December 17 is the first day of the use of these ancient Magnificat antiphons. Each day through December 23, a different antiphon uses a mosaic of scriptural sources, the words of Old Testament prophets, to express the longing for the savior. Each begins with an invocation to the Messiah, continues with text that develops the Read more »
The booklet that I use for daily reflections includes a “Blessed Among Us” page which is, often, but not always, about the official saint of the day. Today “The Martyrs of El Mazote” is featured with a brief account of the December 11-12, 1981 massacre by Salvadoran troops of over a thousand innocent people known Read more »
Advent began this past weekend, a season of waiting and expectation for the coming of Christ. I decided this year to set an intention for Advent to try to be present and not allow it to get lost amidst the busyness of this time of the year. I’m on day three, and find myself contemplating Read more »
For many people in this country Christmas is about gifts and Thanksgiving is about food. Turkey is the traditional focus but my family did not like the smell of the meat cooking. Therefore, we had ham. One year my younger sister received a turkey as a gift from work. We roasted it. When we finished Read more »
Psalm 8 is one of my favorite psalms. It begins, “O Lord, our Lord how glorious is your name over all the earth.” It is a psalm of praise to God for creation. This psalm also speaks to me of gratitude which springs forth from praising God. Gratitude is a positive attitude that one acquires. Read more »
Have you ever heard a homily that stayed with you for days? I heard that kind on Sunday at Mass celebrated by Fr. Stephen Austin, a visiting priest from Texas. Reflecting on the gospel about the rich person giving from excess and the poor widow giving all she had, he concluded with the three virtues Read more »
Jesus replied to James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Grant that in your glory we may sit one on your right and the other on your left.” “You don’t understand. Can you drink of the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am Read more »
Last Friday afternoon on my way home from work I stopped at the public library. As I browsed the shelves I came across a section titled “Gentle Reads.” The collection was described as books to calm and nurture the reader amidst challenging times. There were a range of genres including non-fiction, mysteries and a variety Read more »
About a month ago I needed to spend some time in our monastery infirmary recovering from an accident. Although I have become a more contemplative person over the years, it’s not quite a “lifestyle”, i.e. I still am not used to a lot of “unstructured” time. But for those few days I tried to just Read more »
If I had money, I’d be willing to bet it all that you know there’s a big election just around the corner. When I consider ads and speeches of the candidates for president, senate and house, it seems results have the potential for producing profound changes in our country. Our votes will determine the kinds Read more »