The word “phenomenon” came into English from the Greek, and technically means a thing or fact perceived, the immediate object of actual perception. Today we are celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” is related to the word “phenomenon” and denotes a manifestation of a supernatural being.

The quarterly magazine which generally includes a letter from Fr Abbot, a diary of recent activity at the Abbey, book reviews and articles by monks, oblates or visitors.

The quarterly magazine which generally includes a letter from Fr Abbot, a diary of recent activity at the Abbey, book reviews and articles by monks, oblates or visitors.

God created the world ex nihilo, out of nothing, meaning that there had been nothing there before, of course, but also that the stuff that the world is made out of is simply nothingness.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through him, in him was life” – outside of him nothing at all.

Lux fulgebit hodie super nos – Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us. This is the text for the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass. The ancient Gregorian Chant setting for this is in the noble Eighth mode. The Antiphon is a slightly adapted version of verses from Isaiah Chapter 9. The Oracle of Isaiah Chapter 9 is one of the strongest, most explicit, most exalted of all the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament.

Who are these people who walked in darkness and yet have seen a great light? Who are those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on whom light has shone? And what is this darkness? What is the light?

In a few hours we will celebrate the birth of Christ, God's appearing in flesh among us. But now, liturgically speaking, he is still hidden within Mary, still undergoing baptism in her womb, though both of them probably can't wait for it to be over. In any case, for now we can still see only Mary and her husband Joseph. So let's look at them, as they sit quietly having breakfast in Bethlehem perhaps.

Advent 4C: Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

In today’s Gospel we heard words we repeat constantly in our “Hail Mary” prayer. The first part of this prayer exactly quotes the Angel’s greeting as reported by St. Luke in the first Chapter of his Gospel, verse 28: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.