Christmas - The Holy Family - Homily for December 31

Readings for Sunday, December 31 / Holy Family: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14  |  Psalm128  |  Colossians 3:12-21  |  Luke 2:22-40

As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, we recognize that the evil one seeks to destroy this fundamental cell of society. In response, we are called to consecrate our families to God and truly let the Lord reign in our hearts and our homes. 

Papal Intentions for January 2018

Pope Francis invites us to join in prayer for Religious Minorities in Asia during this month of

January:

That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Advent: He Also Will Accomplish It - Homily for December 17

Readings for Sunday, December 17 / 3rd Sunday of Advent:  Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11  |  Luke 1  |  1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  |  John 1:6-8, 19-28

Advent: I Have Not Forgotten You - Homily for December 10

St. John in the Wilderness by Jose Leonardo

Readings for Sunday, December 10 / 2nd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11  |  Psalm 85  |  2 Peter 3:8-14  |  Mark 1:1-8 

While this season is the 'most wonderful time of the year' it is also a time when we experience in various ways the ache of the human heart. To that ache the Lord comes to comfort us and reassure us 'I have not forgotten you.'

Advent: The Useless Things - Homily for December 3

Readings for Sunday, December 3 / 1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7  |  Psalm 80  |  1 Corinthians 1:3-9  |  Mark 13:33-37

The human heart desires to see grand things. "Rend the heavens and come down!" we cry out to God, and yet it is in the little things, sometimes the useless things, that God speaks most clearly. May we be awake and alert to the quiet voice of God this Advent season.