On August 24th, the church celebrates St. Bartholomew, a faithful disciple of Jesus. St. Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. He is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Unlike some of the other disciples, the details of his life and activities are not extensively documented in biblical texts. The Life of St. Bartholomew What we do know is that St. Bartholomew, as a disciple, traveled everywhere with Jesus, learning from him and helping him in his mission. He continued on with the other disciples after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension and was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit fell. He also became an Apostle of the Lord and leader of the early church. According to tradition, after the baptism of the Holy Spirit, St. Bartholomew is said to have traveled extensively, preaching the gospel wherever he went. He is believed to have traveled to various regions including India, Armenia, and possibly parts of Africa. He is often credited with bringing Christianity to these areas. St. Bartholomew's Martyrdom St. Bartholomew's martyrdom is also a large part of his tradition. He is believed to have been martyred in Albanopolis in ancient Armenia. There are various accounts of his cause of death; that he was hanged upside down or that he was beheaded but the most famous account, and the one that you see represented in iconography and art, is that he was flayed alive. The most famous image is that of St. Bartholomew holding his flayed skin in The Last Judgement by Michelangelo. Although we don’t have many details about St. Bartholomew’s life, he is widely depicted in art and iconography, his name is associated with various churches, cathedrals, and monuments, and there are rich traditions celebrating his feast day, all honoring his memory and contributions to Christianity. Ways to celebrate St. Bartholomew’s Day: Make gingerbread. During the middle ages in England, gingerbread was often the special cake served on feast days. The saint's image was usually stamped on the cake. Gingerbread, with the image of Bartholomew, was served at Bartholomew Fairs that were held across the land. We are making Gingerbread Cake from one of my favorite seasonal cookbooks, Honey and Jam by Hannah Queen. (See recipe at the bottom of the post) Have a race and eat a currant bun. In Sandwich, Kent, England, villagers hold a St. Bartholomew's Bun Race. The children of the village race around the chapel of St. Bartholomew's Hospital and are rewarded with a currant bun for their efforts. Make Bartlemas Beef. St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of butchers since he was skinned alive. Yikes! Traditionally, the beef served on this day was known as Bartlemas Beef (“Bartlemas” means the mass of St. Bartholomew). The following recipe is given in “Cook’s Guide” from 1664. Take a fat Brisket piece of beef and bone it, put it into so much water as will cover it, shifting it three times a day for three dayes together, then put it into as much white wine and vinegar as will cover it,and when it hath lyen twenty-four hours take it out and drye it in a cloth, then take nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and mace, of each a like quantity, beaten small and mingled with a good handful of salt, strew both sides of the Beef with this, and roul it up as you do Brawn, tye it as close as you can; then put it into an earthen pot, and cover it with some paste; set it in the Oven with household bread, and when it is cold, eat it with mustard and sugar. Let me know if you make this, especially what you decide to use as “some paste”! Eat watermelon and make lanterns out of watermelon. In Italy and Spain, it was traditional to eat watermelon since watermelon was at the height of its season during this time. A watermelon festival was thrown on St. Bartholomew’s Day and everyone gathered to celebrate the saint and enjoy the fruit. On Tiber Island, in the middle of the Tiber River running through Rome, there is a cathedral dedicated to St. Bartholomew known as San Bartolomeo all’Isola. Villagers gathered there for the celebrations. A watermelon festival and market were held, with vendors displaying whole or sliced watermelons. The villagers would attend mass and then eat watermelon and hold races to celebrate the day. On the Spanish island of Majorca, children made lanterns out of the watermelons and paraded through the village.

Tomorrow is the day the church celebrates Bartholomew, a disciple of Jesus. Bartholomew was one of the twelve disciples called by Jesus. Bartholomew traveled everywhere with Jesus and he continued on with the other disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He traveled throughout India, preaching the gospel. He ended up spreading the gospel in Armenia where he was martyred. Legend has it that Bartholomew was flayed alive before his death which is why you often see him depicted without skin or holding his skin as in The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Ways to celebrate St. Bartholomew’s Day: Make gingerbread. During the middle ages in England, gingerbread was often the special cake served on feast days. The saint's image was usually stamped on the cake. Gingerbread, with the image of Bartholomew, was served at Bartholomew Fairs that were held across the land. Have a race and eat a currant bun. In Sandwich, Kent, England, they hold a St Bartholomew's Bun Race. Children race around the chapel of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Everyone who participates receives a currant bun. Make Bartlemas Beef. Bartholomew is the patron saint of butcher’s since he was skinned alive. Yikes! The beef served on this day is traditionally called Bartlemas Beef (“Bartlemas” means the mass of St. Bartholomew). The following recipe is given in “ Cook’s Guide ” from 1664. Bartlemas Beef. Take a fat Brisket piece of beef and bone it, put it into so much water as will cover it, shifting it three times a day for three dayes together, then put it into as much white wine and vinegar as will cover it,and when it hath lyen twenty-four hours take it out and drye it in a cloth, then take nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and mace, of each a like quantity, beaten small and mingled with a good handful of salt, strew both sides of the Beef with this, and roul it up as you do Brawn, tye it as close as you can; then put it into an earthen pot, and cover it with some paste; set it in the Oven with household bread, and when it is cold, eat it with mustard and sugar. Let me know if you make this, especially what you use as “some paste”! Eat watermelon or make lanterns out of watermelon. In Italy and Spain it was traditional to eat watermelon. Watermelon was at the height of its season during this time. A watermelon festival was thrown on St. Bartholomew’s Day and everyone gathered to enjoy the fruit. On the Spanish island of Majorca, children made lanterns out of watermelons and paraded through the village. We are making Gingerbread Cake from one of my favorite seasonal cookbooks, Honey and Jam .

One of my favorite moments during our church service is the "passing of the peace." To someone who is not familiar with this tradition, "the passing of the peace" would seem very odd. After a very somber and quiet time during the service, the congregation stands up all at once and the priest exclaims in a very loud voice, “The peace of the Lord be always with you!” To which the people respond, “And also with you!” Then everyone starts hugging each other, shaking each other's hands, and saying to each other, “Peace be with you. And also with you.” It gets very loud and seems a little out of control. Visitors who are new to this tradition often wonder if the church service is over but it's not, far from it, we are only about half of the way through with the service! What is the meaning behind this strange tradition, and why is it so significant in the life of the church? The Meaning of the Passing of the Peace To understand the tradition of the “passing of the peace”, we have to look at the earliest gatherings of Christians. We know that Christians have been celebrating the Eucharist (Greek for “thanksgiving”) since the time of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper or Communion in various Christian traditions, is rooted in the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples shortly before his crucifixion. Here's a brief timeline: The Last Supper: During this meal, described in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20), Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and shared them with his disciples, instructing them to "do this in remembrance of me." This event is considered the origin of the Eucharistic celebration. Apostolic Age: The practice of breaking bread in remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection became a central element of Christian gatherings soon after the resurrection. Acts 2:42 mentions that the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Pauline Letters: The Apostle Paul, writing in the mid-first century, refers to the Lord's Supper in his First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), indicating that the Eucharistic celebration was already an established tradition among the early Christian communities. Subsequent Centuries: As Christianity spread and communities grew, the Eucharistic celebration became more formalized, with set prayers, rituals, and liturgies. By the time of the early Church Fathers in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, references to the Eucharist and discussions about its meaning were frequent in Christian writings. Early Christians believed that the Eucharist was the central act of Christian worship. The Eucharist was so holy that they believed there needed to be a time of preparation before they partook of it. Not only did they need to confess their sins before receiving but they needed to make peace with their brothers and sisters in Christ. The passing of the peace is the part of the service where we are given the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and to reenact the reconciling love of Christ with our neighbors. At its core, the passing of the peace embodies the Christian values of reconciliation, unity, and forgiveness. It's a moment when congregants extend goodwill to one another, mirroring God's love and grace. In this act, we're reminded of our shared journey of faith, bound together by the common thread of Christ’s redeeming work in our lives and the lives of others. Scriptural Foundation Several biblical passages underpin the significance of passing the peace in a liturgical service: Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 18:15: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." 1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." I Corinthians 11:23-30: “ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. “ 2 Corinthians 13:11: "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." The History of the Passing of the Peace Originally known as the “kiss of peace,” the “passing of the peace” has been a part of the Christian liturgy since the apostolic age. By the time we have more structured liturgical documents, the kiss of peace is already a recognized part of the liturgical practice: The Apostolic Tradition : An early Christian treatise attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, written in the early 3rd century, references the kiss of peace. This is one of the earliest liturgical documents we have that describes the rite of the Christian assembly, and it suggests that the kiss of peace was given before the presentation of the offerings and the Eucharist. Eastern Liturgies : The kiss of peace also appears in ancient Eastern Christian liturgies. For instance, in the Divine Liturgy of St. James, one of the oldest complete liturgies we possess, there's a reference to the kiss of peace. Western Liturgies : In the West, the kiss of peace became a standard part of the Roman rite, usually placed after the Lord's Prayer and before the distribution of the Eucharist. A Profound Symbol In today's liturgical services, the passing of the peace serves as a tangible reminder of our commitment to love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It's this incredible moment when we acknowledge that, in Christ, we are one body, intricately connected and called to extend grace to one another. As we share this sacred practice, we embody the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." In the passing of the peace, we participate in a beautiful tradition that bridges the past with the present, connecting us to the earliest followers of Christ. It's a reminder that, in our diversity, we find unity, and in our love for one another, we reflect the boundless love of our Savior.

Sometimes the simplest traditions become the most meaningful. One of my favorite ways to keep the liturgical year present in our home is by decorating our dining table. It’s the place where we gather every day, where meals and conversations are shared, and it becomes a natural place to carry the Church year into our ordinary rhythms. This month, I put together two simple tablescapes for Ordinary Time . Neither required much effort, but both created a sense of beauty and intentionality that helps our family stay rooted in the season. Part 1: Effortless Table Decor for the Liturgical Year For the first look, I started with this lovely green floral runner , then added thrifted brass candlesticks , green leaf embossed candles , and fresh grapevine . The effect was simple but rich, and the green tones reminded us of the growth and steady faithfulness of God during this season. Green is the color of Ordinary Time in the Church calendar. It reminds us of life, growth, and discipleship, of God’s ongoing work in us day by day, even when life feels quiet or routine. While feast days and fasts draw our attention to dramatic moments in salvation history, Ordinary Time gently teaches us that holiness is also formed in the ordinary and the daily. Sources for this look: Green floral runner : Threshold with Studio McGee Brass candlesticks: thrifted Green leaf embossed candles : Threshold with Studio McGee Grapevine: snipped fresh from our yard Celebrating liturgically doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s as easy as setting the table. Part 2: A Fresh Liturgical Table Setting The next week, I changed things up with a green and white windowpane tablecloth , a large glass jar, fresh wild olive branches, and a new candle arrangement . It was such a small shift, but it gave the whole table a fresh feeling. That’s what I love about decorating for the liturgical year: it doesn’t take a complete overhaul to bring beauty and meaning into your space. Even the smallest changes can make the table feel new, while still keeping the season at the center. Sources for this look: Tablecloth : Hearth and Hand with Magnolia Cream Unscented Candles : Room Essentials Ceramic Candle Holder : Hearth and Hand with Magnolia A Simple Way to Live the Year Whether you go bold or keep things minimal, decorating your table can become a gentle but powerful reminder of the Church year. In Ordinary Time, the green on our tables and in our churches points us toward steady growth in Christ. It calls us to faithfulness in the “in between” seasons, when we may not be celebrating great feasts or observing fasts, but are instead simply walking with the Lord in the ordinary days of discipleship. And here’s the beauty of it: every time we see the color green at home, just like we do in the vestments and altar hangings at church, we’re given a visual reminder of the season we are in. Our children notice it too. These colors become little signposts, teaching all of us to live with the rhythm of the Church year and to carry it beyond Sunday into our daily lives. So tell me, what’s on your table this season? I’d love to hear your ideas and inspirations in the comments below.

The the Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin, is coming up on August 15th. On this day, Christians around the world come together to celebrate and honor the remarkable life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a joyous occasion filled with reverence, thanksgiving, and reflection on the profound role Mary played in the salvation story. The Life of St. Mary The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Theotokos or Mother of God, holds a special place in Christianity. She was chosen by God to be the vessel through which His Son, Jesus Christ, would take on flesh and enter the world as a human being. Mary's obedience and devotion to God played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. God's Plan for Mary To fully appreciate St. Mary’s role, we have to go back to the very beginning of our story, to the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobey God and eat the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They know that they have done wrong but when God discovers what they have done, he doesn’t put them to death, but instead issues a series of punishments for their sin and a curse over the serpent, who tempted them. God curses the serpent physically and then gives a startling prophecy - “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 This prophecy is known as the “Protoevangellium”, which means "first gospel" or "first good news." In Christian theology, the term refers to the first proclamation or foreshadowing of the Gospel in the Bible. It is seen as a prophetic announcement of the coming Messiah and his victory over sin and death. Mary is the “woman” and her “offspring”, of course, is Jesus. Satan will temporarily "strike" at Christ's "heel" through the Crucifixion, but through Christ’s death and resurrection, Satan’s head will be crushed forever. Christians understand the Protoevangelium to be not only a prophecy about the coming of Christ but also of the significance of Mary and the role she played in the salvation of mankind and in the Incarnation of the Word of God. Mary's Fiat And so it came to pass, when the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young girl named Mary. Mary listens in awe as she is told that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and that he will be called the Son of the Most High and will reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary humbly accepts her role, responding, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word." This incredible response from Mary is known as Mary’s Fiat . The term "fiat" comes from the Latin word for "let it be" or "so be it." Mary's "fiat" is a profound act of faith, obedience, and surrender to God’s will. Her acceptance of God's plan without hesitation has made her a model of faith for many Christians and is a central theme in Christian theology and devotion. Her "yes" to God's plan contrasts with Eve's disobedience, making Mary's "fiat" a critical moment in salvation history. The entire event, known as the Annunciation, is also a central moment in Christian belief, signifying the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is at this moment that Mary becomes what is known as Theotokos or "God-bearer.” The title emphasizes Mary's role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, who is recognized as fully God and fully human in Christian doctrine. By calling Mary "Theotokos," the Church affirms the belief in the divine nature of Christ from the moment of His conception. From that moment on, we are given beautiful, detailed accounts of Mary’s experiences. We are told about her visit with her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. Upon hearing Mary’s voice, Elizabeth and her unborn baby are filled with the Holy Spirit, and Elizabeth exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" And Mary responds with a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to God, famously known as the Magnificat . Mary and Jesus Months later, we are told that Mary traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem so that he could take part in a census. Mary is in labor when they arrive and they are unable to find a room at the inn. She gives birth to her son, Jesus, in a stable. That night, shepherds arrive at the stable, praising God and telling incredible stories of heavenly hosts and angelic proclamations. The shepherds are there to see the baby, whom they believe is the Messiah. After seeing the baby, they leave glorifying and praising God, while, as Luke says, Mary keeps all these things and ponders them in her heart. This is the beginning of a series of remarkable encounters for Mary: meeting Simeon and Anna in the Temple, the Wise Men from the East, the angel warning them to flee to Egypt, finding the young Jesus in the Temple where he was astounding the teachers of the law, Jesus’ first miracle where he turns water into wine, his crucifixion, death and resurrection and being in the upper room when the Holy Spirit fell. These encounters are significant theological moments where Jesus' divinity and divine power are revealed. Mary's role in these moments highlights her faith in God, her son, and her unique understanding of His mission. The Faith of Mary Mary's appearances are relatively few but highly significant. They portray her as a figure of faith, obedience, and humility, deeply connected to Jesus' mission and the broader themes of God's compassion and justice. Her role serves to bridge the Old and New Testaments, embody the ideal response to God's call, and symbolize the Church as the family of believers. Her unique position as Theotokos (God-bearer) also establishes a profound theological understanding of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. I love what “Lesser Feasts and Fasts” says about St. Mary - “What we can believe is that one who stood in so intimate a relationship with the incarnate Son of God on earth must, of all the human race, have the place of highest honor in the eternal life of God. A paraphrase of an ancient Greek hymn expresses this belief in very familiar words: “O higher than the cherubim, more glorious than the seraphim, lead their praises, alleluia.” St. Mary’s Remaining Days According to tradition, Mary lived out her remaining days in the care of the Apostle John, as Jesus had requested from the cross (John 19:26-27). The early Christian writer, Hippolytus of Rome, writes that the Apostle John took Mary to Ephesus, a city in modern-day Turkey, where she lived until her death. During this time, it is said that Mary lived a life of prayer and service to the early Christian community, providing moral support and guidance. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Read Luke 1:26-38 and recite the Magnificat ( Luke 1:46-55 ) Make something with rosemary or gather a bouquet of rosemary and place it in a vase on your dining room table. Legend has it that the blossoms of the rosemary plant were white until Mary stopped to do laundry during the holy family’s flight to Egypt. Mary threw her blue cloak over a rosemary bush to dry and the flowers have been blue ever since. Plant marigolds or place a bouquet of marigolds on your dining room table. The name "marigold" is a combination of "Mary" and "gold." Traditionally, the golden color of the marigold is said to symbolize the golden virtues of Mary, such as purity, love, humility, and obedience. Decorate your dining table with a blue tablecloth or eat something blue since blue is the symbolic color for Mary. The blue symbolizes purity, humility, and fidelity, all virtues associated with Mary. I love making something with blueberries like this Blueberry Lemon Tart ! Blueberry Lemon Tart Pastry : 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch kosher salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, in chunks 1 large egg, separated 2 tablespoons ice water, plus 1 teaspoon Filling : 4 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons) 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 lemon, zested Pinch kosher salt 1 pint blueberries To make the pastry, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt together in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until the dough resembles cornmeal. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water and pulse again until the dough pulls together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Roll the dough up onto the pin and lay it inside a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the edges of the pan and fold the excess dough inside to reinforce the rim. Cover the tart pan with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to rest. To bake the shell, heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the tart pan on a baking sheet and prick the bottom of the dough with a fork. Cover the shell with a piece of parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 teaspoon water and brush it onto the bottom and sides of the tart shell; set aside to cool. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, cream, zest, and salt. Add the blueberries to the cooled tart shell and pour the filling over the blueberries. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The curd should jiggle slightly when done. Cool to room temperature, remove from the tart ring, and serve. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/blueberry-lemon-tart-recipe-1943234

Ordinary Time is made for rooting. It’s not flashy or hurried. There’s no rush to the finish line, only the slow, steady work of becoming. And in this season, one of the most life-giving things we can do for ourselves and our families is to be intentional about how we live, on purpose, with a plan that reflects who we are and whose we are. The Church has a long tradition of something called a Rule of Life , a prayerful, intentional framework for daily living. Monastics have used it for centuries, not as a rigid checklist, but as a trellis for the vine of faith, a way to shape life so that love for God and neighbor grows in every season. What if we thought of our households , not just ourselves, as needing a Rule of Life? Because here’s the truth: our homes already have a “rule,” whether we’ve named it or not. Our days are shaped by certain habits, priorities, and unspoken values. The question is, do those rhythms reflect the Kingdom of God, or are they just echoes of the culture around us? Why a Household Rule of Life Matters A Rule of Life is not about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s the difference between letting the river of life carry you wherever it will and gently steering the boat toward a destination that matters. When we take time to think about what matters most, faith, hospitality, generosity, rest, and service, we can make sure our family life actually reflects those values. Without that intention, the urgent will always crowd out the important. How to Begin Shaping Your Family’s Rule of Life Pray and Reflect Together Ask God to show you what He desires for your family in this season. Gather around the table and talk about what matters most to each of you. Identify Your Core Values What virtues or practices do you want your home to embody? Sabbath rest? Hospitality? Prayer? Celebrating the Liturgical Year? Write them down. Look at Your Rhythms Take an honest look at how your time is currently spent. Do your daily and weekly patterns reflect your values, or do they tell a different story? Name Small, Concrete Practices A Rule of Life works best when it’s simple and specific. For example: Eat one meal together at the table every day. Begin each morning with prayer. Keep one night a week technology-free for rest and connection. Serve together once a month. Hold It Lightly This isn’t a legalistic rulebook. Life changes, and your Rule of Life will, too. Revisit it seasonally and adjust as needed. Living It Out in Ordinary Time When we root our days in prayer, scripture, service, and rest, those habits begin to seep into our children’s bones. They learn that following Jesus is not just something we talk about on Sundays, it’s the air we breathe at home. A Household Rule of Life creates a rhythm where everyone knows what matters and how to live it. Over time, it becomes part of the culture of your home, quietly forming hearts in the ways of Christ. A Simple Starting Point: Light a candle at dinner. Thank God for the day. Share one thing you’re grateful for. Small, yes, but these moments shape the soul. And if you'd like more help, here's a Rule of Life Worksheet to use with your family - Because discipleship doesn’t happen in grand gestures. It happens in the steady, ordinary faithfulness of everyday life. Let’s live out Ordinary Time together. What practices might become part of your family’s Rule of Life this season?

The Feast of the Transfiguration, celebrated on August 6th, is a momentous event in the life of Christ and in the Christian tradition. It holds profound significance as it reveals a glimpse of the divine glory of Jesus Christ. The Transfiguration is recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, ascends a mountain, meets with Moses and Elijah, and undergoes a remarkable transformation. Unfortunately, the Transfiguration is one of those events that is often a victim of reductionism. There’s so much that occurs in such a short amount of time, so much meaning there, so much symbolism, so much beauty, so much emotion that it is difficult for us to process, so we make bulleted points. If you look up the significance of The Transfiguration, you're often given a list: Jesus’ divine nature is revealed The Old and New Testaments come together It’s one of five major events in the Life of Christ The list goes on and on, and while all of these points are true, they strip the event of its miraculousness and miss the enormity of the event. The Transfiguration cannot be reduced to a bulleted list! The Transfiguration is this remarkable moment where the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Man converge. Where a man is not only a man but God himself, where heroes from the distant past are suddenly present, and where the voice of God comes booming from the clouds. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we are told that Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain. There he is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and his clothes become as white as the light. This incredible transfiguration calls to mind the image of the Lord that Ezekiel describes, “I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire, and brilliant light surrounded him” (Ezekiel 1:27). It immediately reveals to the disciples Jesus’ divine nature and is a testament to the reality that Jesus is not just a prophet or a rabbi, but the very Son of God. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus on the mountain. How significant that these great heroes of the faith, who were thought to be dead, are now suddenly very much alive and have appeared to speak with Jesus! Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, the great prophet, both pointed to the coming of the Messiah. Here, at this very moment, they are witnessing the fulfillment of their labors and the call of God which they faithfully obeyed. And how significant that these men are on a mountain, because when Moses and Elijah were ever on a mountain, they were usually meeting with God! In Luke 9:31, we are told that Moses and Elijah are talking with Jesus about his departure, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. A fascinating point that often gets missed is that the word “departure” in Greek is “exodus.” So here we have Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in the original “Exodus” and Elijah, the prophet who led a sort of spiritual "exodus" in that he sought to lead the people of Israel away from idolatry and back to faithfulness to God, speaking with Jesus about the ultimate “exodus” where he will deliver God’s people once and for all from the slavery of sin and death through his own death and resurrection. How incredible! As Moses and Elijah were leaving Jesus, Peter recognized this pivotal moment and offered to put up three tents. While he is still speaking, a bright cloud covers them all and a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!” This moment hearkens back to the Old Testament, where God often spoke to people like Moses and Elijah from a cloud, indicating His divine presence as well as at Jesus’ baptism where a voice comes from the heavens and says, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). As God's voice resounds from the cloud, Jesus' divine identity as God's Son is again affirmed and it is also an endorsement from God of the truth of His teachings. Jesus is not just another prophet, but He speaks with the authority of God Himself. This divine command echoes throughout the ages, reminding Christians to heed Christ's words and imitate his life of love, compassion, and self-sacrifice. The Transfiguration and First Fruits In some Christian traditions, it is customary to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration by eating fruit, particularly grapes. The timing of The Transfiguration, occurring in early August, corresponds with the harvest of grapes and other first fruits in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions where the tradition originated. With the harvest of these fruits, the people of God were reminded of God’s goodness and His infinite bounty. It was a time to offer thanks to God for His generosity. The fruit was brought to the church for a blessing and then eaten with great celebration. The practice of blessing fruit on the Feast of the Transfiguration continues to this day in many Byzantine communities. A prayer of thanksgiving for the new fruits can be found as early as 220 AD in the work of St. Hyppolytus. He mentions the following fruits that were usually blessed: grapes, figs, pomegranates, pears, mulberries, peaches, and almonds.” Ways to Celebrate Read Matthew 17:1-8 , Mark 9:2-8 , or Luke 9:28-36 . Light a candle to symbolize the glory of Christ during the Transfiguration. If possible, take a nature walk or hike to a nearby hill or mountain, just like Jesus did with Peter, James, and John. Because The Transfiguration is connected with the grape harvest and the first fruits of the season, eat something with grapes or any other kind of fruit, particularly a fruit pie. Make a mountain with three graham crackers and chocolate tents ! Make a French Silk Pie . I love making Chocolate Silk Pie for the Feast of the Transfiguration because it's such a fun (and delicious!) representation of the earthly and the heavenly meeting together! When you place a slice of the pie on your plate, you clearly see the earthly (the chocolate custard) meeting together with the heavenly (the whipped cream)! French Silk Pie Crust: 12 graham crackers (the 4-section large pieces) 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar Filling: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped 4 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Topping: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar Instructions: For the crust:   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Crush the crackers in a food processor or resealable bag. Pour them into a bowl and stir in the melted butter and sugar. Press into a pie pan and bake until golden and set, 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. For the filling:   Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Set the whipped cream in the refrigerator until step 8. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate. You can melt it in a double boiler  or the microwave. If using the microwave, place the chopped chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stopping and stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Set aside until the end of the next step. Whisk eggs and sugar together in a heatproof bowl or the top piece of a double boiler . Place over a pot of simmering water (or the bottom part of your double boiler) on medium heat. Do not let the surface of the simmering water touch the bottom of the heatproof bowl. Whisking constantly, cook the egg mixture until it reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10–11 minutes. Do not stop whisking or the eggs may solidify. Carefully remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. After cooling, slowly stir in the melted chocolate. Cool for another 10 minutes. Using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1–2 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl. With the mixer running on low speed, pour in the chocolate/egg mixture and then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 3 minutes. With a silicone spatula, fold in the whipped cream until combined. Spread filling into the pie crust. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight, until chilled and thickened. Pie may be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3–4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled pie.

Happy first day of August! August invites us deeper into the quiet beauty of Ordinary Time, a season that, despite its name, is rich with meaning and growth. As summer begins to wind down, this month offers space to slow our pace, lean into rhythms of rest, and cultivate habits that draw us closer to the heart of God. It’s a sacred time for deepening roots, nurturing faith, and embracing the steady work of spiritual formation in the everyday. I can’t wait to celebrate it with you! I can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Here’s an overview with helpful links: August 6th - The Feast of the Transfiguration August 15th - The Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin August 24th - The Feast of St. Bartholomew Current Season: Ordinary Time During the month of August, we continue our journey through the season of Ordinary Time. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season: The Season of Ordinary Time And check out my latest guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time . It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home. August 6th - The Feast of the Transfiguration On the Feast of the Transfiguration, we behold Christ in radiant glory, His divine nature unveiled before Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop. This moment of awe and wonder reminds us that Jesus is not only the suffering servant, but also the exalted Son of God. As the voice of the Father declares, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to Him,” we’re invited to fix our eyes on Christ and be transformed by His presence. This feast calls us to carry the light of that mountaintop encounter into the valleys of our everyday lives, knowing that the glory we glimpse in Him is the same glory He desires to shine in us. How to Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration with Chocolate Silk Pie August 15th - The Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin On the Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin, we honor the one who bore Christ into the world with humility, courage, and unwavering faith. Chosen by God and filled with grace, Mary responded with a simple “yes” that changed the course of history. Her life magnifies the Lord, not through power or prestige, but through surrender, trust, and love. As we remember her today, we’re invited to follow her example: to say “yes” to God’s call, to carry Christ into the world, and to let our lives sing with the joy of the Magnificat. Blessed is she who believed. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary with a Symbolic Blueberry Tart August 24th - The Feast of St. Bartholomew On the Feast of St. Bartholomew, we remember a faithful apostle who followed Jesus with quiet strength and unwavering conviction. Though little is recorded about him in Scripture, tradition tells us that Bartholomew proclaimed the Gospel even to the ends of the earth and gave his life for it. His story reminds us that faithfulness doesn’t always need to be loud to be powerful. In a world that celebrates fame, Bartholomew’s humble witness invites us to embrace steady obedience, deep trust, and the quiet courage to share Christ wherever we are. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Bartholomew Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions!

Somewhere along the way, we started treating rest like a reward for getting everything else done. Like something we can only enjoy once the to-do list is cleared, the kitchen is clean, and the inbox is at zero. But what if rest isn’t the reward? What if it’s the starting point? Ordinary Time invites us into a different rhythm, a slower one. It’s not a countdown to anything. It’s not a season of urgency. It’s the long green stretch where we remember that God is already here. That the work is not all up to us. That rest is part of the story. Sabbath isn’t a break from real life. It’s the reminder of what real life is. When we make space for rest and delight in our homes, we’re not being indulgent. We’re practicing faith. We’re resisting a world that tells us our worth is measured by how much we can produce. And we’re showing our children that joy and restoration are holy things. What Sabbath Can Look Like at Home It doesn’t need to be a whole day (though that’s a beautiful goal). It doesn’t need to be perfect or silent or free of chaos. It just needs to be intentional. A Sabbath Candle Light a special candle to mark the start of rest, even just for Sunday dinner. Let it be a visible sign to your family: the pace is changing now. Put Away the Work Tidy what you need to, then stop. Let the undone things stay undone. This is hard, I know. But it's also healing. You are not held together by your productivity. You are held together by grace. Feast a Little Even something simple, a favorite breakfast, a picnic in the backyard, a bakery treat after church, can mark the day with joy. Sabbath reminds us that delight is not extra. It’s essential. Play Together Yes, play is sacred too. Go outside. Build a pillow fort. Say yes to board games. Get out the paints. Let your kids see your smile stretch wide and your shoulders drop. There’s no greater witness to God’s goodness than a parent at peace. Rest Differently Sabbath isn’t just collapsing on the couch (though there’s space for that!). It’s about what restores you. Read a novel. Take a walk. Listen to music that lifts your spirit. Let your soul exhale. Why It Matters Our children are growing up in a world that is always "on." Noise, speed, and striving are the norm. But we can give them something different. When we choose to rest, truly rest, we’re planting a seed that says, You don’t have to earn your belovedness. You already have it. And that truth? That’s the gospel. That’s the green, growing thing that Ordinary Time is all about. This week, consider how your family might begin practicing Sabbath, even in small, doable ways. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Just begin. Because Sabbath is not a luxury. It’s resistance. And it’s one of the holiest gifts we can give. Click HERE for my free “Sabbath Starters” guide with gentle ideas to help you mark the day.

Ordinary Time has always felt like the season of slow things, quiet, deep, patient things. It’s the time of year that mirrors most of our lives: full of laundry and grocery lists, meals to make, messes to clean, small hands to hold. It’s not flashy or loud. But it’s here, in these ordinary days, that the seeds of faithfulness are planted and tended. And for our children, this quiet season is a gift. We often want to give them the mountaintop moments, the feast days with their special desserts, the candlelit vigils, the processions, and costumes. And those are good and beautiful things. But Ordinary Time reminds us that the life of faith is also daily and steady. It grows slowly, like a well-watered vine. Children learn faith by watching ours. Not just in church on Sunday, but in the way we light a candle during dinner and say a quiet prayer. In how we speak when we’re frustrated. In the way we rest. In the way we begin again. This season invites us to draw our kids into that slow work, to teach them, by example and invitation, what it means to live as a disciple in the ordinary. Daily Habits: Forming the Heart The foundation of a Christian life is built in the small, daily habits that turn our hearts toward God. Ordinary Time invites us to embrace simple, repeated acts that cultivate a steady faith. Here are a few ways to begin: The Daily Office One of the great treasures of our liturgical tradition is the Daily Office. This ancient practice of praying morning, noon, evening, and before bed offers a sacred rhythm to our day. For families new to the Office, start simply: Morning Prayer during breakfast or Compline before bed. Choose just one to begin, and let it become a daily anchor. Tip: Use a simplified version from the Book of Common Prayer . Light a candle, let a child ring a bell, and create a small ceremony that draws attention to the holiness of the moment. Children especially benefit from this rhythm; it marks the day with grace. Scripture Reading Just as we nourish our bodies daily, we nourish our souls by engaging with the Word of God. Reading Scripture as a family builds familiarity and love for God’s Word. Read a psalm at breakfast, or a short Gospel passage before bedtime. Ordinary Time is the perfect season to start a slow walk through one book of the Bible. For young children: Picture Bibles or storybook-style readings are a gentle and beautiful entry point. The key is not quantity but consistency. My favorite storybook Bibles are HERE , HERE , and HERE . Say Grace Before Meals This might be the simplest of all habits, but it’s also one of the most profound. Pausing to give thanks reminds us that every meal is a gift. For some of my favorite traditional table blessings: Examen or Evening Reflection Before bed, pause together and ask: Where did I see God today? Where did I struggle? How can I grow in faith tomorrow? This habit fosters self-awareness and spiritual attentiveness, even in little ones. Acts of Kindness and Gratitude Encourage children (and ourselves!) to practice love in the smallest moments: write a thank-you note, help a sibling, notice someone’s need. These become daily acts of discipleship, faith lived in kindness. Let Your Life Be the Lesson These habits don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be present. Our children don’t need polished answers or Pinterest-worthy plans; they need to see us choosing faithfulness in the middle of our ordinary days. In our culture of instant gratification, we often look for quick fruit. But Kingdom growth is slow. Just like the green of Ordinary Time, our children’s faith will take root beneath the surface before we see it bloom. And that’s okay. That’s the way of the mustard seed. This week, choose one new habit to introduce into your home. Let it be small. Let it be imperfect. But let it be steady. Ordinary Time is a season to stay awhile , to plant, to water, and to wait with hope. Printable Included: Download a simple “Seeds of Faith” checklist for kids to post on the fridge or tuck in your homeschool binder. It’s full of tiny, doable acts of faith your children can practice this summer.

The Feast of St. James the Elder on July 25th is a special occasion to honor the life and legacy of this beloved apostle. Two apostles and three total New Testament saints are named James. Therefore, the Church uses the title “Saint James the Elder” or “Saint James the Great” to distinguish James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, from the others. James and John were simple fishermen from Galilee who became Christ’s faithful disciples. Their journey alongside Jesus was marked by moments of great devotion and intimacy. On this feast day, we have the opportunity to celebrate St. James in our homes, embracing the rich traditions and significance associated with his life. Who Was St. James the Elder? At the beginning of his ministry, after being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus preaches a message of repentance in Galilee. Walking along the Sea of Galilee shore, he calls the brothers Peter and Andrew to follow him. They leave their nets and followed. Jesus then encounters James and John, preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. He calls them too, and they begin following him ( Mark 1:12-18 ). While journeying from town to town, James, along with his brother and Peter, have special moments of intimacy with Jesus. Only these three are present when Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead in Mark 5:37 . In Matthew 17:1 , Jesus transfigures before them on a high mountain. In Gethsemane, Jesus asked James, John, and Peter to “stay here and keep watch with me.” James and John attracted attention at times, as seen in the Gospel of Luke when they wanted to call down fire on unwelcoming Samaritans, but Jesus rebuked them. This explains why he nicknames them the “sons of thunder” ( Mark 3:17 ). In Matthew 20 , Salome, their mother, asks for her sons to have special places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus asked if they could drink from his cup, and they affirmed. Jesus prophesies they will drink from his cup, but the granting of positions isn’t his decision. The Ministry of St. James After Jesus’ death and resurrection, James, along with the other disciples, was taught by Jesus, watched him ascend to the Father, then waited in the upper room for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Like all the other apostles, James spent the rest of his life sharing the Gospel and leading the early church. James felt called to Spain, where he preached for seven years. According to early Christian writings, James returned to Jerusalem, where King Herod martyred him in 42 A.D. ( Acts 12:1-2 ). The Legacy of St. James James, being martyred, could not be buried in Jerusalem, so his followers carried his remains back to Spain. Incursions and wars caused the location of his remains to be lost. In the 9th century, legend says a hermit named Pelayo saw special stars in the sky, which he considered a sign from God. Pelayo brought his bishop to the site, and they discovered St. James’ lost remains along with his two disciples. They named the area Compostela, meaning “field of stars.” Later, the king built a cathedral to mark the sacred location, known as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, sparking pilgrimages from the faithful. The famous road to the cathedral is The Camino or “the Way,” an ancient pilgrim route from France and Spain to Compostela. The Camino de Santiago has since become one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimage routes, attracting thousands of pilgrims from various backgrounds. Upon completing “the Camino,” pilgrims attach scallop shells or images to their hats or clothes as “pilgrim badges.” The Feast of St. James Around the World In Spain, they hold a two-week festival in honor of St. James that concludes with his feast day. The festivities include dramatic performances, traditional costumes, Galician bagpipe music, dancing, and special foods. People enjoy the scallop-filled empanada, symbolizing the scallop shell associated with Saint James. On the eve of the Feast of St. James, a breathtaking fireworks display begins at midnight. Gathering at the Praza do Obradoiro, both locals and visitors revel in the traditional fireworks projected on the facade of Santiago Cathedral. It illuminates the night sky, reminding us of the light of Christ that St. James shared with the world. On the feast day of St. James, the cathedral hosts a High Mass attended by the Spanish Royal family. It is a moment of reverence and devotion as the faithful gather to honor the saint. A special six-foot-tall censer called the “botafumeiro” is swung from the cathedral’s ceiling, filling the air with fragrant incense and creating a sense of spiritual awe. How to Celebrate the Feast of St. James the Elder Since scallop shells symbolize the Feast of St. James, make madeleines, a crispy cookie made in a scallop-shaped mold, or buy them from the store. Cook a Spanish dish like paella or empanadas to evoke the flavors and traditions of the region. Act like a pilgrim by dressing like pilgrims and embarking on a walking adventure or camping out. Make colorful scallop shapes out of paper and pin them on your clothes after you have completed your “pilgrimage.” It is also customary to eat oysters today. A common saying is, “Who eats oysters on Saint James’ Day will never want!” In France, it is not the oyster that is eaten, but the scallop known as “coquilles Saint-Jacques” or “shells of Saint James.” In Spain, they eat the Tarta de Santiago or Almond Cake of St. James. This is a classic dessert from the region and is a moist almond cake made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. It is often topped with powdered sugar and the image of the Cross of Saint James. Spanish Almond Cake (Tarta de Santiago) Recipe 2 cups ground almonds. Use raw, peeled almonds for best results. You can optionally toast them in the oven for a deeper almond flavor. Note: I used 2 cups of almond flour and it worked great! 1 ¼ cups sugar 5 eggs lemon zest from half a lemon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon liquor (You can use vodka, Cointreau, Amaretto, or Grappa. Vanilla or almond extract can be substituted if you don’t want to include alcohol!) Powdered sugar to dust Instructions Preheat the oven to 350°. Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely ground. However, be careful not to turn the mixture into almond butter by over-processing. Beat the egg and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. Add the lemon zest, liquor, and cinnamon. Fold in the ground almonds using a rubber spatula. Grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter and pour in the almond cake batter. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cake is golden brown. Test with a toothpick; if it doesn’t come out clean, cover the cake with aluminum foil and bake for five more minutes, then test again. Do this one more time if necessary (for 40 minutes total). Allow the cake to cool in the pan, and then transfer to a serving dish. Decorate with powdered sugar. If you wish, you can download a printout of the emblematic cross of Saint James.

The Church will celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene on July 22nd. Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” holds a special place in Christian history. Her humble faith and love for Jesus have made her an enduring symbol of devotion. All four Gospels mention her, and she plays a significant role in Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. On her feast day, we remember her profound roles as the first witness to the resurrection. We also acknowledge her crucial part in spreading the Good News of the Risen Christ. About Mary Magdalene As her name suggests, Mary Magdalene likely hailed from Magdala, a fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. We first encounter her in the opening verses of Luke 8 . Jesus, accompanied by his twelve disciples and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases, traveled to nearby towns and villages. They preached and proclaimed the Good News about the Kingdom of God. Among the women listed was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons. Luke notes that all these women, including Mary Magdalene, supported Jesus and his disciples with their own resources ( Luke 8:1-3 ). Later, Mary Magdalene was among the small group of women at the foot of the cross ( Matt. 27:55-56 , Mark 15:40 , John 19:25 ). She was present as Jesus died. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb. He rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. As all this happened, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat across from the tomb, watching ( Matt. 27:61 ). Mary and the Resurrection Early Sunday morning, as the Sabbath ends and the new day dawns, Mary Magdalene and the other women go to the tomb with spices they had prepared to anoint Jesus’ body ( Matt. 28:1-10 , Mark 16:1-8 , Luke 24:1-12 ). Upon finding the tomb empty, angels inform them about Jesus’ resurrection. The angels instruct them to share the good news with the disciples. In Matthew, while the women are on their way to inform the disciples, they encounter the risen Lord. He reassures them not to be afraid and instructs them to go to Galilee, where they will find him. In John’s account, only Mary Magdalene is mentioned at the empty tomb that morning ( John 20:11-18 ). As Mary prepares to leave, she has an incredible interaction with the risen Christ, whom she thinks is the gardener. But when Jesus calls her name, she immediately recognizes him and realizes he’s alive! Jesus instructs her to go and deliver a message to his “brothers.” Mary Magdalene finds the disciples and exclaims, “I have seen the Lord!” before passing on his message. Finally, in Acts 1:14 , after Jesus ascends to the Father, the apostles return to the upper room in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. Luke mentions that they, along with the women, Mary (the mother of Jesus), and his brothers, were constantly praying. Mary Magdalene was among those present when the Holy Spirit descended. Confusion Around Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene’s significance in Christian tradition goes beyond her historical role. Various interpretations and legends have sprung up about Mary Magdalene over the centuries. Many of these are not supported by biblical evidence. These imaginings have contributed to much controversy, affecting her presence in Christian art, literature, and devotion. What Happened to Mary? There is disagreement about Mary’s life after the Church began. The Eastern tradition says she retired to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus, where they lived their lives. In Western Europe, conflicting legends developed about her burial. Legends claimed she traveled to the south of France with different people and lived as a penitent ascetic in a cave in Provence. During the Middle Ages, various churches arose, each with a unique legend and claiming to possess relics or tombs associated with Mary Magdalene. Mary and the Sinful Woman In 591 AD, Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) preached a controversial sermon about Mary Magdalene. In his address, he merged Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and the “sinful woman” who washed Jesus’ feet. Despite the Bible never specifying the sin of the “sinful woman,” Pope Gregory asserted it to be prostitution. This influential sermon established a link between Mary Magdalene, prostitution, sinfulness, and penitence, which the Western Christian tradition widely embraced. Despite this, no biblical evidence or early tradition associates Mary Magdalene with prostitution. The Gospel accounts only mention Jesus delivering her from seven demons, without specifying her occupation or any sinful behavior. In contrast, the Eastern Church never merged Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany or the “sinful woman.” Instead, it continued to honor her as a virtuous woman. Thankfully, a growing movement to restore Mary Magdalene’s image as a faithful disciple in the Western Church has arisen. It emphasizes her significance within early Christian communities. Even Pope John Paul II issued a corrective statement on Mary Magdalene to right the wrongs done to her reputation. In his apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem  (“On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”), dated August 15th, 1988, he said, The Gospel of John emphasizes the special role of Mary Magdalene. She is the first to meet the Risen Christ, hence she came to be called “the apostle of the Apostles”. Mary Magdalene was the first eyewitness of the Risen Christ, and for this reason, she was also the first to bear witness to him before the Apostles. This event, in a sense, crowns all that has been said previously about Christ entrusting divine truths to women as well as men. Traditions of Mary Magdalene Over time, both the Eastern and Western churches have developed practices around Mary Magdalene. While some of these practices are rooted in scripture, others are based on later legends. Nonetheless, each has significantly shaped how Christian practice remembers her. The Myrrh Bearers or the Three Marys The Church has always revered Mary Magdalene as one of the faithful women present at the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Consequently, Christian art has depicted and commemorated these women since the 3rd century. The Eastern Church refers to them as “The Myrrh-Bearers” because they carried myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body on the morning of the resurrection. Their celebration occurs on the third Sunday of Pascha (Easter), known as the “Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.” Hymns and readings focus on their encounters with the risen Christ and their role in spreading the Good News of the resurrection. Icons of the myrrh-bearing women at the empty tomb are prominently displayed in Eastern churches. The Western Church refers to them as “The Three Marys.” In several Catholic countries, especially Spain, the Philippines, and Latin America, processions on Good Friday include images of the three Marys (in Spanish, Tres Marías). Some regions in France and Italy also celebrate the Feast of the Three Marys. The Miracle of the Red Egg The Eastern Orthodox Church associates dyeing eggs red for Easter with Mary Magdalene. According to legend, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene traveled to Rome to share the Gospel with Emperor Tiberius. She gave the emperor an egg and explained to him that the egg was a perfect symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. The emperor was skeptical, responding that it was impossible for someone to rise from the dead, just as it was impossible for the egg in Mary Magdalene’s hand to turn red. The egg miraculously turned red at that moment, shocking everyone who witnessed it. This miraculous event is said to have convinced the emperor of the truth of Mary Magdalene’s message, and he allowed her to continue her missionary work. How to Celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene Firstly, read the Gospel passages about Mary Magdalene, particularly John 20:1-18 , where she encounters the resurrected Jesus. Additionally, explore other books about St. Mary Magdalene’s life. After reading these, take a moment to thank God for this devoted, faithful woman who first shared the Good News with others. In connection with Mary’s association with the miracle of the red egg, consider making red-boiled eggs using the recipe for naturally dyed eggs found here . Additionally, you may also choose to light a myrrh-scented candle or myrrh incense. In keeping with Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ body with spices, create something spiced, such as spice cupcakes or chai tea. HELPFUL LINKS: Spiced Cupcakes Chai Tea Children's Books About Mary Magdalene   How to Dye Eggs Red UsingOnion Skins