Sunday Sermon, December 8th -- The Immaculate Conception and the Season of Advent

 Reflecting upon the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in relation to the season of Advent, we are able to appreciate each mystery more fully.  After discussing the theology of the dogma and what the Church really means in teaching us the Mary is conceived without original sin; we then consider three ways that this dogma relates to Advent season. First, Mary's Immaculate Conception is immediate preparation for the coming of the Messiah, it is like an Advent. Second, looking at the child conceived, we see how Mary was praying for the coming of the Christ even while in the womb - and we see that Jesus himself was looking forward to his birth and interceding for us from the womb of his Mother.  Lastly, we see that the Immaculate Conception was a prevenient grace given in advance before the Cross; and we in this season are joining the men and women of the Old Testament knowing that are prayers were known to God in advance.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, December 1st -- The History of the Advent Season

 In this educational sermon, we consider the historical development of the season of Advent in the life of the Church. The history of this liturgical season can help us understand and appreciate many of the practices and themes of Advent today!  We conclude by looking at St Thomas Aquinas' mystical understanding of the significance of the four Sundays of Advent.

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Sunday Sermon, November 24th-- Christ the King -- Two Sermons: Advice for Advent, and Why We Need the General Judgment

 In our first sermon, we go over again points of advice on how to have a holy and fruitful Advent. We must remember that Advent is a penitential season to prepare us for a holy Christmas -- Let Advent be Advent! And practice some prayer, fasting, and almsgiving so as to be prepared to receive your newborn King!

In the second sermon, we explain why it is necessary that there be a General Judgment at the end of time, even after each of us has received our own particular judgement.

Listen online [here]!

Pre Advent Retreat Talks -- November 23rd, Second Talk -- St Thomas' Sermons and Spiritual Insights

 In our second talk for this morning of reflection, we look at some of St Thomas' spiritual reflections especially as found in his sermon on the Angelic Salutation (the Hail Mary) and his sermon for the First Sunday of Advent.

Pre Advent Retreat Talks -- November 23, First Talk -- St Thomas Aquinas, Spiritual Master

 We introduce the theme if this morning of reflection: St Thomas Aquinas as a Spiritual Master or Master of Spiritual Theology.