As the wonder of Christmas fast approaches, the Fourth Sunday of Advent presents us with the Gospel scene of the Visitation — Mary immediately making haste to share the joyful news of the Incarnation of God in her womb with her beloved cousin Elizabeth who herself is pregnant with John the Baptist.
Tag: column
My quiet strength
I’ve been working my way through one of the loveliest Advent prayer and meditation guides I’ve encountered in years: Behold, by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.
Continuing the walk with prayer
If you practice the Catholic faith and have a loving and living relationship with Jesus, various people in your life have prayed for you to be where you spiritually are.
A visit from St. Nicholas*, revisited
Dear Readers, in case some of you are fact-checking, I will confess that for the first time ever I’ve succumbed to the use of hyperbole here and there in this column, but only because I wanted to make sure my message was clear — we must all avoid the perils of pursuing perfectionism lest we trade Spirit for spirit.
Offering up silent sacrifices this Advent
Whatever the silent sacrifices look like for you this Advent, know that they are ways Our Lord is asking you to grow closer to Him.
Bringing Christ to others during Advent
In the annual autumn meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) this month, we bishops voted to set the national priorities for 2025-2028, as guideposts for our pastoral work.
A Catholic Hallmark movie
If you haven’t heard from me lately, it’s because I’ve been on the couch enveloped in a Christmas wonderland of garland-draped hometowns, romance tropes — mainly enemies to lovers — and coordinating knit scarves.
Be thankful and faithful
Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. God has most generously and lovingly shared everything with us, culminating in the precious gift of salvation, offered to us through Jesus Christ.
The good old days
In every age throughout history, human life has always been and will always be a mixture of pain and joy, suffering and celebration, bad times and good times.
Thanks-living in the moment
For now, take heart that my ability to understand His plan for me, accept it even when I don’t understand it, and truly believe in His love for me continues to grow — as does my capacity to live more of my life in the moment.