"Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear."

"This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Three Stats and a Map - North Korea is the latest country to have developed nuclear weapons, but the problem is larger than any isolated example. All nuclear weapons are deathly dangerous to our planet — they are tools that could very literally destroy the world.

The Triduum, the shortest liturgical season, has always held a special place in my heart. This is especially true of Good Friday. Good Friday was always an emotionally charged day during which I focused a great deal on my sinfulness and weaknesses in gratitude for the mercy of God. And while the Triduum, and Good Friday specifically, still hold a place of prominence in my heart, the focus has shifted in the past several years.

See for Yourself - After a second rehearsal session of Handel's "Messiah" with chamber orchestra plus choir and soloists, I came away with two resolute thoughts.

For many Christian refugees from Iraq and Syria now living in Jordan and Lebanon, this year's Easter will be celebrated in the heart — but not necessarily on the table. Sr. Nesreen Dababneh, a Jordanian nun who works at a Caritas clinic for refugees, described their faith as "touchable" because it is deeply felt, an example of incarnation.

"How long will you stay safe inside your borders, not daring to cross over? Or do you cross and recross the same border, like a tight rope walker relieved to reach the platform?"

Notes from the Field - It was through a series of coincidences that I ended up at Cristo Rey Boston High School. Since I attended a Jesuit university, I decided to take these coincidences as signs, and, feeling moved by the Holy Spirit, I detached myself from the expectations others had for me.

The feast of the Annunciation coincides with Good Friday this year, inviting us to think about the two feasts together. The liturgy has a marvelous way of collapsing time, making events that are separate in historical time coexist for the participants.