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 […]
December 10. 2023
2nd Sunday of Advent Comfort my people. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her …her guilt is expiated. Isaiah encourages the people in exile to quiet their cries of personal and collective guilt and shame. Their hearts were filled with failure and fear, preventing them from hearing words of comfort: Here is your God! […]
December 9, 2023
61st Anniversary of the Canonization of Peter Julian Eymard On this first Saturday of Advent, we receive the promise of hope. As we approach the shortest day of light, we rely on Isaiah’s message from God of the promise of light – hope amid today’s chaos and suffering throughout our world! Can we look to […]
December 8, 2023
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary It is curious how many Catholics are confused about the meaning of this feast. Is it the “immaculate conception” of Jesus or the “immaculate conception” of Mary? The traditional Gospel that appears on this solemnity celebration can mislead us. So, in fact, it is the […]
December 7, 2023
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24) It is not the one who listens and not the one who acts, but the one who listens and acts. The wise man discerns and acts upon discernment. Many […]