As we approach the Nativity; the birth of our Lord, we must keep in mind the critical story of salvation. However, I think it is
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Christmas brings a
We draw upon the close of one year and anticipate the new. This seems to be what we do annually this time of year. Many
Off the Shelf 103 – Dino Piccinini I’ve recently gotten my hands on one of the most well-crafted rosaries I have ever owned. Actually, it
Advent and Christmas offer a needed break from the noise of the current clerical abuse crisis, Church divisions, and secular obsessions with politics. It’s a
When I was a college student with budget issues, I was always looking for a more reasonable lease. Often I would sign a nine-month contract and
I do not usually associate Advent and suffering. I typically think of Advent as a time of joy, a celebration of Jesus coming to us
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God
More than just preparing for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas, the Church reminds us that during Advent we are also to prepare for Christ’s
Looking for a good history book on an obscure topic in Church History? I can’t think of a better book to suit that bill than
Growing up, I remember Christmas being such a magical time of year. As soon as Thanksgiving was over, the Christmas decorations came out, the tree
Off the Shelf 102 – Father William P. Saunders We are in full Advent prep mode and I have a great book to share with
I have lived almost 53 years on this earth and just now I think I am really starting to “get it.” I don’t mean I
Advent has arrived, and now we look forward to celebrating the birth of the Messiah. We also prepare in anticipation for his second coming which
Throughout most of the last 2,000 years, Christians have considered homosexual activity a sin. Could Jesus’ opinion on homosexual activity differ from this? Homosexual activity
I was an early devotee of minimalism. When my wife and I met in 2008 I was sleeping Japanese-style on a futon mattress-topped tatami mat
One of the joys in living in an area like the Diocese of Knoxville, which is approximately 3 percent Catholic, is that there are many
Both normal and morbid curiosity can prompt our desire to know the mysterious details of unknown secrets. It often depends on the source we seek
Off the Shelf 101 – Kendra Tierney Kendra Tierney made a concerted effort to bring the feasts and events of the liturgical calendar into her
Excitement is in the air as the “holiday season” begins. Around the same time as the reunions and feasts of Thanksgiving, Christmas lights begin to
There is a stone building called “Mary’s House” near the ancient city of Ephesus (modern-day Turkey) on a hillside named “Nightingale”. The house is simple,
Consider Matthew 14:31: Peter cried out for help when he began to sink as he tried to walk on water toward Jesus in the stormy
One of the fundamental characteristics of contemplation for a Carmelite is the understanding that it is an invitation: an invitation into another’s presence. God invites
Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. – Matthew 10:14
