Category: Friendship

When you think of Christmas Day, the image that comes to mind likely is a placid, peaceful baby Jesus in the manger and Mary and Joseph praying, perhaps the shepherds and some livestock nearby, the star overhead. And if that is as far as you go with your vision of Christmas, you’re missing the point.

Let’s get it out of the way. We don’t know why bad things happen to good people. I suspect we never will, because in heaven we’ll be too busy praising God to concern ourselves with demanding explanations about things that happened in this life. But still, bad things do happen. It can be difficult to… Continue reading Simbang Gabi 2013, Day 8: Refinement

Our celebrant at this morning’s 5 a.m. Simbang Gabi Mass had a confession. Just as when he celebrated last year, when his alarm clock went off at 3:45 a.m., it took him a few minutes to recall what was going on and why he had to be up so early. Something entirely new was afoot,… Continue reading Simbang Gabi 2013, Day 6: And Now, for Something Entirely New

Today was Hump Day at Simbang Gabi, four Masses done, four Masses to go after today. It’s usually my toughest day in the novena, and this year was no exception. No offense to our celebrant, but I’m pretty sure I fell asleep twice during the readings and his homily. I think I also may