Advent is a season of waiting, of longing, of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. In the quiet rhythm of prayer, two petitions from the Liturgy of the Hours have struck me with fresh urgency:
“Bring low the mountains of our pride,
— and fill up the valleys of our weakness.
Lord, may your kingdom come.”
“Break down the wall of hatred that divides the nations,
— and make level for mankind the paths to peace.
Lord, may your kingdom come.”
This season I find myself noticing nutcrackers everywhere—standing guard my mantel, peeking from shop windows, and lined up in festive displays. Their presence feels more than decorative and I’m exploring how they carry a deeper meaning rooted in tradition and faith.
Continue reading “Nutcrackers Everywhere: Symbols of Strength and Wonder”
The ancient hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel carries the longing of Israel and the longing of every human heart. It is a song of exile, of waiting, of yearning for God to break into the loneliness of our world. “Ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.”
Continue reading “Rejoice, Rejoice: Emmanuel Shall Come”
Awe is a foundational spiritual experience. It keeps us open, tender, and receptive to the mystery of God. Without awe, faith risks becoming brittle, reduced to arguments or obligations. Awe softens us, reminding us that God is not a problem to be solved but a Presence to be encountered.
Continue reading “Awe and the Mystery of God”
As the candles of Hanukkah are kindled, we remember a story of courage, faith, and divine providence. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the resilience of His people in the face of oppression.
Continue reading “Honoring the Festival of Light: Hanukkah and Our Shared Heritage”
In this week’s Gospel, John’s question echoes through the ages: “Are you the one… or should we look for another?” And Jesus answers not with argument, but with evidence, with the music of healing, the rhythm of restoration, the signs of a Kingdom breaking in.
Continue reading “What We Hear and See”
The third week of Advent invites us to rejoice even as the candles burn against the long nights of waiting. Joy in Christ is not the shallow cheer of circumstance, but the deep flame that endures through hiddenness, dryness, and even suffering.
Continue reading “Advent Joy in the Midst of Hiddenness”
“It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one.”
—St. Ignatius of Antioch
In today’s gospel, the disciples say to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Yet these are men who were already very religious, men who already prayed. Why would they ask that?
Continue reading “Courage to Ask God”
The purpose of the Holy Mass is to glorify God and sanctify the world. As kingdom priests, we are called to unite our hearts and minds with Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are not passive observers—we hold a sacred role.
Smitten With Goodness 