Articles
Liturgy from the Heart
Chris Meadows Comments Off on Liturgy from the Heart
In his apostolic letter Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem (General Norms for Restoring the Permanent Diaconate), Pope Paul VI says that Christ instituted a variety of ministries in the Church for the nurture and constant increase of the People of God. Then he quotes the Church Father St. Ignatius of Antioch: “The deacons too, who are ministers Read More
The Church of the Future
Chris Meadows Comments Off on The Church of the Future
The Church of the future lies in the present. This observation may seem rather apparent, so much so that it can be easily dismissed. Indeed, all things move chronologically from the past into the present, and from the present into the future. However, within this obvious reality lies a profound truth — namely, what we Read More
‘A Concise Guide to Canon Law’
Chris Meadows Comments Off on ‘A Concise Guide to Canon Law’
Deacons in pastoral ministry should have “A Concise Guide to Canon Law” (Ave Maria Press, $17.95) on their bookshelves and at the ready. It is simple enough (and short enough) to be easily digested and understood by those not trained in canon law. But it is also rich enough to give deacons greater insight into Read More
Living the Now
Chris Meadows Comments Off on Living the Now
So many of the spiritual masters agree: a great aid — and challenge — for holiness is to live in the present moment. Attending to the now puts me in touch with the reality of God and immerses me in the infinity of his love. Now, is my intersection point with eternity. If God dwells Read More
Psychology of the Psalms
Chris Meadows Comments Off on Psychology of the Psalms
In addition to my work as a deacon, I am a therapist with a counseling practice in Colorado and work to unify the spiritual and psychological in my work with clients. This work has often turned me back to the writing of the early Church Fathers, who spoke about psychological and spiritual lives with amazing Read More
The Deacon, the Family and the Sacramental Life
Chris Meadows Comments Off on The Deacon, the Family and the Sacramental Life
The deacon is called to be a prime example of Christian discipleship at work, at play, in the Church and in the family. One of the most fundamental aspects of Christian discipleship is living the “sacramental life” — being a visible sign of God’s invisible grace to everyone we meet. In and with the family Read More
Epidemic of Loneliness
Chris Meadows Comments Off on Epidemic of Loneliness
Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us, “Nothing is new under the sun!” This verse came to mind not too long ago when I was paging through a very intense advisory from the surgeon general who declared that loneliness is of epidemic proportions in America. The advisory entitled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” seemed shocking to many Read More
Benedict XVI’s Theology of Diakonia
Chris Meadows Comments Off on Benedict XVI’s Theology of Diakonia
Deacon Greg Kandra has written a wonderful reflection on “The Diaconate of Benedict XVI” in the March/April publication of The Deacon. He outlines Benedict’s diaconal ministry via the proclamation of the Word, charity, and his ministry at the altar. To complement Deacon Kandra’s article I would like to highlight Benedict’s theology of diakonia, which can Read More