The body and blood of Christ ‘introduce within creation . . . a sort of “nuclear fission” By Father Randy Stice The Second Vatican Council taught that since Christ died for all and that all have the same ultimate vocation of eternal life in the Trinity, “the Holy Spirit in …
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The solution to ‘What’s the problem?’
It is the birth of Christ on the first Christmas Day and His second coming By Deacon Bob Hunt Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord. It is also a season …
He lied to his nurse in hiding 1.3 pounds
No harm came to anyone by not telling the truth, unless he counts himself—and his conscience By George Valadie I lied. I’m not proud of it. I’m a little embarrassed and a little ashamed. Why on earth would I do that? It’s not like I planned to. I actually surprised …
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Christmas in our heart
May the peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts this holy season By Bishop Mark Beckman Several years ago, I noticed a wonderful church sign. It said something along the lines of: “If you don’t have Christmas in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree either.” I …
Advent beginnings
A new Pentecost Springtime awaits as we emerge from the dark days of winter By Bishop Mark Beckman Every Advent is the dawn of a new liturgical year. As the days grow shorter, Christians have for centuries lit candles in preparation for the coming feast of Christmas. The Advent wreath …
The anamnesis in the Eucharistic Prayer
The Greek word for memorial is found in the earliest account by St. Paul of the Last Supper By Father Randy Stice In the Eucharistic Prayer (EP), following the consecration we hear these words: “Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your Son, His …
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AI is everywhere—even in this column
Artificial intelligence writes the first eight paragraphs below as well as the closing prayer By George Valadie Wow, it was a lot! I’m talking about the deep dive I took recently into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). You’d think I was gearing up for a Ph.D. in computer science, …
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The virtue of seeing Christ in others
In every encounter, we see one who is made in the image and likeness of God By Deacon Bob Hunt The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean …
Remembering those who serve
‘We thank you for and honor your service. We mean it’ By Father Charlie Donahue, CSP In 1989, a movie came out, Born on the Fourth of July. It starred Tom Cruise and is the biography of a man named Ronald Kovic. He is an injured and paralyzed veteran of …
The biblical understanding of sacrifice
‘The Eucharist,’ in the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, ‘is a sacrifice in the strict sense’ By Father Randy Stice At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of His impending death as a sacrifice. He offered His disciples His body “which is given for you” and His blood “which …
To ‘bring Christ,’ love others as He does
He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved—we are called to do the same By Deacon Bob Hunt The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean …
‘Pilgrims of hope’
Jubilee Year is an opportunity to be present, prayerful, and purposeful to those in need By Bishop Mark Beckman The great Jubilee Year of 2025 begins this Christmas Eve when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, an event that ordinarily takes place every 25 …
