The Fourth Gospel
In the extraordinary form of the Latin rite, it is customary to read the prologue to the Gospel of John at the end of Mass. Some think this is not only unnecessary, but liturgically nonsensical.
Meeting people where they are
We should meet people where they are is one of the most common reasons given for the secular-sounding popular music we hear at Mass. You can’t feed a baby steak, is a reason given to provide children’s Masses with music that is modeled on pre-school television entertainment.
Eucharist as source and summit? Help my unbelief!
As Covid restrictions lifted, and as bishops revoked the dispensation to attend Mass in person, who actually returned? So many faithful Catholics have been watching Mass streaming online, and not necessarily from their home parishes.
First impressions: The entrance chant
You know the old saying, You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. This maxim is important in almost every area of life, but it’s certainly true when it comes to the Mass.
Off the muskeg, onto solid ground
The Tollund Man was found in a bog. He lived during the 4th century. The responsibilities of free will have vexed man for centuries.Shortcutting across a muskeg bog during a Rocky Mountain backpacking trip is an epically bad decision. From a distance, the muskeg bog...
The order of worship and the tranquility of order
The waters saw you O God, the waters saw you and trembled; the very depths were shaken. (Psalm 76:16) Let all things be done decently and according to order. (1 Corinthian 14:40) When God appears, chaos, death and disorder flee. In the Bible, placid water symbolizes...
When did beauty become a problem?
Beauty will save the world. It saved me. I was a cradle Catholic. I attended Catholic school and walked away from the church at age 15. However good or bad my reasons, there is no question that the church no longer inspired me. She no longer commanded awe, even...
Upstream
If politics is downstream from culture, what’s upstream? Welcome to Bafflegab & Associates. Founded by the Bafflegab sisters, Propaganda and Censorship, the company’s success is found in a number of historic disruptions. This highly-esteemed consulting firm spans...
Just before we sing
I am sitting on the stage in the first row of a large symphony chorus. The orchestra is in front of me, warming up. Everyone is playing individual passages and scales all at once. Beyond that, there's a vast audience. There's a low rumble as people speak softly, find...
Four things you can do to elevate the importance of the Eucharist
The meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church, and four practical things your parish can do to nurture “an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist.”