An elderly priest recently commented to me that a priest’s 25th anniversary of ordination is a good time to reflect because it is usually about the halfway point in his life of active ministry.
“Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in their very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may encounter.” (1)
This time of year, Christians, and our society more broadly, observe and celebrate 'Holy Week' culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During Holy Week I often find myself reflecting upon life and death, upon suffering and love.
In his Second letter to Timothy, Saint Paul urges Christians to “preach the message (the Gospel), welcome or unwelcome … in season and out of season.”i
If you are like me, the sight of Advent wreaths and Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes, as well as the sounds of Christmas carols begin to fill you with a sense of hope and joy.