"As I was reflecting on the Gospel and the readings this morning, one of the things I noticed is really how we affect life and how our words are so powerful and in Jesus's words as one who spoke with authority. ... how serious our words are and the decisions we make in terms of affecting the future of people's lives." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference:1 Samuel 1:9-20 and Mark 1:21-28.

"...Sometimes we have this idea of wanting more, of wanting what we don't have, wanting something else, and [like in today's First reading] you hear God saying 'Don't you have everything you need?'" (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference:1 Samuel 1-8.

"On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we celebrate baptism, something so central to the life of our faith. ... Being baptized is really, really important for our faith. ... A promise was given to you and to me on the day of our baptism that if we remain faithful to God in this life that God will remain faithful to us in the next." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:13-17.

"In the Gospel, today we hear about healing. ... Jesus came to heal a sick world. ... Christ came to bring things back to health again, especially spiritual health. ... As we pray today may we ask the Lord to heal us and continue our journey to wholeness." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference: Luke 5:12-16 and 1 John 5:5-13.

Listen to Fr. Daniel's homily about the themes of fear,courage and love in today's readings.

Scripture Reference:1 John 4:11-18 and Mark 6:45-52.

"As you hear in today's first reading from John, since God is of love, those who do not love, do not know God. ... It is hard for someone who has no experience of love in their life to understand God, who is love. Or, when they've experienced love in their life that is conditional or that was troubling or experienced lots of betrayal in their life then those become huge stumbling blocks for their experience of God." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference: 1 John 4:7-10.

"When you belong to God, there are certain ways you see things and certain ways that you live." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference:1 John 3:22-4:6

"Today as we celebrate the Epiphany we read the story of the Magi who start on a journey to meet the King. ... Their destination was to find Jesus and when they found Him they returned home by a different way. ... They started a different journey with a new purpose and a reason." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-12.

In today's Gospel Jesus tell the disciples "Come, and you will see."

"What we hear here is an invitation from Jesus to be with Him. ... When you listen to Jesus He invites you into a relationship with Him. You have to come and stay with Him for awhile. And then you understand and believe and have this connection with Jesus." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference:John 1:35-42.

"Celebrating a Feast Day called the Name of Jesus is a nice Christmas celebration. He was given the name by the angel. ... What's wonderful about this is the importance of naming. All of you who have had children had the experience of [giving a name to your child]. And we believe that's the name they will have for all eternity. ... The name of Jesus should always be used to bless, to wish good upon others and to all upon God." (from Fr. Daniel's homily)

Scripture Reference:Luke 2:21-24