The countdown has begun! In the church year, the final week before Christmas is celebrated with special prayers, called O Antiphons. They are prayed one each day at Mass and during Vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, December 17-24. The … More Maranatha
During Advent, we read from the Book of Isaiah – a lot. One of the more familiar passages is the first reading for tomorrow — Tuesday in the Second Week of Advent. It is Isaiah 40:1-11. If you are familiar with this reading, you will probably be humming one or more hymns before you reach … More A Voice Cries Out
Yesterday, we began a new liturgical (church) year on the First Sunday of Advent. For the next four weeks, we will be anticipating the blessings of Christmas and preparing our homes and hearts for the upcoming liturgical season of Christmastide. One of the Scripture readings yesterday was taken from the prophet Isaiah: They shall beat … More Advent — A Season of Beginnings
In the last three weeks, we have been Wondering, Walking, and Waiting. This fourth week of Advent, we reflect on Working – working for justice. We think of Christmas as a time of peace: warring factions call for peace for one day at least; we wish for blessings of peace in our Christmas cards; and, … More Advent: Working for Justice
If Advent is my favorite church season, then Gaudete Sunday is my favorite day. There is so much PINK and rejoicing. (Imagine “pink”; I can’t change the font color in the blog!) We continue to wait in stillness, yet our waiting is filled with JOY because, as the readings tell us, “the Lord is near.” … More Advent: Waiting with Joy
The second week of Advent continues the story of John the Baptist. Quoting Isaiah 40:3-5, John cries out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths . . . The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth. (Luke 3:4-5) Advent is a time of straightening our … More Advent: Walking in the Light
Today as we lit the first purple candle on the Advent wreath, I realized that for the first time in many years, I am ready to start “getting ready.” So often, Advent takes me by surprise, coming as it does so close to the Thanksgiving holiday. The Advent season is my favorite time of the … More Advent: Wondering in Stillness
Photography and Writing as Spiritual Practices
The intersection of faith and life.
Photography and Writing as Spiritual Practices
Celebrating Everyday Spirituality
