One of the great joys of reflecting on the feasts and seasons of the Church year is to see how they are all so deeply interconnected. We can't really think about Christmas without thinking about Easter; nor can we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus without thinking about his Transfiguration, or experience Lent without experiencing Epiphany. … Continue reading Christmas Gifts of the Spirit
O Immanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God. Most of us are familiar with the Immanuel prophecy through Isaiah 7. In context, Jerusalem is under threat from the combined armies of Israel and Aram and the prophecy offers hope that … Continue reading O Immanuel: God is with Us
I think it's safe to say that we as a culture have a problem with authority right now. Trust in our institutions — from government, through education, down to media and corporations — is at an all-time low. Perhaps this is why the theme of authority stood out to me when I was reflecting on … Continue reading O Rex Gentium: Questions of Authority
Today marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. This means that it's officially the season of Winter — though we've already had our share of below freezing weather and wintery precipitation: snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice pellets, and so on. And so today is a perfect day to … Continue reading Seasons and Cycles
Today's 'O Antiphon' addresses Christ as the Morning Star (alternately, the Rising Sun), reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the World, shining into the darkness, and that he is the one for whom we're patiently waiting, just as those in vigil await the sunrise in the East. O Morning Star, splendour of light … Continue reading O Oriens: Where am I pointed?
Matthew Root 