In the northern hemisphere, the solar rhythm of which dominates the development of the Roman Church’s calendar, we are moving inexorably toward autumn. With that autumnal mindset it is not a surprise that we begin, as the 20th century commentator Pius Parsch reflects, to receive more hints at the Church’s harvest time, the Second Coming.…
It is a kind of spiritual lesbianism and transvestitism.
On this 16th Sunday after Pentecost according to the calendar of the Vetus Ordo we go with the Lord into what is obviously a trap. In Luke 14 Christ goes to the house of a leader of the Pharisees for a Sabbath meal. Many were present including other Pharisees and nomikoi, experts in the Law,…
The readings we are given by Holy Mother Church, repeated year in, year out, have contexts. When you begin, perhaps on Thursday or Friday, to prepare your participation at Sunday Mass, preview the readings and orations so that you can actively receive them as they are pronounced or sung. Look at the surrounding contexts of…
Despite the bustling household of raising five children, Elizabeth's love for music never waned.
All we want is to live a quiet, simple, and private life of prayer and solitude, to participate in the Mass of the Ages.
Bl. Idefonso Schuster (+1954) wrote about this 11th Sunday after Pentecost, “now the heavy clusters are taking on luscious color upon the smiling hills of the Roman Campagna.” In our northern hemisphere, however you calculate their duration, we are deep into the Dog Days, the dies caniculares, when serious heat imposes on the terrestrial with…
The 20th century commentator Pius Parsch remarks in The Church’s Year of Grace, that the Sundays after Pentecost could be divided into three groups. The first group stresses the Lord’s miraculous healings which point to, ultimately, the saving of souls. The second, from the 7th to 14th Sundays, emphasizes the kingdom of God versus the…
This 7th Sunday after Pentecost is the 17th anniversary of the day Pope Benedict XVI released the text of Summorum Pontificum, 07-07-07, the liturgical “emancipation proclamation” for those who desire the benefits of the Vetus Ordo. Let us pray earnestly for those who are charged with the governance of such matters now, that they eschew…
Above: The Visitation by Flemish painter Willem Vrelant (d. 1481). Today, July 2, is the usus antiquior feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast was instituted in 1389 by, in a way, two popes—Pope Urban VI as the one who intended to institute it, in hopes of obtaining the end of…
The 20th century liturgical commentator Pius Parsch thought that the 2nd and 3rd Sundays after Pentecost showed God’s love inviting us (the Parable of the Supper) and His seeking us (Parable of the Lost Sheep). On the 4th Sunday, God revealed in the calling of Peter and the Apostles the instruments of administering His love…
