“I often think of John the Baptist at one particularly dramatic moment during Mass,” writes Father Patrick Briscoe. “John is the forerunner, the one who gives testimony. ‘I am not the Messiah,’ John says in answer to those asking if he was
The Advent call for "vigilance" does not mean staying awake and watchful out of fear, but rather out of a longing for the coming of the Lord, Pope Francis wrote.
Sometimes people think of vigilance "as an attitude motivated by fear of impending
Reflect Some things in life we see coming. Sometimes we know when a couple is falling in love, even before they themselves are aware. We might know what a boss will do or how events are going to unfold at work. Or
Make Advent loving and fun, with your focus on Jesus. Write all those little accomplishments in your journal. Keep it meaningful. We’re all really busy right now, right? So go easy on yourself in these hard times. Remember that Christmas is all
Discover how the musical “Sweeney Todd” surprisingly mirrors the themes of reflection and repentance in the Advent season. Using the characters and events of the play, writer Allison Barrick draws parallels to the Church’s teachings on sin, its far-reaching consequences, and the
The Sunday after Thanksgiving a Twitter spat caught the eye of columnist Kathryn Jean Lopez. Rather than focusing on the coming of the Infant Jesus, the comments were about hell. Specifically, going to hell for putting up Christmas decorations early. In the
In his recent column, Father Patrick Briscoe reflects on the human need for comfort and how people seek it, often through material means or temporary distractions. Father Briscoe highlights the underlying fear that drives these pursuits and suggests that true consolation can
Advent truly cannot get here soon enough.
It would be nice to simply ease into the season but most years we have barely finished the T-bird leftovers, restacked the good dishes and developed a ruthless cold or flu thanks to all the love
Be ready for Mass on the First Sunday of Advent! Father Joshua Whitfield reminds us that the message this Advent is to watch and to draw on the liturgical power of the Church to remember to see with “spiritual eyes.” Father Whitfield
Advent marks the beginning of the church's liturgical year, starting four Sundays before Christmas. The name "Advent" hints at its meaning: It comes from the Latin word "advenire," which translates to "to come to" or "to arrive." The season begins Dec. 3