The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity – Wednesday, 25 March 2020 Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:1. Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11. Hebrews 10:4-10. Luke 1:26-38. Still Paying Attention. Unlike Joseph, Mary engages in conversation with the angel. She ends up saying Yes, … Read More
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time I used to believe that I was nothing like the Pharisee in today’s parable—righteously smug as he measured his piety against the “rest of humanity”—until I realized I loved the liturgy more than I loved … Read More
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time When I was eight, I joined the choir at my parish in Los Angeles because I was certain a talent scout would discover me and make me a star! I’m sure none of you had … Read More
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time A common liturgical rule that almost every community breaks at some point is having a person serve in more than one liturgical ministry within the same Mass. You won’t find any liturgical book that specifically … Read More
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Women’s roles in society and in the church have taken on a new meaning in the last few years. With the #metoo movement and a new awareness of how women have … Read More
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Many of us whose primary work is in service to the church may never find ourselves rich in earthly treasure. And yet, there still is a warning for us in today’s parable of the rich … Read More
I think most of us would agree with the statement the liturgy requires humility — until it is required of us. I remember the first liturgy committee I formed after I was hired as a parish liturgist. The pastor had … Read More
The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Last week we talked about avoiding historicizing the Triduum. When we try too hard to reenact the past, showing what we believe it to have looked like in the Upper Room, in the garden … Read More
The First Sunday of Advent It’s easy at Advent to become a bit overzealous with our rubrics around these four short weeks. Of course we should encourage one another to observe the distinct spirit of Advent and not let too … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time I used to work for a bishop who took great pride in his homilies. He would type them out then mark the places where he planned to pause and the phrases he … Read More