In our first reading today (4th Sunday of Advent Year A), the Lord offers a sign to King Ahaz. He tells Ahaz, “let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!” Ahaz can ask for any sign, no matter how great and the Lord will grant it. What would you ask for …
In our first reading, through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord offers a message to the Israelites in distress. “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers.” The message is in the future tense. It is a message of hope. While things may seem …
2nd Sunday of Advent, Year AIsaiah 11:1-10Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 (7)Romans 15:4-9Matthew 3:1-12December 4, 2022 Our gospel passage today comes from the time just before Jesus began his public ministry during his first coming. It speaks of preparation. We can use this passage to reflect on our readiness for the Second Coming. John the …
In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks the coming of the Son of Man. Noah had been commissioned by the Lord to build an ark. The people did not know that a great flood was coming. “They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark.” They had …
In today’s first reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C, Micah offers the Israelites hope during a difficult time. It is written following the fall on the northern kingdom. The Israelites are worried what is going to happen next. What Micah offers is not a new prophecy. It is the prophecy of a …
Today (December 12, 2021) we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C. The normal liturgical color for Advent is violet (we often say purple). We use the color violent as a sign of penance, especially in Lent. Thinking of penance means thinking of our sins. That may depress us. Awareness of our sins should …
Today, December 6th, is the Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas. We don’t know much about him. During our present season of Advent, the memorial of saints aren’t given as much attention. However, this year I feel inspired to use what we do know about St. Nicholas as I offer this homily. So, what do we …
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2nd Sunday of Advent, Year CBaruch 5:1-9Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 (3)Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11Luke 3:1-6December 5, 2021 At the time of the event in today’s gospel, Jesus has already been born. Soon He will begin his public ministry. However, before He does, John the Baptist is sent to “prepare the way of the Lord.” This …
Soon we will celebrate the first Coming of Jesus with our Christmas season. Christmas is too important to celebrate with just a single day. We celebrate Christmas a season that begins with our Christmas Masses and lasts until we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas is a time of hope. The birth of Jesus …
4th Sunday of Advent, Year B2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 (2a)Romans 16:25-27Luke 1:26-28December 20, 2020 David had become a great king, living in a great palace. There, “the LORD had given him rest from his enemies.” Knowing what the Lord had done for him, King David said to Nathan the …
