Steyn, Spong, Kempton . . . Steyn, Spong, Kempton? The Passion of the Christ I know, but . . . who are those guys. I'll explain. It goes back to February 25, 2004. Twenty-two years ago today. We might not remember the exact date, but most of us (except the youngsters) will remember the event. On … Continue reading Steyn, Spong, Kempton, and The Passion Of The Christ
The Name of the Lord: 1st Sunday of Lent
Those who confess that Jesus is Lord, and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead, do not, and cannot, “rage against the dying of the light.” The light of this world is only a passing reflection of the true light of Heaven.
Be Vigilant At All Times
These visible flaws don’t simply remind us that God is perfect, of course. Their purpose is also to remind us that we ourselves are radically imperfect. Not simply morally flawed, but incomplete without God.
Christ’s Food vs. Adam’s: Ash Wednesday
But there it is: Adam’s selfish choice brought death to mankind, while Christ’s self-sacrifice brings life. When we eat the Body of Christ, we counteract what Adam ate.
Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday
Symbol of Repentance A symbol of repentance is not necessarily something that we're proud of. Most of us prefer not to advertise our own sinfulness. And yet, I've noticed a curious thing about Ash Wednesday. We all know people whose connection to the practice of the Faith has become somewhat tenuous. You will rarely see them darken … Continue reading Symbol of Repentance, Sign of Hope: Ash Wednesday
The Midpoint Between The Nativity and The Passion
The Midpoint Today is the midpoint, the end of the beginning and the beginning of the end. Which is to say, today is the Feast of the Presentation, a perfect microcosm of both/and. The official Christmas Season ended a couple weeks ago on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Presentation of the baby Jesus … Continue reading The Midpoint Between The Nativity and The Passion
God’s Strong Hand and The Presentation
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
Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis: Lotti’s Musical Meditation on the Crucifixion
The Crucifixion, by Giambattista Tiepolo & Giandomenico Tiepolo, 1745–50 Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato: Passus, et sepultus est. (Nicene Creed) Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis Crucifixus etiam pro nobis: He was also crucified for us. That brief statement in the Nicene Creed refers to one of the two most important events of all … Continue reading Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis: Lotti’s Musical Meditation on the Crucifixion
Legions of Angels, the Adulteress, and Christ’s Sacrifice
"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" (Matthew 46: 53-54) Legions of Angels Many Years ago I taught in a (more or less) Catholic high school. … Continue reading Legions of Angels, the Adulteress, and Christ’s Sacrifice
A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love
Tough Love and Unconditional Love Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.’ (Luke 15:23-24) The Prodigal Son Who hasn't heard, or at least heard of, Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son? I've encountered people with no experience of … Continue reading A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love