Advent Reflections 2004

Advent Reflections 2004

Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.

1. Reflections on the Eucharist in Light of Adoro Te Devote
A ZENIT translation of the first Advent sermon, delivered 3 December 2004, before the Pope and his aides in the Roman Curia, by the Pontifical Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa. This is the first of three reflections on the Holy Eucharist, in light of the hymn Adoro Te Devote, here concentrating on the first verse.

2. I Believe All the Son of God Has Spoken
In his Advent sermon of 10 December 2004, Fr. Cantalamessa reflects on the second verse of Adoro Te Devote. He speaks of the consecration as a convergence of the words of Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit. He also addresses the doctrine of transubstantiation in light of recent theories of transignification and transfinalization, and warns against taking the "Mystery of faith" for granted.

3. The Same Prayer as the Repentant Thief
Here is a translation of the third Advent sermon, delivered, 17 December 2004, before the Pope and officials of the Roman Curia, in which Father Cantalamessa offers a meditation on the third verse of the eucharistic hymn, Adoro Te Devote, showing the close connection between the Eucharist and the Incarnation.