The Octave Day of Christmas—January 1, 2017 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010117.cfm NM 6:22-27; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; GAL 4:4-7; LK 2:16-21. One of the most beautiful t … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
Spiritual Communion: Freed from the Dust of Centuries
December 20, 2016 by Cardinal Paul Cordes
On the Pastoral Milieu: Extreme Alternatives to Approaching the Lord’s Table From hearsay: The vigil of All Saints’ Day in the early 20th century. A small farm in Westphalia, Germany. Tomorrow’s Mass is one of the few times in the year in w … [Read more...]
From Benedict to Francis
A Brief Survey of Papal Teaching on Preaching, 1917-2013
December 20, 2016 by Fr. Benjamin Roberts
On the fifteenth of June in 1917, Pope Benedict XV issued the encyclical, Humani Generis Redemptionem, “On Preaching the Word of God.” This is the most recent papal document which was devoted specifically to preaching, at least at the level … [Read more...]
The End of Time
December 20, 2016 by Fr. James V. Schall, SJ
This is our humanity: Not to know who we are or what we will become.—David Horowitz, The End of Time, 2005.[1. David Horowitz, The End of Time (San Francisco” Encounter Books 2005), 19.] Therefore, despite the fact that the Christian’s at … [Read more...]
Taking a Quiet Time with God
The Necessity of Spiritual Retreat for Spiritual Leaders
December 20, 2016 by Mark C. McCann
One thing that can be said for certain about a life of pastoral ministry is that it is a busy one. It seems nowadays that those of us in ministry—particularly pastors—are facing greater demands for our time. There is more and more to do, and … [Read more...]
The Final Confrontation
December 20, 2016 by Dr. Ralph Martin, STD
I must say things are getting crazier—wicked crazier. I’ve heard recently of two different sets of parents telling friends of mine, when asked about their only child, whether it was a boy or a girl, and getting in response: “Well, he’s biolo … [Read more...]
The Paradox of God’s Predilection
December 20, 2016 by Jonathan Fleischmann
Recently, Pope Francis, like so many of his predecessors in the Chair of St. Peter, has emphasized God’s special predilection for sinners. Indeed, not on one occasion only, but on many occasions, our Pontiff has taken great pains to make t … [Read more...]
Thoughts on Christmas Eve
December 20, 2016 by David Barton
There He is, the Savior of the world Lying helplessly in a manger Warmed by the hot breath of beasts, Sobbing as the winter wind Blows across His beautiful face… Uncaring people lock Him out Of Bethlehem homes and inns, Forcing Him t … [Read more...]
Homilies for December 2016
December 1, 2016 by Fr. Daniel Jones
Second Sunday of Advent—December 4, 2016 Readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120416.cfm; IS 11:1-10; PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; ROM 15:4-9; MT 3:1-12. Purpose: To foster a deeper conversion in the hearers through an increase i … [Read more...]
The Stillness of Waiting and the Beauty of Birth
December 1, 2016 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
How does a Christian keep an Advent orientation amid society’s pre-Christmas, frenzied rush? The key is to focus on the right things. The first Sunday in Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, and the season in which we prepare t … [Read more...]
George Herbert as Advent Exemplar
December 1, 2016 by Richard J. Janet, PhD
As both a liturgical season and a spiritual practice, Advent invites us to consider serious questions about our Christian beliefs, and our fundamental being. Advent teaches us how to ready ourselves for whatever lies ahead in our lives; for … [Read more...]
Do men and women no longer admire and trust each other?
December 1, 2016 by Msgr. Cormac Burke
As it is posed, the question is too absolute. And I would not give any absolute answer to it. However, it does imply something; and yes, I think there is less admiration and trust between the two sexes than before. Nevertheless, there … [Read more...]
Thoughts on the Ecclesial Vocation of Women
December 1, 2016 by Dr. William Newton
There is a story of a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
December 1, 2016 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Question: The Catechism says: "Each and every sexual act in a marriage needs to be open to the possibility of conceiving a child." Many elderly couples, as well as couples in which the man suffers from ED, believe that this teaching … [Read more...]
Early Winter Reading
December 1, 2016 by Book Reviews
With God in America: The Spiritual Legacy of an Unlikely Jesuit. Compiled and edited by John M. DeJak and Marc Lindeijer, S.J. (Chicago: Loyola Press, 2016) 253 pages; $19.95. ISBN: 978-0-8294-4454-4. Reviewed by Patrick M. Laurence. The … [Read more...]
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