Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington
I have often heard that Muslims hold our Blessed Mother Mary in high regard. This reverence may stop short of devotion but there is said to be a respect for her in the Muslim tradition. Now, I first learned this from the great Archbishop, Fulton Sheen in his book, The World’s First Love. I read …
Continue reading “Mary and the Muslim World: Is She the Key to Evangelization?”
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, all those young boys in and around Bethlehem, two and under, whom Herod had massacred in order to kill Jesus Christ. We know not their number or their names but the Church lists them as among her martyrs. Some have disputed that they should be called …
Continue reading “The Role of Fear in Abortion – A Meditation on the Feast of the Holy Innocents”
There is an old saying that the Lord didn’t just come to get us out of trouble, he came to get into trouble with us. More of that, in a moment. A uniquely human glory and gift – This Christmas we celebrate that God is not content for us to experience his love for us …
In the ancient Church, and until rather recently, we genuflected at the two references to the incarnation in the Mass: at the Creed and at the Last Gospel (John 1). Why did we do this? It was explained to me that the mystery was so deep that one could only fall in silent reverence. There …
Is the number of Catholics really dropping? Is the bottom really falling out of Catholic Mass attendance? If you are a regular reader of this blog you know that I have written several articles and cited several studies that detail an increasingly grave situation for the Church (e.g. HERE). Most of us are familiar with a …
I have published on this Hymn before but want to post on it again at the beginning of Advent in hopes that a few of you who have the influence and ability may see that this hymn in used in your parishes for Advent at some point. For my money the best Advent hymn ever written …
Continue reading “Hidden Jewel: An Advent Hymn Often Unheard”
I was reminded today of one of my favorite hymns as I read the first reading from today’s Mass. In particular these lines stood out: [An] angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud [Jesus], “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the …
Continue reading “The Battle Hymn of the Republic as Bible Hymn of the Republic”
In the month of November we meditate on the four Last things: death, judgement, heaven and hell. In the modern age we think little of such things. This is dangerous and ill advised. That death will come is certain. It may come in an instant. Tomorrow is not promised. I can’t even promise you that …