New Year’s Day has a way of softening us. The world feels a little quieter, a little more open, as if we’re standing on a threshold with the chance to begin again. In the Christian tradition, this day is also a celebration of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is seen not only as his mother, but as a mother given to all of us.
Continue reading “Beginning the Year with a Special Love”
In these final days of Advent, I keep returning to Mary’s song in Luke’s Gospel, the Magnificat, her great cry of joy and surrender. It is, in so many ways, the perfect Advent prayer. Before Jesus is born, before the shepherds arrive, before the world knows what God is doing, Mary stands in the quiet of her own hidden life and proclaims:
Continue reading “Your Magnificat: An Advent Reflection with Mary”
When we think of beauty, we imagine light, harmony, and wholeness—whether in a mountain, a flower, a melody, or a person. True beauty has no distortion, no stain to mar its perfection. On this feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary as the masterpiece of God’s creation. Her soul was formed without the shadow of sin, radiant with the fullness of grace, designed by the same Creator who painted sunsets and jeweled the skies.
Continue reading “Perfect Beauty and Purity”
Today, as the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember her not only as the Mother of God, but as our gentle companion on the journey of faith. Pope Saint John XXIII once called her “the dawn of eternal day,” a radiant presence who scatters the shadows and restores the splendor of heaven. In her, we glimpse the promise of grace fulfilled—and the path by which we too may walk toward it.
Continue reading “Our Help to Hear and Observe God’s Word”
Continue reading “Gift of Goodness – January 1, 2022”And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
It is December. We decorate our homes – trees, strings of lights, candles, boxes brightly wrapped – the whole roll out of concrete Christmas. How peaceful is your heart? The Fourth Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” Besides lighting the final purple candle on the Advent wreath, we feel the growing excitement for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The Prince of Peace is almost born.
Continue reading “Preparing Your Heart for Christ – An Advent Nativity Reflection – Mary’s Perspective”
Smitten With Goodness 