"O" We Came Once More

The Catholic Church is wonderful in its liturgical rhythm, both during the day as well as throughout the year. The genius of the Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours shows the beauty of the request to pray at all times. And as one gets drawn into the rich cycles of prayers and antiphons, one will find favorites.

Among the most favorite section of the entire prayer are the antiphons sung before the Magnificat used during Vespers/Evening Prayer from December 17-23. Each sunset, a different title of the soon-to-be-born Christ Child is referenced. These words show how the words of the prophets come to fruition in the blessed fruit of the womb of the Virgin Mary.

These seven antiphons, collectively known as the "O" Antiphons, were an inspiration in my early days as a 'blogger. Every year since this 'blogs inception, I have presented them as a series of meditations, adding things as I saw fit. They have been some of my most popular posts as well a a good way to finish the Advent season. While I do bring out a lot of repeats, these are still worth the effort to re-post.

I hope you have enjoyed them again.

I promise to have a preview for these next year.

The Days Of Waiting

We have arrived at the beginning of a new liturgical year. The first major solemnities come quickly:  Immaculate Conception; Nativity of the Lord; Mary, Mother of God; Epiphany; Baptism of the Lord. It seems the pace of our spiritual life has suddenly quickened.

Yet the watchwords from now until December 25 are prepare and wait. As we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ (cf. Titus 2:13), we must also prepare the way of the Lord (cf. Isaiah 40:3). Such a odd juxtaposition of concepts--doing something and doing nothing. Mary and Martha at the same time. (How Chestertonian.)

Such is the nature of the season we celebrate. But the "four weeks" of Advent are as necessary as the nine months following the Annunciation. It is the "time" required to be completed. Such a great celebration needs that kind of anticipation and planning.

The time will come for Mary to give birth to Jesus. We know the hour, and it will come as appointed. How we ready ourselves for it will make all the difference in the world.

The days of waiting, the time for preparation, have begun.

It will be here sooner than you realize.

Ready the wreath, ready the candles, ready yourself. 

2019 Thanksgiving Day Card

Give thanks to God for all the blessings you have received. Praise Him for the goodness He has bestowed upon you. With a grateful heart, rejoice in His love.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!

November 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East. That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

October 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

A Missionary “Spring” in the Church. That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the church

A reflection for this intention is found here.

The "Double Perfect" Anniversary

Is it that time again?

Yes, it is.

Fourteen years of some kind of presence on the internet is celebrated today.

In some ways, it is quite an achievement. Many 'blogs far, far better that what this infinitesimal corner of the universe offers have fallen by the wayside. Those 'bloggers were far more knowledgeable and articulate that I could ever hope to be. (And, yes, I would link to their posts. As I acknowledged one time, I know good material when I steal it.) But, I have persevered by the grace of God fortifying my own determination to just remain on-line, sporadic as I have been for much of this 'blog's existence.

It has never been about quantity, but rather quality. It has never been about recognition, but rather glorification. It has never tried to be about me, but rather God working through me. And when the focus has been just that, the results have been satisfying.

That has been my mindset since the outset. I am not a professional writer; even being called a hack would be a compliment. I offer what I can when I can. I want what I post to reflect truth, goodness, and beauty. Do I want to do more? Sure I do; the fire, while its just an ember, is still glowing. I just want to be authentic when I hit the publish button.

As long as I remain grounded in these principles I have established for myself, I will still be here. I still enjoy doing this, which has also helped my longevity. This 'blog is not on life-support; I would say it's more in hibernation. And that's OK. I'll come out of hiding when it's appropriate.

So, on I go with some things old, some things new, some things borrowed, but all things for God.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, will all the sincerity I've had since that very first post:

"Welcome to my infinitesimal corner of the universe!"

September 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

The Protection of the Oceans. That politicians, scientists, and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

A Legal Memorial

The day is almost over.

The memorials have been held.

One of the most tragic events in this country's history has been commemorated.

From coast to coast, and especially in New York, NY, Washington, DC,and Shanksville, PA, we have dutifully recalled what happen 18 years ago today. This new Patriot's Day carried with it, as it has since its inception, all the sadness and solemnity as is its due.

And how could it not? We recall the loss of life, the grieving that still exists, and the renewal of the promises we made as a country regarding this. I hope you availed yourself to some of this ceremony or in some way honored all those victimized.

I don't know if we are trying to make sense of  this still. But, then again, how does one make any sense of evil?

A lot of faith has carried a lot of people through this. And it still will.

These words are just an infinitesimal attempt to mark the occasion. As there is this time of the year, there are far better tributes on the interwebs.

All I wanted to do today is what this country should always do when this date comes on the calendar.

August 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Families, Schools of Human Growth. That families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human growth”.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

Better late than almost never (see last month).

July 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

This was the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

The Integrity Of Justice. That those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

My sincere apologies for failing to post this when it was time.