Advent and the paradox of Ordinary Time
Every year, as Advent and Christmas approach, I seem to have the same conversation with one of my students.
On Advent, beauty and the Catholic Imagination
Advent has come quickly this year, riding the tails of Thanksgiving. After a busy week with the kids home from school, deer rifle season and resting up, it wasn’t until late in the evening that we talked with the kids about it being Advent and what that means.
On the Feast of Christ the King
On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.
Jesus is the light in the darkness
Sometimes we think everything must be flawless to celebrate a holy and perfect Mass. But often just the opposite is true. I arrived early Sunday to St. John the Evangelist in Birchwood because I was the Sacristan and reader for Mass. I like to be prepared; I like everything to be flawless.
Post-election reflection: Move beyond the ballot box
Whether or not your desired candidates will be sworn into office, the one thing we all seem to agree on is that we’re exhausted and “over” this election! Accusatory ads, divisive campaign rhetoric and polarized partisan dynamics have put the worst of human behavior on display these last months, and we’re ready to move on.
Gifford’s ‘Herod and Mary’ a study in contrast
A paranoid ruler feels so threatened by manipulative forces around him that he suspects his children are trying to overthrow him, leading him to torture and execute them. No, it’s not the plot of some new TV show. It’s a piece of history about King Herod, the man who ordered the murder of all boys under age 2 after hearing from the Magi that the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem.
To create a culture of life, give abundantly
“I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came to give us life. Have you ever stopped to ponder the effect of the Eucharist in your life, and the life it brings to each of us whether we are fed physically by the bread of life (Body of Christ) or sit in silence before the Eucharist?
Celebrating the Blessed Mother in October
October is a wonderful month to celebrate our Blessed Mother. Oct. 7 marks the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Oct. 13 is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, two amazing celebrations that bring the Mother of God into focus as the triumphant queen of heaven and earth.
Celebrating our new chancery chapel
One of the most satisfying moments in my two years as bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was the dedication and consecration of the gorgeous chapel in our new chancery office.
Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel
St. Jeanne Jugan, foundress of my community of Little Sisters of the Poor, was a woman of few words. She left behind no letters or other writings but she did impart little bits of advice to the young Little Sisters among whom she spent her final years.