Fifth Sunday in Lent

Today's Gospel seems to touch on a delicate part of humanity which is that when things get bad God seems to abandons us. Instead, Jesus intentionally waits to visit Martha and Mary at the news of Lazarus' sickness and death so that something greater can take place. 

Some of us are not waiting for a miracle...we're hiding in our tombs. Today, Jesus stands before that place in your life and says: "come out." If you bring Jesus your death, He will bring you freedom and the resurrection. 

Scripture Readings for March 22, 2026

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 130:1-8
Romans 8:8-11

John 11:1-45

4th Sunday in Lent

As a person matures in their faith, one realizes how blind they were prior to seeing more clearly. This is exactly what today's Gospel is about. Many people think they can see clearly. But Jesus shows us that the deepest blindness is spiritual blindness. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

Scripture Readings for March 15, 2026

1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
Psalm 23: 1-6

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41

Second Sunday in Lent

Leading up to the Transfiguration, Jesus predicts his own passion and death. Given the traumatic events that will eventually take place, Jesus knew his most faithful followers' faith will be shaken. St. Leo the Great states, "Christ revealed His glory to strengthen the disciples against the scandal of the Cross."

One of the great lessons we learn from our fathers in faith like Abram is that there is no map, no guarantee, but simply a promise that God will not abandon His people. Faith is moving forward without total clarity. 
The disciples fall in fear, yet Jesus instructs them to rise and be not afraid. This is lent. Glory is ahead. But we must walk there through faith. 

Scripture Readings for March 1, 2026

Genesis 12:1-4
Psalm 33:4-5, 18- 20, 22.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
Matthew 17:1-9

1st Sunday of Lent

The three temptations Christ experienced in the desert by Satan are of similar origin we as human beings face on a daily basis: comfort, spiritual pride, and power. 

Temptations do not imply sin as the struggle is part of growing in faith. Remember we are all saints in training. Jesus having passed the test in the desert teaches all people that there is hope in the midst of our trials and temptations. Jesus I trust in You.

Scripture Readings for February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17

Romans 5:12-19 

Matthew 4:1-11

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Information, knowledge, and wisdom are three ways of knowing. Given what our senses tell us, everything we experience in this life has an expiration date. Yet, "we speak of God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew, for, if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory." -1 Corinthians 2:7

Scripture Readings for February 15, 2026

Sirach 15:15-20

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

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Matthew 5:17-37

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Often times the word blessed means successful, comfortable, and secure. In Jesus' sermon on the eight Beatitudes it seems Jesus speaks of “blessed,” as those who seem… unlucky. It may come as a surprise but Jesus equates blessed to be poor, meek, mourning, and persecuted. 

To desire suffering or glory for its own sake is not the point rather faithfulness in following God's will. Padre Pio reminds us, "blessed is the crisis that made you grow, the fall that made you gaze up to heaven, the problem that made you look for God."

Scripture Reading for February 1, 2025

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Psalm 146:6-10

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

When John the Baptist called out, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It is a revelation of who Jesus is. Reflecting more on this title of Christ, we are invited to consider who we are and what is our own mission. As we receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist, we encounter the living God further strengthening us for the work that lies ahead as His witnesses. 

Scripture Readings for January 18, 2025

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

John 1:29-34

The Epiphany of the Lord

The magi, having been filled with joy, dangerous wonder, and obedience, followed the star which ultimately led to the site of our Lord's birth. Throughout this exciting and dangerous adventure, when challenged by God, the magi chose surrender and trust. The magi's journey from beginning to end ought to help shape our spiritual lives in being attuned toward God and His plans for our lives.   

Scripture Reading for January 4, 2025

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

Matthew 2:1-12

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The simple truth is every family is imperfect. Jesus did not come into an ideal and wealthy household from a human standard standpoint, but into a real family with challenges. Jesus grew up learning, obeying, and depending upon Mary and Joseph. Mary trusted God even when she did not fully understand. Joseph quietly protected, provided, and obeyed God without speaking in Scripture. May our homes become places where love is practiced daily, faith is lived simply, and God is always welcome. 

Scripture Readings for December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalm 128:1-5

Colossians 3:12-21 

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Nativity of the Lord 

Merry Christmas! 

Christmas is not just remembering an event that took place over 2,000 years ago. Nor is attending Christmas Mass, simply a tradition, an obligation or family pressure. Christmas is an opportunity for people to encounter the living God in a new way. For Christians, their baptism is their first Christmas. Through the words and actions of the priest or deacon, a child becomes part of the family of God.

God enters into our lives unexpectedly, humbly, and where we are and not where we pretend to be. Like the shepherds who came to see the Christ child in the manger and never returned the same. May we too encounter the Christ child and never look back.