"What do I have to do?" This is a common question in church life. "That feast isn't a Holy Day of Obligation this year? So I don't have to go?" There was a time when people didn’t need so many rules because they were a community that followed Apostolic tradition for spiritual benefit. “What did … [Read more...] about Tradition and Preparation
Worship
Eyes wide open in church
When you enter the church, you have entered heaven on earth. The structure has been built solely to house a liturgy that brings you to a heavenly reality. In turn, the liturgy transforms our present world, and this is reflected in church architecture. But not even the Hagia Sophia nor Notre Dame … [Read more...] about Eyes wide open in church
Baptism, loss, and redemption
Earlier this week I witnessed a profound symbol of baptism: the sprinkling of a casket. It was the feast day for the Baptism of Christ, and this isn't how we would ordinarily choose to spend it, but it was a powerful sign of redemption all the same. Jesus was baptized not because he needed … [Read more...] about Baptism, loss, and redemption
Christmas with the martyrs
If I think about it, it might seem incongruous to emphasize martyrdom during the Christmas octave. But it doesn't feel incongruous. Why is that? Every day this week is a Christmas celebration, but we jump right in with days set aside for St. Stephen, the first martyr, then for the Holy Innocents, … [Read more...] about Christmas with the martyrs
Uprooting anxiety with prayer
Anxiety is no fun, but it often seems unavoidable. Uncertainty abounds, and we have a lot to worry about. But this past Sunday, we heard Paul say, "Be anxious for nothing." Then, in a familiar Gospel reading midweek, Jesus chides Martha for her anxiety. Anxiety doesn't come from God Of course, … [Read more...] about Uprooting anxiety with prayer