December 20, 2023
As we move ever closer to the celebration of Christmas, our readings today are laser-focused on anticipation. From Isaiah, we read again the famous prophecy, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and she will give birth to a son, and his name shall be Immanuel.” Today’s reading from Luke brings that prophecy to life in Mary’s […]
December 19, 2023
Today’s readings from the gospel are about two married couples, one from the Old Testament, Manoah and his wife, and the New Testament, Zechariah and Elizabeth. Both couples had a common issue in that the wife was barren and in her old age. These marriages have something in common with my and many other Christian […]
December 18, 2023
Tending His Flock My husband had something in common with God the Father! In today’s reading, Jeremiah 23:5-8, God is really angry. My husband was fairly even-tempered until something didn’t work, and he couldn’t fix it. He was always patient with people, and their habits and faults, but broken things like lawnmowers, edgers, cars, and […]
December 17, 2023
3rd Sunday of Advent People are telling me they can no longer watch local or international news because it’s so distressing. I understand their response, and I admit that I, too, have been limiting my daily news consumption. Reading today’s scriptures was like grabbing onto a life jacket. Advent is our yearly dose of hope, […]
December 16, 2023
In today’s Gospel, Matthew tells us of a privileged conversation between Jesus and his disciples, Peter, James, and John. They were coming down Mount Tabor after experiencing the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Jesus tells them not to share the vision yet, so they ask: “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus […]
December 15, 2023
“Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” John’s disciples ask this of Jesus at the beginning of chapter 11. This quote precedes today’s reading but sets the tone for the rest of the chapter. The final verse of today’s gospel passage (“wisdom is vindicated by her works”) […]
December 14, 2023
Tough lessons Who wants to be a prophet? Raise your hand. Double dare someone to be a prophet and be ready to be laughed at or shunned. But really. Where are the prophets today? Voices shout out rubbled noises without substance. No one grows up and chooses to be a prophet as a career, but […]
December 13, 2023
Today marks the middle of Advent – the halfway point. We have lit two of our four Advent candles in our wreaths. I’m sure many of us feel burdened, pressured and labored as the secular world reminds us of the days remaining until Christmas. Their expectations should not be our expectations. For many, the burden […]
December 12, 2023
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Today is the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and protector of the unborn. I chose the first reading from Zecheriah because it resonates with the apparition’s message and celebrates God’s presence among his people. Zechariah is a prophet in the 6th century B.C. He […]
December 11, 2023
I enjoy this gospel story of the paralyzed man lowered by friends through a roof. The man’s friends must have held him in great regard to do this service for him. And yes, you can also find this story in Matthew and Mark. I’m sure others have posted this reminder I am sharing with you […]