Joy to the WorldToday, the third Sunday of Advent is called ‘Guadete Sunday’ which means ‘Joy’ or Rejoice’. Theopening antiphon for today’s liturgy asks us to Rejoice is the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near. Today, on our Advent Wreath we light our pink candle to mark this day of…
Prepare the Way of the LordOn this the Second Sunday of Advent, we are invited to reflect upon the role of John the Baptist, whoprepared the way for Jesus and the salvation that he would bring to us. In today’s Gospel we hear John the Baptist contrast his baptism of repentance with the baptism that…
Would That You Might Meet Us Doing Right As we begin another liturgical year, the readings pick up right where we left off last week: focusing on the second coming of Christ. Whereas in the gospel, Mark presents Jesus issuing a stern warning “What I say to you I say to all: Watch!”. However, It…
Jesus the Shepherd-KingOn this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. In a world filled with various forms and types of leadership and authority, we look to Jesus as our true king, the onewho reigns with love, compassion, and selflessness. The king we honor is one who identifies…
God Takes a Risk With UsWe all love getting a nicely wrapped gift whether it is for our birthday or at Christmas. Weopen and unwarp the gift that has been kindly given to us. Think how the person who gave us the giftwould feel if we didn’t open it; instead we simply put it away…
Stay Awake and Be ReadyThe readings this Sunday encourage us to be wise and to look for wisdom. In scripture, wisdom isnot intelligence or academic excellence, but an openness to listen to the word of God and to be ready toparticipate in the life of God. In the first reading, from the book of Wisdom,…
Follow the LeaderAt the time of Jesus the religious leaders of the Jewish people were the Scribe and Pharisees. In front ofthe people gathered, Jesus makes a very public condemnation and criticism of these religious leaders. Jesus clearly says for everyone to hear, ‘do not be guided by what they do, since they do not…
Love, is the Essence of DiscipleshipLove, Jesus teaches in this gospel passage, is the essence of discipleship. All that God asks of us can be boiled down to two deceptively simple commandments: that we love God with every part of our being, and that we love our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments are not original…
Caesar and GodIn today’s Gospel Jesus reminds us of the necessity of giving things their proper importance.The Herodians and Pharisees were giving too much importance to the issue of the payment of taxes.Jesus reminds them that loving and honoring God is of greater importance. In family life we do manyimportant things, but we remember that…
All are Invited, All are WelcomeIn Today’s gospel the image and symbol of the meal and banquet are used to let us know how generous God is. The table is set and the food is ready. However, those invited gave various excuses why they could not go to the feast. In response, the king invited…