John the Baptist offers an example of discipleship in the Gospel today. As the crowds flock to his preaching and baptism of repentance, John consistently redirects their attention toward Jesus. May we do the same in our lives today.
Mass Readings – Christmas Weekday
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As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, we acknowledge that she is also our Mother. Given to us by Christ, we claim this relationship every time we affirm our faith in her Son.
Mass Readings – Mary, the Mother of God
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Note: I took this picture of the icon of Mary and Jesus in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during my pilgrimage to the Holy Land last month.
As we bring the year 2019 to a close, perhaps it makes sense to take a brief walk back through the last twelve months and reflect on how our lives have changed. Where did we experience moments of growth? Where did we experience God’s grace? May we look back and count our blessings as we prepare for a New Year.
Happy New Year!
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The blessings and burdens of the Holy Family inspire us to face our joys and sorrows with the grace of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
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There is a grim aspect to the Gospel reading today. Innocent baby boys, slaughtered to satisfy Herod’s need to protect his ego, recall for us the reality that cruelty, hatred, evil and sin are part of our human condition. May this terrifying event inspire us to respect all life as a precious and sacred gift from God.
Mass Readings – The Holy Innocents
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On this feast of St. John – the Apostle and Evangelist – we look to John’s example and consider how we are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives today.
Mass Readings – St. John, Apostle & Evangelist
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Stephen is the first person to give his life as a witness to his faith in Jesus Christ. He spoke with a wisdom and spirit that none could refute, and he offers us an example about how we show our love for the Lord every day.
Mass Readings – St. Stephen, the first martyr
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God loves us. Plain and simple. Warts and all. God loves us and meets us where we are, not in polished perfection and immaculate attire, but in a humble manger as a displaced person. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die and rise that we might have eternal life.
May we all drop to our knees at some point today and say thank you…
Merry Christmas, my friends!
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Have you ever tried to get a gift for “the person who has everything” and been frustrated in the process? Everything we have comes from God…everything! The Lord needs nothing from us, but asks for only one thing: a loving heart that reaches out to others.
Merry Christmas!
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Both St. Paul and St. Joseph respond to God’s call, but they do it in very different ways. Their examples reveal that the Lord offers many ways that we can offer our lives, based on our ability and talent. There is nothing to stop us…except ourselves.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
