God's Strong Hand 2 February 2023 The Presentation, by Hans Holbein the Elder. c. 1500 The Presentation Today in the secular world (at least in the United States) we observe the venerable tradition of Groundhog Day. This event involves allowing an earth-dwelling rodent to forecast our weather for the next few weeks. It's just a fun … Continue reading God’s Strong Hand and The Presentation
The Baptism of the Lord: The Mission Begins
We welcomed our Lord at Christmas and now, as he takes up his mission, our mission is to follow him, that all righteousness may be fulfilled.
We Three Kings: Music for Epiphany
"We Three Kings of Orient Are . . ." Is there anyone out there who doesn't know this song? It's easily the most familiar hymn associated with Epiphany, at least as we celebrate the feast in the Western Church.
Epiphany – Faith vs. Power
We can learn a lot from the faith of the Magi. How often do we, who have the full revelation of Jesus Christ and his Gospel, instead seek our own worldly agenda, following the example of miserable King Herod?
The Scandal of Mary, Mother of God: 8th Day of Christmas
As Christians, we know that we are called to conform ourselves to the Truth, not to the impossible task of somehow conforming Divine Truth to ourselves.
7th Day of Christmas – Christmas is Just Beginning
Mystic Nativity, by Sandro Botticelli, 1500 Are You Sure It's Just Beginning? Just beginning? Does it seem like it's just beginning . . . ? Some images never fade. I have a vivid memory of a Christmas years ago, shortly after my return to the Faith. The Christmas tree was literally hurled through the front … Continue reading 7th Day of Christmas – Christmas is Just Beginning
2nd Day of Christmas – St. Stephen and the Incarnation
We need to embrace the Gospel in its entirety. The joy of the Nativity leads to the sorrow of Cavalry, which itself prepares the way for the still greater glory of Easter.
A Loving Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater
The Madonna of the Streets by Roberto Ferruzzi, 1897 Loving Mother of Our Redeemer Who doesn't want a loving mother? Or, if we need to win the favor of a powerful person (a King, for instance), how could we pass up the opportunity of having his Mother put in a good word for us? That's the dual … Continue reading A Loving Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater
2nd Sunday of Advent: Lo, How A Rose
Root of Jesse 2nd Sunday
Reasons for the Season . . . of Advent (1st Sunday)
Mary, heavy with Child, and Joseph are just now leaving Nazareth; the Magi are still far from Bethlehem, doggedly following a strange star in the heavens. Only the still unsuspecting Herod is making merry. There is time yet, so let's make the most of it.