Reflections on the Sunday readings from the Catholic Lectionary for Mass. Includes homilies, sermons, and other thoughts.
Epiphany is often seen as the completion of the Christmas story. The three kings finally arrive in Bethlehem and our Christmas manger scene is now complete with all the figures …
Today’s homily explores the 8-day period following Christmas that the Church calls the “Octave of Christmas.” Christmas is much too big of a celebration to fit into just one day, …
“Marley was dead: to being with… There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going …
Like the time of John the Baptist, we too should live our life with urgency. The Messiah has come, but he’s coming back. It could be any day.
Christmas means that God became concretely present in our world. So, we need to do some concrete things to get ready to welcome him today.
Advent is a reminder that that Jesus really is coming back and we need to be ready. are we truly making an effort to “run forth” to meet him.
Our readings today remind us of God’s reign from before time began, throughout all time, and unto eternity. God always was and always will be. Today we honor Jesus with …
In ancient Roman times when emperors acted like gods and believed too often in their own immortality, one of his servants was given the job to walk beside him in …
Both the widow in our first reading and the widow in the gospel seem to have nothing. One has no food and is about to die and the other has …
Today’s second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews uses language describing the priesthood of the Old Testament and the offering of animal sacrifices. God taught his people over the …
We don’t like suffering. We often go to great lengths to avoid even the smallest suffering. Despite our attempts, suffering will eventually come, and normally with some frequency. The key …
This has been an amazing week having the Holy Father here in the historic cities of our country. There are so many unforgettable memories that I will have of this …
We are called to go out and spread the good news. Yet it seems that so few baptized people really live out this mission. Today’s readings give us hints at …
Upon arriving in Assisi we were blessed to be able to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, right near the tomb of the saint. The readings of the …
After spending the morning at the home of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, we had Mass on Monte Sant’Angelo where the Archangel Michael appeared in the year 490. …
It’s natural to place a high value on things that cost us a lot to obtain. Often times the things of most value are the ones for which we are …
The readings today describe the Holy Spirit appearing as fire and wind. These are powerful elements. They are meant to symbolize the power that all of the baptized have to …
In today’s first reading, St. Peter boldly tells the Jewish leaders that there is no salvation possible except through Jesus. This is a truth that the Church has continued to …
Jesus is risen! In today’s gospel we see the risen Jesus enter a room where the doors were locked and bring a message of peace. We know the effect that …
It always seems to me that the Palm Sunday liturgy moves so quickly. At the entrance we’re acclaiming Jesus as king and yelling Hosanna, and then just minutes later we’re …
Today’s celebration of the 5th Sunday of Lent comes directly between two great solemnities that fall during the Lenten season. On Thursday we celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the …
Hopefully, before we make a big decision we listen to advice from others. Even the Code of Canon Law requires Church officials to listen before they do certain things. But …
Given a choice between war and peace, we would naturally choose peace. Yet sometimes, to maintain peace, we have to fight. Imagine what would happen if we refused to take …
The disease of leprosy, is the sad context for our readings this weekend. This terrible disease was not only a painful physical milady, but also had serious social implications. We …
Do you ever find yourself frustrated when trying to share your faith and the person you’re talking to just can’t seem to grasp it? You present evidence and testimony that, …
We all love stories. Sometimes stories are meant simply to entertain us, but stories are also an important means to make sense out of our life. Stories help put our …
One of the most cherished traditions of the Church year is celebrating Mass during the dark night of Christmas as we welcome the birth of the Light of the World. …
Today I had the privilege of celebrating the Mass honoring the anniversary of dedication of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. This Church …
In today’s epistle, St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “Be imitators of me.” It’s a bold statement, yet one that is good advice not only for the Ephesians, but also for …
Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, often called All Souls Day. Yesterday we celebrated all the saints in white. We honor those have washed their …