From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday The Lord’s descent into the underworld Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and

From the Catecheses by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop The power of Christ’s blood If we wish to understand the power of Christ’s blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguration in Egypt. “Sacrifice a lamb without blemish,” commanded Moses, “and sprinkle its blood on your doors.” If we were to ask

From an Easter homily by Saint Melito of Sardis, bishop The Lamb that was slain has delivered us from death and given us life There was much proclaimed by the prophets about the mystery of the Passover: that mystery is Christ, and to him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.     For the sake

MARK, Chapter 15: 1–47 Introduction The Passion Narrative according to Mark in his Gospel covers two chapters, 14 and 15. They are quite distinct. Apart from these Introductory Notes, this edition of TEA treats only Chapter 15. To treat of both chapters would be very long. Chapter 14 has eleven scenes and these treat of

Commentary by Fr Donagh O’Shea OP, www.goodnews.ie Jn 12:20-30 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks.  They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”  Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told