Baby Jesus is presented in the temple, evoking words of praised from those who recognize God in human form. Fully human and fully divine, we can draw near to the Lord who becomes like us in all things but sin, even as he frees us from sin and death by his saving action on the Cross.
Mass Readings – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
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Two of St. Paul’s companions, Timothy and Titus, are remembered today for their witness to Christ as they carried out the Psalm response to “proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.” May we follow their example today!
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus
The conversion of St. Paul inspires us to offer our lives – no matter what mistakes we have made in the past – as we dedicate our words and actions to the proclamation of the Good News.
Mass Readings – The Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle
The Baptism of the Lord inspires us to claim the gift of our own baptism as we follow Christ and live the gift of life infused with faith.
Mass Readings – Baptism of the Lord
Study: Find out about your baptism. When was it? Who performed it? Who are your Godparents? Who else was present?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.
Serve: How can you live your baptismal call today? How can your faith inspire or assist another?
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord
A few years ago I was having lunch when I ran into Fr. Bob Koszarek, a retired priest from our diocese. When I asked him what brought him out for lunch he said, “I am celebrating the anniversary of my baptism.” The comment struck me, especially when he followed it up with, “Do you know the day of your baptism?”
The answer is no. Yet as I prepare for Mass this week I have made a commitment to find out. We claim (rightly so) that baptism is a crucial sacrament in the Church – the gateway to all other sacraments whereby we are configured to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most people know if they have been baptized; my sense is that very few know the actual date.
Our faith is a precious gift – worth fighting for, worth dying for. Perhaps today we pause to recall just how precious it truly is…Jesus Christ poured out his blood on the Cross for us that we might have eternal life. His baptism was the revelation of the Trinity, where we hear the Father’s voice from heaven as the Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. Our baptism allows us to participate fully in God’s presence for the grace and guidance we need.
I invite us today to claim our baptism. Some simple steps:
Our baptism is not a one time event. Rather, it is an ongoing expression of Christ working through us. May the Baptism of the Lord inspire us to live our faith with joy as we engage our lives with his power.
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Note: This post was first published on January 4, 2016.
The Magi followed the light of the star to encounter the Light of the World as they responded with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As we are drawn to the Light of Christ and encounter His grace, may we shine with His light for all to see!
Mass Readings – Epiphany of the Lord
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary inspires us to follow her example as we reflect on all that has happened in the last year and study these insights in the light of our faith in Christ as we embark on the New Year. Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God
In the midst of the Christmas season we see the harsh consequences of human sin. The massacre of the innocent children demands that we carry out the teaching of Christ as we strive to protect those who are most vulnerable.
Mass Readings – Feast of the Holy Innocents
Study: Recall a time when you experienced a moment of clarity and understanding – when it all came together.
Pray: Ask the Lord for direction and insight regarding any particular decisions or needs.
Serve: How can you help someone clarify their focus and gain direction?
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord
I was sitting in a Calculus class, and my blood was beginning to boil. For over an hour I had been trying to understand a concept without any success. The professor had patiently explained it twice (using two different examples), two friends tried (telling me how EASY it was – like that helped…), and I had read the “helpful hints” section of the textbook (which I still do not understand to this day).
I looked down on the page of equations, a seemingly meaningless series of numbers, letters, and signs, and put my head in my hands and took a deep breath. I then turned to look out the window and daydreamed for a couple of minutes. (I think the professor was just glad I was quiet…!) Then I looked back at the textbook.
It made sense.
I could not believe it. I finally understood in a span of three heartbeats what three different people had been trying to tell me for over an hour. The light bulb went on, and I said “OH!!!” just a little louder then I realized.
The professor, a gentle man with a deep faith, came over to me with a big smile. He said, “Do you get it?” When I told him how it came together he said, “Good for you, Andrew! You just had an epiphany.”
There are times in life when an event or experience comes upon us in a rush. We are caught up in the moment, held in awe by our new awareness. We discover a new insight, understanding, or perspective which shapes and changes how we see the world.
In the Scriptures today we follow the journey of the wise men, guided by a star to the baby Jesus. As the star rose they pursued its course, searching for understanding and wisdom. When they found the child their response reveals the magnitude of their convictions. They knelt in homage, giving the very best gifts they had to offer.
As we journey on in our lives God places before us opportunities and events where the Lord is especially present. In these great and precious moments our eyes are opened – if only briefly – to the grace and blessings around us. We can ask the Lord for this gift of understanding – a gift which recognizes and responds to God’s presence in our midst.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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The blog was originally published on January 1, 2015.
The Holy Family reveals how God is present within our families at all times in life – good and bad – and supports us with grace and strength. Holy Family, pray for us!
Mass Readings – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 