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.  

Fourth Sunday in Advent

The fourth and final Sunday of Advent stands close to Christmas. Today’s Gospel centers on St. Joseph, a man faced with an unexpected pregnancy. His response teaches us how God asks us to choose trust over fear, mercy over judgement, and always life, even when the future feels uncertain.

Scripture Readings for Sunday December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:23

Second Sunday in Advent

Advent is certainly a season of waiting and trusting on the Lord, but it is also a reminder that God keeps His promises when we cannot see how. 

Advent trust means:

The opposite of trust is not doubt but control in which we desire to manage our lives without God. John the Baptist calls on all people's to surrender control and allow the Lord to remake our hearts in Him.

Scripture Readings for December 7, 2025

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12

First Sunday in Advent

The season of advent opens with hope. Not fear but hope that God is coming to save His people. Hope is not passive optimism; but invites total conversion, a new way of thinking, seeing, and living the life of grace. 

Spiritual sleep, on the other hand, is associated with set routines void of one's heart being fully engaged, faith void of intrinsically motivated desire for God, and habits that do not lift us toward God. Thus, a form of shallowness longing begins to develop in the mind, heart, and soul.

Advent powerfully reminds all of humanity that change is possible and grace is near because Jesus Christ is close. Jesus desires a relationship with us as we prayerfully sing O Come O Come Emmanuel. Let us put aside works of darkness and put on the armor of light, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture Readings for November 30, 2025

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122: 1-9

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:37-44