THE GLORY OF THE DIVINE WAYToday’s readings draw us into ageless, vibrant depths. Followers of God’s law, we belong to ancient traditions. Children of God, we marvel at the freshness of creation. The Old Testament readings,from Sirach and the Psalms, celebrate the rich blessings we receive when we observe God’s commands—not because we are slaves…

THE GLORY OF THE DIVINE WAYToday’s readings draw us into ageless, vibrant depths. Followers of God’s law, we belong to ancient traditions. Children of God, we marvel at the freshness of creation. The Old Testament readings, from Sirach and the Psalms, celebrate the rich blessings we receive when we observe God’s commands—not because we are…

THE LIGHT OF SERVICEThe prophet Isaiah inspires us with these words: “Light shall rise for you in the darkness, and thegloom shall become for you like midday.” All of us celebrating the liturgy today praise God for these words of encouragement. Surely each of us knows the gloomy side of life, but today’s readings propose…

THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S KINGDOMIn our Gospel reading from Matthew, we hear the Beatitudes, the stirring opening to the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is proclaiming the com-ing of the kingdom of God, and begins by considering what kind of people will enter and participate in this kingdom. They are the poor in spirit, the…

Sunday’s Readings: Is 8:23—9:3/1 Cor 1:10-13, 17/Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17Lecturas del Dia GOD’S LOVING CARE Two readings today refer to the northeast region of ancient Israel: “the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.” Upon hearing these names, some of us might consult maps and determine exactly where theseregions lie. Others might let the…

OUR STRATEGIC GOALAs a Church, we now move into Ordinary Time. “Ordinary” comes from the Latin root for “order,” which is why we line the Sundays up on the calendar and count them—with “ordinal” numbers— one by one. The orderly way we proceed through the liturgical year reminds us that our faith offers a strategic…

ALL SHARE IN THE PROMISEPicture a nativity scene in your mind’s eye. The scene likely includes figures arriving on camels, some elaborately dressed, with jeweled boxes containing precious gifts. These magi arrived from distant lands to pay homage to the Christ Child. We know little about the magi, but we do know that these visitors…

WHAT ALL THE WAITING HAS BEEN FORToday’s readings are as familiar to most of us as the carols we sing and the commercials that overwhelm this holiday season. Often Christmas finds us tired, struggling with preparations and expectations. What we really want to feel is joy and peace. The stress of preparation, of waiting, is…

Sunday’s Readings:Lecturas del Dia THE ONE FOR WHOM OUR HEARTS LONGPut yourself in the scene of today’s Gospel passage. John the Baptist is in prison. He has heard stories of what Jesus is doing, and wants reassurance that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. John’s disciples and those who surrounded Jesus were faithful Jews who would…