1st Sunday in Advent

Welcome to the season of Advent and our invitation from the Lord to awaken to the things that truly matter. Unfortunately, advent is one of the most difficult seasons to celebrate as it is overshadowed by Christmas sales and busyness. Some people will remain numb and victims of their own habitual behaviors because they do not want to face the reality of their lives.

People are afraid to look at what is actually happening and the choices they are making. Many times people are afraid because of the countless times they have been disappointed. Yet, as we begin this new liturgical year, I invite you to pray for the courage to face the reality of your lives. I invite you to awaken to the deep spiritual truths of human existence. May this advent season bring greater self-awareness and renewal as God's people everywhere say, "O Come O Come Emmanuel."

Scripture Reading for November 27, 2022
Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm 122:1-9

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:37-44

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Today's Solemnity reminds us of what Christianity is all about. Jesus truly is the King and Lord of our lives. This Sunday affirms our utter dependence upon Him. At the same time though, Americans do not like the relationship similar to human rule such as monarchies and such. Which is why we fought for our freedoms in order to avoid this type of rule. Yet, Christ's lordship is not rooted in domination, persuasion, and fear but rather love, peace, and nonviolence. May we take some time this week to evaluate where Christ is not the Lord of our lives and invite Him in!!!  

Scripture Reading for November 20, 2022
2 Samuel 5:1-3

Psalm 122:1-5

Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming week we celebrate Vocations Awareness for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. To be an Altar Christus (another Christ) in the world begins with prayer, is sustained by hope, and lived with great joy. Priesthood is demanding, yet one of the most fulfilling ways to live life. Through prayer and discernment, may God continue to send more laborers into His vineyard, as the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. 

Scripture Readings for November 6, 2022

2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

2 Thessalonians 2:16—3:5

Luke 20:27-38  
 

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, whose profession was a chief tax collector. His public reputation as a sinner was well known. Despite his disrepute, Zacchaeus actively sought to find the Lord. And so he climbed a sycamore tree. The encounter between him and Jesus became a source of hope for all sinners. It is important to note, Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the midst of his sin and still wanted to spend time with him. So too, does Jesus see us in the midst of our sin.

From this lived encounter Zacchaeus was never the same. Have you had a personal encounter with the Lord? Does shame and guilt keep you from growing in your faith? Take courage and comfort knowing God willingly enters into sinful humanity to heal and set us free.

Scripture Readings for October 30, 2022

Wisdom 11:22—12:2

Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13, 14

2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2

Luke 19:1-10 

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

This Sunday's Gospel presents two different attitudes of prayer: self-righteous and humble. Through the lenses of the pharisee and tax collector, Jesus helps his followers understand that the latter went home justified and not the former. As people of faith, we would like to think and believe that we always come to God in humility, but the reality is our prayer is a combination of both. May we rekindle the great sinners prayer spoken by the tax collector: "Lord, have mercy on me a sinner."

Scripture Readings for October 23, 2022

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 [7a]

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday's Gospel is one of the most iconic in all of Sacred Scripture: Jesus healing ten lepers. After healing them, Jesus' question is rather obvious: where are the other nine? Many of our greatest blessings come after a period of trial, suffering, or difficulty. It seems however, that when we do receive a response to our prayers, we fail to return with gratitude. Let's be among those who always return to God in gratitude and thanksgiving!

Scripture Reading for October 9, 2022

2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalm 98:1-4

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Luke 17:11-19 

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

As Christians, we do not know much about the minor prophet Habakkuk from any other book in the Bible. He prophesied the coming Babylonian army and its destruction of Judah. Habakkuk carried a heavy message and therefore spoke out on behalf of Judah. 

During uncertain and chaotic times, Habakkuk both anticipated an answer from God, and he was willing to wait for a response. During these trying times, know that Christianity is a full contact sport. May God assist all Christians in bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth!

Scripture Readings for October 2, 2022

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

What makes a person trustworthy? Is it simply telling the truth or are their other factors involved? In today's Gospel we read about the unrighteous steward, who squandered his master's wealth, yet becomes a noteworthy example of stewardship. May God help us to act with integrity in season and out of season.

Scripture Readings for September 18, 2022

Amos 8:4-7

Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Luke 16:1-13  

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Human beings are always in relationship with God and others, albeit a healthy tension. Prayer allows for the opportunity to see the bigger picture in which God's grace is acting in real ways. Accepting the invitation to be prisoners for Christ similarly to St. Paul, the cost of discipleship leads men and women to freedom. 

Scripture Readings for September 4, 2022

Wisdom 9:13-18

Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17

Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Luke 14:25-33  

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

At the heart of what St. Ignatius of Loyola learned from his time in a cave near Barcelona, and what he teaches through the spiritual exercises is this idea of detachment. Detachment comes into to play, when Jesus instructs his disciples to take the lowest place in today's Gospel. This is not simply musical chairs, but rather an opportunity toward greater human freedom and flourishing!

Scripture Readings for August 28, 2022

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11

Heb 12:18-19, 22-24

Luke 14:1, 7-14