The Nativity of the Lord

by | Dec 24, 2021 | Meditations

Today we celebrate the birth of the true Light of the World, “the splendor of the light of Christ, which breaks into our Advent darkness” (cf. Introduction to the Christmas Season). With the grace of this day, we can “see directly, before our eyes” – the...

Fourth Sunday of Advent

by | Dec 18, 2021 | Meditations

As we approach the feast of Christmas, the Birth of Jesus Christ, the liturgy of this Fourth Sunday of Advent gives us a sense of urgency and purpose. Today’s readings help us better understand the feast we are about to celebrate and so make a more fitting preparation...

Third Sunday of Advent

by | Dec 11, 2021 | Meditations

As the great feast of Christmas draws near, the Church rejoices, and the liturgy today is full of references to rejoicing – “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” “Cry out with joy and gladness….” “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:...

Second Sunday of Advent

by | Dec 4, 2021 | Meditations

When we began the new liturgical year last Sunday, the clear emphasis of the readings was the urgency of our being prepared for the coming of the Lord. Thus we recognized from the beginning that Advent is a season of preparation. Today’s readings help us understand...

First Sunday of Advent

by | Nov 27, 2021 | Meditations

A blessed new liturgical year to all! We always begin the year with the Advent season, with deeply hopeful expectation focused on one central truth: the Lord Jesus Christ is coming! Catholic tradition speaks of three comings of Christ, all of which become part of our...