As 2016 draws to a close, I hope you are able to give thanks for the many ways God has been present and active in your life this year. In order to plan for a new year, it is helpful to take stock of my awareness of God’s presence and Read more…
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Twice in today’s Gospel (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23) the angle of the Lord appears to Joseph and tells him: “Rise, take the child and his mother …” and Joseph quickly and obediently carries out the instruction. I Read more…
On this 5th day of Christmas, our Christmas story continues with Mary and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the temple for his dedication. I spent some time this morning meditating upon the great hope of Simeon. He is a hero in many ways, and a great model for us. Read more…
Even at his birth, the life of Christ is threatened. The truth is not always welcome. The Kingdom of God does threaten worldly kingdoms, but not by force of arms, but with the power of love; not by oppression, but with freedom. Today’s Feast of the Holy Innocents illustrates the Read more…
Today the church celebrates the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. St. John was referred to in John’s Gospel as the ‘beloved disciple.’ It seems clear that John knew a great friendship with Christ, one that entailed a beautiful intimacy. For me, this is what today’s feast calls me Read more…
With another celebration of the Nativity of the Lord now in the books, the Christmas season continues. The evening began with a 6:00 Mass at Brother Francis Homeless Shelter. St. Patrick parish was kind enough once again this year to share some of their musicians for the Mass, and they Read more…
Recalling that Christmas is a season, not just a single day, each of us are called to live the hope and promise of peace that are born with the Savior. With that in mind, here is the Urbi et Orbi (To the City & the World) address of Pope Francis Read more…
CHRISTMAS HOMILY 2016 Merry Christmas! Our celebration tonight once again draws the world’s attention to the humility and love of God. In our American language, we call this celebration Christmas, (Christ Mass) while many other languages speak directly to the true focus; the birth of Jesus, such as Feliz Navidad, Read more…
Yesterday, I was in town taking care of an errand, and a young woman at a check out counter noticed my ring. She said something to the effect of: “That is a nice ring. Does it have any significance?” I said: “Yes. It is a bishop’s ring, and I am Read more…
We are now in the final days of Advent. Is our longing for the Lord stronger? Is our cry for the Lord more intimate? Today’s first reading from the Song of Songs is perhaps one of the most intimate expressions of longing for the Lord in all of Sacred Scripture, Read more…