Fourth Sunday in Ordinary TimeOften times the word blessed means successful, comfortable, and secure. In Jesus' sermon on the eight Beatitudes it seems Jesus speaks of “blessed,” as those who seem… unlucky. It may come as a surprise but Jesus equates blessed to be poor, meek, mourning, and persecuted. To desire suffering or glory for its own sake is not the point rather faithfulness in following God's will. Padre Pio reminds us, "blessed is the crisis that made you grow, the fall that made you gaze up to heaven, the problem that made you look for God."Scripture Reading for February 1, 2025Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13Psalm 146:6-101 Corinthians 1:26-31Matthew 5:1-12

Second Sunday in Ordinary TimeWhen John the Baptist called out, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It is a revelation of who Jesus is. Reflecting more on this title of Christ, we are invited to consider who we are and what is our own mission. As we receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist, we encounter the living God further strengthening us for the work that lies ahead as His witnesses. Scripture Readings for January 18, 2025Isaiah 49:3, 5-6Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-101 Corinthians 1:1-3John 1:29-34

The Epiphany of the LordThe magi, having been filled with joy, dangerous wonder, and obedience, followed the star which ultimately led to the site of our Lord's birth. Throughout this exciting and dangerous adventure, when challenged by God, the magi chose surrender and trust. The magi's journey from beginning to end ought to help shape our spiritual lives in being attuned toward God and His plans for our lives.   Scripture Reading for January 4, 2025Isaiah 60:1-6Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13.Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephThe simple truth is every family is imperfect. Jesus did not come into an ideal and wealthy household from a human standard standpoint, but into a real family with challenges. Jesus grew up learning, obeying, and depending upon Mary and Joseph. Mary trusted God even when she did not fully understand. Joseph quietly protected, provided, and obeyed God without speaking in Scripture. May our homes become places where love is practiced daily, faith is lived simply, and God is always welcome. Scripture Readings for December 28, 2025Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14Psalm 128:1-5Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Nativity of the Lord Merry Christmas! Christmas is not just remembering an event that took place over 2,000 years ago. Nor is attending Christmas Mass, simply a tradition, an obligation or family pressure. Christmas is an opportunity for people to encounter the living God in a new way. For Christians, their baptism is their first Christmas. Through the words and actions of the priest or deacon, a child becomes part of the family of God.God enters into our lives unexpectedly, humbly, and where we are and not where we pretend to be. Like the shepherds who came to see the Christ child in the manger and never returned the same. May we too encounter the Christ child and never look back.  

Fourth Sunday in AdventThe fourth and final Sunday of Advent stands close to Christmas. Today’s Gospel centers on St. Joseph, a man faced with an unexpected pregnancy. His response teaches us how God asks us to choose trust over fear, mercy over judgement, and always life, even when the future feels uncertain.Scripture Readings for Sunday December 21, 2025Isaiah 7:10-14Psalm 24:1-6Romans 1:1-7Matthew 1:23

Second Sunday in AdventAdvent is certainly a season of waiting and trusting on the Lord, but it is also a reminder that God keeps His promises when we cannot see how. Advent trust means:Trusting God’s timing—He comes when the moment is right. Trusting God’s method—He comes humbly, quietly, often unnoticed.Trusting God’s promise—Christ will come again in glory.The opposite of trust is not doubt but control in which we desire to manage our lives without God. John the Baptist calls on all people's to surrender control and allow the Lord to remake our hearts in Him.Scripture Readings for December 7, 2025Isaiah 11:1-10Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17Romans 15:4-9Matthew 3:1-12

First Sunday in AdventThe season of advent opens with hope. Not fear but hope that God is coming to save His people. Hope is not passive optimism; but invites total conversion, a new way of thinking, seeing, and living the life of grace. Spiritual sleep, on the other hand, is associated with set routines void of one's heart being fully engaged, faith void of intrinsically motivated desire for God, and habits that do not lift us toward God. Thus, a form of shallowness longing begins to develop in the mind, heart, and soul.Advent powerfully reminds all of humanity that change is possible and grace is near because Jesus Christ is close. Jesus desires a relationship with us as we prayerfully sing O Come O Come Emmanuel. Let us put aside works of darkness and put on the armor of light, Our Lord Jesus Christ.Scripture Readings for November 30, 2025Isaiah 2:1-5Psalm 122: 1-9Romans 13:11-14Matthew 24:37-44

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the UniverseJesus was one of the most misunderstood figures in history. From the beginning of his life, through the grace of the virgin birth until His death, many people, including his own followers found it difficult in understanding his mission and purpose. Everyday we choose which king we will serve: the false kings of power, pride, ego, and comfort or Jesus Christ, the King, who reigns from the Cross. We approach the altar of grace wholeheartedly and say. "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom."Scripture Readings for November 23, 20252 Samuel 5:1-3Psalm 122:1-5Colossians 1:12-20Luke 23:35-43

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary TimeLuke's Gospel account outlines Jesus description of how the end of the world will come about. Jesus' sobering words offers readers the opportunity to see two differing world views, the world created by man and the world created by God via the story of creation. Jesus makes it clear we will be martyr's before we become saints. A martyr by definition is a witness. People will be asked to make a public witness to the truth of our individuality as beloved sons and daughters. It's by our perseverance we will secure our lives.Scripture Readings for November 16, 2025Malachi 3:19-20Psalm 98:5-92 Thessalonians 3:7-12Luke 21:5-19