Fourth Sunday and the Spirit of Advent

The figures of Advent we have met in the liturgy are the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist and now, on the fourth Sunday, Our...

Holy Day, Holy Union

I don't know about you, but I must admit to feeling a mixture of excitement and dread every time Christmas comes around. With shopping...

Truth Under Assault

The Denial of Truth We live in an era where the denial of not only the ability to discern what is true from what...

The O Antiphons and the Latter Days of Advent

On December 17th we begin the seven days of proximate preparation for Christmas, analogous to the more familiar twelve days of Christmas, which follow...

St. John de Matha, the Forgotten Friar

Every year on December 17 the church intones the ‘O antiphons’ the joyous canticles in anticipation of the coming of Christ. But on the...

Gaudete: Rejoice the Lord is Near

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Lk 1:4). Once again on this third Sunday of Advent we encounter the figure...

The Phenomenon of Javier Milei in Context

Javier Milei is the president elect of Argentina, and if all goes according to plan, on December 10, 2023, he will be the fiftieth...

A Few Advent Musical Selections

With Advent beginning, I wanted to share some musical selections for this time of waiting. Some will hopefully be familiar, and others will be...

First Sunday of Advent: The Fulfilment of Revelation

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Lk. 21: 36). The first Sunday of Advent marks...

Second Sunday of Advent: The Baptist’s Call to Repentance

The nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious (Is. 11:10). The Gospel of the Mass on this second Sunday of Advent...