We are at the midpoint of Advent the Sunday known as Gaudete the Sunday for rejoicing It was so designated at a time when Advent was considered a penitential preparation for Christmas Since penance is no longer the emphasis the Sunday seems to have lost some of its initial purpose But the rejo

rsquo Hail full of grace The Lord is with you rdquo Mary was puzzled at such a greeting She was certainly familiar with God rsquo s mysterious presence in the Holy of Holies which made the temple in Jerusalem so sacred But this greeting was addressed to her The Lord was with her And she wa

In some parts of the country it seems there are only two seasons winter and road construction The excitement of a trip is often tempered by detours and single-lane traffic Major sports events political conventions or an upcoming visit by dignitaries also prompt the repair of our roads though

If these are the signs of our times, how can we say that our redemption is at hand?

The liturgical year is a kind of journey through the mysteries of salvation.

Both the first and the third readings for today begin with the words ldquo In those days rdquo Of which days are the writers speaking And why are they so filled with terror and destruction nbsp These accounts reflect ancient Israelite understanding of the endtime not to be confused with the