Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

These Sunday readings are rather appropriate as we prepare this coming Wednesday for the beginning of lent. God willing we have learned over the years that lent is more than just simply giving up beer, chocolate, and going to fish friday's. Lent is an opportunity to evaluate our own foolish ways of living and turn back to God who is ever faithful and true! 

PS: My apologies for the audio issues!

Scripture Readings for February 19, 2023
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Matthew 5:38-48 

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The pursuit of perfection in this lifetime is an essential component towards attaining human greatness. Yet, spiritual greatness does not consist so much in external behaviors as it does internally. For example, external behavior patterns such as murder and adultery stem from the heart, therefore in order to become perfect Jesus is teaching his followers to examine the internal movements of the heart first such as anger and lust. This purification process is all inclusive, not just in dealing with grave sin, but necessary towards the attainment of spiritual perfection. 

Scripture Readings for February 12, 2023

Sirach 15:15-20

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Matthew 5:17-37 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel offers the best of what Catholicism offers, that is to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. Upon further study and reflection, Jesus' words to His disciples challenge us to get into the game!

Scripture Readings for February 5, 2023
Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm 112:4-9

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Matthew 5:13-16

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The eight beatitudes assist people in their pursuit of happiness. Similarly, our founding fathers, knew that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was integral to every human person endowed by the Creator.  Given the fact humans are a work in progress, may these 8 beatitudes invite people toward a new way of thinking, living, and being.

Scripture Readings for January 29, 2023

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Psalm 146:6-10 

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who dwell in gloom a light has shone, abundant joy, and rejoicing. Jesus Christ is the light who shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Today's Sunday readings highlight the importance of repentance, so that the belief in a Savior to help overcome all of mankind's greatest struggles is the preeminent hope of the world. 

Scripture Readings for January 22, 2023

Isaiah 8:23—9:3

Psalm 27:1,4, 13-14

1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Matthew 4:12-23  

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Whether we think we can or we think we can’t we are right. Our mind is one of the greatest gifts God has blessed humanity with in order to use for His good purposes. May we be open to a growth mindset, thus bringing about the kingdom of God!

Scripture Readings for January 15, 2023

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

John 1:29-34

The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

New Year's resolutions challenge people to reflect upon the direction of their lives and with discipline and courage execute lasting change. These resolutions certainly have a social element to them, but fundamentally they remind Christians of the need to prepare for our final end. Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, may we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be configured greater to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture Readings for January 1, 2023

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

The Nativity of the Lord

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!
Certainly lost without a Savior, God the Father sent His only Son born of a carpenter and a teenage girl in a little town of Bethlehem. Only would the world find out soon enough this is Emmanuel: God With Us! May this Christmas season bring great joy and hope to your lives this coming year!

Scripture Readings for December 25, 2022

Isaiah 9:1-6

Psalm 96: 1-3, 11-13

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

4th Sunday of Advent

God's entrance in humanity always seems to include a level of surprise and doubt. If Mary and Joseph were surprised by the message from God, how much more should we be openminded to similar opportunities when the circumstances of our own lives change. 

We must acknowledge that for the most part, we live in predictable times and act in predictable ways. Due to our habitual way of living, we may not notice, listen, nor respond to the voice of God speaking within us. May these final days of advent awaken and stir our hearts towards the wonder of God's greatest gift: Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. 

Scripture Reading for December 18, 2022
Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24:1-6

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

Third Sunday in Advent

Patience is a common theme during advent as it evokes a sense of endurance. Actively waiting means that we evaluate the circumstances of our lives and if we see parts of our lives that do not mirror God's promises, then we must do all that we can to make our lives right. Please do not assume the victim mentality by standing on the sideline. Rather wait patiently in hope and trust, noticing what God is asking you to do today and actually do it!

Scripture Readings for December 11, 2022

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

Psalm 146:6-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11