Fourth Sunday of Advent

Having just conceived herself, Mary rushes to Elizabeth to be with her in her pregnancy. As these women receive each others' greetings, there is a profound moment of joy. Elizabeth recognizes that the child just conceived in Mary's womb is important - in fact - is God. She praises Mary, and in humility exclaims "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" She receives Christ with joy.

These women show us an important aspect of our vocations, and of our last days of Advent: We must strive to recognize Christ in the subtle ways He comes to us, and receive Him with joy. Like Mary, having said yes to the will of God, we need to respond to the needs of those around us.

Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice, and be glad! Salvation is near. John preached the message of repentance, and gave a baptism for the repentance of sins, to prepare the people for the revelation of his divine kinsman, Jesus Christ. The people were filled with anticipation, asking what they had to do to prepare for the Messiah. Note that he does not give them something too grand - they are to do their jobs well, to produce the fruit of repentance in their lives. John witnesses this himself. St. Luke alone records (as we heard last week) that the "word" (in Greek "rhema") of God came to him. In Luke's gospel, that word seems to be used for any message of vocation. (The Blessed Mother herself received one - "Let it be done to me according to your word."

As we respond to our vocations, that is our task - to produce fruits all areas of our lives, to do our duties well. Let us respond to that word of God...

Second Sunday of Advent

"Prepare the way", John the Baptist proclaims. He calls the people, and us too, to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This is how we can best prepare our hearts for the Lord's return.

We are called to look east, toward the rising sun, and to see how the Lord prepares the way for His coming. When He does, all shall see our salvation.

First Sunday of Advent, 2009

As we begin a new Church year this weekend and enter into the penitential season of Advent, we hear Christ telling us to be prepared and to not grow weary. Our hearts need to be awakened, and Christ alone has the words that can rouse them. May we enter this season, opening our ears to His word, and respond to His will for us.

Feast of Christ the King

Jesus Christ is the King of All, and with the feast of Christ the King, we proclaim Him and claim Him. May our lives give Him homage!

The 13th Day

Wow! That is the only word that comes close to describe the movie "The 13th Day". It is a beautiful film about the Marian Apparitions of Fatima.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Christ is the High priest, having offered Himself to the Father. He is to return and take us to the Father, and while that day is hidden it is certain. Do we shine brightly with wisdom, leading others to the Lord by the lives we lead?