Years ago, the immortal David Warren admitted to the guilty pleasure of enjoying the Christmas Mass of Jakub Jan Ryba (1765 – 1815), amidst the austerities of Lent. The occasion serves to illustrate the true value of asceticism, the purpose of which is not so much to have us forego what is good, as toContinue reading “Hail, Master!”
Tag Archives: Christmas
Hail, Master!
Years ago, the immortal David Warren admitted to the guilty pleasure of enjoying the Christmas Mass of Jakub Jan Ryba (1765 – 1815), amidst the austerities of Lent. The occasion serves to illustrate the true value of asceticism, the purpose of which is not so much to have us forego what is good, as toContinue reading “Hail, Master!”
The Snare is Broken!
Through the Mystery of the Word made flesh, new radiance from thy glory has so shone on the eye of the soul that the recognition of our God made visible draws us to love what is invisible. Roman Missal Even as the elements of the world conspire to bring it down, the heart is liftedContinue reading “The Snare is Broken!”
Christmas Cheer
And the light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5 Traditionally, Christmas is a season of warmth and light. Even as the northern hemisphere reaches its darkest days, and the arctic blasts of January approach, the world sparkles with tinsel and smiles, and ubiquitous signs of universal good cheer. AtContinue reading “Christmas Cheer”
The Savior Comes!
Tomorrow shall the iniquity of the earth be abolished: and the Savior of the world shall reign over us. O God, who dost gladden us by the yearly expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now joyfully receive thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear behold him coming as our Judge!Continue reading “The Savior Comes!”
With Purified Hearts
After the days of [Mary’s] purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried [the child Jesus] to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22-23 In August of 1733, Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) composed this Mass (streaming, download) to celebrate “ourContinue reading “With Purified Hearts”
A New Contagion for a New Year?
From A Christmas Carol: It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour. Charles Dickens As Richard Gunderman explains, this classic tale teaches us the source of true joy. “To really live, itContinue reading “A New Contagion for a New Year?”
O Mighty King!
Great Lord, O mighty king, dearest Savior, O how little you regard earthly splendor! He who maintains the whole world, and created its glory and adornment, must sleep in a hard crib! J. S. Bach, Christmas Oratorio My favorite recording of this magnificent music is by Collegium Vocale Ghent. What do you think? Please comment,Continue reading “O Mighty King!”
Arise, O Jerusalem!
Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high: and look about towards the east. Behold the joy that comes to thee from thy God! Baruch 5:5, 4:36 Wishing all our readers a blessed and happy Christmastide! As Stephen Beale reminds us, “Christ who was of heaven was born on earth so that those of the earthContinue reading “Arise, O Jerusalem!”
Merry Christmas!
What do you think? Please comment, subscribe, & forward to friends!
"His Tongue shall Speak Judgment" 