Merry Christmas from All of Us at Ave Maria Press
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom is favor rests." (Luke 2:14)
Engaging Faith
Practical Lesson Ideas and Activities for Catholic Educators
Archived - December 2017
The Latest
Comparing Two Portrayals of the Infant Jesus
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints by Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) In this painting, the infant Jesus and the Madonna are seen enthroned in heaven as Jesus is worshipped by several saints, including the infant John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Catherine, and Cecilia. The fact that these saints lived in different centuries stresses the fact that, for God, there is no past or future. His time is not chronological (measurable and sequential time) but kairological (time that is not bound by sequence or measurement but rather by emotional significance). He lives in an eternal “now” where all are alive for him. The Burning Babe by Robert Southwell (1561-1595) The Burning Babe reflects on the love of Christ for fallen humanity. Through poetic imagery he combines the story of Christ's birth with accounts of his Passion and Death. His poem gives an unforgettable portrait of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. As I in hoary winter’s night Stood shivering in the snow, Surprised I was with sudden heat Which made my heart to glow; And lifting up a fearful eye To view what fire was near, A pretty babe all burning bright Did in the air appear; Who, scorched with excessive heat, Such floods of tears did shed, As though His floods should quench His flames, Which with His tears were bred: ‘Alas!’ quoth He, ‘but newly born In fiery heats I fry, Yet none approach to warm their hearts Or feel my fire but I! ‘My faultless breast the furnace is; The fuel, wounding thorns; Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke; The ashes, shames and scorns; The fuel Justice layeth on, And Mercy blows the coals, The metal in this furnace wrought Are men’s defiled souls: For which, as now on fire I am To work them to their good, So will I melt into a bath, To wash them in my blood’ With this He vanish’d out of sight And swiftly shrunk away, And straight I called unto mind That it was Christmas Day. Assignment Write a one page essay detailing the similarities and differences in the depiction of the infant Jesus in Raphael’s painting and Southwell’s poem? This activity comes from the book The Catholic Spirit: An Anthology for Discovering Faith through Literature, Art, Film, and Music.
Faith, Friendship, and Football
“I knew Grant was a practicing Catholic, and I also saw that he was joyful,” Butker said. “I didn’t understand how someone could live the way the Church wants us to and still be joyful.” Share this article about the friendship and faith connection between an NFL player, Harrison Butker, and his college teammate, Grant Aasen, who is now studying for the priesthood. Things to Do Write a story about your own friend who inspired your faith. Research and write a report on the Knights of Columbus. Research Mass opportunities at a college you are considering attending. Write about other faith programs at that college. Write a profile about another Catholic athlete.
Archived - December 2017
Subscribe to Our Blog!
Sign up for and receive the latest updates and news on our blog.
Categories
