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…
Scripture: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18Luke 1:39-45 Reflection: Our first reading comes from the Song of Songs which has often been seen as an allegory of God’s love for his people. In this passage the groom represents God…
Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: In five days, we will celebrate the feast of Christmas. Hovering over the Scripture readings for today is the question, “How prepared are you?” This question is not raised in some kind of judgmental way,…