In the Encyclical Mediator Dei, Pope Pius XII states that it "is not a cold and lifeless representation of the events of the past, or a simple ... record of a former age. [The liturgical year] is rather Christ Himself who is ever living in His Church. Here He continues that journey of immense mercy which He lovingly began in His mortal life ... with the design of bringing men to know His mysteries and in a way live by them. These mysteries are ever present and active" (III Divinum Officium et Annus Liturgicus, II Cyclus Mysteriorum).

Dear friends,

In John's Gospel Jesus says: "In my Father's House there are many dwelling places...and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be." (John 14:2-3) Prior to His Passion Jesus gave out conditions for Discipleship: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mathew 16:21)

The Catholic Church not only ranks its members in a hierarchy, but its buildings too. Not every large and impressive church is a cathedral, and not every small local church you attend Mass at may be a parish.

Dear friends,

Wise people say, "Those who do not forgive break the bridge on which they have to pass." This is because everyone needs forgiveness. In response to Peter's question, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?"Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times." (Mathew 18:21-22)

I said in an article a few weeks ago that Auxiliary Bishops are bishops of their own dioceses; however, the "titular dioceses" these bishops belong to no longer have any jurisdiction over a geographical area or any people.

Dear friends,

We are called to a life of Holiness.

Holiness as a noun means "the state of being holy." It is "a life of holiness and a total devotion to God" (Definition from the Oxford English Dictionary). Holiness is an essential attribute of God, and it reflects His perfect and unblemished nature. Literally speaking, living a holy life means that the Christian is set apart, reserved to give glory to God. It is a life of discipline, focus, and attention to matters of righteous living.

Immediately after recalling Jesus' Last Supper, [Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC) of the Second Vatican Council] speaks of the Eucharist in Augustinian terms. For Christians, taking part at the Lord's table means being "instructed by God's word and ... nourished ... [giving ] thanks to God"(cf. SC, 48) ... The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Kingdom that is to come. It is the Bread for the journey that leads us to our heavenly homeland, until that blessed day when "God will be all in all" (1 Cor 15:28).

Dear Friends,

One fascinating Biblical story for me in the Old Testament is that of the burning bush, where Moses met God in a mysterious way (Exodus 3:1-12). The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were facing a real crisis in Egypt, where they were forced to live in slavery. It was not easy for anyone to speak about God nor to experience His presence in suffering. However, while in exile shepherding his father-in-law Jethro's flock, Moses saw the bush on fire which was not getting consumed; he became curious about it, saying, "I must turn aside to look at this remarkable sight. Why does the bush not burn up?"

The Church has two types of public prayer it offers to God on behalf of all the world: the Holy Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer. The Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer.