Readings for Christmas Day, Mass at Dawn The story of Christmas does not end with the angels’ song glorifying God. Here we see the shepherds’ response to the revelation given to them by that heavenly host. They “went in haste,” … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B About Liturgy Homilists often dread preparing the homily for this Sunday’s solemnity because it is so easy to get caught up in trying to explain either a mathematical conundrum … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension, Year B About Liturgy Why do some places celebrate Ascension on Thursday while others move it to the following Sunday? The Synoptic Gospels give us the tradition of placing the Ascension forty days … Read More
Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B About Liturgy We know well that to be disciples we are to be witnesses for Christ. Yet we are also called to be witnesses for one another, speaking on behalf of … Read More
Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B About Liturgy Let us continue our mystagogical reflection on the symbols of Easter. We see in today’s gospel the risen Christ ask for something to eat, and he eats what is … Read More
Reflecting on the Gospel and Living the Paschal Mystery To ponder and pray: Christmas is a season for traditions. We return to familiar rituals of our childhood. We renew the bonds of friendship through customs of gathering and greeting. And … Read More
About Liturgy The gradual nature of seasons: Our secular calendar marks the days one season ends and another begins. Yet in our daily life, that line is not as sharply defined. Fall colors gradually turn to winter cold as, day by … Read More
About Liturgy Liturgy doesn’t lie: In today’s gospel, John the Baptist testifies to the light “so that all might believe through him.” In other words, he was to tell the truth about the light. At the midway point of Advent, today’s … Read More
About Liturgy Roaring like a lion: Have you ever seen an ambo, gospel book, or another item in your church decorated with four winged creatures? Take a closer look. You’ll probably find a human, a lion, a bull, and an eagle. … Read More
About Liturgy What matters most: Despite our expectation that Advent is a quieter time, this first Sunday of the new liturgical year is a flurry of activity in parishes. We switch out old missalettes, worship aids, and liturgical calendars. The environment … Read More