We’ve had enough experience of death. Disappointment and pain have been frequent companions for us. It would be easy to despair, to give in to cynicism.  But we know that death’s power is not absolute, and that sin and suffering are not more powerful than forgiveness and compassion.  Because we have died with Christ, we have also risen with Christ.

We can't wash feet.  We can't share Eucharist.  What can we do?

This is not the Holy Week we planned, nor the one we want.  But it's what we have.

The strange story of the raising of Lazarus asks us to consider our own mortality, and our hope for resurrection in Christ.

When faced with suffering or tragedy, we inevitably want to ask "why?"

But usually the better question is, "what are we going to do next?"

Homily for Laetare Sunday, March 22, 2020.

Faced with an uncertain future and the difficulties of social isolation, how do we maintain a healthy, active and engaged spirituality, especially when our routines and structures are unavailable?  Here are some suggestions for ways to restore some balance.

During times when everything feels uncertain, and when we're fearful that our well is running dry, the Holy Spirit renews and sustains us.

Sunday March 8th, Homily at University Catholic Center, UT-Austin

Fr. Larry Rice, CSP