Readings: Joel 2: 12-18; II Cor. 5:20-6:2; Matt. 6: 1-6; 1-18. There is much focus nowadays on the environment and our relationship to it. While much of this is framed in apocalyptic terms which induce endless hand-wringing with a sense not only of impending doom but of human powerlessness. And who needs that? So many …
January 14th is the Anniversary of the passing of Msgr. Anthony Brouwers. How many of us can tell you the anniversary of the passing of a parent or loved one? These dates, over time, serve as a day of memory rather than sadness, filled with opportunities to pray, remember with joy the lives of those …
So many have been looking forward to turning the page to a new year, there were even Christmas ornaments that tried to make light of some of our shared 2020 experiences. I admit I did learn to make sourdough bread, cleaned out closets, and found new ways to work from home. So we take a deep breath, head into …
2020 Christmas will most likely be different from any Christmas we have celebrated. There will be fewer family gatherings, fewer large events, and for some, the only Mass that they will attend will be virtual. It can be easy to feel sad about these changes, I know my husband and I are sad that we …
READINGS I Sam. 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 “For nothing is impossible for God.” A short and pithy phrase at the end of today’s Gospel reading from Luke. A phrase which may roll smoothly off our tongues and sound very proper, Christian, and fitting but for us today is it only a …
READINGS Isa. 61:1-2a, 10-11 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 Today is Gaudete Sunday (Joy) because two of the reading remind us of the importance of joy in our spiritual life. In particular, the reading from First Thessalonians tells us to “ Rejoice always’. But it does not tell us what joy is so how …
In 1858, appearing to Saint Bernadette at Lourdes, Mary stated her name saying: I am the Immaculate Conception! The beginning of Mary’s role in our redemption is her conception as the daughter of St Joachim and St. Anne. Conceived without original sin Mary received this special grace, a gift of the Holy Spirit. Mary was …
Readings Isa. 40: 1-5, 9-11; 2 Peter 3: 8-14; Mark 1:1-8 Hope seems to be in short supply nowadays. Corporate Media is constantly bombarding us with messages of fear, hate, and imminent destruction whether from war, totalitarianism, or a virus. Some political leaders are even telling people not to celebrate Christmas. And we, as humans, …
In reflecting on the life of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Mission, this year something different stood out for me. Perhaps it is the result of it being 2020, knowing this year is unlike any other we’ve experienced, the twists and turns finding new ways to support our partners. St. Francis’ success in …
READINGS: ISA. 63: 16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7. I COR. 1:3-9; MARK 13: 33-37. “LORD, MAKE US TURN TO YOU; LET US SEE YOUR FACE AND WE SHALL BE SAVED.” Today is the beginning of Advent, a time which the Church offers us to reflect and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ; a celebration …