Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jesus' miracles reveal that the reign of darkness, sin, and death is coming to an end; this is good news, indeed!  It's also a major part of our call as disciples. We're called to pray ("thy kingdom come") and to work to advance Jesus' reign on earth.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

John responded faithfully to God's call to preach and prepare for Christ's coming, without worry of receiving credit for his actions.  And in our lives, too, what matters is not whether our work is appreciated or noticed, but whether our actions are in response to God's call to holiness.

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord

Christ didn't come only to show us the truth about who we are. His coming also invites us to see one another as beloved. As Peter reminds us in our second reading, "God shows no partiality." May be strive to see the belovedness that God bestos on us and on all people.

Solemnity of the Epiphany

Residents of Bethlehem would likely have seen, when passing a certain stable, a tiny baby in a feeding trough for livestock, watched over by parents who evidently could not afford adequate lodging.  The magi saw a newborn king who would shepherd his people and rule over them with justice.  Their hearts overflowed with joy as they presented Him with riches and paid Him homage.   Often we look at our lives, our neighbors, or our world and see merely decrepitude and deficiencies.  A feast like today's challenges us to see with new eyes, to be illuminated by the light of Chist.

Feast of the Holy Family

It is easy for us to imagine the Holy Family as different from ourselves -- holier and more spiritual.  Ciertainly, that's true.  They were holy but they were also fully human, which means that what they attained is possible for each of us.  Let us try to imitate them in this holiness.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

As we begin this final week of Advent, the Church continues to pray with the O Antiphons, which we hear in the hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."  The refrain speaks of Israel's immense longing to be set free and for her savior to appear.  As you reflect on today's first readng and upon this hymn, bring your own deepest desires to the Lord. Spend some time in prayer asking for what you need to draw closer to God.

Third Sunday of Advent

As we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, let us find time to rest in his Word and his presence, trusting that our salvation does not depend on us and has already come to fruition in Christ.