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Monthly Archives: November 2013
Mediator Dei 41-43
Picking up on the notion of a priesthood established in the supernatural realm … 41. That is why the visible, external priesthood of Jesus Christ is not handed down indiscriminately to all members of the Church in general, but is … Continue reading
Posted in Mediator Dei, pre-conciliar documents
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Advent Music: E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
If I were still directing an active ensemble of musicians and singers, I’d really want to program E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come. When I first heard this piece arranged and performed by the Modern Mandolin Quartet, I assumed it … Continue reading
A Cardinal’s Perch
Rocco whispered to the secular media in his hometown: I’ve heard it from very good sources that at least one woman is probably going to end up being in a position that, until now, has been held by a Cardinal … Continue reading
Posted in Church News
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Tabernacle From Japan
My friend Bill sent me an image of the Eucharistic Tabernacle from a Franciscan chapel in Tokyo. I wasn’t enamored of the choice to place it behind the presider’s chair. Otherwise, I found the design elegant in every way: the … Continue reading
EG 5: The Gospel of Joy
Pope Francis cites numerous instances of joy in the Gospels and Acts. No portion seems bereft of it: the infancy narratives, the expression of the disciples, and even Jesus himself: 5. The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, … Continue reading
Reconciliation Lectionary: Romans 13:8-14
Some of this passage, the verses 11-14, is proclaimed on the First Sunday of Advent, cycle A. In my opinion, this is one of the best possible choices for an Advent communal service. Some people might focus on the commandments–this part … Continue reading
Mediator Dei 38-40
Mediator Dei on the Vatican web site. But let’s zero in on the liturgy as a manifestation of a society: 38. For a better and more accurate understanding of the sacred liturgy another of its characteristic features, no less important, … Continue reading
Posted in Mediator Dei, pre-conciliar documents
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Reconciliation Lectionary: Micah 6:1-6
The Micah 6:6-8 passage is better known than most any Old Testament passage. Do justice, love goodness, walk humbly: this is sage advice from the very core of the Jewish tradition. Read then the verses that precede it: Hear, then, what … Continue reading
Making a College Catholic
There’s more to this issue than I want to take time for, or that I have the experience to address. dotCommonweal has a second post on Catholic identity, following up from an earlier one, as well as the Cardinal Newman … Continue reading
Is Cover-Up An Evangelization Issue?
CNS commentary on Evangelii Gaudium here. It is thus surprising that, with the possible exception of a reference to the “pain and the shame we feel at the sins of some members of our church,” Pope Francis does not even … Continue reading
Posted in bishops, evangelization
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EG 4: Old Testament Joy
Advent is considered a season of joyful expectation. As Pope Francis draws on Isaiah, the prominent Old Testament figure of the season’s Scriptures, the confluence of joy is not surprising: The books of the Old Testament predicted that the joy … Continue reading
An Infusion of the Holy into Holiday Music
On the drive to Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, we tuned in to two of central Iowa’s “Christmas stations.” I told my wife about my plan to count mentions of Jesus in holidays music. I think she’s amused by little projects like … Continue reading
Mediator Dei 37
Individual prayer of any sort, including the Divine Office, is meant to be harmonious with the celebration of the Mass. The Eucharist is always the most important, but that is not, or should not be incompatible with the believer’s approach … Continue reading
Posted in Mediator Dei, pre-conciliar documents
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Sun Blasts Comet
Comet ISON won’t be spraying pre-dawn skies as was hoped. Passing within a million miles of the sun was too much; BBC reported the 6,000-ft wide body was “largely destroyed.”
Catholic Sensibility 
Caring For The Dying: Not Just For Religious
At the Catholic Herald, commentator Francis Phillips is concerned about the blossoming movement favoring euthanasia. He writes: It strikes me that the push for euthanasia in this country is driven by a cadre of influential atheists with a fear of … Continue reading →