Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which recalls the first time the Messiah entered the Temple. In Luke 2:22-40, we hear of the Holy Family traveling to Jerusalem for Mary’s purification (see Leviticus 12:2-8). Even though Mary, free from sin, did not require purification, she submitted to the Law, just as the Son of God […]
Holy Family
Writer’s Block, Ordinary Time, and Grace
During the first weeks of Ordinary Time, whether it is after Christmas or Easter, I generally find myself faced with writer’s block. Is it the mental overload of Christmas or Easter? Is it the busyness of work as we get back into the routine? Is it the weather? This week there aren’t even any large feast days on the liturgical […]
Holy Family—Piety in the Twenty-First Century?
The Feast of the Holy Family challenges us to grow in the virtues of piety, honor, patience, and forbearance. And to learn to laugh together. Reflection on the Mass readings for the Feast of the Holy Family (Year B) — Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40. The Passion of […]
Daily Catholic Quote — from St. Josemaría Escrivá
“When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that was found in the home of the Holy Family.” (St. Josemaría Escrivá) Please share on social media. Print this entry
Daily Catholic Quote — from St. Josemaría Escrivá
“When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that was found in the home of the Holy Family.” (St. Josemaría Escrivá) Please share on social media. Print this entry
A Fleeting Glimpse of the King
Up until now, all has been quite humble. A donkey-ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable and laying the baby in an animal’s feed trough instead of a cozy cradle. Into this scene of obscure poverty suddenly bursts an exotic entourage from a far-off land. Dignitaries in dress uniform […]
Daily Catholic Quote — from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
“The love, loyalty and dedication of Mary and Joseph are an example for all Christian couples, who are neither the friends nor masters of their children’s lives, but the guardians of this incomparable gift from God.” (Pope Benedict XVI, December 30, 2012) Please share on social media. Print this entry
Encountering the Word — Matthew 2:13-15
A Daily Quote from Sacred Scripture Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child […]
Catholic Quote of the Day — from St. Josemaría Escrivá
“When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that was found in the home of the Holy Family.” (St. Josemaría Escrivá) Print this entry
A Fleeting Glimpse of the King
Up until now, all has been quite humble. A donkey-ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable and laying the baby in an animal’s feed trough instead of a cozy cradle. Into this scene of obscure poverty suddenly bursts an exotic entourage from a far-off land. Dignitaries in dress uniform […]