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Where Faith Takes us (Holy Family: Genesis 15:1-6 & 21:1-3; Hebrews 11:8-19; Luke 2:22-40) Faith is mentioned twenty-four times in Chapter 11 of the Letter to the Hebrews, almost always in the phrase, “by faith.” Today’s readings highlight the faith of Abraham and Sarah, and God’s promise of a family…
Who? Me? (4th Sunday of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38) When they first saw a globe of light at the place where they had eaten their lunch of bread and cheese, Maximin told Mélanie to hold on to her staff, in case of danger. They were terrified. The…
Rejoice Always (3rd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-11; 2 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-28) We all know people who are not cheerful. Some are simply of a somber disposition; others are afraid of what lies ahead, or they may be mourning a loss, recent or old. In these and similar cases,…
Comforting Justice (2nd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8) About four months ago, we had the same Responsorial Psalm (85) as today, and we commented on the words, “justice and peace shall kiss,” as opposites. In the context of today’s readings, however, the perspective is different. In…
Vigil Mass Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Eve) Thursday – December 24, 2020 Mass at 6:00 pm in Shrine Chapel Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day) Friday – December 25, 2020 Mass at 11:00 am in Shrine Chapel Mass at 6 pm in Shrine…
The Return of God’s Favor (1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 63:16—64:7; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37) The prophets love to remind God of things he already knows. Today’s first reading begins with just such a statement: “You, Lord, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever.” Isaiah goes on to…
November 15, 2020 Worthy Wife, Worthy Faith (33rd Ordinary Sunday: Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30) The poem in praise of a worthy wife, eight verses in the Lectionary, is actually twenty-two verses long. Most of them describe her accomplishments. But one verse stands out as different from the rest….
November 08, 2020 Choose Wisdom (32nd Ordinary Sunday: Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13) The parable of the foolish and wise virgins is a cautionary tale. Having failed to welcome the bridegroom on his arrival, the foolish ones are themselves no longer welcome at the feast. Their lack of wisdom has cost them dearly. Jesus…
