Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The wedding feast at Cana, in which Jesus turned water into wine, marked the end of his quiet life with Mary his mother, and the beginning of his public ministry in Galilee. Today's Gospel is a beautiful reminder God losing himself for humanity. It is Jesus Christ' thirst for souls that moves him toward fulfilling the will of his Father in heaven. What areas of our lives are we not open to God's healing nor his desire for us to be healers to those around us? 

Scripture Readings for February 11, 2024

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11 
1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1
Mark 1:40-45 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel is quite eventful in the early public ministry of Jesus. The day can be divided into three periods of time in three different places going back to last Sunday's Gospel.

Using these events we can translate them to our own environment where Jesus wants to use His love and power to heal and make us whole via our Churches, homes, families, and neighborhoods.

Jesus desires to work with power in our hearts and give us His grace, peace, guidance, and love. Let’s invite him in to do so today. In doing so, we will become more deeply aware of Jesus’ constant presence in our lives and the world.

Scripture Readings for February 4, 2024

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 147:1-6
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

New Year's resolutions and the time before lent begins ought to be a time of preparation for change. We seek change because as beings in motion, God willing we are moving towards virtue and away from vice. To achieve our goals though, requires courage and an understanding of resistance. 

In today's Gospel Jesus' authority to remove the demon from a man takes center stage. Though this miracle happened over two thousand years ago, it is the same path we ought to take as well toward uncommon freedom: trust in the authority and power of Jesus Christ! 

Scripture Readings for January 28, 2024

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9, 
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings today remind us of something that is central in our life of faith, and that is the necessity for conversion. Repentance was preached by Jonah to the people of Nineveh when their actions and lives were displeasing to God. Jesus proclaimed this message as well at the beginning of his ministry according to the gospel of Mark. “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). 

Scripture Readings for January 21, 2024

Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 25:4-9 
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20 

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Common wisdom suggests that words are unimportant, that deeds are what really matter. Actions are important, but our experience teaches us that words are, too. 

After spending some time with Jesus, Andrew goes and finds his brother, Peter, and tells him, “We have found the Messiah.” And because of Andrew’s words, Peter leaves everything behind and follows Christ. 

Because of Andrew’s words, three years later Peter will suffer and die for the sake of Jesus Christ. Nothing in Peter’s life will be the same because of his brother Andrew’s words, “We have found the Messiah!” 

That is what the Lord wants from us. Proclaim his word and imitate his example to those in need. Christ wants both our words and actions to proclaim the same thing loudly: “We have found the Messiah. By your words and actions, how can you share this good news?

Scripture Reading for January 14, 2024

1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20
John 1:35-42

 

The Epiphany of the Lord

The Magi evoke the importance of alertness in the spiritual life. We must keep our eyes open to God's hand in the world and respond. The Magi come bearing three gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Gold is symbolic of Christ the King. Frankincense is used for worship in the Temple, and Myrrh a perfume, was used to anoint dead bodies.

Whether the Magi were wise men from the east, kings from distant lands, or astrologers following a cosmic event, is not essential to the story. But what is significant is that they were gentiles. Their acknowledgment of Jesus as Savior emphasizes that he is the Messiah for all the world, not just for the Jews.

The Star not only led the Magi to the child, but is also symbolic of their enlightenment, the realization that it was Jesus' very humanity that mattered, not his wealth or social status. How does the Magi's journey to find the Christ child, born in a manger, resonate with your own journey to find Jesus in your own life? 

Scripture Readings for January 7, 2024

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12 

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger" (Luke 2: 11-16).

Merry Christmas!!!

May God continue to send you His presence, peace, and joy this holy season!

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