Advent Meditation / And hope was made flesh
In the first of our reflections for Advent, Thomas McCarthy OP reminds us that our vision is only possible because we sit on the shoulders of giants
In thecourse of excavation work in ancient basilicas, archaeologists exercise patience, allied to a calm sense of hope. At first, only a glimmer of what lies beneath may be possible; then, with painstaking work, early baptisteries or a relic of post-baptismal catechesis in the form of a fresco may be revealed.
The tenacity of scientific research and the keen desire to reveal history’s treasures, joined to the intrepid hope that what is unearthed will inspire, drive the search forward.
Karl Rahner observed that “the past can only be preserved in its purity by someone who accepts responsibility for the future”.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
MOST READ ARTICLES
-
1
Nicaraguan bishops visit Rome as Ortega regime tightens grip
-
2
Would the Church miss us?
-
3
Vatican confirms Pope’s Latin America travel plans despite operation
-
4
Word from the Cloisters
-
5
Church from the 1950s receives £1 million government grant for new roof
-
6
Nurturing young Catholics in STEM
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
