Praying the Angelus, Bad Homilies, and Mother Nature

Praying the Angelus, Bad Homilies, and Mother Nature

Fr. Josh answers questions about the origin of the Angelus prayer, why some Catholic priests give bad homilies, and whether or not we can call creation our "mother".

Snippet from the Show

"Nature is not our mother: Nature is our sister. We can be proud of her beauty, since we have the same father; but she has no authority over us; we have to admire, but not to imitate."- G.K. Chesterton


Questions


Praying the Angelus


I know that any prayer can be said at anytime, but why is the Angeleus shown in prayer books to be recited at 6 am, 12 noon and 6 pm?

-Anonymous


Bad Homilies


Hey Father Josh,


I am an Anglican who has recently been learning a lot about the Catholic church over the last six months or so. I have found some very valuable teachings in the history of the church and from the church fathers, yet I have not found sufficient reason to join the Catholic church yet. As I have been attending mass at multiple parishes over the last half year, I have noticed that, in my opinion, most priests give poor homilies. My experience in the Anglican church, and most other Protestant churches that I have attended in college, is that the pastor exegetes the Scripture, going verse by verse and teaching that way, or talks about the history and circumstance of the passage. I have experienced much fruit that way, whereas with most Catholic priests' homilies I do not feel as though I have been fed or have learned much about Christ; unfortunately, sometimes they feel like pep talks or moral guidance talks. So, my question stems from my experience in hearing a multitude of Catholic priests preach in a similar way, but why don't they teach directly out of Scripture, sometimes going verse by verse, instead of giving a generalize pep talk based on the readings for the day?


As a non-Catholic, I want to thank you for your podcasts. They're a great way for me to hear and learn Catholic perspectives and teachings.

-Paul



Mother Nature vs. God's creation

Does the idea of "Mother Nature" fit into Catholicism? I really see God in nature, and typically encounters in nature for me are also encounters with God, but I never know how to respond when friends talk about "Mother Nature." Personally, I like thinking about nature and the earth as a mother sometimes. Could it be like an interpretation of God, or an artistic rendering of God? Thanks :)


-Elda

Find Your Place in the Advent Story

Get Your Copy of Rejoice! Finding Your Place in the Advent Story Journal


Resources

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.