Do not presume to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. The Pharisees and the Sadducees were coming out to the wilderness to John the Baptist to be baptized. That’s pretty stunning in and of itself, wouldn’t you agree? And, John is less than impressed. “You brood of vipers!” he roars. Sounds like an interesting call to […]
The following is a reflection on 24:36-44, the Gospel Lesson appointed for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year A. I was sitting on the couch. Watching TV. Who knows what great and inspiring programming I was zoning out to… My wife yelled from upstairs: “Rick…RICK!” “Yes?” I said, rather annoyed that she hadn’t had the grace to wait for a commercial break. “My water broke.”
Prayers of the People Officiant In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, kindle in us the desire to remain awake; that we might be ready for your coming, and eager to pray. Intercessor O God, in days to come the mountain of your house will be established, and your joy shall reign. We pray for the Church, that you might teach us your ways and that we might walk in your […]
The following prayers are based on the Song of Mary (The Magnificat), Luke 1:46-55. Officiant Our souls proclaim the greatness of you, O Lord, and we rejoice; for you have looked with favor on us, your servants; and you hear our prayers.
The following is a reflection on Luke 1:39-55, the Gospel lesson for the fourth Sunday in Advent in year C, according to the Revised Standard Lectionary. …Mary set out and went with haste… But, why?
The following is a reflection on Luke 3:7-18, the Gospel lesson for Advent 3C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. This reflection is a selection from my book Going to Hell, Getting Saved. There’s a fantastic scene in the third chapter of the Gospel of Luke where we’re introduced to the wild-eyed prophet John the Baptist.
The following is a reflection on Luke 1: 68-79 and Luke 3:1-6, the canticle and the Gospel lesson properly appointed for Advent 2C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Most people don’t ever want to talk about “sins.” At least not their own. (Other people’s sins are always fair game for in-depth discussion, but that’s another story entirely.) The only things that might be able to drive the repulsion of “sin talk” even further out-of-bounds are […]
The following prayers are based on Jeremiah 33:14-16, the Hebrew Bible Lesson appointed for the First Sunday of Advent, Year C. Celebrant In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, kindle within us the desire to remain on guard; that we might be ready for your coming, and eager to pray.
The following is a reflection on the First Sunday of Advent, Year C. The Day of the Lord. The end. The Second Coming. The Parousia. In our day such things are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hollywood and people so far off their rockers that they are the very definition of “laughingstock.”