Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is, in a most profound way, a study in contrasts. It mirrors the perplexing reality of the human condition we find within ourselves. Great saints such as St. Augustine and St. Paul marvel at their own duplicitous hearts. Nonetheless, God the father of mercies willingly and freely lays down His life for all of humanity seeking to overwhelm the grave with the power of His merciful love. In trust and hope, we cry out to God, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Scripture Readings for April 2, 2023
Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 

Philippians 2:6-11
Mt 26:14—27:66 

4th Sunday of Lent

The healing of the man born blind was a breakthrough moment. This would be the first step in the long process of healing, but at the same time, acceptance and transformation within himself by Our Lord. 

The good news is that since Christians have been washed in the waters of baptism, spiritual blindness is not permanent. Therefore, the Gospel this Sunday gives way to reflecting upon the ways in which humanity judges by appearances, whereas the Lord looks into the heart.

Scripture Readings for March 19, 2023
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13

Psalm 23:1-6 

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41 

Third Sunday in Lent

For the next three weeks of our Lenten journey, we will be invited to reflect upon the most important spiritual symbols of our faith: water, light, and life. All three of these identify basic human needs. In our Gospel today, we learn about the Samaritan woman who goes out at noon to draw water. Jesus' encounter with this woman is not only a story of her conversion, but also God's patience with humanity. May we reflect upon our life's sources. Are you and I willing to allow God to go to the source of our thirst? 

Scripture Readings for March 12, 2023
Exodus 17:3-7

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

John 4:5-42 
 
 

Second Sunday in Lent

The transfiguration of Jesus was one of Peter, James, and John's most privileged moments as disciples. Given there are many moments in life where life becomes confusing and chaotic. May we heed the voice of the Father, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

Scipture Readings for March 5, 2023
Genesis 12:1-4

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 

2 Timothy 1:8-10

Mt 17:1-9

Ash Wednesday

The universal Church begins the holy season of lent with Ash Wednesday. Today is marked by a degree of somber repentance for the sins we have committed while also trusting completely in the mercy of God. May this holy season assist people everywhere in moral conversion for we are dust and to dust we shall return. 

Scripture Readings for February 22, 2023
Joel 2:12-18 

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-14, 17 

2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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