You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease. (John 3:28-30) […]

Saints Basil the Gregory and Gregory Nazianzen Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. (1 John 2:24-25) The letters of Saint John are […]

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32) The Church gives […]

From this day, all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. (Luke 1:49-50) Today’s readings celebrate the fulfillment of deep hopes. Hannah rejoices in the birth of her son Samuel in answer to supplications offered over years. God’s […]

I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue. (Zephaniah 3:12-13) The prophets frequently took issue with the faith and religious observance of God’s people. […]

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary The man called his wife Eve because she became the mother of all the living. (Genesis 3:20) Today we celebrate a crucial event in God’s plan to redeem his fallen creation: the conception of the woman who will bear the Messiah. This renders the eternal design of the Creator […]

A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots, a bud shall blossom. (Isaiah 11:1) Three days into the new church year and the season of Advent, we hear one of the great messianic prophecies of Isaiah. The opening words stir our hearts, “. . . A shoot shall sprout from […]

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:5-6) Ancient civilizations […]

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20) Today’s passage from the Book of Revelation includes the final three letters of seven written to churches of Asia by the apostle John, […]