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?
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.
2nd Sunday of Advent: Lo, How A Rose
Root of Jesse 2nd Sunday
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
What is Man? When I look at the Heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars which thou hast established; What is man that thou art mindful of him, And the son of man that thou dost care for him? Yet thou hast made him little less than God, And dost crown … Continue reading What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
Mozart Makes The Gloria Soar
Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds, by Govert Flinck, 1639 The Gloria The Gloria starts with "Glory to God in the highest . . ." If you frequent the Catholic Mass, you know this prayer. You've heard it hundreds of times, maybe thousands. But how much do you know about it? Or have you ever … Continue reading Mozart Makes The Gloria Soar
The Church’s First Decision: St. Matthias
The Church's First Decision The Church's first decision (of consequence, anyway) concerned the first successor to the Apostles. That would be the choice of today's saint, St. Matthias, whom the Apostles designated to take the vacant place of Judas among the twelve. How the Apostles came to their decision gives us an enlightening look at … Continue reading The Church’s First Decision: St. Matthias
Feed My Sheep: Love, Forgiveness, and Grace
God is always the initiator, inviting us to share His Grace. And He’s always willing to move a little closer, if it will bring us closer to Him . . . even to the point of becoming one of us.
Truth is “a Thing” – St. Athanasius in the 21st Century
The Church is supposed to be a Sign of Contradiction (Luke 2:34). If all she offers in the face of sin is a Nod and a Wink, however, what is she teaching? How is any distinction possible between her teaching and what the Conventional Wisdom has on offer? Do we not then give tacit assent?