Bread of Angels May the Bread of AngelsBecome bread for mankind . . . St. Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican, one of the greatest of all philosophers, and arguably the greatest of Catholic theologians. His feast day comes this week, on January 28th. We tend to think of him as a pretty cerebral fellow. And so … Continue reading Bread of Angels: St. Thomas Aquinas’ “Panis Angelicus”
Mozart Makes The Gloria Soar
You've heard it hundreds of times, maybe thousands. But how much do you know about it? Or have you ever wondered where it comes from, or how it got into the Mass?
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
What is Man? What is Man in the eyes of God, that is. The Psalmist expresses a thought that has surely occurred to all of us, at one time or other: When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,the moon and the stars which thou hast established;what is man that thou art … Continue reading What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
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.
Wonder at the Incarnation: O Magnum Mysterium
"O Magnum Mysterium" - I've often thought that, however amazing it is that God could create this immeasurable universe, there's something much more astounding: He chose to become one of us . . .
The Manifestation of the Lord: Epiphany
It is so very difficult for all of us to grasp the reality of the Incarnation that even the human parents of The Lord seem to struggle with it. And who could hope to have faith equal to theirs?
I Rejoiced! Monteverdi’s “Laetatus Sum”
The New Testament, as St. Augustine pointed out, is concealed in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New. And, here, beautifully put to music.
Sacred Music: Allegri’s Adoremus in Aeternum
Sacred music is a topic near and dear to my hear. More importantly, it is dear to the heart of the Church. Consider what the Second Vatican Council had to say . . .
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
Our Goal is the Resurrection: Ain’t No Grave
Our Goal is the Resurrection Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast. (Introit for the 4th Sunday of Lent) Our Goal is Almost in Sight Why rejoice in the middle of Lent? Isn't Lent a solemn and penitential season? And haven't … Continue reading Our Goal is the Resurrection: Ain’t No Grave