(Feast Day ~ January 12) With the Bible as our record of the long history of God’s purpose for his people over many centuries, we Christians are aware that every decision, every action, every turning point, can have far-reaching consequences beyond what is immediately apparent. Such was the legacy of St. Benedict Biscop, Abbot of […]

(Feast Day ~ January 10) There are many reasons why Christians have fled to the desert or a monastery to live an ascetic life. Doing this because your brother-in-law was going to report you to the authorities is not a common one! But that is how the monastic life of St. Paul, the first hermit, […]

(Feast Day ~ January 8) Many disasters have occurred in the world in recent years, both natural ones: earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsumanis; and man-made ones: wars, uprisings which displace families, shootings of innocent victims by mentally disturbed people. After each of these disasters, there is always a great outpouring of sympathy for the victims and […]

(Feast Day ~ January 7) Since the time when the Apostles met in Jerusalem to decide whether Gentile converts should first become Jews, the Church has met in council to make decisions regarding theology and church discipline and practice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Church has declared the great theological truths of […]

(Feast of the Epiphany ~ January 6 ) …behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying “where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”  [Matthew 2:1-2] When St. Matthew provided the church with the story […]

(Feast Day ~ January 5) In the history of Judaism and Christianity, God has sometimes accomplished his purpose through the strange behavior of his saints. The Old Testament prophets risked condemnation and ridicule (and sometimes death) to bring the message of repentance to the people through their strange behavior. The article on the prophets in […]

Feast Day ~ January 4 In the early days of the Church, as the good news of the Gospel was being spread around the world, many different talents, abilities, and skills were needed. In order for the Church to survive and thrive, leaders were needed to accurately pass on the teachings of our Lord and […]

(Feast day – January 3) The pages of church history – which are filled with that great procession of holy men, women and children whose saintly lives have shown forth the love of Christ – contain the stories of many formidable women. Led by the most venerated of all saints, St. Mary the Theotokos, the […]

(Feast day ~ December 31) How blessed are those who devote themselves completely to God, serving him faithfully in whatever ways and circumstances occur in their lives. Some have reached great heights of sanctity through heroic missionary efforts and others have been called upon to give their lives in martyrdom. For St. Sylvester, Bishop of […]

(Feast Day ~ December 31) As the end of the calendar year approaches, many Americans think about their charitable giving. In order to receive credit on the year’s tax return, contributions must be made by December 31, so those of us who have left this until the last minute now make decisions about what charities […]