In a few days this year of 2021 will come to a close. Like 2020, 2021 has been a challenging year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. In July, it seemed things had turned for the better. The number of new cases was way down but then came the Delta variant and now the Omicron variant. …
With Christmas falling on Saturday this year, after spending my time this week preparing a Christmas homily, I am grateful that one of our deacons preached today (Sunday) as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In sharing the preaching responsibility, we were both able to focus on one …
Christmas – Mass During the NightIsaiah 9:1-6Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 (Luke 2:11)Titus 2:11-14Luke 2:1-14December 25, 2021 Why are we here? The answer is no secret. If you have been in stores recently, it is obvious that it is Christmas. The stores welcome the shoppers looking for gifts. We come here to church on Christmas …
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 …
I just finished reading Understanding Divine Mercy by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC (Stockbridge:MA. Marian Press. 2021). He writes as a member of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. Fr. Alar writes not just to teach about devotion to the Divine Mercy, such as praying …
I recently posted an article, “Helping Our Children be Disciples,” inspired by my recent reading of An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ by James C. Pauley (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. 2020). Today I would like to reflect on another section from Pauley’s book. Before I do, I should note that his …
Those who are regular readers of my blog know that evangelization, the sharing of our faith, is very important to me. The articles I write here, on my website, and the presentations (also available on my website) are all geared to the ongoing evangelization of adults (teens are welcome to join in). What about children? …
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 …
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryGenesis 3:9-15, 20Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (1)Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12Luke 1:26-38December 8, 2021 Our readings today begin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were there in paradise until the cunning serpent came and tricked them into eating the forbidden fruit. After that, Adam became afraid when he …
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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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