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Why do we have joy in the Christmas season? Because of Jesus. It is Him for whom we have music, presents, cookies, and family gatherings.

He came to us in very unassuming circumstances, in a barn and lying in a manager. He also comes to us in another unassuming way at every Mass, under the appearance of bread and wine.

Tonight we are filled with joy because of what the Father has done for us, sending His Son to shatter the darkness with His light.

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25

#christmas #catholic #memories #light #joy

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The readings today challenge us to open our minds and hearts to the will of God. We must stop making compromises with our sins, and allow God's grace and mercy to work within our hearts.

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

#advent #isaiah #oldtestament #catholic #mercy #grace

Why are we rejoicing while still within the season of Advent? Because we are awaiting the coming of the Christ Child, who will be arriving soon. Let us find joy, no matter what is happening within our lives, through Jesus Christ.

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

#gaudetesunday #catholic #advent #christmas #rejoice #joy

In today's Gospel, St. John the Baptist tells the followers that they must repent. This message wasn't just for the ancient people but for us in the here and now. We can't white-knuckle it through Advent to then say "Thank goodness it's Christmas" and let all the sacrifice go. Let us not grow weary of our penance, but heed St. John the Baptist when he says the Kingdom is at hand.

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

#Advent #JesusChrist #Catholic #Penance #Repent #Grace #StJohntheBaptist #SecondComing

There are two purposes for the season of Advent. Do you know them? We need to stay awake, for we do not know the day nor the hour.

Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44

#Advent #JesusChrist #Catholic #StayAwake #HesComing

Christ is in charge of everything, and He has given authority to us, through the very nature of our baptism, to rule as kings. Through our baptism, we share in that kingship of Jesus Christ. Do we take a moment to appreciate that great gift He has given to us: authority over our own lives to be able to follow Him, to choose the good?

Gospel: Luke 23:35-43

#christtheking #baptism #priest #prophet #king #catholic

Out of love for us and a desire to share His life with us, He opened the gates of heaven for all to have the hope of eternal life.

One of the memorial acclamations is "We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until You come again."

We know that Christ is coming again. Why do we fear it?

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

#death #resurrection #gatesofheaven #eternallife #catholic #Jesus

The physical world plays a huge role to us. We need to touch, smell, hear, and taste in order to experience life. We are bodies and souls. This is why all seven sacraments have something physical about them: you feel the water rush over your head; you hear the words of absolution. You taste the Eucharist.

St. Paul said we are the church, we are the living stones. And God resides here, in our physical beings and the places we call sacred.

Gospel: John 2:13-22

#physical #sacraments #temple #church #catholic #God #Jesus

Why are there souls in purgatory?

Heaven is where God dwells and those who are saints are worshipping Him constantly. Here, there is no spot or stain of sin, no attachment to sin. Purgatory is given to those who die here on Earth and have lesser sins or an attachment to sin, and God purifies them. All who go to purgatory are assured of their eternal salvation.

Gospel: John 6:37-40

#purgatory #purify #mercy #sin #november #prayers #catholic #prayforus #allsoulsday

Next week is National Vocations Awareness Week. Is God calling you to a specific vocation, whether it is the priesthood, religious life, or marriage? This week, Father St.Denis shares his vocation story and explores the questions: "God, why am I here? What have you created me for?"

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

#vocations #priesthood #religiouslife #God #Jesus #Catholic #life