The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven is not Jesus simply going up into the clouds somewhere to distance Himself from his holy people. Rather Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father to lead, guide, judge, and encourage people of faith in their journey. Given much of the world is mission territory, Christ is calling all people of faith to preach, teach, and sanctify.

Scripture Readings for May 12, 2024

Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 
Ephesians 1:17-23 
Mark 16:15-20 

Sixth Sunday in Easter

Jesus, looking at his disciples, pronounces one of the most revealing and empathic statements in all of sacred scripture: “You are my friends”. It is much easier to think of Jesus as a rabbi, political leader, or military leader. These types of relationships are rooted in authority. 

Incredibly, Jesus does not want to simply rule over our lives, but commune with us at the deepest level. No greater love than for one to lay down one's life for one's friends, proving Jesus will love us to the end.

Scripture Readings for May 5, 2024

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
Psalm 98:1-4
1 John 4:7-10
John 15:9-17 

Fifth Sunday in Easter

"You are already pruned because of the Word that I spoke to you."
-John 15:3

As Christians, we were first pruned at our baptism in which we were not only welcomed into the life of God, but also into Christ's death.
Therefore, much pruning needs to take place throughout one's life in order to bear much fruit and become Christ's disciples.

Scripture Readings for April 28, 2024

Acts 9:26-31
Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32
1 John 3:18-24
John 15:1-8 

Fourth Sunday in Easter

Jesus is the model shepherd and guardian of our souls. He makes it clear that a good shepherd lays down his life for the protection and guidance of the sheep. The bad or hired shepherd, is merely utilitarian. When trouble (wolves) arrive, this shepherd flees as he is only interested in the self and self-preservation. St. Peter, unfortunately, was like the hired shepherd at one point who denied Christ three times in his moment of need. Yet, St. Peter emerged as the leader and shepherd of the Universal Church. Thus, there is hope for all.

One of the quintessential qualities of being a sheperd is courage. The main source of our courage is knowledge of God and of his constant care for us. Many people who are plagued by fear are really suffering from a problem of truth. They have not grasped through wisdom and understanding who God really is and how he orders his world. God wants to shepherd his people and in so doing lead them home.

Scripture Readings for April 21, 2024

Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18 

Third Sunday in Easter

"You are witnesses to these things." -Luke 24:48

As human beings we witness many things ranging from good to evil. To witness means that one sees, hears, and knows by personal presence and or perception. It is the ability to testify to; to give or afford evidence of something or someone. 

The twelve apostles were witnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Particularly, these post resurrection appearances made by Jesus remind his disciples and followers that death ultimately leads to life. As Christians, we have been commissioned by Christ to not only experience the power of God individually but witness to it by the holiness of our daily lives.

Scripture Readings for April 14, 2024

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-9
1 John 2:1-5
Luke 24:35-48 
 

Divine Mercy Sunday

Blessed John Henry Newman once said, " 10,000 difficulties do not equal 1 doubt. To Blessed Newman's point, we face difficulties every day which can lead to pain and suffering. Suffering, if seen in light of faith, has the ability to purify the mind, intellect, and will. 

In today's Gospel, Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared to the disciples. When Thomas did arrive though, he made an incredible statement about not believing unless he sees the nail marks and places his hand into Jesus' side. We can all relate to Thomas. Sometimes words are not enough as our pain and suffering run deep. Therefore, seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.

Scripture Readings for April 7, 2024

Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
 1 John 5:1-6
John 20:19-31
 

Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
(Homily Taken from Easter Vigil)

The Lord is Risen! He has Truly Risen!
Blessed Easter to you!

We do not hear much about Holy Saturday as we move from the tragic events of Good Friday to the Glory of Easter Sunday. Nonetheless, the stillness and great calm of Holy Saturday helps prepare the Church for a most glorious day!!!

"What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages. God has died in the flesh, and the underworld has trembled. Truly he goes to seek out our first parent like a lost sheep; he wishes to visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his fellow-prisoner Eve from their pains, he who is God, and Adam's son." (Source: Ancient Homily)

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

James Allen Francis' poem entitled One Solitary Life, summarizes quite well the life and death of Jesus Christ and His impact on the world. Our focus has been and always will be Jesus. Palm Sunday invites the Universal Church to walk with Him as He endures His passion. Jesus' walk toward Golgotha can provide encouragement to humanity as well. When we humbly submit to the Father our sorrows and sufferings, something glorious can take its place.

"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5 


Scripture Readings for March 24, 2024

Mark 11:1-10
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 15:1-39 

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Scripture readings for this weekend remind us that God has formed an alliance or covenant with His people just as He has done throughout all generations. A covenant requires humanity to abide by God's established rules. Moses reminded the people about the covenant God established with Israel. Jeremiah reminded the Israelite people to stay faithful to the covenant. Jesus now simply does not follow the law but comes to fulfill it. 

Take some time to pray that this Lenten season may inspire you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow God's laws which have been taught not as an ideal but as a lived reality. To love the Lord your God with all of heart, with all of your mind, and with all of your soul; to love your neighbor as yourself.

Scripture Readings for March 17, 2024

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33

Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Today's Gospel describes the reason for our joy: God's great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Jesus' powerful conversation with Nicodemus, a man of the law, reveals God's plan for the world. May we have eyes to see and hearts to believe Jesus' invitation for conversion and transformation!

Scripture Readings for March 10, 2024

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137:1-6
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21