Recent Comments
Monthly Archives: August 2019
Christus Vivit 123: Being Saved Over And Over
Salvation not a single experience, but a lifelong opportunity: 123. Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again. And when you go to confess your sins, believe firmly in … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Funeral Lectionary: Psalm 16: 1-2, 7-11
I had an experience with the funeral of a choir spouse recently. The family requested Psalm 16, and specifically Scott Soper’s fine setting. OCP’s editors place it in their annual missal in the Psalter. The antiphon is a bit long … Continue reading
Posted in Order of Christian Funerals, Scripture
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 122: Redeemed And Valuable
“Christ saves you” is an important message, and it is rooted in the value God places on us. Each of us has a certain preciousness–this is the root of Catholic social teaching on life. Pope Francis cites his message to … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 121: Christ Forgives
A reminder against pelagianism, that is, doing it all on our own abilities or good looks: 121. His forgiveness and salvation are not something we can buy, or that we have to acquire by our own works or efforts. He … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 120: Salvation Is In God’s Nature
120. “We are saved by Jesus because he loves us and cannot go against his nature. Nitpickers might suggest God can do anything, even go against his nature. But that would be the posture of the tempter. It also masks … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
OCM 60: The Questions before the Consent
Let’s look at “The Questions before the Consent,” which follows the presider’s address to the couple. That these are done publicly show at least a two-level situation. The Church is seeking from the couple, a moment of listening (OCM 59) … Continue reading
Posted in Rite of Marriage
1 Comment
Christus Vivit 119: Christ’s Self-Surrender
Continuing to look at the “second great truth,” in Pope Francis’ 4th chapter narrative, “Christ saves you.” 119. The same Christ who, by his cross, saved us from our sins, today continues to save and redeem us by the power … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 118: Christ Saves You
Looking at the “second great truth,” in Pope Francis’ 4th chapter narrative, “Christ saves you.” The progression is natural. Without love, the saving act of Christ doesn’t have the same power. It suggests that because we as human beings can … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Reflections On Rupture
One of the flashpoints in the so-called liturgywars involves the chasm between continuity and rupture. That last word wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice, but it is used by people on the traditional side of the divide. In my view, … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
Leave a comment
Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Matthew 8:14-17
We think of Jesus as teacher. Perhaps prophet. But healing people was the hallmark of his earthly ministry. He is no longer with us as he was with the people of first century Palestine, but the episodes of healing those … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 117: Seeking Closeness With God
117. When he asks something of you, or simply makes you face life’s challenges, he is hoping that you will make room for him to push you, to help you grow. He does not get upset if you share your … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Celebrity Break-Up
Subtitle: What do Donald Trump and Miley Cyrus have in common? I usually find celebrity news distasteful, be it politics, sports, or entertainment. But this piece struck me as it popped into my news stream today. And this quote from … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
Leave a comment
Christus Vivit 116: Qualities of God’s Love
Another quote from a homily earlier this year: 116. His is “a love that does not overwhelm or oppress, cast aside or reduce to silence, humiliate or domineer. It is the love of the Lord, a daily, discreet and respectful … Continue reading
Posted in Christus Vivit
Leave a comment
Baptism Anniversary
It was forty-nine years ago today. That doesn’t have a Lennon-McCartney fit, but I can sing it in my heart. My parish of baptism is closed now. The last time I was there might have been around 2000. I still … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary
1 Comment
Catholic Sensibility 
Restoration of Order
I noticed this essay and commentary on flipping Confirmation to pre-First Eucharist. Aside from liturgy and sacramental theology, Eastern Christianity was one of the fields I studied and term-papered in grad school. I was quite familiar with the early bishops … Continue reading →