What is Friendship?

Russian icon, The Mystical Supper (early 14th century). Fresco in Vatopedi Monastery, Mt. Athos.

5th Week of Easter, Friday

John 15:12-17

“I have called you friends.”

Extraordinary words uttered by Jesus. Greek philosophers like Aristotle had already proven for centuries that friendship with the gods was impossible.… Read the rest

Pray for us to God, O Queen of Heaven!

Photo art by Fr. Victor Hoagland, C.P. and Gloria M. Chang

The Regina Caeli is a 12th century antiphon in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that is prayed during the Easter season in place of the Angelus. A legend records that during a pestilence in Rome, while the Regina Caeli was being prayed in procession with her image, angels were heard singing along and an end was put to the plague.… Read the rest

Peas, P’s, Peace

“Three Peas” ©️2020 Gloria M. Chang

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

John 14:27-31a

Today’s Gospel passage not only inspires the “three peas,” but also illuminates three P’s: peace, person, and power.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.… Read the rest

Divine Friendship

Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, Russia, 12th century

4th week of Easter, Saturday

John 14:7-14

“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.”

John 14:7

In an intimate friendship, there is a deep sense of feeling truly known and understood.… Read the rest

The Way

Duccio, The Last Supper, Maestá altarpiece (1311)

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 14:1-6

Facing his impending death, Jesus comforted his disciples, saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”… Read the rest

Omniscient Love

Duccio, The Washing of Feet and the Supper, Maestá altarpiece, 1308-1311

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 13:16-20

If you knew in detail what would happen tomorrow, would you plan for a favorable outcome?

Jesus had all the advantages of divine omniscience, yet he freely and knowingly welcomed Judas into his intimate circle of friends.… Read the rest

Whoever Sees Me

Christ Pantocrator, Mosaic from Hagia Sophia

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 12:44-50

Since the time humankind began philosophizing, we have wondered about the nature of ultimate reality. What is it? Earth, air, fire, water? Atoms? Matter? Mind? Spirit?… Read the rest

God’s Beloved Sheep

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

John 10:22-30

Jesus assures us in today’s Gospel reading that no one can take his sheep out of his hand. He knows each of his sheep by name and their unique identities. 

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.”

Read the rest