Our “today” is different from the “today” of ancient Israel. While they were a people who wept and rejoiced in the hearing of the law, we are a people incorporated into the Body of Christ. The first century Judeans were individual members of a community, but we are interrelated membersContinue Reading
Today we remember the third manifestation of God, the third “epiphany,” at the wedding feast in Cana. It is marked by the last words of Mary that are recorded in scripture. “Do whatever he tells you.” With those words Mary leaves everything to Jesus and at the same time instructsContinue Reading
All seven of our sacraments must have a valid form, valid matter, and proper intent. For baptism the valid matter is water. Water is the symbol of freely given grace that brings us healing salvation. The baptism administered by John is not the baptism of our sacrament. John preached aContinue Reading
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was a quiet moment, limited to a few people. Today we celebrate the manifestation of God to the entire world, specifically to the gentile nations who had received no prophecies and heard no heavenly hymns of praise. But the Gentile astrologers did see aContinue Reading
In the Old Covenant it was unusual for a woman to desire to be a mother in order that she may return that child to God. But that is what Hannah did. She returns to God the son she asked for, the son received from Him. Hannah points ahead notContinue Reading
In today’s Gospel we hear of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. At this precise moment the Old Covenant intertwines with the New. Elizabeth will give birth to the last of the old prophets; Mary will give birth to the fulfillment of all prophecies. The amazing thing about this encounterContinue Reading
In the Orthodox tradition of icons, John the Baptist, also called John the Forerunner, is frequently depicted with the wings of an angel. The “Angel of the Desert” evokes Mark 1:2 “behold I am sending my messenger (angelos) ahead of you, he will prepare your way.” In a sense theContinue Reading
With the opening words of toady’s Gospel, Christianity is firmly grounded in world history. The detailed contemporary references point to the appearance of John the Baptist and the beginning of the circumstances leading to the salvation of the world. Instead of events happening in some vague mythic past, we areContinue Reading
“in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe” Hebrews 1:2 As the Church begins a new year we look to the beginning…and the end. The time of Advent is a time of preparationContinue Reading
On the apse wall in the basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. is a large mosaic of Christ seated in Judgment. People either love it or hate it. Some who hate it point out that the mosaic depicts a muscular, physically strong Christ. But Christ triumphed in weakness.Continue Reading