Longing for God – a sample Evening Prayer on the occasion of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Resources for preparing homilies/reflections: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/pope-benedict-eight-years-pope-capped-long-ministry-teacher-faith; https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/pope-benedict-xvi-has-died-at-the-age-of-95/ar-AA15PRXO?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=d44caff3614e4c028b93fffe0fae4068. January 3-4, 2023 Prepare beforehand: an alb for the presider (if an ordained minister presides, also a white stole) Charcoal (lit) in the thurible (censer) and a bowl of incense…Continue reading VIGIL PRAYERS FOR POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
The Ascension of the Lord
When a life is wholly lived for ‘another,’ when it unfolds as an embodiment of justice and sacrificial love for the ‘other,’ it becomes the fullness of life, a perfect antidote to death (the absence of life). This is what we, together with the first disciples, witnessed, learned, and celebrated in Christ’s death and resurrection…Continue reading The Ascension of the Lord
Christ is Risen – Happy Easter
Rejoice in the new life God has given through the Risen Lord! During Lent, we have been invited to recognize, face, and act against the many temptations that prompt us human beings to be and act in a less-than-human way. At the heart of every temptation is an urge to turn to and become preoccupied…Continue reading Christ is Risen – Happy Easter
Lent – A Time of Transformation Leading to New Life
After the Exodus, the People of Israel experienced the forty years of wandering in the desert towards the Promised Land as a time of testing. Prior to starting his public ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he prayed and fasted for forty days and was tempted. These two turning-point events…Continue reading Lent – A Time of Transformation Leading to New Life
The True Gift of Christmas
‘Christmas’ (from Crīstesmæsse or Christ’s Mass), also known as The Nativity of the Lord, is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian tradition. The meaning of this feast, however, can only be understood fully when viewed through the event of the passion (suffering), death, and resurrection of Christ, which remains the central mystery of…Continue reading The True Gift of Christmas
Is Advent Worth Keeping?
It has become so difficult to celebrate Advent as a liturgical season distinct from Christmas that one sometimes wonders if it’s worth observing it at all. Already, at least by mid-November, the stores are full of Christmas decorations and ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ is playing constantly in the background. Although COVID-19 has put…Continue reading Is Advent Worth Keeping?
Advent – A Time of Waiting and Hope
Reflections on the primal human experience of openness and desire for the ‘more’ and the ‘better’, that grounds all aspects of human life. In the Christian tradition this is often referred to as waiting and hoping for the fullness of ‘salvation’. Did it ever occur to you, that we human beings are never sa’tisfied with…Continue reading Advent – A Time of Waiting and Hope