Third Sunday of Advent

What should we do? The question is asked of John the Baptist as people become aware of the nearness of the Christ. John responds to all with a common theme - acts of charity and morality. This advent, we, too, are invited too respond to God's call in our lives.

Second Sunday of Advent

Prepare the way, make straight the path. John the Baptist's message is clear, but it is not about the physical preparations of roads. It is about spiritual paths. Lower the mountains of pride and anxiety. Raise the valleys of despair and lack of charity. Straighten the paths to our hearts. Of course, it is the grace of God working in us that make this possible. When we do, we are able to respond more readily to the Lord.

First Sunday of Advent

The day is coming when all around us will cease as it is now, when Christ will return and offer it all to His Father. We ought not be afraid of the end, but rather to stand erect and raise our heads. We can do that if we have done what the Lord asks of us.

The Solemnity of Christ the King

Jesus Christ is King, but not in the way in which we so often reduce kings. He is King, but not of a political or geographical kingdom. Rather, He is King of those who hail Him as Lord of their lives and hearts, and the time is coming when He will be made king of all creation, subjecting everything to Himself and offering it to His Father for all eternity. We are already subjects of that good King, and we are invited to proclaim Him for all to hear. Viva Christa Rey!

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

We do not know when, but we do know that this world will end. It will be a day beyond all comprehension, awesome and terrifying. But for the faithful, of those that do the will of God, it will be a day that does not bring horror, but of confidence. We need to live our lives in conformity to that day, that when it comes, we can stand before the Son of Man with hearts free from sin and attachment to sin.

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The widow, with so little means, gives freely of her want. She gives as an act of love of God, and does not do so for show our out of pride. Whatever we give, whether our time, talent, or treasure, we should give out of love of God ourselves. We should not look for accolades or any other reason.

Spiritual Discernment Retreat

Fr. Todd Petersen and Margaret McHugh are offering a retreat on Spiritual Discernment for lay people, looking at St. Ignatius of Loyola's great contribution to the Church - the Rules of Discernment. It will be half at the Retreat center of Schoenstatt on the Lake, Sleepy Eye, November 23 through November 25th, with daily Masses, meals, and overnight accommodations. To reserve your place, contact Margaret (507 359-2966 or mmchugh@dnu.org) or Fr. Todd (frtodd@me.com) by Tuesday, November 20.