Spirituality
Call of Advent is to convert — now and every day
Msgr. Joseph Prior, commenting on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, sums up the call of St. John the Baptist and the prophets: holiness means more than piety and devotions; God's mercy must transform every aspect of our lives, continually.
Advent week two: Promises of comfort and joy
As Christians approach the Second Week of Advent beginning Dec. 10, we are reminded that God has not forgotten us even during bleak times, a promise even more significant than that of a couple in marriage.
The best ‘diva,’ Mary never stormed off stage but kept spotlight on God
Temperamental talents are not what Gina Christian means when she refers to the Virgin Mary, who from the moment of her Immaculate Conception glorified the Lord through her flawless performance as his handmaid.
Admitting our shortcomings can light the way to God’s comfort
As the sun sets at 4:30 in the afternoon, the added candles of each Advent week show us that God's light has a way of shining brighter when life seems darkest -- especially within our hearts, writes Barbara Hosbach.
Hope in motion, preview of another rising: Poems for Advent
Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, a Philadelphia priest working for the U.S. bishops' conference in Washington, offers moving reflections for the Advent and Christmas seasons through four poems.
Drawing our attention to the promise of now and forever
More even than the promise of a husband and wife in marriage, God also promises to be faithful to his people. It is a promise to ponder anew in the Scripture readings during Advent, writes Father Herb Weber.
Can remains of unbaptized son be buried with his parents?
Syndicated columnist Father Ken Doyle refers to the burial and cremation guidelines of the Philadelphia Archdiocese to answer yes -- the church never wants to separate family, in life or death.
Humility not about being polite, but accepting humiliation, pope says
"Humility without humiliation is not humility. The humble one is that man, that woman who is capable of enduring humiliations like Jesus, the humiliated one, the great humiliated one," he said.
Can you have a funeral Mass in a funeral home?
Father Ken Doyle advises a reader on the proper location of the funeral Mass, and addresses the concerns of another reader regarding overpopulation and Church teaching on reproduction.
Advent calls us to prepare for the Lord’s many comings
This season invites us to ready ourselves for Christ's arrival at Bethlehem, at the end of time, and daily, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.