OPreach
Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
Category: Feasts / Seasons
Our Lady of Lourdes
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858 the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes in France, in the cavern called “de Massabielle.” Through this poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Mary calls on us to turn to God and change our… Continue Reading “Our Lady of Lourdes”
Why Is It So Difficult for Us to Believe?
Today’s reading in the 3rd Thursday of Advent is from Isaiah 54 So God has sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you. Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor… Continue Reading “Why Is It So Difficult for Us to Believe?”
The Feast of Saint John of the Cross
Today is the Feast of Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish Carmelite saint and mystic from the 16th century. One of his most famous (and moving) poems is entitled, “The Dark Night.” Below are a few stanzas. 1. One dark night, fired with… Continue Reading “The Feast of Saint John of the Cross”
Feast of Saint Lucy – Feast of Light
On this Feast of Saint Lucy (whose name means light), I share a poem by Thomas Merton. Lucy, whose day is in our darkest season, (Although your name is full of light,) We walkers in the murk and rain of flesh and sense, Lost… Continue Reading “Feast of Saint Lucy – Feast of Light”
Third Sunday of Advent
Would that all of us could receive the Christ whom we meet each day with the grace and humility of John the Baptizer. John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who… Continue Reading “Third Sunday of Advent”
Nature Preaches on Motherhood in Advent
Sometimes the best lessons are outside one’s window, at least this one was the other day. During Advent we celebrate Mary’s gift of mothering to the Christ Child, as well as toward us. These youngsters are also appreciative of their patient mother doe.
Mary – Model of Openness
On today’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary our Model of Openness to God Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. – Luke… Continue Reading “Mary – Model of Openness”
Advent Teaches Us to Wait
Sister Joanne Cullimore’s watercolor of Mt. Whitney, named Whitney Portal, speaks to our hearts as Isaiah does in today’s reading for the Second Wednesday of Advent. Waiting on God brings us strength . . . the strength of these granite mountains, created by our… Continue Reading “Advent Teaches Us to Wait”
Advent . . . Promise of Hope in our Dryness
Even in the Arizona desert . . . even in summer . . . we see the promise of new life . . . we see flowering forth of hope. From today’s reading from Isaiah: The desert and the parched land will exult; the… Continue Reading “Advent . . . Promise of Hope in our Dryness”
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