Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington
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 …
There is a line in the Letter to the Hebrews which reads: You made [Jesus] for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, subjecting all things under his feet.” In “subjecting” all things (to him), he left nothing not “subject to him.” Yet at present we do not see …
Continue reading “The "Weakness" of God is Stronger than Satan’s Power”
I have blogged before on Purgatory. For example here: Purgatory – Biblical and Reasonable. I have also provided a PDF document on the Biblical roots of the teaching here: PDF Document on Purgatory . On this Feast of All Souls I want to reflect on Purgatory as the necessary result of a promise. Many people …
Continue reading “99 & 1/2 Won’t Do – A Meditation on Purgatory”
Catholics have often endured the charge that we are an unbiblical Church. Strange accusation, really, for the Church that collected the Scriptures, determined the canon of Scripture and preached it for 1,500 years before there ever was a Protestant denomination. The fact is we are quite biblical and often in ways that are stunningly powerful. …
Continue reading “The Scripture in Stone and Wood and Stained Glass – A Church Revealed”
The Lord Jesus give a penetrating analysis of the state of the sinner and some very sobering advice to we would-be saints in today’s Gospel. Let’s look at the Gospel in two stages: The Analysis of the Sinner and the Advice to the Saints. I. ANALYSIS OF THE SINNER – The Lord Jesus describes a …
Catholics are often unaware just how Biblical the Sacred Liturgy is. The design of our traditional churches, the use of candles, incense, golden vessels, the postures of standing and kneeling, the altar, the singing of hymns, priests wearing albs and so forth are all depicted in the Scriptures. Some of these details were features of …
Continue reading “The Biblical and Heavenly Roots of the Sacred Liturgy”