Fr. David Hogan

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

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Jesus was one of the most misunderstood figures in history. From the beginning of his life, through the grace of the virgin birth until His death, many people, including his own followers found it difficult in understanding his mission and purpose. 

Everyday we choose which king we will serve: the false kings of power, pride, ego, and comfort or Jesus Christ, the King, who reigns from the Cross. We approach the altar of grace wholeheartedly and say. "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Scripture Readings for November 23, 2025

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122:1-5
Colossians 1:12-20

Luke 23:35-43

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke's Gospel account outlines Jesus description of how the end of the world will come about. Jesus' sobering words offers readers the opportunity to see two differing world views, the world created by man and the world created by God via the story of creation. 

Jesus makes it clear we will be martyr's before we become saints. A martyr by definition is a witness. People will be asked to make a public witness to the truth of our individuality as beloved sons and daughters. It's by our perseverance we will secure our lives.

Scripture Readings for November 16, 2025

Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 98:5-9
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19 

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Eschatology is the study of the last four things: death, judgement, heaven, and hell. All Souls Day reminds us of our communion with the dead, those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. As we pray, "Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord," we also entrust ourselves to His Mercy. Now and at the hour of our own death.

Scripture Readings for Nov. 2, 2025

Wisdom 3:1-9

Psalm 23:1-6

Romans 5:5-11

John 6:37-40

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayer is the oxygen we need to spiritually live. It is our primary connection with God. In today's Gospel we read about two individuals who enter the temple to pray with different postures of this fundamental reality: the pharisee and the tax collector. 

The pharisee left the temple self-justified leading to further self-guilt and self-hatred. Whereas, the tax collector left justified by God. God listens not to perfection, but to humility. True prayer is is the posture of dependence, not pride. Pray like the tax collector and live like St. Paul-humble, grateful, and confident in God's mercy.

Scripture Readings for October 26, 2025

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

All three of the Sunday Mass readings have the theme of perseverance. Moses persisting in the fight against the Amalek's, St. Paul in encouraging St. Timothy to remain faithful in teaching and witness both when it's convenient and inconvenient, and the persistent widow in asking for a judgement from an unjust judge. We need to hear them over and over again. Why? For the simple reason because our hearts become wearisome. Don't quit. You are doing great. God is with you. Your future is shaped by the habits you repeat, not the goals you set. May God help us to run so as to win.

Scripture Readings for October 19, 2025

Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121:1-8
2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
Luke 18:1-8