“If you trust in God, you too shall live; he has set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.”  Of course, fire burns and destroys; water gives life.  Using this very powerful imagery, we hear Sirach in today’s first reading instruct the people of Israel – and us – to trust in God and keep his commandments, for they – and we – will be saved by doing so.  Before us are life and death, good and evil, Sirach says.  Whichever we choose shall […]

As you can tell from the color of my face, I just returned last night from my annual winter get-away, much needed after the busy Christmas season here at our wonderful, very active parish.  While I was enjoying the sun at the beach in San Martin, I read a new biography of our patron saint, Catherine of Siena.  It’s an excellent, critically-written work by Don Brophy, a former editor of the Paulist Press.  I highly recommend it.  In it, you will read about the many metaphors that St. Catherine used […]

Have you ever glimpsed pure peace in another person?  We see it as we gaze on a little baby while they are asleep.  On rare occasions, we experience it in the presence of a particularly holy person.  I have felt it on the occasions when I was privileged to be with Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II.  Some people seem to exude peace.  They are a blessing to be around.  That must be what John the Baptist perceived in Jesus: a person whose very being manifested holiness and peace.

So, […]

Last Sunday, we heard of the shepherds who visited the newborn son of Mary in the obscure village of Bethlehem.  Today, we hear of the magi who come from afar to pay him homage.  These familiar biblical Christmas stories that we hear during this holy season provide important lessons for us.  They do so through the many unexpected events and characters.  They hardly seem fit for a king, much less a god.  It all begins with a poor young virgin who cannot possibly be with child, yet she indeed conceives […]

MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

“The Lord bless and keep you!  The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!  The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”  What better way to begin the New Year than with this blessing? As we begin a New Year, we are all looking for God’s blessings on us and our world, the peace that only he can give us in the midst of the turmoil of this world.  As we leave behind a year filled with wild […]

Once again, let me wish all of you a Merry Christmas.  We can say that here because that’s exactly what we’re doing.  Have you ever wondered what the word “Christmas” means?  The word dates back to at least 1038, originating from the Old English phrase, “Cristes Maesse.  It means “Christ’s Mass.”  Today, we often use the terms “Eucharistic Celebration” or “Sacred Liturgy” to speak of the Mass.  As you know, “Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving,” and every time we gather around our Lord’s Table, we give thanks to God for the great […]

Once again, let me wish all of you a very blessed Christmas!  We gather this evening to celebrate a momentous event in human history: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Although he was born more than 2,000 years ago, his birth impacts each of our lives directly today.  As we will all acknowledge in just a few moments, he is the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world.  As we have heard throughout this Advent season, he is Emmanuel, God with […]

Isaiah is the great prophet of the Advent season.  We have heard from him every Sunday of Advent.  Today, we hear him announce that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel.  It is such an important prophecy that we hear it quoted in today’s gospel.  The hope that one day prayers would be answered and prophesy fulfilled would sustain the faith of God’s children through many a crisis as the centuries ticked by.  It is hope that sustains us during our darkest times, isn’t […]

Just 21 days left until Christmas!  PREPARE!  We see that the second candle of the Advent wreath is lit today.  The countdown to Christmas continues.  And all the ads on television, online and in the stores remind us constantly that the time is drawing short.  Unfortunately, all they’re reminding us about is how many shopping days are left until Christmas.

 Today’s readings give us a different point of view which we, as followers of Christ, need to consider.  In today’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist point to the emerging reign […]

As we quickly approach the shortest day of the year, I’m sure we’re all noticing that the sun rises later and sets earlier every day. Perhaps your drive home to or from work is now in the dark, or you have to turn a light on for your morning routine.  We notice this seasonal shift and we long for sunlight since need it for our physical and psychological health and wellbeing.  Millions of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately called SAD 

Our souls also long for light.  Every one of […]