The Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus is a model of God’s plan for the family, the slaughter of the Holy Innocents reminds us how far we fall short, right now, of that model.
Christmas is Just Beginning: 6th Day of Christmas
Christmas is Just Beginning? Christmas is just beginning? Does it seem like it's just beginning . . . ? Some images never fade. I have a vivid memory of a Christmas years ago, shortly after my return to the Faith. The Christmas tree was literally hurled through the front door on the afternoon of Christmas … Continue reading Christmas is Just Beginning: 6th Day of Christmas
The Paradox of Christmas and St. Thomas Becket: 5th Day of Christmas
Today, on the 5th Day of Christmas, we find ourselves celebrating yet another martyr, St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, murdered by knights in the service of King Henry II of England on December 29th, 1170.
Holy Innocents and the Saving Power of Christmas Carols: 4th Day of Christmas
Herod's worldly strength was no match for the might of the little baby born in Bethlehem. Likewise, the Holy Spirit working through sacred Christmas songs changed hearts that were not moved by human arguments.
The Beloved Disciple at the Foot of the Cross: 3rd Day of Christmas
John is beloved because he is a disciple who himself loves much - so much that he alone of the Apostles follows Christ all the way to Calvary and stands with the Blessed Mother and Mary Magdalene at the foot of the Cross. He is our model in loving discipleship.
St. Stephen and Good King Wenceslas: 2nd Day of Christmas
Just as our Christmas joy is tempered by the realization that the child lying in the manger must someday hang on the Cross, St. Stephen reminds us, a mere day after the Feast of the Nativity itself, that following the Child of Bethlehem can mean our own Calvary.
Merry Christmas (and Feast of St. Anastasia)!
St. Anastasia shares in the Incarnation by sharing her feast day with the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on the Solemnity of Christmas.
The Christmas Conversion of St. Thérèse
Stories of Conversion The Christmas conversion of St.Thérèse may surprise us. Certainly, in the lives of the Saints we can find some amazing stories of conversion. The Risen Lord literally knocking his persecutor Saul to ground, for instance, and blinding him. Of course, it was all in order to raise him up as St. Paul. Then … Continue reading The Christmas Conversion of St. Thérèse
Even Little Saints See the Face of God
Servulus is truly a model of heroic virtue. In spite of a lifetime of suffering, he was filled with gratitude to his Creator and completely devoted to Him (Servulus means “little slave”). Moreover, despite his absolute poverty, he was keenly aware of the need of others.
Wonder at the Incarnation: O Magnum Mysterium
"O Magnum Mysterium" - I've often thought that, however amazing it is that God could create this immeasurable universe, there's something much more astounding: He chose to become one of us . . .