The Star of Bethlehem reappears

Today, Dec. 21, is the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year!

It is also the day of “the great conjunction of 2020,” when Jupiter and Saturn pass one another, so close they are only 6 arc minutes apart (this is very close). From Space.com:

How often do these two planets come as close as that? Some websites say it has been nearly 400 years, while others say it's been almost 800 years. Indeed, the last time these two planets appeared so close was on July 16, 1623, when they were only 5 arc minutes apart — that's actually 397 years ago…But the last time most of the world's population had a favorable view of these two planets coming so close to each other was on March 5, 1226, when they were even closer together (just 2 arc minutes) compared to what we will see on Dec. 21.

To that end, some are wondering if the original Star of Bethlehem was a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Could it be true? Per that same Space.com article:

Some have suggested this holiday season that these two planets might be a replica of the legendary Star of Bethlehem. Actually, one of the more popular theories for the "Christmas Star" was a series of conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC.  For in that year Jupiter and Saturn met not once but three times that year (in May, September and December).  

The first conjunction (on May 29 — visible "in the east" before sunrise) presumably started the Magi on their way to Bethlehem from the Far East.  The middle conjunction (September 30) may have strengthened their resolve in the purpose of their journey, while the third and final conjunction (Dec. 5) occurred just as they arrived in Judea to meet with King Herod, who sent them on to Bethlehem to "go and search diligently for the young child." 

The article goes on with more facts and speculation, and it’s a really cool idea!

While we’re talking about the Star of Bethlehem, let me recommend, as I always do, and episode of Jimmy Aiken’s Mysterious World about the magi: The Mysteries of the Magi

p.s. I’ll be on Morning Air Wednesday, December 23 at 7 am eastern talking about the Octave of Christmas, and the holy days leading up to the Baptism of the Lord on January 10, 2021 (and thus the end of the Christmas season). Mark your calendars! You can listen here.

Updates + News

Greetings, readers. A few things to point out:

Pope Francis has declared the coming liturgical year the Year of St. Joseph. I am very pleased about this, as I love St. Joseph. Some say that after Mary, he is the most important human in the Church (there is a more elegant way to put that, but you know what I mean). He has names like Guardian of the Word Incarnate (that’s Jesus), and Terror of Demons. Amen!

Also, I recently watched a movie about Polish priest Fr. Jan Zieja, called Truth Makes Free. Watch it if you have the opportunity! His story has a very JPII feeling, though I think he was a bit older. In the film description, he is described as being a “rebel” priest, but one thing is clear - he took his calling and vocation seriously, he loved God with all his heart, and he desired for others to know God. He was famous for condemning all forms of killing (while having to fight himself in the various Eastern European conflicts in the early 20th century), chose poverty, and dedicated the latter years of his active life to fighting communism. All worth knowing about.

My church is doing a nice thing now, during Lent: every Tuesday after noon Mass is adoration. So I go, and pray for people I know, and all the strangeness going on in our world. That’s really all there is to that story; it’s just a nice thing.

May your Advent continue to be bright and reflective.

Guadalupe Radio interview from Monday, November 23

Today is the first day of Advent. O come, o come, Emmanuel!

On Monday this week, I had a grand ol’ time speaking with Mike and Joe on Washington, DC’s Guadalupe Radio/WMET show, “Catholicism on the Beltway.” I talked about my faith journey back to the church, thoughts on keeping Advent, and more.

You can listen to the audio in the player here:

https://www.grnonline.com/en/listen/listen-again/234-catholicism-on-the-beltway

Select November 23 in the player, and my part begins at 30:12.

This was recorded in person, which added to the fun. Guadalupe is also housed within the EWTN studios, so I also got to check out Raymond Arroyo’s set and even met Ed Condon, co-host of one of my favorite podcasts, CNA Editor’s Desk, who happened to be at work that day. So, a super fun day, and I hope to be back soon.

Speaking of Guadalupe - I would like to remind you that the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on Saturday, December 12. That means her novena starts on December 4, which is this Friday. Just letting you know! You can find various version of her novena online.

Today started the Immaculate Conception novena, by the way. Whatever your intentions, I feel any prayer directed toward Mary always does well to include a prayer for peace in our world, and especially our country.

Lastly, I have another 20-minute spot on Morning Air at 7 am eastern tomorrow (Monday) morning. Theme: saints who waited, building on the Advent discussion from a few weeks ago. It seem waiting (as we do at Advent) is part of the Christian life, and there are many saints who modeled waiting well. You can tune in and listen online using the player here.

Be well and may your Advent season be full of light!