God’s reign of justice, peace, and goodness began with the birth of a baby boy. How simple and adorable! No upheaval, no force—just God becoming a child so we could become children of God. Yet the incarnation was indeed revolutionary and powerful! Because of the Incarnation we can let our

Advent has two parts, and its second half begins today. During these last eight days the Church’s Evening Prayer has a nightly O Antiphon. The O antiphons are chronological with the oldest Messianic title of Wisdom, representing the Holy Spirit at the creation of the world. We climb through history:

Although we await the Second Coming, salvation is here in Christ, and sacred history continues in us. John the Baptist claims that salvation is “personalized” in Christ. Jesus the Christ is salvation. Are we ready for Christ at the end of our lives? The Baptist tells us to put the

“In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church” (Col. 1:24). The purpose of the Church Year is to fill up what is lacking in us until we pattern our lives fully on Christ. No Advent

How many Hallmark movies have you watched this season? Have you noticed that a single star often marks the climax or denouement? Ever since a star guided the Magi, the star plays a central role in the Christmas story. The Bethlehem star heralded the Light of the World. The Magi

John the Baptist does all he can to make sure the people of his time recognize the Messiah when he comes. For us people of the 21st century, we know that the Messiah has come, but he is still coming. Even when Christmas Day dawns, the Christ will still be

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe falls on a Saturday this year, making it easier to celebrate with music, color, dance, and festive foods. The story of Juan Diego and Mary’s appearance to him is very dear to many in the Americas. Just leave it to Our Lady to

Advent rolls past, present, and future into one. The Advent Mass readings are like the Church’s scrapbook as we see prophets like Isaiah, kings, Elizabeth, Zachary, John the Baptist—people of the past looking to the future Messiah. The Second Coming is always before our eyes, as we are reminded that

Post of December 9th: Today’s Gospel starts out with a cozy feeling. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” What sounds like a warm flannel blanket turns quickly into a wooden yoke that chafes. But even wearing a yoke,

With Christmas approaching we may watch our weight to enjoy the season’s goodies. While Advent may be a time to watch our weight, it’s a time to wait in watch, to watch for the many comings of the Lord. Advent, like an alarm clock, awakens us to all the good