Tag Archives: holiday

That Time Jesus Killed Someone

Posted on 25 January 2024 by Fr. Brench

“Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.  And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” Acts 9:8-9 The … Continue reading →

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What’s in a (holiday’s) Name?

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Fr. Brench

Today, January 18th, we commemorate “The Confession of St. Peter” with a reading from Matthew 16:13-20, wherein Jesus finally asks his disciples what they think of him Peter’s famous answer, “you are the Christ, the son of the living God” … Continue reading →

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O Virgin of virgins

Posted on 31 December 2023 by Fr. Brench

The last of the traditional English ‘O Antiphons‘ is O Virgo virginum, a verse of praise for the Blessed Virgin Mary that traditionally concludes our march towards Christmas. It served as a fitting basis for summarizing the previous seven and for … Continue reading →

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The Bible’s own “Blue Christmas”

Posted on 28 December 2023 by Fr. Brench

I must admit that I’ve long been skeptical of the concept of Blue Christmas. For those of you who haven’t heart of it before, it’s a practice that’s grown in popularity over perhaps 20 years now, especially in quasi-liturgical church settings, … Continue reading →

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Christmas 2023: Celebrate, Worship, and Proclaim

Posted on 25 December 2023 by Fr. Brench

From Isaiah 52… 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”  The voice of … Continue reading →

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Walking through Hallowtide

Posted on 31 October 2023 by Fr. Brench

As we reach the end of October and the beginning of November, we reach what is sometimes called the “Hallowtide Triduum” – the three days of celebrating the holy ones, the Saints. In Roman custom, All Saints’ Day and All … Continue reading →

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the Spirit: Helper, Advocate, and Comforter

Posted on 28 May 2023 by Fr. Brench

For Pentecost my church looked at the term “Paraclete” given by Jesus for the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is your Helper. The Spirit is your Advocate. The Spirit is your Comforter.

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The Priest Enters His Temple

Posted on 21 May 2023 by Fr. Brench

For the Eve of Ascension Day I read some scriptures and shared a short homily. Video here:

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On War & St. Matthias Day

Posted on 24 February 2022 by Fr. Brench

As I’m sure most of you have heard, the armed conflict in Ukraine has actually begun, after months of posturing.  I’m no political analyst, so I cannot comment on how NATO is (or should be) responding to this latest round … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Jesus for this Life

Posted on 26 December 2021 by Fr. Brench

It feels odd, at first, to celebrate and remember a martyr on just the second day of Christmas.  It’s a sobering reminder, amidst joyous celebrations, that the life Christ calls us into still involves persecution and suffering and even death.  … Continue reading →

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