“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming o … [Read more...]
Articles
A Primer on Liturgical Music
While it still varies from place to place and parish to parish, it seems overall that COVID restrictions are slowly waning. This will, as it has until now, affect liturgical celebrations. One of the main ways this will happen is that soon, … [Read more...]
The Last Word on Sacred Celibacy
The last word on sacred celibacy is, actually, the original word because it comes directly from the Word of God Himself, Jesus Christ. This word has been handed down to us infallibly in “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture which forms one … [Read more...]
Human Life and the Divine Life
Introduction The article presented here was originally written by the Dominican priest Fr. Ambroise Gardeil, O.P. (1859-1931). Fr. Gardeil was a professor at the house of formation for the French Dominican Province at the turn of the … [Read more...]
On the Lord’s Prayer
When the dawn appears, When the light grows, When midday burns, When has ceased The holy light, When the clear night comes; I sing your praises, O Father, Healer of hearts, Healer of bodies, Giver of … [Read more...]
The True Meaning of Vatican II
The Church today is divided, and very likely to divide even more. Throughout Church history there have been disputes; that’s not so unusual. What’s odd about this situation is that the two disputing groups, the “liberals” and the “conser … [Read more...]
Homeschooling Is Not the Ideal
[N.B: Essays appearing on Homiletic & Pastoral Review have been deemed to be compatible with the teaching of the Church, but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HPR. Fr. Meconi and his staff have always been grateful for the hard … [Read more...]
Pope Francis and the Feast of our Lady, Untier of Knots
Thanks to the effort of Pope Francis, the feast of Our Lady, Untier of Knots (or undoer of knots), is celebrated on September 28th. Though the feast is still relatively unknown in the United States, it is gaining in popularity. More about … [Read more...]
Outgrowing Jesus?
How Atheist Richard Dawkins' Recent Book Misleads Young Adults
Outgrowing God, the most recent book by famed evolutionary biologist and outspoken atheist Richard Dawkins, caught my eye when being prominently displayed in a local bookstore following its release in late 2019.[1. R. Dawkins, Outgrowing … [Read more...]
A Catholic Vote Must Be a Moral Vote
There was a time not too long ago in our nation’s history when Catholic doctrine positively influenced the outcome of ballot votes by effectively contributing to meeting the perennial need to keep civil law in harmony with moral law. One m … [Read more...]
Conjugal Rights: Defined and Applied
Dr. Gregory Popcak recently suggested that a woman ignore the advice of her priest, who claimed that she should have sex with her husband despite his adultery.[1. Gregory Popcak and Rachel Popcak, “Does My Husband Have a Right to Sex?” Fai … [Read more...]
Lord, Liar, or Lunatic?
Aquinas on the Divinity of the Johannine Christ
In his Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus, the noted Jewish historian of the first century, described Jesus of Nazareth as a “wise man [sophos anēr] . . . a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure.”[1. “sophos anēr . . . didask … [Read more...]
The Hail Mary and Love
At the Annunciation, St. Gabriel brought a message from God that was really a declaration of love. No doubt some people reading this have heard that praying the Rosary is not as repetitive as it may seem at first glance, because with each … [Read more...]
Saint Therese of Lisieux: Doctor of Divine Love
In her Story of a Soul and other writings, St. Therese of Lisieux reveals profound insight into Christ’s passion as the ultimate revelation of God’s love.[1. On October 19, 1997, in the Apostolic Letter Divini Amoris Scientia, Saint John Pau … [Read more...]
Say What You Mean; Mean What You Pray
In one of his characteristically rich catechetical addresses at a general audience in September 2012, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the rule of Saint Benedict in respect of the psalms.[1. Benedict XVI, general audience, September 26 2012 … [Read more...]
Recent Comments