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“These Words” (The Sacrament of the Altar)Tonight we conclude our series on “The Six Chief Parts of Lenten Catechesis.” So far we’ve been following the Catechism in looking at the basics of the Christian faith and life: The Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, and Confession. That brings us tonight to the Sacrament of the Altar. Everything we want to say about the Sacrament tonight we can find in the words with which Christ institutes this holy meal. Which words? These words: “Take eat; this is my body, which is given for you. This...

“Frequently Asked Questions about an Infrequently Used Practice” (Confession)Often when you go to a website or read a pamphlet about an organization, a company, a product, or a service, you will find a page called, “FAQs.” “FAQs” are “Frequently Asked Questions,” questions people usually have when they start to consider whatever it is that’s being talked about. The FAQ format is a helpful way to introduce a new or unfamiliar organization, product, etc. Tonight I’m going to use the FAQ format for this message, because tonight I’m going to introduce you to a church practice that may be new or...

“It Works” (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism)The Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer. Tonight, in our series on the Catechism, the basics of the Christian faith, we come to the sacraments. We begin, fittingly enough, with the sacrament with which we begin the Christian life, namely, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. I think all that I want to say about Holy Baptism tonight I can include under a heading of just two words: “It Works.” It works! It is effective. It actually does something--quite a lot, really. Holy Baptism works, and it works in your life. Tonight, then, we...

“A Prayer That Sums It All Up” (The Lord’s Prayer)Suppose you were commanded by God and invited by God to pray for all the needs you have and all the gifts he has to give you. Think of that! All of your needs, all of his gifts. And you have to put it all into a prayer. How long would it take you to pray for all those things? How many hours, how many thousands of words? Well, the answer is, about 30 seconds and 70 words. 30 seconds? 70 words? How can you possibly cover all of God’s gifts...

“Aware of an Idol” (The Ten Commandments)As we noted, today we begin the season of Lent. In church history, and particularly in our Lutheran tradition, there are several major themes associated with Lent, which often form the basis for services within this season. For example, penitence, repentance, is certainly a Lenten theme, and especially is that so on this first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Another Lenten focus is the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, drawn from all four gospels or from just one gospel. Tracking the Passion narrative often is done over a series of midweek Lenten services--we...

“To Know and Believe in God” (The Creed)The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, in a big national survey last year--the Pew Survey found that 92% of Americans say they “believe in God or a universal spirit.” 92%! Well, whoop-te-do. Big deal. That doesn’t really say much. Who is this God you believe in? Allah, the false god of the Muslims? Sorry, I bear witness that there is no god called Allah, and Mohammed is his false prophet. Is this “god” you believe in some depersonalized “universal spirit” or “higher power”? That won’t do you any good, either. Is...

Monday March 2, 2009 Denver Archbishop: "Very Bad Period of Catechesis" in Church "Bearing Bad Fruit in Our Time" EXCLUSIVE: LifeSiteNews interview with Archbishop Charles Chaput By Steve Jalsevac TORONTO, Canada, March 2, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - During a LifeSiteNews interview last week, Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput stressed that "not nearly enough" US Catholic bishops have been speaking out strongly on the current state of the culture. He also noted that the poor instruction of Catholics over the past 40 years has to a large degree been responsible for many of today's serious problems within US Catholicism, especially the lack...

Monday March 2, 2009 LSN EXCLUSIVE: A Conversation with Denver Archbishop Chaput Complete transcript TORONTO, Canada, March 2, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - During the visit of Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput to Toronto last week LifeSiteNews interviewed the archbishop at the offices of Salt & Light television following his breakfast presentation to local Catholic businessmen. The interview offers important insights into Archbishop Chaput's views on the obligations of Catholics in the public realm and the failure of the Church to properly instruct its members since the 1960s. Following is the transcript of the conversation between the archbishop and LifeSiteNews Managing Director...

BIRMINGHAM, England, JUNE 6, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Church has expectations not only concerning the content of what we teach, but also how we teach it. So says Petroc Willey, who co-authored “The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Craft of Catechesis� (Ignatius) with Pierre de Cointet and Barbara Morgan. He is also the deputy director of the Maryvale Institute, editor of the catechetical journal The Sower, and host of the EWTN series “Handing on the Faith.� Willey talks to ZENIT in this interview on why the Church has certain teaching requirements, and how catechesis should reflect the pedagogy of...

There's a very interesting story over at the Cybercast News Service, if you can stomach it. (CNSNews.com) - Science must ultimately destroy organized religion, according to some of the leading atheist writers and intellectuals who spoke at a recent atheist conference in Northern Virginia. God is a myth, and children must not be schooled in any faith, they said, at the "Crystal Clear Atheism" event, sponsored by the Atheist Alliance International. I'm not going to rehash the article for you -- you can click on the link and read it for your self. It's pretty alarming when you actually read...

The Our Father in the Catechesis of Teens by Tom Richard, DFF Introduction Teens and other “beginners” need to grow in prayer     A previous article1 discussed the special needs of adolescents for authentic prayer. In their human development, God is drawing them into a natural maturity which needs and deserves a corresponding spiritual maturity. As children, they learned the beautiful formula prayers of our Faith. Entering adulthood, they increasingly need a spirituality — and hence a life of prayer — which keeps pace with their naturally expanding human horizons. The growing intellect of adolescence needs the meaningful encounter with...

Feb. 8, 2007 (CWNews.com) - In a pastoral letter to the faithful of Washington, DC-- the first such message since he became head of the Washington archdiocese last June-- Archbishop Donald Wuerl has made a powerful push to restore the use of sacramental Confession. Archbishop Wuerl has come in for some criticism on this site lately because of his laissez-faire attitude toward pro-abortion Catholic politicians. Without rescinding the legitimate questions that have been raised on that subject, let’s give credit where credit is due. In this pastoral letter, the archbishop had provided a fine teaching document-- but more importantly, he...

On Aquila and Priscilla "Every House Can Be Transformed Into a Small Church" VATICAN CITY, FEB. 7, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience. The Pope spoke about Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple active in the early Church. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, Taking a step forward in this kind of portrait gallery of the witnesses to Christian faith that we started a few weeks ago, today we consider a married couple. The couple in question are Priscilla and Aquila, who have their place among the circle of numerous collaborators...

Jan. 21, 2007 Last year, the mostly lay Archdiocesan Pastoral Council asked the Presbyteral Council to consider how the homily at Mass might be used to deepen lay people’s understanding of some contested mysteries of faith. The request arose during a discussion on what it means to be Catholic. Many of the more external signs of Catholicism, the practices people associated with life in the Church, were abandoned thirty or more years ago. The disappearance of external protections left the internal life of faith exposed to error and confusion. The priests took the time to clarify with representatives of the...

Kristen W. McGuire  Other Articles by Kristen W. McGuirePrinter Friendly Version   The Twelve Days of Catechesis December 29, 2006 It wasn't exactly a match made in heaven, at least on the face of it. An aging, former theology grad-student was placed in charge of 18 young elementary students, preparing them for First Holy Communion. The teacher had never taught CCD for children this young, preferring adult education and the wonderful tangents it promised in discussion.However, her own son needed a teacher, and no one else was forthcoming. Why not?What a surprise for the teacher! The children asked very...

On the Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddaeus "Our Identity Is Not to Be Toyed With" VATICAN CITY, OCT. 11, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at this Wednesday's General Audience, dedicated to presenting the figure of the Apostles Simon the Cananaean and Jude called Thaddaeus. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we take into consideration two of the Twelve Apostles: Simon the Cananaean and Jude called Thaddaeus (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot). We consider them together, not only because in the lists of the Twelve they are always mentioned next to one...

The Apostle Bartholomew His "Words Present a Double Aspect of Jesus' Identity" VATICAN CITY, OCT. 4, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, dedicated to present the figure of the Apostle Bartholomew. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: In the series of apostles called by Jesus during his earthly life, today our attention is caught by the Apostle Bartholomew. In the early lists of the Twelve he always appears before Matthew, while the name of the one who precedes him changes: in some cases it is Philip (cf. Matthew 10:3;...

The Apostle Thomas "His Question Gives Us the Right … to Ask Jesus for Explanations" VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, dedicated to present the figure of the Apostle Thomas. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing with our encounters with the Twelve Apostles chosen directly by Jesus, today we dedicate our attention to Thomas. Always present in the four lists of the New Testament, he is presented in the first three Gospels next to Matthew (cf. Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15), while in the Acts...

The Apostle Philip "He Invites Us to Come and See Jesus" VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 6, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the general audience, held in St. Peter's Square. The Pope dedicated his talk to present the figure of the Apostle Philip. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing to sketch the portrait of the various apostles, as we have been doing for some weeks, we meet today with Philip. In the lists of the Twelve he always appears in fifth place (in Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13),...

On St. Matthew "A Model of Acceptance of God's Mercy" VATICAN CITY, AUG. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, held in Paul VI Hall, which he dedicated to the figure of St. Matthew. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing with the series of portraits of the Twelve Apostles, which we began a few weeks ago, today we reflect on Matthew. To tell the truth, it is almost impossible to delineate his figure completely, as information on him is scarce and incomplete. What we can do is sketch...

Apostle John, the Seer of Patmos "The Wounded and Dead Lamb Conquers!" CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, dedicated to the Apostle John, whom he presented on this occasion as "the seer of Patmos." The meditation is part of the series of reflections he is offering on the Church and the apostles. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the last catechesis we meditated on the figure of the Apostle John. At first we tried to see how much can be known of his life. Then,...

16 August, 2006 VATICANMary’s Assumption is hope for today’s society, says Pope Today’s world denies God His place or despairs in death. Only God’s love can quench the thirst for happiness and give value to the mystery of human frailty and death. The Pontiff remembers Frère Roger of Taizé, killed a year ago. Castel Gandolfo (AsiaNews) – Today’s general audience was a bit special. Contrary to the usual practice, it was held in the courtyard of the Pontiff’s summer residence rather than St Peter’s Square. And instead of continuing his meditations on the Apostles, the Pope spoke again of the...

9 August, 2006 VATICAN - MIDDLE EASTPope: "God is love". A new appeal for an end to conflict in the Mid-EastAt the end of a meeting dedicated to catechesis, Benedict affirmed that a ceasefire "is possible" if "reason, goodwill, faith in the other, implementation of commitments assumed and cooperation between responsible partners" prevail. His teaching was focused on the apostle John and the love of God, a unique element of Christianity. Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Citing Paul VI and John Paul II, Benedict XVI today renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East at the end of his weekly...

John, Son of Zebedee "The Origin of our Loftiest Spirituality" VATICAN CITY, JULY 5, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to the figure of John, son of Zebedee. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: We dedicate today's meeting to recall another very important member of the apostolic college: John, son of Zebedee, and brother of James. His name, typically Hebrew, means "the Lord has given his grace." He was mending the nets on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus called him together with his brother...

James the Less "Contributed to Integrate the Original Jewish Dimension of Christianity" VATICAN CITY, JUNE 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience. The Pope spoke of the Apostle James the Less. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, Beside the figure of James "the Greater," son of Zebedee, of whom we spoke last Wednesday, another James appears in the Gospel, who is called "the Less." He also forms part of the list of Twelve Apostles chosen personally by Jesus, and is always specified as "son of Alphaeus" (cf. Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18;...

James the Greater "His Path Is a Symbol of the Pilgrimage of Christian Life" VATICAN CITY, JUNE 21, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience. The Pope dedicated is talk to the figure of the Apostle James the Greater. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: We continue with the series of portraits of the apostles chosen directly by Jesus during his life. We have spoken of St. Peter and of his brother Andrew. Today we meet the figure of James. The biblical lists of the Twelve mention two people with...

St. Andrew, the First Called "Considered as the Apostle of the Greeks" VATICAN CITY, JUNE 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to meditate on "Andrew, the Protoklitos." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: In the last two catecheses we have spoken about the figure of St. Peter. Now, in the measure the sources allow us, we want to know the other 11 apostles a bit better. Therefore, today we speak of Simon Peter's brother, St. Andrew, who was also one of the Twelve. What first impresses one...

Interview With Monsignor Raffaello Martinelli ROME, JUNE 9, 2006 (Zenit.org).- New methods are needed to catechize believers in the truths of the Eucharist, says Monsignor Raffaello Martinelli. The monsignor, an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and member of the editorial commission of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is author of "L'Eucaristia, dono incomparabile di Dio agli uomini" (The Eucharist, Incomparable Gift of God to People), published by Ediciones San Clemente. In this interview with ZENIT, Monsignor Martinelli explains how he has worked to meet an increasing need for catechesis. Q: What...

Peter, the Rock "The Custodian of the Communion With Christ" VATICAN CITY, JUNE 7, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to comment on the theme "Peter, the rock on which Christ founded the Church." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: We resume the weekly catecheses that we began this spring. In the last one, two weeks ago, I spoke of Peter as the first apostle. Today we want to return once again to this great and important figure of the Church. The Evangelist John, when recounting the first...

I was hoping some of my fellow Catholic Freepers could provide me with some direction. I attend a small parish in NE GA. The RCIA director has announced that he is retiring from his post, and they have asked me to take his place. I have been scouring the Internet for RCIA lesson plans and course outlines, but haven't found anything all that stellar. Does anyone have any suggestions or resources that they could recommend to help me plan an orthodox Catholic RCIA curriculum?

On Peter, the Apostle "Impetuous Generosity Does Not Safeguard Him" VATICAN CITY, MAY 24, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience in St. Peter's Square. The Pope dedicated his talk to the theme "Peter, the Apostle." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, In these catecheses we are meditating on the Church. We have said that the Church lives in people and because of this, in the last catechesis, we began to meditate on the figure of the individual apostles, beginning with St. Peter. We saw two decisive stages of his...

Profile of St. Peter "Occasionally Naive and Fearful, Yet Honest and Capable of Repentance" VATICAN CITY, MAY 17, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, which he dedicated to the spiritual journey of "Peter the fisherman." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: In the new series of catecheses we have tried to understand above all what the Church is, what the Lord's idea is about this new family. Then we said that the Church exists in people, and we have seen that the Lord entrusted this new reality, the Church,...

On Apostolic Succession "Greatest Guarantee of Perseverance in the Lord's Word" VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to explain apostolic succession. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the last audiences we have meditated on the Tradition of the Church and we have seen that it is the permanent presence of the word and life of Jesus in his people. But to be present, the Church is in need of a person, a witness. In this way, reciprocity is born: On one hand, the...

More on Apostolic Tradition "The Living Gospel, Proclaimed in its Integrity" VATICAN CITY, MAY 3, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to a continuing catechesis on the theme of "apostolic Tradition." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this catechesis we wish to understand a little more what the Church is. Last time we reflected on the topic of apostolic Tradition. We have seen that it is not a collection of things or words, like a box of dead things. Tradition is the river of new life that...

p>Role of Church Tradition "Communion Embraces All Times and All Generations" VATICAN CITY, APRIL 26, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the general audience, on the theme "Tradition: Communion in Time." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Thank you for your affection! In the new series of catechesis initiated a short time ago, we tried to understand the original design of the Church desired by the Lord to comprehend better our participation, our Christian life, in the great communion of the Church. Until now we have understood that ecclesial communion is...

[Benedict XVI greeted the English speaking pilgrims:] Dear Brothers and Sisters,On this, the first anniversary of my election as the Successor of Saint Peter, I thank the Lord for his unfailing help, and I express my gratitude to all those who have supported me by their prayers. I ask you to continue praying that, by God’s grace, I may always be a gentle and firm Shepherd for Christ’s flock. During these days of Easter, the Church proclaims the Good News of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. The Paschal Mystery is the core of our faith! Our yearly celebration of Easter...

On the Easter Triduum "We Will Relive the Passion, Death and Resurrection" VATICAN CITY, APRIL 12, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to explain the meaning of the Easter triduum. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Tomorrow the Easter triduum begins, which is the fulcrum of the whole liturgical year. Aided by the sacred rites of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the solemn Easter Vigil, we will relive the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. They are propitious days to reawaken in us a more intense desire...

The Service to Communion "Church Is Totally of the Spirit, But It Has a Structure" VATICAN CITY, APRIL 5, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the general audience, on the theme "The Service to Communion." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: In the new series of catecheses, which we began a few weeks ago, we wish to consider the origins of the Church to understand Jesus' original plan and in this way understand what is essential in the Church, which endures with the passing of time. We also want to understand...

The Gift of "Communion" "It Makes Us Come Out of Our Solitudes" VATICAN CITY, MARCH 29, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience. The Pope reflected on "The Gift of 'Communion'" in the context of his ongoing catechesis on the mystery of the relationship between Jesus and the Church. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: Through the apostolic ministry, the Church, community assembled by the Son of God made flesh, will live throughout time, building and nourishing communion in Christ and in the Spirit, to which all are called and in which...

Apostles as Envoys of Christ "Witnesses of a Person" VATICAN CITY, MARCH 22, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the general audience, which he dedicated to the theme "The Apostles, Witnesses and Envoys of Christ." * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Letter to the Ephesians presents the Church as a structure "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (2:20). In [the Book of] Revelation, the role of the apostles, and more specifically of the Twelve, is clarified with the eschatological perspective of...

Church, Presence of Christ Among Men "The Individualist Jesus Is a Fantasy" Vatican City, March 15, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today at the general audience. It marked the start of a new cycle of catecheses on the relationship between Christ and the Church. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters, After the catechesis on the psalms and canticles of Morning and Evening Prayer, I would like to dedicate the next Wednesday encounters to the mystery of the relationship between Christ and the Church, considering it from the experience of the apostles in...

Commentary on the Magnificat"The Lord Places Himself on the Side of the Least"VATICAN CITY, FEB. 15, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, which he dedicated to comment on the Magnificat, the canticle in Luke 1:46-55. With this address, he concluded the cycle of catecheses on the Psalms and biblical canticles begun by Pope John Paul II in 2001. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: 1. We have come to the end of the long itinerary begun exactly five years ago by my beloved predecessor, the unforgettable Pope John Paul...

Commentary on Psalm 144(145):14-21 "The Lord Is Near to All Who Call Upon Him" VATICAN CITY, FEB. 8, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience. The Pope commented on the second part of Psalm 144(145). * * * 1. Following the Liturgy, which divides it in two parts, we again reflect on Psalm 144(145), an admirable hymn in honor of the Lord, an affectionate king attentive to his creatures. We now want to meditate on the second part, on verses 14 to 21, which take up again the essential topic of...

Commentary on Psalm 144(145) "The Lord ... Concerned About All His Creatures" VATICAN CITY, FEB. 1, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, which he dedicated to reflect on Psalm 144(145):1-13. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: 1. We have raised the prayer of Psalm 144(145), a joyous praise to the Lord who is exalted as loving and tender king, concerned about all his creatures. The liturgy presents this hymn to us in two different moments, which correspond also to the two poetic and spiritual movements of the same psalm....

Commentary on Psalm 143[144]:9-15 "A 'New' Song Is One Which Speaks of Peace and Prosperity" VATICAN CITY, JAN. 26, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at the Wednesday general audience, which he dedicated to comment on Psalm 143[144]:9-15. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters! 1. Today the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes, during which we have reflected on the need to invoke constantly from the Lord the great gift of full unity among Christ's disciples. Prayer, in fact, contributes decisively to make more sincere and fruitful the common ecumenical commitment of the Churches...

At Start of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity "The Presence of Jesus ... Guarantees Efficacy" VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, held in Paul VI Hall, in which the Pope opened the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. * * * "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). This solemn assurance of Jesus to his disciples sustains our prayer. Today begins the by-now traditional Week...

Commentary on Psalm 143(144):1-8 "Lord, What Is Man That You Care for Him?" VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave during today's general audience. He dedicated his address to comment on Psalm 143(144):1-8. * * * 1. Our journey through the Psalter used by the Liturgy of Vespers now brings us to a royal hymn, Psalm 143(144), of which the first part was proclaimed: In fact, the liturgy proposes this hymn dividing it in two sections. The first part (cf. verses 1 to 8) reveals clearly the literary characteristic of this...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In this first General Audience of the New Year, we reflect on the famous Christological hymn from the Letter to the Colossians. It sets a tone of thanksgiving for these first days of the year two thousand and six. Christ is at the centre of this hymn. He is presented to us as the first-born of all creation, the image of the invisible God. The expression “image”, like an Eastern icon, indicates more than a likeness, it brings out the profound intimacy that exists with the subject that is represented.Christ is also portrayed as...

Dear Brothers and Sisters,As we celebrate the Octave of Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Innocents, we again focus our attention on Psalm 138. This hymn of praise proposes a theme that deeply resonates with the spirit of Christmas, when we commemorate the great mystery of the Son of God made man for our salvation. The second part of this psalm offers a meditation on God's all-encompassing loving gaze upon human beings. In order to describe the divine action within a mother's womb, the psalmist refers to classic biblical images. In particular, we see the Creator represented as a...

Pre-Christmas Reflection May Our Spirits Open to the True Spiritual Light VATICAN CITY, DEC. 21, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience. The Pope dedicated the address to the mystery of Christmas. * * * Today's audience takes place in an atmosphere of joy and longing expectation of the now imminent Christmas festivity. The Lord Jesus is coming! We repeat these days in prayer, preparing our hearts to experience the joy of the Redeemer's birth. In particular, in this last week of Advent, the liturgy accompanies and supports our interior journey...