4th Sunday of Advent

When we read and pray with the story of the Annunciation, it can seem like a nice story about a teenage girl who receives a visit from an angel. As we prepare to enter into the holy celebration of Christmas, let us revisit with fresh eyes, God's marvelous plan for his entry into human history. 

Scripture Readings for December 24, 2023

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38 

Third Sunday in Advent

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). This testimony we give as Christians comes from a place of strength knowing that God always has been and always will be fighting for his creation. Know of my prayers for you on this day of rejoicing. The Lord rejoices in you! Take heart and share your testimony of hope!

Scripture Readings for December 17, 2023

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 (Is 61:10) 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8,19-28

Second Sunday of Advent

Comfort, renewal, and new beginnings are reassuring words that highlight the holy season of advent. When we have made mistakes in our lives the temptation is to think we are too far gone in one way or another. 

Comfort reminds people that the Lord is here to fight with and for them throughout life. Spiritual renewal, now being encouraged and strengthened by God to pursue virtue habits while avoiding sinful habits assist us on the path towards following God's will. 

Finally, new beginnings only happen when we put to death those things in our lives that do not speak about the hope that lies within us. Mark's gospel highlights Jesus' desire and actions to lead people through this process toward welcoming Emmanuel into our lives. 

Scripture Readings for December 10, 2023

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8 

First Sunday of Advent

Walking on water means overcoming the limitations put on us by sin and our fragile humanity. But, first, we must re-discover how we have been gifted by God in ways that make it possible for us to go beyond our humble expectations. St. Peter learned how to trust God more than he trusted himself when he got out of the boat. 

During this Advent season our prayer is Come, Lord Jesus. Help me to relearn the art of walking on water, the art of trusting in your Spirit within me to have the strength again to be holy and do incredible things by your grace.

We have inside us more than we sometimes know. We are capable of much more that we often imagine. Let us use this time of Advent to learn what’s inside and to ask the Lord again for help to bring it out and live it so that we are prepared to truly celebrate the feast of His birth.

Scripture Readings for December 3, 2023

Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37 

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

What a person says at significant life moments such as at graduations and funerals matters. Those listening also expect speakers to offer something significant and even memorable. Certainly, at the side of someone's death bed we pay special attention to a person's last requests and final declarations. What Christ spoke to his disciples towards the end of his own life is now proclaimed at the end of the Church year. His words are chosen carefully.

We should listen closely. What do we hear? Christ says that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, comfort those who are lonely, visit prisoners, and take care of the ill and addicted, we are not simply ministering to people we may or may not know, rather we are serving Him. For what you did for the least of my brothers you did for me.

Scripture Readings for November 26, 2023

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23:1-3, 5,6
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Matthew 25:31-46

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus tells his disciples a parable about a man entrusting his possessions to his servants. This is incredible right from the start because Jesus does not say when the man would return. As a result, there seems to be a high degree of trust established between the master and his servants.

The master distributed eight total talents to three of his servants. Seven of the eight brought forth additional talents. It appears Jesus is interested in transactional moralism, meaning I do much for my master and get much in return. If I do less for my master then I get less in return. Rather, the theme of Jesus' parable is to trust the goodness of the giver and respond faithfully to the gifts that have been entrusted. 

Scripture Readings for November 19, 2023

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128:1-5
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-30 

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

While we know that we can’t pack everything, Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel is urging us to remember what is important to pack for the journey of life. Saint Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to pack some hope. He says that death will cause us to grieve, but not like those without hope. For we Christians hope in God and in His resurrection from the dead. 

Today's Gospel is not about stocking up material supplies. Rather, it is about building up and maintaining a relationship with Jesus Christ, who provides a reservoir of faith and hope while sustaining those who wait. Think about appearing before God. Start packing now. We only can take our carry-on luggage. 

Jesus demonstrates the best way to pack is by reconciling with family members, forgiving people who hurt you, letting go of petty concerns, putting on Christ by showing compassion. Confession also, relieves heavy burdens of past mistakes and poor decision making. Spend time on earth seeking God and finding Christ in everyone. Our lives do have eternal consequences. Let us continue the good work that lies ahead as we move towards our eternal homeland.

Scripture Reading for November 12, 2023

Wisdom 6:12-16
Psalm 63:2-8
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 
Matthew 25:1-13  

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Having been a priest now a little over 9 years, the gift of priesthood has been one of the greatest journey's of my life. Overall, the Christian journey is certainly an incredible journey as well, filled with the typical highs and lows of everyday living. Jesus' call to all baptized Christians is to teach, preach, and sanctify the people of God. As Christians, who properly understand this mission, it is one that is deeply humbling, yet astonishingly impactful. 

Scripture Reading for November 5, 2023
Malachi 1:14—2:2, 8-10
Psalm 131:1-3
Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Unfortunately, there are times in conversation when we have said too much. The prudent thing would be to stop talking, but in an attempt to save face or try and gain the upper hand again by getting in the last word, we keep talking. Even though, both the Pharisees and Sadducees are trying to gain the upper hand by their way with words, they become silent in the presence of Truth itself.

This week, evaluate how you have conversation with others. Are you simply listening waiting to speak, or are you hearing the other person?  Let us continue to learn what it means to love the Lord our God, with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself. 

Scripture Reading for October 29, 2023

Exodus 22:20-26
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51 
Thessalonians 1:5-10
Matthew 22:34-40

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Give to God what is God’s.” The question for us is, “What is God’s?” The answer for each of us depends upon what we believe and why we believe it. We are told that we live in a world come of age: intellectually and scientifically. But there is something deeply disturbing about this. Theorizing can be one of the most subtle and effective ways of escaping confrontation with God down at the deeper levels of our being.

Jesus’ response to the Pharisee's question in today's Gospel is similar to the question regarding which commandment in the Jewish law is the greatest; Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. Even though civilizations, governments, and cultures come and go, the commandment to love God and neighbor never changes. Jesus is not interested in status or political correctness, but the dignity of every human person. 

Scripture Reading for October 22, 2023

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Matthew 22:15-21