Pick up these wonderful poems by a man who followed Jesus, who followed the cross, who found ecstatic union with God

The readings for today speak about I need to choose joy. The first reading is from Isaiah 61 and in it are listed all the reasons for our rejoicing. Jesus brings glad tidings to the poor, to those of us who are wondering who we are and what our mission is, to any of us imprisoned in addictions and selfishness. In the response oriole Psalm were here Mari‘s words of prayer without ceasing in her Magnificat. She’s pregnant at a time when without a husband she would suffer greatly. And she rejoices in God her Savior. I need the gospel for today in John we hear from John the Baptist. He’s clear about who he is, a voice in the desert, and he’s clear about his mission, to make straight the path for the Lord. Are you clear about your mission? Are you clear about who you are?

Mary says let it be done to me according to your word and with that the word of God dwells in her womb and he’s silent for nine months waiting for the birth in Christmas when it will be spoken into the world like the cry of a baby. Mary allows God to enter time and place and because of that she enters times and places where the word of God needs to be spoken. Our lady of Guadalupe pray for us

Achieving happiness through fame, fortune and safety is the way of the world. Jesus sits with us at a meal. He come to feed our deepest needs. Isaiah 48, 17-19, psalm 1 and Matthew 11: 16-19

Today we celebrated at Saint John Vianney the funeral of Sister Mary Denison from the Cenacle Retreat house. For the last decade she has walked close to my heart encouraging me helping me lift my burdens, speaking kindly into my heart when he was broken, offering me a helping hand and praying for me. I will miss her so dearly. I am so grateful for her guidance and her kindness and her listening.The readings for today speak to us about God’s presence in our midst. Lift up your eyes on high says Isaiah 40, the Lord knows us by name. And what is our response? We sing in Psalm 103 bless the Lord O my soul. Sister Mary walked so close to Jesus. She invited me to walk close too. Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest says Jesus in Matthew 11, 28. Sister Mary rest in our Lord. Thank you for all you did for me and for so many. Continue to pray for us.

God ordains from Genesis enmity between the serpent and a woman that will strike the head of the serpent. That is Mary. Today we celebrate that she was conceived without sin as the Holy of holies, as the most holy tabernacle. Jesus dwelt amongst us first in her womb.

Isaiah 35, Psalm 85, and Luke 5, Jesus concede to our hearts, he’s coming turns any of our desserts into blooming gardens. Place yourself in his presence, he’s coming for Christmas

Isaiah 40 - Comfort my people. Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

A voice of one crying out in the desert:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight his paths.” Psalm 85 lord grant us your salvation. 2 Pet 3, conduct yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God. Mark 1, 1 - “One mightier than I is coming after me,” says John the Baptist

In these 3 readings, Isaiah 30: 19-26, Psalm 147 and Mat 9:35, we hear the mercy of God wanting to heal the wounds of His people

Jesus heals the deaf, the blind and the lame. Jesus, Son of David, have pity on us