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 22, 2020 Works of Mercy (Christ the King: Ezekiel 34:11-17; 1 Corinthians 14:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46) For three weeks now the Gospels have pointed to a moment of judgment, using a different standard in each case. Two weeks ago it was readiness for Christ’s return; last week it was resourcefulness…
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….
