Today would have been the opening day of Woodstock 50, a celebration of the pivotal music festival of 1969 that took place on a farm half a century ago in New York from August 15th – 18th. Woodstock 50 was … Continue reading
Music
Songs of Joy
On this day in 1827, the renowned classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven passed away. He spent his life writing music that has captivated listeners, from the stern opening sounds of his Symphony No. 5 to the stirring Für Elise and, … Continue reading
What Child Is This?
What child is this? This child born this morning, born to no acclaim, born in a dwelling meant for cattle, what is he? Ignored by the world but acclaimed by the angels, who is he? As the classic Christmas carol … Continue reading
A New Song
A New Song Sing to the Lord a new song.– Psalm 96:1 Carols are a staple of the Christmas season, and I’m sure everyone will be singing at least a couple today. They can be an effective way to help … Continue reading
Contemplating Beauty in Music
Editor’s note: This is the fourth post in our newest series, Beholding True Beauty, which consists of prayerful reflections on works of sacred art. The series will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of October. Read the whole … Continue reading
The Unimaginable
I think that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “It’s Quiet Uptown” from the musical Hamilton is the best recent artistic expression of the inexpressible quality of human suffering. It is a powerful piece of music and poetry. Therefore, I want to let it … Continue reading
A Jazzy God
While enjoying some live jazz recently, I realized that jazz is good.“What,” I thought, “makes this jazz so good?” What does this jazz share with God, from whom all good things come, and how can it therefore lead me to … Continue reading
Preaching the Word, without Words
Editor’s note: This is the ninth post in our newest series, reflecting on the Hillbilly Thomists’ recent, self-titled album. The series will run each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Easter season. Read the whole series here. This post concerns the … Continue reading
Amazing Grace and Graced Memories
Editor’s note: This is the sixth post in our newest series, reflecting on the Hillbilly Thomists’ recent, self-titled album. The series will run each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Easter season. Read the whole series here. This post concerns the … Continue reading
Reflect on the Bible with PRIXM
Reflect on the Bible with PRIXM We are honored to share with you a new opportunity for reflection on the Scriptures with the Order of Preachers. PRIXM, a weekly newsletter you can receive by email, “comments in surprising and clever … Continue reading
Accounting for Your Hope
Editor’s note: This is the second post in our newest series, reflecting on the Hillbilly Thomists’ recent, self-titled album. The series will run each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Easter season. Read the whole series here. This post concerns the … Continue reading
Making Sense of Suffering, American Style
Editor’s note: This is an introduction to our new series, which will spend time considering the Hillbilly Thomists’ recent self-titled album. The series will run each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Easter season. “Blues grew out of the need to … Continue reading
The Glamour of Evil
In the middle of the rite of Baptism, right before the water is poured, the parents and godparents are asked if they reject Satan and “the glamour of evil.” It’s a curious phrase. Their whole life ahead of them, young … Continue reading
The Purple Haze of Lent
Jimi Hendrix probably didn’t have Lent in mind when he wrote “Purple Haze.” But Lent can feel like a “purple haze, all around,” and not just because of the vestments. In the confusing mix of emotions, one might echo Hendrix, … Continue reading
A Song Beneath
Kino heard the little splash of morning waves on the beach. It was very good—Kino closed his eyes again to listen to his music. Perhaps he alone did this and perhaps all of his people did it. His people had … Continue reading
Spiritual Deafness
We all have our sufferings and problems, but sometimes other people can see better than we what’s wrong with us. For example, the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus stars a music teacher and composer who finds out that his baby boy … Continue reading
Jesus Hasn’t Moved Out
Editor’s note: This is the second post in a series commenting on the first words of Christ as presented in the Gospels. How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s … Continue reading
A New Christmas Album
Christ Was Born to Save: Christmas with the Dominican Friars Nearly seven hundred years ago, a Dominican friar named Henry Suso had a vision of angels singing and dancing with joy about the birth of the Infant Jesus. The German … Continue reading