Theologika

God speaks in everything … God speaks very, very, very slowly …” Nana

Theologika — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:32:21 +0000

Megan McKenna is a theologian and storyteller who travels the world spreading the good news about God’s love and challenge to us to live out that love. Often her stories are from other cultures or religious traditions and help clarify the lessons of our own Christian faith tradition. In Playing Poker with Nana, Megan reaches into her own life to share with us the wisdom of her grandmother, her Nana.

Find It.

Epiphany: The Coming of a Shepherd for All God’s People

Theologika — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:01:28 +0000

This great feast of Epiphany, the shining forth of the Lord’s splendor from Israel into the world at large, reminds us of our call as the People of God: a call to care for each other so that the splendor of love in all its practical applications will be a witness everywhere to the presence of the Shepherd, leading us in bringing justice and peace to our world.

A reflection post based on the readings for the Feast of the Epiphany.

Las Posadas: Food, Fiesta and Community

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:52:56 +0000

Celebration of Las Posadas is a Mexican Catholic Advent tradition that marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Taking place from the 16^th-24^th of December every year, Las Posadas is a nine day community celebration in preparation for the birthday of Christ; a novena that is a mix of religious devotion and relaxation. Ultimately, Las Posadas is about accepting Christ, the Bread of Life, into one’s home and heart. It functions as an extension of the Eucharist, catalyzed by the fiesta culture. Food, both physical and spiritual, is an important element of the fiesta, because it is nearly impossible to have a Christian festival without food.

This post explains some history of Las Posadas, as well as offering a reflection on the ways in which secular celebrations of the tradition mirror its para-liturgical use.

Rejoicing When Our Hearts are Breaking

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:43:37 +0000

During the third week of Advent, we are called to rejoice because the Lord’s coming is imminent. The very name of the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete, comes from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for the day’s Mass, “Rejoice.” The prayer continues, quoting St. Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice” (Phil 4:4). That little word, “always,” is not to be ignored.

This post examines the Biblical message that we are to rejoice at all times, even in the midst of great personal tragedy and offers words of support and hope for those times.

“The New Translation of the Roman Missal” One Year Later

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:35:04 +0000

A reflection on the experience of the introduction of the third edition of the English translation of the Roman Missal one year after its implementation world-wide.

Does Immaculate Conception Mean Virgin Birth?

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:29:50 +0000

Two concepts related to Mary the mother of Jesus, virgin birth and immaculate conception, are frequently confused. This post is focused on the development of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Dorothy Day: Servant of God and Follower of Christ the King

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:20:29 +0000

Dorothy Day, cofounder with Peter Maurin of the Catholic Worker Movement, died 32 years ago, on November 29, 1980. Like many other activists who have struggled for social justice and worked among the poorest, most forgotten members of society, she is more respected by mainstream Americans, religious leaders, and commentators now than she was during all but the last decade of her life.

This blog post offers some thoughts about her life as a servant of God and follower of Christ the King.

Conscience-Based Voting: A Challenge for Catholic Voters

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:14:12 +0000

Guidance has been offered by Cardial Joseph Ratzinger in 2004, while he was head of the Holy Office, for Catholic voters in the United States (and presumably around the world) regarding their rights and duties as human beings to cast their votes according to their conscience, even when the candidate or issue is not completely in accord with Church teaching on moral issues. This blog post explains the circumstances in which a voter may actually be required to cast a vote for an individual who disagrees with Church teaching on certain moral issues.

Deserted Places and Deep Waters – Lent 2013 Begins

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:57:53 +0000

A reflection on two themes found in liturgical readings at the beginning of Lent 2013, particularly in the light of the transition of leadership following the announcement of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. This post was written before Pope Francis was elected to succeed him.

Theme one is the importance of taking time to rest and be with the Lord in prayer. Theme two is the call to go with the Lord into “deep water” to find an abundant catch.

Singing Leaves Time and Palm Sunday

Theologika — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:50:10 +0000

Faith is passed from generation to generation through simple gestures, songs, foods, and activities. As children live the activities of daily life in the cycles of the year, they notice more than we realize. Life, especially for the little ones, is heavily focused on the present moment, but they too become aware of the changing seasons in our church life and come to look forward to the next celebration.

Holy Week and liturgy as experienced by children and their parents and relatives.