Palestrina’s Magnificat Primi Toni

On this feast of Saint Caecelia, patroness of music, especially of the ecclesial sort, it is fitting we present one of the greatest of...

Solemnity of Christ the King

‘For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth...

Cosmos Korb and the Problem of Evil: A Tragedy in Brief

For reasons which will be apparent, my alias is Martin Beck. I am about to present several excerpts from the diary of my academic...

The Restoration of the Temple

When we hear in today’s first reading that Judas Maccabeus restored the temple worship, the joy of the people is almost palpable. It was...

Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre

Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (9 October 1835 – 16 December 1921) was a child prodigy, some say even more so than the incomparable Mozart, developing perfect...

The Moral Aspect of the Apocalypse

The biblical texts used at Mass towards the end of the liturgical year are certainly dramatic—with stars falling from heaven and the like—and, it...

Thirty Third Sunday, Humility and the End of Time

At that time Michael the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise (Dan. 12:1).  As we approach the end of the liturgical year...

Symbolism Over Substance

Jesus came to them and said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of...

The Beginning of Wisdom

The book of Wisdom, which we begin reading today, is based on the insight that wisdom is different from knowledge. Anyone with brains can...

Thirty Second Sunday: Giving Our All For God

Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For…she out of her...