Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Is 40: 1-5, 9-11, Titus 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7, Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22 Dear sisters and brothers, The Grace of Baptism Years ago, there was a conference in England to discuss the question, “What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world?” At [...]
The Epiphany of our Lord Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12 Dear Sisters and Brothers, God has sent us His Son, Jesus Christ. The Son is given for all of us, not just for a chosen group—for all of us. So, we chant in the Christmas Season: Christ is born for us! [...]
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1Sam 1: 20-22, 24-28, 1Jn 3: 1-2, 21-24, Lk 2: 41-52 Dear sisters and brothers, On this, the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, we honor the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In honoring them, we also honor all families, big or small. [...]
FOR CHRISTMAS VIGIL Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2: 11-14, Luke 1-14 HOMILY THEME: THE UNIVERSAL KING Dear sisters and brothers, We are here tonight to celebrate God’s love for humanity. For the light has finally shined from the end of the tunnel after many years of darkness of sin and hopelessness for humanity. Today, [...]
4th Sunday of Advent Mi 5:2-5a, Heb 10:5-10, Lk 1:39-45 Dear sisters and brothers, This year we have five days after the last Sunday of Advent in which to recall and meditate on what Christmas is all about. The Mass Readings this Sunday outline what is happening. From Bethlehem shall come forth [...]
Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18 Dear sisters and brothers, How wonderful are the readings in this time of Advent! These readings speak to us of God’s love for us and God’s compassion and delight in His people. It can be very difficult to remain unmoved by the [...]
Second Sunday of Advent Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11, Luke 3:1-6 Dear sisters and brothers, Receiving Christ with Joy A newly ordained priest was sent to work as an assistant to an older priest. The young priest went to the older priest for some orientation and advice. “What should I preach about?” [...]
First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2, Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Dear Brothers & Sisters, God Himself has promised us salvation. God Himself promises to watch over us and to be with us. God never promises us that everything will be wonderful and that we will have everything that we want. Instead, [...]
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Daniel 7: 13-14, Rev 1: 5-8, John 18: 33b-37 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Solemnity of Christ the King is celebrated today, the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year. Since the announcement of his birth, the Only-begotten Son of the Father, born [...]
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, Mark 13:24-32 Dear sisters and brothers, Here we are at the end of this Church Year once again. Next Sunday is Christ the King and then we enter into Advent. Today the readings direct our attention to the end of time. We [...]