Emmanuel Magazine Archives
2018
We hope that you enjoy this first issue of the new publishing year, Emmanuel’s 123rd. I want to thank all of our authors and contributors.
In a special way, thanks to Paul Bernier, SSS, John Barker, OFM, and Barbara Shanahan for writing our scripture reflections (Breaking the Word) for the coming year, and to Dianne Bergant, CSA, for her reflections last year and for setting up this special relationship with scholars and board members from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. A blessed 2018!
This issue offers diverse perspectives on the mysteries of Lent and Easter and on our efforts to live and proclaim them. You’ll find everything from Redemptorist Dennis Billy’s careful analysis of the very intentional Catholic philosophizing of G. E. M. Amscombe to Michael DeSanctis’ gentle musings on the existential journey of his oldest son and daughter, from Peter Riga’s essay on prayer to a few of my own thoughts on Eucharistic spirituality as “living as Jesus lived.” Enjoy, too, the beautiful seasonal scriptural reflections of John Barker, OFM. God bless you!
May and June bring us much to reflect on, as does this issue of Emmanuel. We rejoice in the power of faith at work in us as we are transformed by the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and by the gentle, persistent in-breaking of God into our lives as ultimate mystery. We wrestle with understanding God’s mercy more fully and living it ourselves. We find inspiration in the life of a prophet like Dorothy Day and in the symphony of the Spirit which is the Eucharist.
The summer issue of Emmanuel focuses every year on the social dimension of the Gospel. Richard Gribble, CSC’s article offers insights into what it means to live counterculturally, in imitation of the prophets and Jesus. Next, I suggest you read Victor Parachin’s essay on Dom Helder Càmara, a prophetic figure of the Church in Brazil, and Peter Riga’s short reflection, “Poor at Heart.” You will also find articles commemorating two August anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of the death of Saint Peter Julian Eymard (August 1) and the 40th anniversary of the passing of Pope Paul VI (August 6). There is “A Poetry Retreat” for your meditation and prayer; also scripture reflections by Emmanuel’s former editor Paul Bernier, SSS. Enjoy!
October will bring the canonization of two new saints: Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Oscar Romero. You might begin with Maryknoll missioner James H. Kroeger’s reflection “Pope Francis and Vatican II’s Saintly Popes” and Robert Sanson’s “Saint Oscar Romero’s Eucharistic Transformation.” Or linger in September for a while, pondering Owen F. Cummings’ “Thoughts about Catechesis in Today’s Church.” Underpinning it all is Ernest Falardeau, SSS’ “The Universal Call to Holiness,” which is deepened by our participation in the Lord’s Table.
A good place to begin is with Dennis J. Billy’s “Fulton Sheen on the Eucharist,” highlighting the genius of the perennially-popular churchman and TV personality, and James H. Kroeger’s introductory article on the missionary challenges of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. For more seasonal fare, read Caroline Rood’s meditation on Mary and Peter Schineller’s “Pope Francis and the Spirituality of Christmas.” Scripture reflections, poetry, reviews, and so much more! Please consider gifting others with a subscription to the Magazine of Eucharistic Spirituality!
