Feast of the Annunciation With Mary’s acceptance, her “Fiat,” to the angel’s request, one of the central mysteries of salvation history is realized. God becomes incarnate in Mary’s womb. Nine months from today, we will celebrate the birth of the Incarnate One in a manger in Bethlehem anew. We can draw from Scripture a clear […]

In our first reading, the authorities want to get rid of Jeremiah as his message is drowning out theirs, and Jeremiah moans, “must good be repaid by evil?” Obviously, standing up for God can come at a cost! In the gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples again that he was going up to Jerusalem, where […]

Ash Wednesday Recently I heard someone remark Lent is “such a bummer!” Then I remembered reading that Pope Francis has referred to Lent as “a joyous season.” That’s quite a discrepancy! I know that one of the central themes of Francis’ papacy has been the “culture of encounter.” For him, Catholicism isn’t so much a […]

In today’s first reading, we hear the queen of Sheba marvel at the wisdom of Solomon. In the gospel reading, Jesus once again interprets the law in light of what will be the New Covenant. We sense his wisdom as he argues that what comes out of a person’s mouth is much more consequential to […]

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children There is undoubtedly no more divisive an issue in our country today that that of abortion. The passion of both sides is demonstrated clearly in the annual right to life marches as pro-choice advocates taunt and angrily verbally attack the pro-lifers in the march. It […]

Mark tells us in today’s gospel that Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat as he took some time for prayer. The disciples became fearful as the wind began to blow and the sea became rough. As they see Jesus walking on the water, they become more fearful and perplexed. There are […]

CHRISTMAS DAY, 2019 Last night or this morning, as you entered your church or chapel, you were greeted by a nativity scene; and you most probably have the same scene in your own home. But this is not simply a nice decoration. It is meant to display in a simple way the profound meaning of […]

Today’s readings bring us a message of reassurance, of comfort and of hope. We are assured of God’s love and protection for us. In Isaiah we read that we will run and not grow weary, soar like eagles, walk and not go faint because we have the strength of the Lord with us. Jesus tells […]

In today’s gospel reading Jesus offers his disciples a frightening warning. Being his disciples was going to come at a cost. People would hate them and they might even be killed. Jesus himself suffered a painful death reserved only to slaves and vile criminals. He had earlier admonished those close to him that a slave […]

In today’s gospel reading, a group of lepers call out to Jesus, “Lord, have pity on us.” Jesus cured them and, as the gospels record, he did so to hundreds suffering from a variety of physical and spiritual ailments. Throughout history those who claim Jesus as their Lord have continued this ministry of healing. Today […]