Recent columns have addressed the background to Jesus’ proclamation of the “kingdom of God.” We’ve looked at the Old Testament, the Maccabean Revolt and popular revolutionary movements in Jesus’ day. But before we get to Jesus’ words about the kingdom of God, it’s important to point out that the Gospels indicate that the kingdom Jesus proclaimed was not only a spiritual reality but also a social and political community.
For three successive years, my wife and I along with some friends have participated in the physical and spiritual journey of a 22-mile Walk to Mary in eastern Wisconsin — one of many Marian crownings held this month for honoring the Blessed Mother.
The life of the Blessed Mother, from before her birth to the flight into Egypt, is recounted with varying levels of artistic adeptness in the uneven biography "Mary" (Netflix). Though the result is not always satisfying, the production overall is both reverent and engaging. The film is also suitable for a wide audience.
A new podcast about the rosary promises to deepen listeners' love of the Marian devotion and draw them closer to Jesus and his mother, Mary, in the new year.
Recognizing the spiritual value of devotions connected to Medjugorje, but not ruling on the authenticity of the alleged apparitions or alleged messages from Mary, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith also noted that church officials have issued a "series of divergent opinions" about the phenomenon over the past four decades.
With some prudence, Catholics can benefit spiritually from the messages and spiritual practices associated with the alleged apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, said the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
On the feast of the Visitation, the Church celebrates the day when Mary met her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with St. John the Baptist, after the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The journey is sometimes referred to as the first Eucharistic pilgrimage because Mary carried Christ in her womb.
“JMJ” occasionally accompanies a signature sign-off on cards, letters or memos from my Catholic friends and family. It reminds me that we as Christians are all family and are spiritual descendants of the first Holy Family. We are to embrace a true devotion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph with the Holy Family as our model.
Apparitions, images of the Blessed Mother inspire devotions in our cultural communities. Honoring the Virgin Mary and seeking her intercession is an important part of being Catholic.
