The Baptism of the Lord

One of the most important moments in the life of a Christian is their baptism. Yet, for most people their baptism took place when they were weeks or months old with little to no personal recollection of the event. Gratefully, our parents knew better and acted on our behalf. Baptism can be seen strictly as a membership card to Church or rite of passage. Yet, baptism is more so the beginning of our new life in Christ.

Baptism marks the beginning of the journey for the rest of our lives, our on-going responsiveness to the Gospel, which aligns with our sole identity as God's beloved sons and daughters. If baptism is only the start, don’t we risk becoming deaf to the Gospel?

Scripture Readings for January 12, 2024

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

Feast of the Holy Family

Being part of a family is wonderful but also complicated and messy at times. On the last Sunday of the calendar year, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Today we offer our own families and all their members on the altar of God to ask for His blessing on them and obtain for them the guidance of the Holy Family. 

Scripture Readings for December 29, 2024

Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
Psalm 128
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

The people who walked in darkness
        have seen a great light;
    upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
        a light has shone. (Is 9:1)

May the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ bring glad tidings to you and your family this Christmas season!

   

Fourth Sunday of Advent

In today’s readings as in our daily lives, the presence of God is recognized in the little things. Does not each of us know how a small gesture of greeting can transform someone? Not a word from Mary is recorded in today’s Gospel but her gesture of familial love speaks volumes. 

We have probably been busy with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season, placing Advent on our to-do list for the holidays. It is not too late. We know that Christmas is only hours away but there is still time to prepare. It takes just a word to do what we should have been doing since the start of Advent if not the start of our lives of faith... say Yes to God in small ways. As Mother Teresa once said, God does not call us to be successful, He calls us to be faithful. This approach is at the heart of Christianity. 

Scripture Readings for December 22, 2024

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45 

Third Sunday in Advent

St. Luke's account for this Sunday's Gospel is written at the beginning stages of Jesus' public ministry. St. Luke was an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, therefore he sets the stage for the one coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Today we light the third advent candle symbolizing joy. Are we joyfully preparing for the one who is to come?  

Scripture Readings for December 15, 2024

Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12:2-6 
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

2nd Sunday in Advent

In our second reading, St. Paul is writing to the Philippians encouraging them that, he is "confident, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." Biblical scholars would call God the "hound of heaven." We love God because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Here is how Jesus acknowledged this truth, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). 

With these Bible verses in mind one, Francis Thompson described God as “The Hound of Heaven.” God is always in search of his creation and that whatever God begins, He intends to finish. During this holy season of Advent, may God help us to prepare the way of the Lord!

Scripture Reading for December 8, 2024

Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126:1-6
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Luke 3:1-6 

First Sunday of Advent

The season of Advent is a time of waiting, properly understood as preparation. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is normal to focus on menu planning, shopping for gifts, and writing Christmas cards. These are the usual ways to prepare for Christmas. One important part we left out though is found in today's Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples, “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36-38). 

Advent provides us the opportunity to reflect on the reason for waiting...the arrival of Jesus Christ into our hearts. We also learn how we wait... Anxiously? Lonely? Curiously? Thankfully? Joyfully? As we begin this holy season, let us ask the Lord to open our hearts in prayer to receive the gift of his ever abiding presence. 

Scripture Reading December 1, 2024

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

The dialogue between Pilate and Jesus is quite intriguing: “Are you a king?” Both Pilate and Jesus are coming from two different understandings of kingship. Jesus responds, “Yes, I have a kingdom, but it is not of this world. Christ’s kingdom is derived from a greater power than intimidation and worldly influence. The kingdom of God is built upon willing the good of the other; love. I believe when we stand before almighty God, we will be asked one question: "did you love"? By the help of God’s grace and love, let us build now what we so often pray for: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Scripture Reading for November 24, 2024

Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 91:1, 1-2, 5
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33-37

Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The movie Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of a well respected general in the Roman Army, who sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. Maximus fights for his freedom and those he has become friends with as fellow Gladiators. 

The theme of this Sunday's readings are about battle. Our first reading from the book of Daniel mentions a call to “Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people.” St. Michael and the angels go into battle on our behalf to fight for our spiritual freedom as we do not contend primarily with the flesh and blood, but with the principalities and powers of the underworld. May God grant us final perseverance in staying strong in our faith. 

Scripture Readings for November 17, 2024

Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16:5, 8-11
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Mark 13:24-32 

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

The famous expression, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak,” resonates well with all three readings this Sunday. 

Shema Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The word Shema is Hebrew for listen. Having attuned ourselves to God and others via active listening, we are open to receiving God's revelation, further revealing the kingdom of God.  

Scripture Reading for November 3, 2024

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34