First reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm Psalm 126 Second reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28 Prayer: Lord, help me to build up what is broken down, to raise up those who have been trodden on, to confess that I am not worthy of you, but, still bring your message. Help me Lord to... Continue Reading →

This book could easily be entitled "A Serious Call to a Structured and Disciplined Life", for Law holiness is a byproduct of discipline. He recommends to the reader a life of devotion based on the classic hours of prayer. While doing this, he compares the holy life to those who fail to practice such a... Continue Reading →

Thus the prophet saith that he shall come saying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." And he himself when he was come said, "Bring forth fruits meet for repentance," which corresponds with, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." Seest thou that both by the words of the prophet, and... Continue Reading →

Hark, how all the welkin rings,"Glory to the King of kings;Peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise,Join the triumph of the skies;Universal nature say,"Christ the Lord is born to-day!" Christ, by highest Heaven ador'd,Christ, the everlasting Lord:Late in time behold him come,Offspring of a Virgin's womb! Veiled in... Continue Reading →

The great third century bishop of Carthage was known for his writing and for his generosity toward the poor. Cyprian was a very wealthy man early in life and sold most of his possessions and gave much of his salary to help support the poor. His time was also a time of stress within the... Continue Reading →

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God's own work for justice. Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my... Continue Reading →

First reading Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Second reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a Gospel Mark 1:1-8 Prayer: Father, Help me to listen to the voices you have provided for me to hear your word. May I listen intently to the message you have given me and may I then take your message out to the... Continue Reading →

Brother Lawrence was an 18th century French monk who spent much of his time working in the monastery kitchen. His goal in life was to be as near to God while going about the routine of the kitchen as he was singing in the choir. "The Practice of the Presence" is a roadmap to emulate... Continue Reading →

Come, Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free;From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our rest in Thee.Israel's Strength and Consolation,Hope of all the earth Thou art;Dear Desire of every nation,Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver,Born a child and yet a King,Born to reign in us forever,Now... Continue Reading →

A 16th century Jesuit and missionary to the India, China, and much of East Asia Francis Xavier was a trailblazer in the field of missions. His efforts in Asia were very successful and today he is one of the patron saints of foreign missions. "It is impossible to find a saint who did not take... Continue Reading →