Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27Galatians 4:4-7Luke 2:16-21 Reflection: Happy New Year! We begin this year with the beautiful, timeless blessing Moses shared with Aaron and the Israelites: The LORD bless you and keep you!The LORD…
Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17Luke 2:36-40 Reflection: We look forward to Christmas, to the birth of the Child Jesus, for the feeling of anticipation in awaiting the arrival of the Savior of the world. We realize that as we age, we…
Feast of the Holy Family Scripture: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14Colossians 3:12-21Luke 2:41-52 Reflection: Some years ago, I remember speaking with a priest from another town. I was acknowledging my discomfort (especially, as a celibate) with preaching on this Feast of the Holy Family.…
Feast of the Holy Innocents Scripture: 1 John 1:5-2:2Matthew 2:13-18 Reflection: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation. -Matthew 2:18 We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs, today. We are all aware of the brutal…
Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4John 20:1a, 2-8 Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading describes the tomb after Jesus had been resurrected. We believe through the gift from God of faith that this supernatural and amazing event has occurred. The apostles begin to see…
Feast of Saint Stephen Scripture: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59Matthew 10:17-22 Reflection: Today is the day after. All the build-up. The anticipation. The nervousness but also the wonder. I am not referring to yesterday’s Christmas celebration. I am referring to the Birth…
Christmas Day Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10Hebrews 1:1-6John 1:1-18 Reflection: Christmas is here! When we look at the readings for Midnight Mass on Christmas, it might be understandable to overlook the second reading from Paul’s letter to Titus (2:11-14). I like this…
Christmas Eve Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16Luke 1:67-79 Reflection: Christmas and Saint Joseph There is an old medieval painting showing the engagement ceremony between Mary and Joseph. We see in the painting two very upset suitors who were…
Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24Luke 1:57-66 Reflection: I am writing this reflection on December 19, when our Gospel reading is the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, and the angel tells him that Elizabeth, his wife, will conceive and bear…
Fourth Sunday of Advent Scripture: Micah 5:1-4aHebrews 10:5-10Luke 1:39-45 Reflection: During this Advent season, we have been reflecting on yearning for the coming of Jesus, opening our hearts to Him, and opening our hearts to each other. In our Gospel…