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.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball: 3rd Sunday of Advent
The Good News is good news indeed, but it is not quite a free pass. We have a part we need to play beyond simply waiting for our Savior. We need to keep our eye on the ball.
Divine Patience: 2nd Sunday of Advent
"To err is human, to forgive divine." Patience is likewise divine, and we mere humans, well, we tend to be very impatient.
Christ is Coming! 1st Sunday of Advent
Today, the 1st Sunday in Advent, marks the beginning of a special penitential season. We're not simply preparing for Christmas. We're also anticipating both his second coming at the end of time, and his coming for each one of us individually at the end of our time.
A Loving Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Loving Mother of Our Redeemer Who doesn't want a loving mother? Or, if we need to win the favor of a powerful person (a King, for instance), how could we pass up the opportunity of having his Mother put in a good word for us? That's the dual promise of the Alma Redemptoris Mater. The first few … Continue reading A Loving Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
What is Man? When I look at the Heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars which thou hast established; What is man that thou art mindful of him, And the son of man that thou dost care for him? Yet thou hast made him little less than God, And dost crown … Continue reading What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?