The Manifestation of Jesus ChristHaving celebrated the glory of God that appeared at the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Christmas, we celebrate today, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of God’s salvation in Christ for all peoples. The Church gathers in prayer before the God who,…
Mary’s Example of FaithOn this fourth Sunday of Advent, the liturgy shifts our attention from John the Baptist to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both John and Mary serve as important figures for our reflection during the season of Advent; they both played instrumental roles in preparing the way for Jesus. This week we reflect upon Mary’s example of faith and obedience…
December 31, 2023 Finding God with the Holy FamilyDevotion to the Holy Family began the very same night Jesus was born. And what a strange occurrence: that the very first people to adore God made human were shepherds. It was not kings, it was not priests, it was not the rich and mighty. The witnesses to God’s greatest miracle, found in the…
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…