Beginning a New Year With Blessings

Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is far too important to celebrate with a single day. We celebrate Christmas for a season that lasts until the Baptism of the Lord (which falls on Monday, January 9th this year). This season include the Epiphany of the Lord (which falls on Sunday, January 8th this …

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Christmas Homily for 2022

The Nativity of the Lord (Mass During the Night)Isaiah 9:1-6Titus 2:11-14Luke 2:1-14December 25, 2022 You can find a video of this homily on my website page for my upcoming series, The Greatest Gift: The Eucharist at www.renewaloffaith.org/greatestgift (scroll down on that page to find the video). “The people who walked in darkness have seen a …

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The Baptism of the Lord

With this Sunday’s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord our Christmas season ends. Christmas is a time of great hope. We hear the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, we see Jesus laying in the manger, and our hearts are filled with hope. The sight of any baby can fill our hearts with joy for …

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The Epiphany of the Lord – Homily

The Epiphany of the LordIsaiah 60:1-6Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (11)Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6Matthew 2:1-12January 2, 2022 Today we celebrate The Epiphany of the Lord. We know the story of the magi, traditionally referred to as the three kings.  They came to give homage to Jesus.  Why do we call this “The Epiphany of the Lord?”  …

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The Feast of the Holy Family

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 …

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Christmas Homily 2021

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 …

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St. Nicholas and the True Spirit of Christmas

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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Baptism of the Lord, Year B – Homily

The Baptism of the LordIsaiah 55:1-11Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 (3)1 John 5:1-9Mark 1:7-11January 10, 2021 Our Christmas season will end this evening following our celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our savior who is Christ and Lord.  Since Jesus was baptized as an adult, one might …

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The Epiphany of the Lord, Homily

The Epiphany of the LordIsaiah 60:1-6Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (11)Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6Matthew 2:1-12January 3, 2021 On Christmas we heard the angel deliver “good news of great joy” to the shepherds, “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” This truly is “good news …

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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Year B – Homily

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Year B (Please note there are different options for the readings)Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (7a, 8a)Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19Luke 2:22-40December 27, 2020 On Christmas Day Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.  Now, “When the days were completed for purification, according …

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