Finding the light in my darkness: A Christmas reflection
Where I live, it is dark by 4 in the afternoon come December. As a child, like many children, I was afraid of the dark. So my siblings and I…
Reflecting on St. Joseph during Advent
“All is calm.” These words are found in one of the season’s most famous Christmas songs, “Silent Night.” But what went on in the background during the night of Jesus’…
Allowing ourselves to be weary pilgrims this Advent
Displayed in a small side chapel of Sant’Agostino in Rome is an arresting painting by the great Baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The work, “Madonna of the Pilgrims,” shocks…
Decluttering our hearts to make room for Jesus
I’m not very good at keeping house. I have great plans of having a beautifully organized home with everything in its place, but it rarely comes to fruition. A few…
4 resolutions for your liturgical New Year
My favorite Advent greeting is “Happy New Year!” The greeting is technically accurate since Advent is the start of the liturgical year. And it reminds me that this time is…
Recognizing the potential of our own hearts this Christmas
Growing up, one of my favorite Advent and Christmas traditions was reading from “The Advent Book” with my family. It was through this beautifully illustrated board book that I returned…
Getting to know St. Elizabeth of the Trinity during Advent
A year ago, I really didn’t know much about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Then I read Claire Dwyer’s book “This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of…
Should I fast during Advent?
What kind of Advent are you dreaming of? The season of Advent is just around the corner, but it can be difficult to know how to approach it. Perhaps you’re…
A king(dom) not of this world
As a child, I was never really interested in princess movies. Perhaps that was because the stories were too predictable or the characters were unrelatable. Or maybe even in my…
Becoming empty like Mary this Advent
In the darkest hours of the morning when it seems that even the moon has gone to sleep, I am often awake with my daughter. As my tired arms hold…