by Greg Beben | Mar 24, 2021 | Meditations
Today the penitential, somber spirit of Lent gives way to the joyful celebration of the Annunciation. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus said, “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” How can he be lifted up unless he first comes down? And how can...
by Greg Beben | Mar 17, 2021 | Seasonal Introductions
In the Jewish tradition, the joyful celebration of marriage lasted for one full week. This tradition is reflected in the one-week period which connects the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19) with the Solemnity of the Annunciation...
by Greg Beben | Dec 31, 2020 | Meditations
In the world, today is known as New Year’s Day, but in the Church, we are also celebrating the much more profound Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. We could call this the “Mother’s Day” of the Church. Now that the noise and empty celebration of last night is past, let...
by Greg Beben | Sep 14, 2020 | Meditations
God planned to save the world and give us eternal life through the saving death of his Son Jesus on the Cross. Yesterday, we focused on the great event of Christ’s “exaltation” on the Cross. Today the liturgy invites us to go back to the same event and to contemplate...
by Greg Beben | Sep 13, 2020 | Seasonal Introductions
Fr. Francis Marino, Founder of the Anawim Community, often spoke of how the Liturgy constantly teaches and forms us. This profound process of “liturgical formation” takes place not only through each day’s readings and prayers, but also through the orderly arrangement...