King Herod represents the antithesis of what a family should look like, while St. Joseph demonstrates what the "head" of a household does when such a family is Holy.

This homily was given at Holy Name of Mary at 11:00 AM

Its a question of speculation, but older biblical commentaries suggest that St. Joseph, having known the moral character of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, would not have assumed she committed adultery. What does this speculative notion of St. Joseph's relationship with Mary teach us about Meekness?

In St. Thomas Aquinas' commentary of the Gospel of Matthew we learn why St. John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question about whether He was the messiah. It wasn't, according to St. Thomas, because St. John doubted Him, but rather to teach his own disciples to cling to Christ as he prepared for death.

St. John the Baptist gives good example to the Church of what it means to call others to repent. Did you know that was your vocation as a baptized Christian? How awkward will that be? Nonetheless, it is a task wrapped up in faith, hope, and love.

As we enter into the season of Advent we call to mind that the first part of this season draws our attention to the 4 Last Things. How do we look towards our Final Judgment with Hope rather than Presumption or Despair?