For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. – 1 Thessalonians 5:5 In our second reading this Sunday, St. Paul tells us that we who follow Christ are the “children of the light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). What does it look like for us to live as children of the light? Children are made in the image and likeness of their parents. They often look like their parents, bearing their…
Think back to a time that you walked in the dark. Maybe you had to move slowly so you didn’t run into anything or fumble around to find a light. If you were somewhere unfamiliar, it might have even been a little frightening to not be able to see your surroundings. You needed something to light your way so that you would know where to go without hurting yourself or getting lost. Now remember a…
At your Baptism, you were washed and reborn as a child of God, set apart from the world as members of Christ’s Church, and anointed to be a light to the whole world. On the day of your baptism, you were “born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). Imagine: the priest poured holy water over you to wash you from original sin; he anointed you with sacred chrism oil, signifying the gift of the Holy…
“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:2). There’s been much debate on the origin of the Christmas Star. Some think it was a comet or supernova. Others think it was a conjunction of planets. Planetariums even have “Star of Bethlehem” shows to explore all the theories. Whatever the cosmic origin, the star was from God. He placed it in the sky for a purpose: to guide…
It’s late in the calendar year. The darkness increases as we draw nearer to winter, but on this first day of Advent—the very first day of our Church year—we are called to wake up early, while it is still dark. “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw…
The days are getting shorter and darker each day now. But with the increasing darkness comes the promise of brighter days: “but for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (Mal 3:20). Sun of Justice is one of the names of Jesus. If your family does a Jesse Tree during Advent, you might remember this from the O Antiphons that are recited during Vespers in the…
If you had a tiny seed—say an apple seed—and you wanted it to grow into a strong tree, full of good apples, what would you do? First, you’d find a sunny spot with rich soil for planting. A place protected from harsh winds. You’d water and feed it. You’d cultivate the soil around it to keep the weeds from stealing its nourishment. You’d protect it from attacks of pests. After several years of this loving…
The Transfiguration of the Lord shows a powerful manifestation of the Holy Trinity. Peter, James, and John go with Jesus to Mt. Tabor to pray, and Jesus is transfigured: “his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white” (Lk 9:29). The glory of the Risen Christ was revealed. The veil of His humanity was lifted, showing His divine nature: “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12). The transfigured Jesus is light…
“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:2). There’s been much debate on the origin of the Christmas Star. Some think it was a comet or supernova. Others think it was a conjunction of planets. Planetariums even have “Star of Bethlehem” shows to explore all the theories. Whatever the cosmic origin, the star was from God. He placed it in the sky for a purpose: to guide…