Holy Family

The Holy Family and the Crisis of Our Family: 5th Day of Christmas

The trends that already looked alarming a century ago have now grown and metastasized. Our great grandparents would not believe by what is now commonplace. The family as traditionally understood is tottering under open and sustained attack.

The Attraction of Sanctity and Holy Innocents: 4th Day of Christmas

 As I observed in my recent posts on St. Servulus, St. Nicasius, and St. Anastasia, lesser observances are often overwhelmed during great celebrations such as Christmas and Easter.

The Beloved Disciple

The Beloved Disciple: St. John the Evangelist (3rd Day of Christmas)

John is the model of the disciple who leans into the heart of Jesus.  Like Mary the sister of Martha (see Luke 10:38), he has "chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from" him.

Good King

St. Stephen and Good King Wenceslas: 2nd Day of Christmas

Just as our Christmas joy is tempered by the realization that the child lying in the manger must someday hang on the Cross, St. Stephen reminds us, a mere day after the Feast of the Nativity itself, that following the Child of Bethlehem can mean our own Calvary.

Keep your eyes

Keep Your Eye on the Ball: 3rd Sunday of Advent

The Good News is good news indeed, but it is not quite a free pass.  We have a part we need to play beyond simply waiting for our Savior.  We need to keep our eye on the ball.

Christ is Coming

Christ is Coming! 1st Sunday of Advent

   Christ is Coming    Christ is coming! That, after all, is the theme of Advent (from Latin adventus, arrival). Today, the 1st Sunday in Advent, marks the beginning of a special penitential season. This time is set apart, hallowed, to prepare ourselves for the coming and arrival of Jesus. And we're not simply preparing for … Continue reading Christ is Coming! 1st Sunday of Advent