Spirituality
Advent Week 3: ‘Gaudete’ Reminds Us to Slow Down, See Christ’s Presence
Joy does not simply happen to us, writes Deacon Franz Fruehwald. It grows where there is space cleared by humility, softened by thankfulness, widened by compassion.
Our Inner Transformation Takes Time, Which Advent Affords
The Third Sunday of Advent allows an opportunity to experience conversion. It's a powerful experience of God’s grace in Jesus Christ whose coming we anticipate by rejoicing always, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Like Lent, Advent Features Cleansing Repentance Before Joyous Event
Advent is the season of hope, and it is bolstered by the opportunity for repentance. On the Second Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Joseph Prior echoes the cry of St. John the Baptist to repent from sin and receive God's mercy.
Advent Week 2: Peace Comes Not Into Calm, But Into Chaos of the Ordinary
The second candle that we light on the Advent wreath this Sunday reminds us of peace, and Deacon Franz Fruehwald points to three ways we can welcome Christ’s peace: through simplicity, stillness, and forgiveness.
Advent Teaches Vigilance for Hope in Jesus, Who Remains With Us
Intense mental focus is not only a trait of elite athletes, but of followers of Christ who await his arrival in history and in their hearts. We remain focused and aware of God's presence with us through life, even until its end.
Advent Week 1: Not a Passive Waiting, But an Active Readiness
For Deacon Franz Fruehwald, Christmas with its decorations and shopping seems to arrive earlier each year. It’s easy to get distracted, which is why Advent helps us stay alert and prepare for the Lord’s arrival in our hearts.
This Sunday, a Day for Thanksgiving to Christ, Our King
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how the Church's celebration this Sunday of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, invites us to give the thanks for the king who laid down His life because of His great love for us.
Called to Wait in Hope, We Persevere Through Persecution
Perseverance is a call to keep our focus on life and the gift of faith we have been given in Christ Jesus, even in the midst of turmoil and suffering, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the readings for this Sunday's Mass.
Our Connection to Ancient Roman Basilica: Christ Himself
On this Sunday's feast of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Msgr. Joseph Prior points out the basilica's significance past and present. All churches represent Jesus and our visible unity with Him and one another in the communion of prayer.
Prayers for All Souls Represent Hope, Trust in God’s Mercy
This Sunday is a time to commemorate all the faithful departed, to remember prayerfully God’s benevolent mercy, and to recall Christ who is the light of the world, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.