This Emmanuel Voices blog series, The Spirit of Christmas Present, features young artists and writers, reflecting on memories of Christmas past and hopes for this Christmas, and future ones to come. This post from fourth grader Rachael Cruz, is going up on her 10th birthday!! Rachael’s beautiful multi-media collage makes use of cutouts, markers, and aluminum foil to create…
“Blessed is she who believes.” Luke 1:45 Having spent the first 50 years of my life as a member of the Catholic Church, praying through Jesus, the Great Intercessor, to God, we were also taught to pray through Mary, the Mother of God, also as an intercessor – someone who intercedes on our behalf. Mary…
I don’t know much about snakes. Really, I don’t know anything. I think they’re weird animals – not at all cuddly, frankly a little creepy, they’re just not my thing. But this line from John the Baptist stands out to me every time I hear it: “you brood of vipers.” Turns out, vipers are interesting. They are venomous, of course, and can cause serious bodily harm…
This Emmanuel Voices blog series, The Spirit of Christmas Present, features young artists and writers, reflecting on memories of Christmas past and hopes for Christmas future. This first illustrated post from fourth grader Emma Jarrett pictures three of her favorite Christmas memories rolled into one! Thank you, Emma, for helping to make this holy season merry and bright! If there…
Blue. Blessed Mother Blue. Blessed Virgin Mary Blue. There is no sexier color in the Crayola Crayon box than Blessed Mother Blue. That is, of course, if you are a little Catholic girl. And it’s Advent. Please, Baby Jesus, bless me with Blessed Mother Blue! Now Mary (quite impossibly!) is very, very much what every…
While the church is a bit fussy about music in Advent, I confess to being obsessed with the “mall muzak” of the holiday season. Ever since I was a little kid, Jingle Bells has brought me joy; O Come, All Ye Faithful has given me comfort. The chaos of my childhood home not withstanding. I loved to sing — though Sister…
Note: Homily recorded with special appearance by Charlie, the Ginger Cat. Have you heard this Advent carol? It is sung to an 18th century dance tune! Prepare the Way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!Let every hill and valley a level way appear.Greet one who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story,Oh, blest is…
I’m recording this message from home on Wednesday before Thanksgiving – so a Happy Thanksgiving shout-out to all of you for tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful and delicious day surrounded by love. You deserve that. Okay, on to our First Sunday of Advent homily: It should be no secret or surprise to anyone…
Advent is literally around the corner. It begins officially Sunday, November 28. So, I am very excited to finally share this project with our readers, which I have quite literally been “sitting on” since June! This winter devotional is the product of a little summer inspiration. You see, on a golden June afternoon, my soul…
In our first reading today, Paul says something really bold. He’s talking about the good news of Jesus, and he says “according to my gospel.” My gospel. I couldn’t believe it, because usually we say it’s Jesus’ gospel, or God’s gospel, but Paul said “my gospel.” I found that surprising. “Gospel” is an old word that means “good…
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