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

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