After First Vespers of Midsummer Day

Oh, the joy of First Vespers of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist: a glorious set of antiphons and (in the monastic Office) an...

The Struggle of Prayer

Relinquishing Control What does it mean to pray for someone or something? If I pray to obtain control over someone or something, I am wasting...

Pro Affligentibus Nos

Commanded from the Heart “I say to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). “Bless those who curse you,...

In the Light of Today’s Gospel

“But I tell you, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute and insult you.” (Matthew 5:44) Prayer...

In plateas et vicos civitatis

When I came to the Magnificat Antiphon at Vespers this evening, I made the delightful discovery of the text (with a splendid First Mode melody)...