EASTERTIDE : THE OCTAVE
Another Eastertide (Octave) has come to a close with the Sunday of Divine Mercy. But the Easter Season continues! Christ is still risen! Hallelujah! Continue reading EASTERTIDE : THE OCTAVE
EASTERTIDE: SEVENTH DAY
When once a god is admitted, even a false god, the Cosmos begins to know its place: which is the second place. When once it is the real God the Cosmos falls down before Him, offering flowers in spring as flames in winter. Continue reading EASTERTIDE: SEVENTH DAY
EASTERTIDE : SIXTH DAY
There would be peace if everyone understood the point Jesus was making about little children, what God is going to do to the world and what heaven is really like. Continue reading EASTERTIDE : SIXTH DAY
EASTERTIDE: FIFTH DAY
As Chesterton reminds us, what we have in this Eastertide is not a reminder of Spring coming again, but an actual reminder of the reversal of death for all time! Continue reading EASTERTIDE: FIFTH DAY
EASTERTIDE: FOURTH DAY
The Resurrection is of faith and not of any false analogy from the senses or the seasons. Continue reading EASTERTIDE: FOURTH DAY
EASTERTIDE : THIRD DAY
“His command to us “to preach the good news to all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” ( Matt 24:14) is all about assuring such ones that we do indeed worship a God who knows the way out of their dilemma because he knows the way out of the grave!” Continue reading EASTERTIDE : THIRD DAY
EASTERTIDE : SECOND DAY
Will we be the first in our day to tell those we know and those we don’t of Christ’s victory over death for all eternity? Our world needs to hear of this hope especially now! Continue reading EASTERTIDE : SECOND DAY
HOLY WEEK: EASTER SUNDAY
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! For, as Chesterton observed, “we have a God who knew the way out of the grave!” Continue reading HOLY WEEK: EASTER SUNDAY
HOLY WEEK: HOLY SATURDAY
We enter the tomb as we enter The Great Silence… Continue reading HOLY WEEK: HOLY SATURDAY
HOLY WEEK: GOOD FRIDAY
We cannot save ourselves. The Cross was and is the only way out of our dilemma. Continue reading HOLY WEEK: GOOD FRIDAY
HOLY WEEK: MAUNDY THURSDAY
On this Holy Thursday, this Maundy Thursday, we remember two things: One, as Chesterton’s quote tells us, is an object of faith that we agree to believe in and the other is a commandment demonstrating a work of faith. Continue reading HOLY WEEK: MAUNDY THURSDAY
HOLY WEEK: SPY WEDNESDAY
We are wise not to forget that this simple act of betrayal was accomplished merely with trust, a kiss, and a money deal. The same features of business transactions most of us use everyday, although we might replace the kiss with a handshake. Continue reading HOLY WEEK: SPY WEDNESDAY
HOLY WEEK: HOLY TUESDAY
The difference between how betrayal was seen in Chesterton’s day when the name ‘Judas’ was still used as a public epitaph and ours is telling. It is reminding us that the common societal atmosphere has changed to one like the spirit of Judas. Continue reading HOLY WEEK: HOLY TUESDAY
HOLY WEEK: HOLY MONDAY
In this story of Holy Monday, Judas is casually accepted and given too much trust while Mary is overly suspicioned and not given a fair assessment of character. And Jesus, at that moment, is in more need than the poor. Continue reading HOLY WEEK: HOLY MONDAY
HOLY WEEK : PALM SUNDAY
For in one week the same crowd who hailed him with palm leaves at his feet, became a mob at the end of the week on Good Friday, and called for his death on the Cross in fulfillment of scripture. It is a lesson for all of us about the costs of loyalty and constancy and resisting political fear for what is true. Continue reading HOLY WEEK : PALM SUNDAY
LENT: THE ANNUNCIATION
When he was 16 years old, even before he became Catholic, the young Chesterton wrote a poetic devotion to Mary Continue reading LENT: THE ANNUNCIATION
LENT: CHANGING OUR MIND FROM FREEDOM TO SIN TO FREEDOM FROM SIN
Unless we repent, we too will all perish. Continue reading LENT: CHANGING OUR MIND FROM FREEDOM TO SIN TO FREEDOM FROM SIN
LENT: THE SOLEMNITY OF ST JOSEPH
Fathers are to set the example of faith and righteous obedience to God for us in the family. Fathers, ask St Joseph to help you. Continue reading LENT: THE SOLEMNITY OF ST JOSEPH
LENT: ST. PATRICK’S FEAST DAY
While this is often a day of green beer and celebrations, it was not always so. The life of Patrick teaches us the exact opposite. It was a life of submission to the Christ. Continue reading LENT: ST. PATRICK’S FEAST DAY
LENT: CHARITY
The charity we hold out to our fellow man at large, to give the help or the forgiveness that is undeserved, is not looking for justice just yet; it is looking to God… Continue reading LENT: CHARITY
LENT: HUMILITY, PRAYER and HOPE
Humility is the state, accompanied by prayer and hope, in which we see great things as did the saints when they saw visions Continue reading LENT: HUMILITY, PRAYER and HOPE
LENT: LIFTING THE VEIL
Only God Lifts the Veil Over Our Eyes So That We Can See The Truth: The Opportunity of Everlasting Life and Real Peace Through Christ’s Kingdom and Not This World
Continue reading LENT: LIFTING THE VEIL
LENT: GALLOPING TO GOD – THE REAL VISION OF OBEDIENCE
Christian obedience is well-considered and aware of the cost. It is an act of trust in someone we know to be trustworthy, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Continue reading LENT: GALLOPING TO GOD – THE REAL VISION OF OBEDIENCE
LENT: THE BREAD OF HUMILITY; THE MOTHER OF GIANTS
We need humility to give us strength for the Lenten Journey to see what God wants us to see…. Continue reading LENT: THE BREAD OF HUMILITY; THE MOTHER OF GIANTS
LENT: REMEMBER THOU ART DUST
As we begin Lent, may we repent and live the holy lives for Christ He has called us to live… Continue reading LENT: REMEMBER THOU ART DUST
ST. VALENTINE: LOVE , MARRIAGE, AND DEATH
Strangely or not, St. Valentine’s Day, the day we think about love and pleasant feelings also began in the death of this saint – for marrying Christians! Continue reading ST. VALENTINE: LOVE , MARRIAGE, AND DEATH
CONTRA MUNDI
When faced with people saying to him. “The world is against you, Athanasius.”, St. Athanasius replied: “Then I am against the world.” Continue reading CONTRA MUNDI
CANDLEMAS!
Candlemas was an especially important day to G. K. Chesterton. He marked it by writing an entire volume of poems titled The Queen of the Seven Swords. In it he makes specific reference to the day in his poem, The Paradox Continue reading CANDLEMAS!
FEAST OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
“A saint is long past any desire for distinction; he is the only sort of superior man who has never been a superior person.” Continue reading FEAST OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
COVID, CHRISTMAS, AND CHESTERTON’S SHOP OF GHOSTS
A pandemic is a very physical experience, a sharper and more precise experience from which to view society around us. A dying holiday, less so. But there is a connection between the two. Continue reading COVID, CHRISTMAS, AND CHESTERTON’S SHOP OF GHOSTS
CHRISTMASTIDE: THEOPHANY!
“It was in the season of Christmas that I came out of my little garden in that “field of the beeches” between the Chilterns and the Thames, and began to walk backwards through history to the place from which Christmas came. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: THEOPHANY!
CHRISTMAS GOES ON IN OUR HEARTS
As we warm the lives of others with our Christmas spirit, we warm our own. As Chesterton points out: He is a “winter fire for the unfortunate.” Continue reading CHRISTMAS GOES ON IN OUR HEARTS
CHRISTMASTIDE: EPIPHANY! (traditional)
this is also a journey that paradoxically has an end in our Feast Day, but never comes to an end for each Christian in their faith journey. It is a satisfying mystery within the Great Mystery of the Church! Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: EPIPHANY! (traditional)
CHRISTMASTIDE: JOURNEY TO EPIPHANY CONTINUES
As we journey to the Epiphany that is coming tomorrow (and the Christmas that goes on to Candlemas on February 2) what has God revealed to us? To what wonderful and terrible gift has he opened our eyes and heart? Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: JOURNEY TO EPIPHANY CONTINUES
CHRISTMASTIDE: JOURNEY TO EPIPHANY
Chesterton reminds us in his poem about the wise men’s journey , something startling is needed for an epiphany that leads to a revelation and a repentance that is lasting Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: JOURNEY TO EPIPHANY
CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
The most holy name of Jesus is the mystery of the divine personality. And during Christmas, we are brought to this realization in all the Christmas controversies. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
CHRISTMASTIDE: MEMORIAL OF STS. BASIL AND GREGORY
Christians today owe a great deal to these two bishops and doctors of the Church. And during Christmas we remember them with their own day. They stood firm in the face of bodily threat for the truth. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: MEMORIAL OF STS. BASIL AND GREGORY
CHRISTMASTIDE: THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD
Do you want to feel the same heart-pounding excitement? Do you want to feel new in this new year? Then you and I must allow God to help us recapture what it is like to be a child who retains wonder at the astounding Good News He has given to us! Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD
CHRISTMASTIDE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF ST SYLVESTER
The first “peace-time” pope in the reign of Constantine, St. Sylvester took part in two very important negotiations: the Arian heresy and the Council of Nicaea. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF ST SYLVESTER
CHRISTMASTIDE: DISCOVERING THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS
But the great majority of people will go on observing forms that cannot be explained; they will keep Christmas Day with Christmas gifts and Christmas benedictions; they will continue to do it; and some day suddenly wake up and discover why. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: DISCOVERING THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST DAY OF ST THOMAS BECKET
what this Saint of the Church did on its altar by accepting a martyr’s death at prayer gave strength to successive generations to stand in obedience to Peter’s words. A riddle for history, indeed! Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST DAY OF ST THOMAS BECKET
CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS
Chesterton wrote about Herod and his atrocity upon the children of Bethlehem from two vantages: First, in a biting satirical way, where his pen was used as sword, both as artist and writer, and then again, 5 years later, with deep mourning in his masterpiece, The Everlasting Man. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS
CHRISTMASTIDE: ST.JOHN’S DAY
We can dream of White Christmases as well as a world finally at peace. We don’t have to understand everything to believe and trust God that such things that are beyond our control are possible. And most importantly, it is He who brings them about and not we ourselves. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: ST.JOHN’S DAY
CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
That is the paradox of love. If we love God first, we are then able to love others best. Then we are holy and our families can be a holy family as the Holy Family was and is holy. Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
CHRISTMASTIDE: ST.STEPHEN’S DAY
Stephen’s witness was so powerful, that Chesterton, years later, makes mention of what he did by the name of the place he saw from the window of his hotel in Ireland, recalling to mind Jesus’ own testimony about the power of witnessing for the Church: Continue reading CHRISTMASTIDE: ST.STEPHEN’S DAY
CHRISTUS NATUS EST!
“The great majority of people will go on observing forms that cannot be explained; they will keep Christmas Day with Christmas gifts and Christmas benedictions; they will continue to do it; and some day suddenly wake up and discover why.” Continue reading CHRISTUS NATUS EST!
Reforming the Line 