Colorful Gospel for Dec. 31, 2009
Based on the Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-12Looking for a king, guided by a mysterious star. This Sunday we celebrate [...]
Resolve to build God’s kingdom in the new year
Once again we come to the end of one year and the beginning of another. The transition is a passage of time and time is a special invention of God. It is more like his invitation to help us prepare for eternity – where there will be no time!
This concept of time is intriguing; in so many ways we seem to take it so much for granted. For example, New Year’s Day inspires ideas and resolutions about how we will use our time in the new year. Some of us may come up with resolutions for self-improvement, thoughts about jobs and career moves and other personal tasks that we may want to accomplish. More often than not, those ideas and resolutions take on some mighty large presumptions on God’s good will for our lives.
An era about to dawn
Yes, something did happen: My brother recently reminded me that I hadn't blogged since Nov. 25, and expressed concern that [...]
We’re having a baby
Now that I have your attention, let me be the first one to tell you that it's not true. So [...]
Akito White Bulk Rose, burnt orange colors, curly willow…oh my!
When I imagined planning my wedding at the tender age of 14, I always thought it would be a magical [...]
Bridesmaids dresses
I'll be the first to admit it: I'm a push over. This can easily be seen when I'm out and [...]
Colorful Gospel for Dec. 17, 2009
Based on the Gospel of Luke 1:39 – 45The answer was, “yes!” Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel, answered [...]
Three comings of Christ in one liturgical season
We stand at the mid-point of Advent – Gaudete Sunday. The “rose color” vestment of this Sunday reminds us that [...]
Ceremony planning
Good evening blog readers! Right now I'm at my home in West Allis, safely inside from the windy and dangerous snow [...]
Advent again? Why a repeat?
Q: My 10-year-old son said to me, “Didn’t we already have Advent last year? Why are we doing it again?” Can you help me answer his question?
Your son asked a very good question! If the baby Jesus was already born, lived his life, died and rose, why are we preparing for his coming all over again? The liturgical year of the church is often depicted as a circle and we refer to it as a cycle in that it comes around again and again every year.
As we celebrate this cycle through our liturgy, we remember the events of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The liturgical year is divided into two main seasons of preparation and celebration: Advent leads us to Christmas, and Lent leads us to Easter and Pentecost. Periods of Ordinary Time come between these major seasons.