We consider St Augustine's sermon on the words of St John the Baptist - "I did not know him." The Baptist clearly knew who Jesus was, and that he is Messiah and God - but what he learned was that Jesus is always the minister of baptism. Whoever baptizes, it is always Christ who baptizes - and this is why the power of the sacraments is not determined by the holiness of the particular human minister.
Listen online [here]!
The feast of our Lord's baptism concludes the official liturgical Christmas season. Furthermore, Jesus' baptism has always been associated with the Epiphany to the Magi. Why is this event (from 30 years later in our Lord's life) connected so closely to Christmas?
We give a few of the many reasons: Jesus' baptism is a second Epiphany and actually happened on the same day (January 6th) thirty years later; Jesus was born at Christmas so that we might be reborn in baptism; and our baptism unites us to the Lord in such a way that the mysteries of his life are lived within us each year.
Listen online [here]!
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh show the faith of the magi in Jesus as King, God, and Priest (and victim to be offered in sacrifice).
We also speak of an interesting poem by T.S. Eliot - Journey of the Magi. (Posted below)
Listen online [here]!
An explanation of the history of the use of the term "co-redemptrix and mediatrix. We consider the level of authority that the new Vatican document (Mater Populi Fidelis) has - and also the strong emphasis which it places on the role of Mary and the importance of Marian devotion.
While the new document discourages the use of these terms, numerous popes and saints have used them - furthermore, the Second Vatican Council calls Mary our "mediatrix" (though not using the term "mediatrix of all graces").
However, even if there are many saints and great theologians who have used the term co-redemptrix, it would not be proper to question the orthodoxy or devotion of those who question or even oppose the use of these terms.
Listen online [here ]!
There are three births of Christ celebrated at Christmas -- Jesus' Birth from Mary in human history, his birth in our souls by grace, and his eternal birth from God the Father in the mystery of the Trinity.
In this year, with the 1700th anniversary of the ecumenical Council of Nicaea, we consider the Birth of God the Son from the Eternal Father.
Listen online [here]!
We discuss the language of the Scriptures and show how the Catholic Doctrine of Mary's virginity is contained jb the Bible and in now way contradicted by Scripture.
We also consider the crisis which St Joseph endured after realizing that Mary was with Child. We propose that St Joseph did not accuse Mary of sin, but simply did not know what to think or do - until the angel came and relieved his anxiety.
Listen online [here]!
We consider the history of St John the Baptist, from his conception and birth (which shows us also that Jesus was born in late December) to his public ministry, and finally his death - as well as the story of what happened to his murderers.
Listen online [here]!
For the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we consider the joy of Mary at the moment she was conceived (for she was no ordinary baby but had the use of reason).
We emphasize the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and that Mary was redeemed by Christ's prevenient grace (coming before the Incarnation and Paschal Mystery). We make comparison to the consecration of St John the Baptist at the Visitation.
Listen online [here]!