Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11Mark 1:40-45 Reflection: Our Gospel readings are taken today from the Gospel of Mark who offers us a good insight into Jesus and his mission. The author of Mark, from the beginning of chapter one demonstrates Jesus…
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Mark 1:29-39 Reflection: On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, does this question cross your mind? “Am I going to heaven, into Eternal Life with our Creator, accompanied by my Lord and Savior,…
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Mark 1:21-28 Reflection: We know that the Gospel of Matthew can best be understood through the lens of Jewish Christian community concerns and worship, and the Gospel of Luke through the lens of Gentile Christian community…
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-8Mark 1:14-20 Reflection: In the first book of Samuel, Peninnah ridicules Hannah for being barren. Hannah responds by allowing herself to feel diminished, worthless, and abandoned by God. I grant that in those days, barrenness was considered…
The Baptism of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Acts 10:34-38Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Reflection: The Ministry of the Infant Christ In today’s second reading Peter says, “I am beginning to see….”. His words can apply to something so basic as baptism.…
Scripture: 1 John 5:14-21 John 3:22-30 Reflection: The last recorded words of John the Baptist are pertinent as we launch into the next 34 weeks of Ordinary time with the living Christ. “He must increase, while I must decrease.” Recently,…
Scripture: 1 John 5:5-13Luke 5:12-16 Reflection: Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” -Luke 5:13 I don’t particularly like the holidays, but this year’s left me spinning. I don’t ever remember a holiday…
Scripture: 1 John 4:11-18Mark 6:45-52 Reflection: There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear… -1 John 4:18 Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! -Mark 6:50 Sometimes life can be very complicated. I recently…
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-10 Mark 6:34-44 Reflection: God’s Love in Word & Deed: Life! Today we continue the celebration of the Epiphany, the “manifestation” of Jesus to the world. As the Holy Family of Bethlehem welcomed the Magi, Jesus is…
Scripture: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Reflection: Across the entire Christmas Season, we are invited into the family dynamics surrounding the life of Jesus. Of course, the stories around the birth of Jesus highlight this par excellence, but so too…