Spirituality
Advent’s paradox of time
If you feel wistful for the Christmases of childhood, the memory of young children, loved ones lost and footprints washed away, don't feel guilty, advises Effie Caldarola. Just be silent and await the future, and the coming of God.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Jesus, the light, is coming to dispel darkness with peace
Reflecting on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Joseph Prior recounts the kinds of darkness in our lives and times, and how the birth of Jesus gives everyone the opportunity to open our hearts and respond to him with faith.
As Advent ends, silence of Christmas Eve becomes a presence
Cathy Peacock notes the “solemn stillness” in the night before we mark the Savior’s birth at Christmas, and with it, access to God’s saving love and guidance. She reminds all in the coming Christmas season to listen to Christ.
Will we hold infant Jesus who is reaching out to us?
Powerful as Jesus was, he is also the ultimate figure of humility, as Kim Griffin shows in her telling of St. Faustina's vision of Jesus as a baby. She also relates a powerful Christmas meditation on becoming "meek and humble of heart."
Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday of Advent
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
A Child born to die
Jesus took flesh to redeem us from death, and recalling the "shadow side" of Advent enables us to prepare more fully for Christmas, writes Gina Christian.
Advent patience: Lessons from Father Henri Nouwen
The late Catholic spiritual writer describes how to cultivate a spirituality of waiting, which is active not passive work, and which begins by spiritually showing up, no matter how imperfect our prayer or trust in God.
Benedictine way still enlightens during Advent
Effie Caldarola unpacks the writings of Kathleen Norris, a non-Catholic Protestant writer who reminds of the need for God in modern life, and the need to slow down, pray and, especially, wait.
Despite stresses of the season, we rejoice in the Lord’s nearness
This time of the year can be very stressful for many people, but we have the ability to help through acts of kindness and prayer, themes present in the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, which Msgr. Joseph Prior explains.