God’s love for humanity and the transformative power of obedience, suffering, and sacrifice.                                

In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear the promise of a new covenant, unlike the old covenant made with the Israelites when they were led out of Egypt. This new covenant is not one merely written on tablets of stone but is inscribed upon the very hearts of God’s people. God promises to dwell within us, guiding us with His law, forgiving our sins, and establishing an intimate relationship with us. This covenant speaks of restoration, reconciliation, and a deep communion between God and His people.                                                                           

As we reflect on the words of Jeremiah, we are reminded of the profound truth that God’s desire is not simply to impose laws upon us but to transform us from within, to shape our hearts according to His will. This transformation is made possible through the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as we hear in the second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews.                                                                                        

In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the Father. He experienced the depths of human suffering and learned obedience through His own trials. Yet, in His obedience unto death, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who believe in Him. Through His suffering and death on the cross, Jesus opened the way for us to be reconciled with God and to experience the fullness of life.                                                                     

The Gospel passage from John further illuminates the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and the call to discipleship. When some Greeks come seeking Jesus, He speaks of the hour of His glorification, which is to come through His imminent death and resurrection. Jesus uses the imagery of a grain of wheat, illustrating that only through dying to oneself can one bear much fruit. He challenges us to embrace the paradox of losing our lives in order to find true life in Him. Whoever serves Him must follow Him, even to the point of self-sacrifice.      

Jesus’ own prayer in the face of His impending death reveals His complete surrender to the Father’s will. He does not ask to be spared from His hour of suffering but instead prays for the Father’s glory to be revealed through His sacrifice. In this moment, Jesus models for us the perfect obedience and trust in God’s plan, even in the midst of anguish and uncertainty.                                                                                               

My brothers and sisters, as we journey through this season of Lent, let us reflect on the profound implications of the new covenant established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us allow God to inscribe His law upon our hearts, transforming us from within and guiding us in our journey of faith. May we embrace the call to discipleship, following Jesus with wholehearted devotion, even if it means embracing the cross. And may we, like Jesus, surrender ourselves completely to the Father’s will, trusting in His promise of eternal life and glory.                                                                                                           

As we prepare to enter into Holy Week, let us enter into these sacred mysteries with hearts open to receive God’s grace and mercy. Let us walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary, knowing that it is through His sacrifice that we are redeemed. And let us rejoice in the hope of the resurrection, which brings new life and the fulfillment of God’s promises.                                                                                                                

May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forever.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we gather on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, the Scriptures invite us to reflect on the profound themes of God’s mercy, grace, and the transformative power of His light in our lives. The readings today offer a narrative that echoes the persistent love of God despite human waywardness and the opportunity for redemption through faith in Christ.                                                         

The first reading from the Second Book of Chronicles reveals a painful episode in the history of God’s people. The princes, priests, and the entire community of Judah turned away from the Lord, adding infidelity upon infidelity. They not only abandoned God’s commandments but also defiled the sacred temple in Jerusalem. In response to their rebellion, the Lord, out of compassion, sent messengers early and often to guide them back to the path of righteousness. However, the people mocked, despised, and scoffed at these messengers, kindling the Lord’s anger to the point where there was no remedy.                                                                  

The consequences were severe – the destruction of the temple, the burning of the house of God, and the exile of the people to Babylon. Yet, even in the midst of their disobedience, God’s mercy endured. The prophetic words of Jeremiah were fulfilled, and in the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, God inspired him to proclaim the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This demonstrates the enduring mercy of God, who, even in the face of our waywardness, seeks our redemption and restoration.                                                      

In the second reading from the Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul extols the richness of God’s mercy. We are reminded that it is by God’s grace, not by our works, that we have been saved. Paul underscores that salvation is a gift, freely given out of God’s great love for us. We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, and this call to live virtuously is a response to the grace we have received.

The Gospel according to John continues this theme, drawing a parallel between the lifting up of the serpent in the desert and the upcoming crucifixion of the Son of Man. Jesus emphasizes that just as Moses lifted up the serpent for the healing of the Israelites, so too will the Son of Man be lifted up for the salvation of the world. This lifting up is not for condemnation but for eternal life for all who believe.                                                                                               

The Gospel passage encapsulates the essence of God’s love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” This act of divine love transcends our understanding. God sent His Son not to condemn but to save the world through Him. The choice lies with us – to believe and embrace the light or to remain in darkness due to our wicked deeds.                                                                             

The outcome is clear – those who believe in the Son of God are not condemned. However, those who reject the light, preferring darkness, are already condemned because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. The light has come into the world, and it reveals the truth of our actions. Those who live in the truth willingly come to the light, exposing their deeds as done in God. As we journey through this Lenten season, let us reflect on the mercy and grace God has lavished upon us. Let us recognize the moments when we, like the people of Judah, have turned away from God’s ways. Yet, in our shortcomings, let us be reassured by the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father, who sent His Son to be lifted up for our salvation. May we choose to live in the light, embracing the truth, and allowing our deeds to be seen as done in God.                                                                                                           

May the grace of God transform our lives, and His light guide us on the path to eternal life.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we gather on this Second Sunday of Lent to reflect upon the Word of God, we are presented with powerful and challenging readings that call us to deepen our faith and trust in the Lord.                                                                                

In the first reading from the book of Genesis, we encounter the dramatic story of Abraham’s faith and obedience. God, in a test of Abraham’s devotion, instructs him to take his beloved son, Isaac, and offer him as a sacrifice on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Imagine the profound test of faith that Abraham faced – to surrender the very promise of descendants as numerous as the stars. Yet, Abraham’s response is immediate and unwavering: “Here I am!” This readiness to submit to God’s will is a testament to Abraham’s profound trust and obedience.                                                                      

As we contemplate Abraham’s journey to the mountain, let us reflect on our own willingness to trust God in the face of challenges. Are we ready to surrender our most cherished possessions, relationships, or plans when God calls us to do so? Abraham’s faith challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask whether we truly place God above all else in our lives.                                                       

But God, in His infinite mercy, does not allow Abraham to carry out the sacrifice. The angel of the Lord intervenes, preventing the harm to Isaac, and provides a ram for the sacrifice instead. In this moment, we witness not only Abraham’s faith but also God’s faithfulness. God honors and rewards Abraham’s obedience, promising blessings as numerous as the stars.                                        

In the second reading from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul reassures us of God’s unwavering love. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul declares. The ultimate expression of God’s love is seen in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. God did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for us all. This sacrifice is the pinnacle of God’s love, a love that knows no bounds. In Christ’s death and resurrection, we find redemption, forgiveness, and the assurance that God is always with us.

As we journey through Lent, let us reflect on the depth of God’s love for us. Let us embrace the assurance that, if God is for us, nothing can stand against us. No sin is too great, no trial too difficult, for God’s love conquers all.                                                          

The Gospel passage recounts the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. Peter, James, and John witness the dazzling transformation of their Lord, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside Him. In the midst of this awe-inspiring scene, God’s voice echoes from the cloud, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son and commanding the disciples to listen to Him.                                

The transfiguration offers a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, confirming His identity as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Peter’s desire to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah reveals a human inclination to cling to extraordinary moments. However, God’s voice reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate revelation, the one to whom we must listen.                                  

In our lives, we may also experience mountaintop moments – encounters with God that leave us in awe. Yet, like the disciples, we are called to descend from the mountain and carry the message of Christ into the ordinary moments of our daily lives. The transfiguration challenges us to listen to Jesus not only in moments of ecstasy but also in the midst of life’s challenges and struggles.      As we continue our Lenten journey, let us heed the words of the Father: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” In prayer, in Scripture, and in the sacraments, let us attentively listen to the voice of Christ, allowing His teachings to transform our hearts and guide our actions.                                                                                      

In conclusion, the readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, obedience, love, and listening to God. Abraham’s trust in God’s plan, Paul’s assurance of God’s love, and the transfiguration’s call to listen to Christ all converge to deepen our understanding of the Lenten season. May we, like Abraham, trust in God’s providence; like Paul, rest in the love of the Father; and like the disciples, attentively listen to the voice of Christ, especially as we journey through this sacred season of Lent.                                

May the grace of God strengthen us in faith, hope, and love, guiding us towards the joy of the Resurrection.

My dear brothers and sisters, as we gather on this First Sunday of Lent, the Word of God invites us to reflect on the profound themes of covenant, salvation, and repentance. The readings from the Book of Genesis, the First Letter of Peter, and the Gospel of Mark weave a tapestry that guides us through the journey of Lent, a season of penance and preparation for the celebration of the Paschal mystery.                       

In the first reading, we hear the narrative of God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures. After the devastating flood, God establishes a covenant, a solemn and unbreakable promise, with humanity and every living being. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, a reminder of God’s mercy and the pledge never to destroy the earth with water again. This covenant sets the stage for the overarching theme of God’s fidelity and mercy throughout salvation history.                  

The covenant made with Noah finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as illuminated in the second reading from the First Letter of Peter. The Apostle reminds us that Christ, the righteous one, suffered for the sake of the unrighteous, bridging the gap between God and humanity. The reference to Noah and the ark underscores the connection between the Old and New Testaments. In the days of Noah, a few were saved through water, prefiguring the saving grace of baptism that cleanses us, not merely from physical impurity but from sin itself. Baptism, as Peter articulates, is an appeal to God for a clear conscience, a spiritual rebirth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.                                                                 

The Gospel according to Mark transports us to the desert where Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, faces the temptations of Satan for forty days. The desert, a place of solitude and trial, mirrors the Israelites’ journey and becomes a fitting backdrop for Jesus’ preparation for his public ministry. As he overcomes the temptations, Jesus emerges triumphant, symbolizing the victory of righteousness over sin.            

The connection of the desert experience and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God in Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the transformative power of repentance. The time of fulfillment has come, and Jesus invites us to repent and believe in the Gospel. Lent becomes a sacred period for us to examine our lives, turn away from sin, and embrace the Good News.

As we embark on our Lenten journey, we are called to reflect on the covenantal relationship we share with God. The rainbow, a sign of hope and God’s enduring promise, challenges us to recognize the beauty of God’s mercy in our lives. The waters of baptism, as Peter articulates, are not mere rituals but a transformative encounter with Christ, leading to a clear conscience and a life lived in accordance with God’s will.              

In the desert of our own lives, where we may face temptations, struggles, and uncertainties, let us remember that Jesus, too, walked this path. He was not immune to the challenges of being human, yet he overcame them through reliance on the Holy Spirit and fidelity to the Father’s will.                                                                                                         

This Lent, let us emulate Christ’s journey in the desert. Let us confront our temptations, seek God’s guidance in prayer, and rely on the angels—God’s messengers—who minister to us in times of trial. The call to repentance is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God.                                                                     

May this Lenten season be a time of profound transformation, where we deepen our commitment to God, embrace the sacraments, and journey toward Easter with hearts renewed. As we fast, pray, and perform acts of charity, may we be reminded of God’s covenant, the saving power of Christ, and the eternal significance of repentance. May the Holy Spirit guide us on this sacred journey, and may we emerge from Lent as a people renewed, strengthened, and ever closer to the heart of God.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather on this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are met with the profound words of the Lord in the Priestly Blessing from the book of Numbers. In the context of today’s celebration, we also find ourselves at the threshold of the Vietnamese New Year, a time of joy, renewal, and the spirit of community. Let us reflect on these readings and draw inspiration for the coming year.                                                                                                   

In the Priestly Blessing, God instructs Moses to convey a divine message of blessing to Aaron and his sons, a message that is meant not only for the people of Israel but for all of us. The Lord’s desire is to bestow His blessings upon us, to keep us under His loving care, to let His face shine upon us, to be gracious to us, and to grant us peace. It is a beautiful and profound reminder that our lives are marked by the presence and benevolence of God.                                                                 

As we embrace the Vietnamese New Year, let us carry this divine blessing in our hearts. May the Lord bless our homes, our families, and our communities. May His face shine upon us, filling our lives with grace and peace. In the midst of the celebrations, let us not forget to invoke God’s presence and seek His guidance for the coming year.         

The second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians encourages us to live our lives for the glory of God. Paul reminds us that everything we do, whether eating or drinking, should be done with the intention of glorifying God. This call to holiness and selflessness is especially relevant as we embark on a new year. Let us resolve to live our lives in a way that pleases God, seeking not our own benefit but the well-being of others, that they may be saved.                                                    

In the spirit of the Vietnamese New Year, let us be imitators of Christ, just as St. Paul exhorts us to imitate him. Christ, in today’s Gospel, encounters a leper who approaches Him with faith, saying, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Touched by compassion, Jesus responds, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy leaves the man immediately.

As we celebrate the New Year, let us approach God with the same trust and confidence. Let us bring our hopes, dreams, and concerns before Him, trusting that His compassionate gaze is upon us. May the Lord, like the good shepherd, stretch out His hand to heal, cleanse, and renew us. In our journey of faith, let us be mindful to follow the example of Christ and bring healing and compassion to those around us.                   

The Gospel also reminds us of the responsibility that comes with encountering God’s mercy. After healing the leper, Jesus instructs him not to publicize the miracle but to go and show himself to the priest as prescribed by the law. However, the man cannot contain his joy and begins to spread the news, making it difficult for Jesus to enter towns openly.                                                                                                                 

In our excitement and gratitude for God’s blessings, let us be mindful of how we share His goodness with others. May our actions be in accordance with God’s will, and may we be prudent in our words and deeds, ensuring that we reflect the humility and obedience exemplified by Christ.                                                                                                                

As we celebrate the Vietnamese New Year, let us extend our blessings to one another. May this year be filled with joy, prosperity, and an abundance of God’s grace. Let us build a community where love, compassion, and mutual respect prevail. May the Lord bless us and keep us, making His face shine upon us and granting us peace.                           

In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, let us carry the Priestly Blessing in our hearts throughout the Vietnamese New Year and the entire Ordinary Time. May the words of St. Paul resonate in our minds as we strive to live for the glory of God in all that we do. May the compassion and healing touch of Jesus inspire us to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world. Wishing you all a blessed New Year filled with God’s abundant grace and peace.