The time leading up to Christmas is often packed with things to do, people to see, gifts to be wrapped, cards to send, travels to be planned, and parties to attend. This is all well and good and even important. It can even be helpful, if we live it properly. More…
Great crowds came to him… They all ate and were satisfied
The Gospel reading in today’s Mass illustrates why we have Advent: Christ comes to us, because we need Him. He comes to us in mysterious ways in which we are spiritually healed, nourished, and restored to new life in Him.
From today’s Gospel: More…
From the Preface of the Mass
For he assumed at his first coming the lowliness of human flesh,
and so fulfilled the design you formed long ago,
and opened for us the way to eternal salvation,
that, when he comes again in glory and majesty
and all is at last made manifest,
we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise
in which now we dare to hope.
One of my favorite Christmas songs begins: City sidewalks, busy sidewalks… More…
Has Sunday ever snuck up on you before?
That’s what happened to me this week, which is why this post is going to be just a little different, but I’m taking advantage of providence to share what’s on my mind regarding the Liturgy we are gradually walking into this time of the year. But first… More…
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
What is your favorite Advent Hymn?
Veni Emmanuel!
Not that I know tuns and tuns of Advent Carols, but here are a few to vote on:
Veni, Veni Emmanuel: More…
Reblogged from Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction
First Sunday of Advent Reflection
Image from the Deacon’s Bench: Click on image to read his homily for today
A friend asked me the other day why the Church no longer regards Advent as a penitential season, like Lent. “It still is a penitential season,” I told him, “but the focus of Advent is different than the focus of Lent.” More…
Biltrix 