February 20/Friday after Ash Wednesday For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always:“Against you only have I sinned,and done what is evil in your sight.” ~ Psalm 51.5-6 One of my favorite New Yorker cartoons of all time – and the list is long – shows a husband and wife facing each other, her arms folded,…
Song 2: Decisions, Decisions
February 19/Thursday after Ash Wednesday Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; But their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. ~ Ps 1.1-2 With the advent (or intrusion?) of AI into…
Song 1: The Great Reset
February 18/Ash Wednesday Have mercy on me, God, according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. ~ Ps 51.3 If there is any doubt that today we cross the threshold from Ordinary Time and enter the season of Lent, the change in liturgical color from verdant green to penitent purple, and the ashes many of…
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Reflections
I recently had the opportunity to offer brief reflections on the Sunday lectionary readings. For those who are interested in viewing, the link is below. https://www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/02152026
Coming Soon: Songs for Lent
Dear Friends, Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday, February 18. Again this year, I will be offering “Songs for Lent,” daily reflections on a psalm verse or verses from the lectionary, enhanced with images and music, a link to the readings, and a prayer. These are sent to participants every day via email. (There is no cost or obligation, and your…
Keeping Advent 25: Preparing His Way
December 24/Fourth Wednesday of AdventChristmas Eve “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.” ~ Luke 1.76 We are on the cusp of Christmas. The last Advent calendar window has been opened; the four candles on the Advent wreath have been lit; all the verses of…
Keeping Advent 24: Timeout
December 23/Fourth Tuesday of Advent Immediately [Zechariah’s] mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. ~ Luke 1.64 By the time Elizabeth gives birth to a son, Zechariah has had plenty of time to reflect on events. Nine months, to be precise: because he had earlier questioned Gabriel’s message that his aging wife would conceive a child,…
Keeping Advent 23: Devil’s Food
December 22/Fourth Monday of Advent He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. ~ Luke 1.51 PEWSAGL: this nonsense word is the mnemonic I created for the Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony, Lust, since you asked) still occupies space in my brain from my high school study of Chaucer (and yes, it is…
Keeping Advent 22: The Law of Love
December 21/Fourth Sunday of Advent Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. ~ Matt 1.19 What does it mean to be “righteous?” In our time, the word holds a slightly pejorative connotation, having been elided with that smug self-righteousness that so often characterizes our discourse (particularly…
Keeping Advent 21: The Best-Laid Plans
December 20/Third Saturday of Advent But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. ~ Luke 1.29 On a recent visit to the Prado, I was struck anew by the renderings of the Annunciation through the centuries. Regal in demeanor and dress, Mary is almost invariably portrayed as serene, peaceful, and…