O KEY OF DAVID, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; that openest, and no man shutteth; and shuttest and no man openeth: Come, and bring the prisoner out of the prison house, and him that sitteth in darkness, and the shadow of death. Read more

O ROOT OF JESSE, which standest for an ensign of the people, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall seek: Come and deliver us, and tarry not. Read more

Anglo Catholic blogger Jeffrey Steel writes about the need for beautiful music in the liturgy. He quotes Pope Benedict XVI who criticizes music that is chosen merely for its ‘usefulness’: A Church which only makes use of ‘utility’ music has fallen for what is, in fact, useless. She too becomes ineffectual. For her mission is a fair higher one…The Church must not settle down with what is merely comfortable and serviceable at the parish level; she must arouse the voice... Read more

No Country for Old Men, a Coen brothers film, had excellent reviews. I didn’t read any of them in depth, but just heard that it was a great film. I watched it the other night and can thoroughly not recommend it. It is extremely violent, and presents one of cinemas most loathsome villains (pictured here) Anton Chiguhr, played by Javier Bardem . I don’t mind baddies in movies, and I don’t think violence on screen is the worst thing in... Read more

The Brothers from Blackfriars Oxford sing today’s ‘O’ antiphon — O Adonai O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who did appear in the bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm. Read more

Today I celebrated Mass twice, so it was my privilege to read Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus twice. Fr Ray points out this video which explains the fascinating detail of the genealogies of Jesus, and how they prove Jesus to be Son of David, Son of Adam, Son of Abraham and Son of God. Take time to listen and learn. It’s something rich for Advent. Read more

From the 17th of December until Christmas Eve, the Church’s observance of Advent enters into an intense period of prayerful expectation for the coming of the Lord. This is reflected in the Church’s Great O Antiphons which are appointed to be recited at the Magnificat during Evensong/Vespers. And so today, O Sapientia : O SAPIENTIA, quae exore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae. O WISDOM, which camest out... Read more

A girls in Indiana goes into a Planned Parenthood Abortion Mill posing as a thirteen year old. She tells the counselors her boyfriend is 31. The counselor doesn’t want to know. The problem is, it is against the law in Indiana for a man to have sexual relations with a thirteen year old and PP are supposed to call the cops in order to stop the child abuse. PP is shocked, yea horrified that one of their employees is so... Read more

In the second section of the book the Holy Father discusses the Apostles one by one. He begins with Peter. The Pope teaches about Simon Peter’s background in Galilee, his call to be one of the initial five disciples (Jewish rabbies traditionally had five disciples) and then Simon being given his new name and his new calling to be the Rock. The Pope teaches very movingly from the heart. So often portrayed as the harsh dogmatic disciplinarian of the church,... Read more

Sorry, no blogging over the weekend. On Saturday we were busy getting ready and hosting a party to celebrate the second anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. It combines with our early Christmas party. Then the pastor of St Mary’s was under the weather and I had to step in and take extra duty on Sunday. The photo is the censation at the blessing of our new altar at school. That’s Benedict–our oldest son serving in the background. Read more