Jan. 17: Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

In a book about the Benedictine community at Collegeville, Minnesota, titled “Cloister Walk,” Kathleen Norris describes the difference between a call and a choice. In our Western society we prize choice — making our own decision about where we will go to college (if we can get in), about our job (if we can find one), about our future spouse (if we meet the perfect candidate) and a lot of other things. Frank Sinatra’s famous croon “I did it my way” has a strong appeal.

Jan. 10: Baptism of the Lord

The Gospel passage for this Sunday stands at the very beginning of Mark and is typical of this evangelist’s no-nonsense style. We will hear readings from this Gospel throughout this liturgical year.

Dec. 27: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The poignant scenes appear on our television screens every day. Children touching hands of an elderly loved one with a window of a nursing home in between. Disappointed families trying to draw together through Zoom when sharing a Christmas dinner is a risk. The tensions sparked from being confined in close quarters even with people we love. All of us can add experiences of our own to the list of conditions endured during this unusual time.

Jan. 3: Epiphany of the Lord

Malka Simkovich, who directs the Catholic-Jewish studies program at Catholic Theological Union, has documented the tendencies toward universalism in the writings of Judaism during the period roughly parallel with the life of Jesus and the formation of the New Testament. Often people contrast what is termed the ethnocentric tendency of Judaism with the universal aspirations of Christianity. In short, Christianity is expansive and inclusive; Judaism, exclusive and focused inward. But, as is often the case, such generalizations can distort the truth that is more complex.

Dec. 20: Fourth Sunday of Advent

A few years ago, I heard a radio interview with a woman who was the head of the local chapter of the Gray Panthers, an organization that advocates on behalf of the elderly. Founded in the early 1960s, its main mission is to combat ageism.

Dec. 13: Third Sunday of Advent

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. “Gaudete” is the Latin word for “rejoice.” This Sunday’s readings, especially the first two, ring with exuberant joy.

Dec. 6: Second Sunday of Advent

One of my professors who taught us liturgy used to caution us about trying to make the celebration of daily Eucharist in a parish too long or too extravagant. Most people who come on a regular basis to daily Mass come for quiet spiritual nourishment at the beginning of their day. In his memorable words: “Don’t try to make every Eucharist like opening night at the Met!”

Nov. 29: First Sunday of Advent

A popular word I only recently became aware of is “woke.” Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary tells me that “woke” originated in African-American dialect and refers to being alert (or awake) to racial and social issues.

Nov. 22: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

In the church’s liturgical calendar, this is the last Sunday of the year. Advent and a new year begin next Sunday. Traditionally, the year goes out with a bang — not fireworks or fanfare but a burst of homage and praise to Christ, the king of the universe.

Nov. 15: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

I have often wondered about the hardworking editors who put together the Lectionary, the set of biblical readings read at every Mass over a three-year cycle. This was one of the innovations mandated by the Second Vatican Council.
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