Yesterday was (for most of us) the Feast of the Epiphany, which commemorates the Magi’s visit to the Infant Jesus. It’s easy to turn it into something schmaltzy, but this is actually one of the most theologically rich parts of the Bible. Jan de Bray, The Adoration of the Magi (1674) Gold: As I’ve explained before,… Continue reading God, King, Sacrifice: The Gifts of the Magi
Tag: liturgical year
Was Mary Saved?
A Protestant friend of mine related his struggle with the Catholic view of Mary’s sinlessless, because Mary herself expressed that she needed a Savior, in Luke 1:46-47, when she proclaimed at the start of the Magnificat, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” I think that there’s a simple response… Continue reading Was Mary Saved?
The Massacre of the Innocents and the Historicity of the Gospels
The first few days after Christmas Day are a surprisingly bloody affair. On December 26, we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Stephen, sometimes called “the protomartyr,” since he is the first Christian after the Resurrection to be martyred for the faith. Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which commemorates Herod’s massacre… Continue reading The Massacre of the Innocents and the Historicity of the Gospels
Why Celebrate Christ’s Birth, Instead of His Conception?
Since life begins at conception, why do we focus on celebrating the Birth of Christ, rather than His Conception? After all, from a Catholic perspective, the Incarnation really occurs about nine months prior to Christmas. Indeed, pro-life movements around the world have begun using March 25 as a day celebrating the life of the unborn, during… Continue reading Why Celebrate Christ’s Birth, Instead of His Conception?
Is This the End of the Christmas Season, or the Beginning?
Terry Mattingly of GetReligion has a great column about the “two Christmases.” As he notes, for the Church, the Christmas season runs from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 6). These are the famous Twelve Days of Christmas. But in secular society, the Christmas season runs from around Thanksgiving until December 25. So… Continue reading Is This the End of the Christmas Season, or the Beginning?
The Catholic Connection to Hanukkah
Last night marked the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (or Chanukah). What you may not know is the connection between Hanukkah and Catholicism. Namely, the festival of lights celebrates the events of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which Catholics and Orthodox consider Scripture, but Protestants and Jews don’t. I’ll let Professor Jon Levenson, professor of… Continue reading The Catholic Connection to Hanukkah
The New Translation: What’s Changed and Why
So, we’re most of the way through Advent* (I know, it’s gone by incredibly fast — if you want to slow it down, try fasting). It seems like a good time to pause and reflect on the new translation of the Mass that was rolled out on the first Sunday of Advent. What’s changed, and why?… Continue reading The New Translation: What’s Changed and Why
Mary, the New Eve
In the past few days, we’ve seen how Scripture depicts Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant, and Mary as the Temple Gate, surrounding Jesus Christ, our perfect Temple. Today’s the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so it’s the perfect time to add a third Scriptural depiction of Mary: Mary as the New Eve.… Continue reading Mary, the New Eve
Jesus Makes the National Catholic Reporter Feel Like Losers?
The National Catholic Reporter appears to be claiming that Jesus makes them feel like losers. This bizarre claim comes from their editorial against the new translation of the Mass texts. Here’s what they said: Because of our belief in one family in this big tent, we are loath to characterize disagreements as battles. Battles have winners and… Continue reading Jesus Makes the National Catholic Reporter Feel Like Losers?
Four Quick Notes on Thanksgiving
1) First, a Thanksgiving hymn. I’ve mentioned this particular hymn before as one of the greatest of the twentieth century, but it seems particularly apt for today: O God beyond all praising, we worship you todayand sing the love amazing that songs cannot repay;for we can only wonder at every gift you send,at blessings without number and mercies without… Continue reading Four Quick Notes on Thanksgiving