Christmas, at least in the USA, is hard to imagine without Jolly ole Saint Nicholas, aka "Santa Claus." Since some focus on him to the neglect of the Christ child, some propose that he be banished from an authentically Christian celebration of Christ's birth. We...
The Gospel of Luke presents Mary, mother of Jesus, as the model of faith, showing us what faith must include to be authentic and effective. And imitating Mary's virtue is key to an authentic Marian devotion....
Advent's theme can be summed up in the word's of Isaiah 40: Prepare the way of the Lord! But what are the mountains that need to be leveled and the valleys that need to be filled in? Here's a road map through the desert of...
This short rite of blessing is one of the sacramentals, official liturgical prayer, though it may be led by lay people. It is perfect for the blessing of the Advent wreathe in a home. This brief service is a wonderful way to begin a family’s...
During a time when parties and endless carols dull our spiritual senses, the message of Advent urges to wake up and be alert and vigilant. Our society is asleep spiritually. Here are some ideas to rouse ourselves, our famlies and our neighbors to...
Before thanksgiving was an American holiday, it was a way of life for Jews and Christians alike, indeed a hallmark of the Judeo-Christian tradition. All ancient peoples gave thanks for creation; only Jews and Christians believe that God acted decisively in history to secure...
The Feast of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus will judge the living and the dead. Matthew 25 hints that the pious, decent folk may be in for a surprise . . . sins of omission, failing to love, may figure more prominently...
A reflection about two passages from Scripture, Proverbs 31 and the parable of the talents from Matthew's Gospel, that demonstrate that faith entails the courage to take bold initiatives, to be creative, even entrepreneurial, to express our gratitude to God for all that He has...
The parable of the foolish virgins who let the oil in their lamps run out recalls the recurring nightmare that so many experience, of being caught totally unprepared for a test or presentation. For the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle A. To LISTEN to...
How did the Pharisees, who were God's champions in the days of the Maccabees, become the villains who sought the death of God's son? They were deformed by an insidious spiritual disease that is the deadliest of the seven deadly or capital sins - pride....