By Pat Haggerty

One of my favorite hymns of all time is “Hosea” by the monks of Weston Priory.  It is based on the words of the prophet Joel:  “Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.  Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.”

These are our instructions for Lent as directed to us in the first reading for Ash Wednesday.  It is very clear as to what we should be doing for the next forty days.  I don’t think we have to go around weeping and mourning, though.  In fact, Matthew warns us about the outward appearance of our actions and sacrifices.  In his gospel we read:  “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”

By Pat Haggerty

There are so many beautiful traditions associated with Advent and Christmas.  During Advent, we truly embed ourselves in the preparation for Christmas and for the arrival of the Christ Child in our hearts.  During the Christmas season, we share in conviviality, friendship, gift-giving and song.  There is nothing that creates a more beautiful backdrop for the season than its lovely music. Music enhances our liturgies and binds us together as community.

We all have our favorite Christmas hymns that connect us so meaningfully to the season.  Many of these go back centuries and emanate from different countries.  “Silent Night,” for example, a favorite of many, dates back to 1818.  A Catholic priest named Joseph Mohr wrote the simple words on the afternoon of Christmas Eve for his small German parish.  The song has become one of the most beloved of the season.

Did you know that some Christmas carols are based on poems written by famous poets?  One song that I love is “In the Bleak Midwinter.”  This is based on a poem written by Christina Rosetti, an English poet, in 1872.  It was published posthumously in 1904 and was written as a Christian anthem in 1906.  The most popular settings of this hymn were composed by Gustav Holst and Harold Edwin Darke in the early 20^th century.

By Pat Haggerty

I recently facilitated a poetry reading for a group of English teachers.  It was a wonderful experience.  It deepened in me the sense of the beauty of words and the power of language.  Each poet read her poetry with such feeling and intensity.  It was like listening to a personal revelation.

For some reason, I got to thinking about some Catholic poets like Gerard Manley Hopkins and Sister Madeleva Wolff.  Many are familiar with Hopkins work, but, how many of us know of Sister Madeleva and her contribution to American poetry?  I remember reading some of Sister Madeleva’s work while I was in high school.  I went to a Catholic high school, so that is probably why her works were included in our anthology.  I doubt that I would have heard of her at Central High School (the public high school in our town).

By Pat Haggerty

Fall, in many parts of our country, is a season of transformation.  Nature has gifted us with a colorful palette to savor and enjoy.  Like Joseph, and his coat of many colors, the earth is cloaked in an assortment of reds, yellows and golds.  We marvel at the beauty of God’s creation as we look to the leaves of ever-changing hue.  One might say that nature has been transformed.  It is a beautiful thing!

How do we go about getting a season of transformation in our own lives?  Can we be transformed?  What does that mean for us?

In the process of our own spiritual growth, transformation can mean that we deepen our own understanding of who we are in God’s plan.  As with the changing leaves, we can change our hearts and turn closer to God.  We do not become dry and brittle like the leaves dotting the ground.  Instead, we become vibrant with life.  We bring color and joy to those around us.