“Save the Babies and the Whales” or being Pro Pan-Life

Posted: December 19, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: The Eucharist and Living the Eucharist | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

This is not meant to be a seasonal posting.  It has nothing to do with the “Happy Holidays”  But, this posting is written in the last half of December, 2015.  The Advent, or Nativity Fast, is in its final days.  During Advent, Christians of liturgical and sacramental traditions are preparing for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  The Nicene Creed informs us:  “…who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and made man…”  The Creator of life was made manifest in the form of a baby.  Christ came to give us life — new, redeemed life.  He is the Giver of light and life and in this coming season I pray we extend our Lord’s light and life to all and all things.  I pray we become advocates of life. Read the rest of this entry »

“The Eyes of the Righteous”

Posted: December 3, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: The Eucharist and Living the Eucharist | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

It is now the time of the Nativity Fast, also known as Advent.  It is also known as the “Winter Fast,” or “Lesser Lent.”  Like Lent, Advent is a penitential season.  It is thus, a season of spiritual preparation.  During Advent we prepare to perceive and receive Christ anew into our hearts and lives.

There are some similarities to Lent.  The last Sunday before Lent is known as the “Sunday of the Last Judgment.”  The Gospel reading for the day comes from St. Matthew 25: 31 – 46.  In this reading we hear Jesus’ words:  “…As you did it to the least of my brethren, you did it to me.”  Who?  The hungry, sick, naked, and imprisoned.  As one reads along in the text, there is an element of surprise — even astonishment — in the query of the righteous. Read the rest of this entry »