Perspective
Remembering, and Missing, Pope Benedict XVI
A year out from his death, I dearly miss Pope Benedict XVI. He was the pope of my coming of age. The generation of priests above me feel this way about […]
Columns Archive
Perspective
It Is Never too Late to Turn to Christ to Seek His Mercy
Fourth Sunday of Advent The first reading for this weekend is from the Second Book of Samuel. Once, the two Books of Samuel were a single volume. Translations through the […]
Perspective
Christmas in Solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land
As in all too many Christmases past, sobriety blankets the city of Bethlehem, where Christ’s birth is jubilantly celebrated each year. The joyous preparations that typically mark the approach of […]
Perspective
Like the Angels on High, Give Glory to God
You may notice a curious phrase repeated multiple times in the readings at Christmas: “Do not be afraid!” We hear it proclaimed on Christmas Eve, as the angel comforts Joseph […]
Perspective
Pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick at the Manger
Of all the things and people to be present at the birth of Jesus Christ, there were shepherds! I probably would have been more surprised if there were not shepherds. […]
Perspective
It’s Christmas Already!?
If it seems like this is the shortest Advent ever, it’s not just you. It really is. In fact, the fourth and final week of Advent this year is smashed […]
Perspective
In Advent, May We See Christ’s Coming as a Source of Peace
Third Sunday of Advent This weekend, the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday, the name coming from the opening word of the entrance antiphon. In Latin, gaudete means “to rejoice.” Rejoicing is not […]
Perspective
Detachment as a Component of God’s Peace
Lately, I’m told by friends that it’s become difficult to get a “reaction” out of me, whether it’s about headlines or an encounter with beauty, and that I seem numb. […]
Perspective
Keep the Candle Lit: Pouring Out the Greatest Gift
Oprah Winfrey looks regal in a purple pleated skirt and matching sweater, beaming on the cover of the magazine that delivers her much-anticipated Favorite Things – “112 crowd-pleasing gifts for […]
Perspective
This Advent, Echo John the Baptist: ‘Behold the Lamb!’
I often think of John the Baptist at one particularly dramatic moment during Mass. John is the forerunner, the one who gives testimony. “I am not the Messiah,” John says […]
Perspective
Tell Me It’s Real! Contemplating the Love of Christ
As a product of the ’90s, there are certain songs that will come to my mind almost spontaneously. After reading the Gospel for Guadete Sunday about John the Baptist sending […]
Perspective
In Advent, Our Entire Focus Should Be on the Coming of Christ
Second Sunday of Advent The second part of the Book of Isaiah provides the first reading for this Second Sunday of Advent. When this book was written, God’s people were […]