Posted in Homilies on Dec 25th, 2011
Jn 1:1-18 "And the Word became flesh and made his dweling among us..."
Christmas memories - good and bad, happy and sad - help us understand who we are and those who are important to us within our own realm of existence. Memories of that first Christmas help us understand who we are and Who is important to us (and who we are important to) in the eternal realm of existence.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 25th, 2011
Lk 2: 1-14 "While they were there, the time came for her to have her child ..."
Christmas is a time to think about 'commitment' - our commitment to God AND His commitment to us.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 25th, 2011
MT 1:18-25 "...and they shall name him, 'Emmanuel', which means, "God is with us". "
Rejoice in the hope that comes with the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas!
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 20th, 2011
Lk 1:26-38 "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God."
Watch, Prepare, Rejoice, Be humble. Those who had the best and closest relationships with Jesus had a wonderful, genuine humility towards Him. Even God shows humility in the ways in which He comes to us. Pride kills relationships. Remove your pride and your relationships will thrive – especially the one with Jesus. Be humble enough to receive the gifts from Jesus.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 20th, 2011
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 "The Lord also reveals that He will build a house for you ..."
The Lord has built a house within each of us for Him to dwell. Like Mary, we have the choice to welcome Him into it or not.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 19th, 2011
Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 "I am the voice of One crying out in the desert: 'make straight the way of the Lord'..."
TEXT OF = ‘Don’t kill the messenger’ = whether it’s the preacher, the singers, the Church overall, or whomever, let’s not begrudge the bearer of the message because we don’t like it. Rather, let’s examine whether we understand the message, are ready to receive it, or are ready to act upon it. Perhaps our disdain is a sign that we are the ones with the “problem” – maybe we are not ready to receive God’s message. The season of Advent is all about preparation. Let us all prepare to receive God’s message appropriately. And if the delivery needs some work, let’s be proactively and lovingly part of the solution and not some critic murmuring on the sidelines.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 19th, 2011
Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 "I am the voice of One crying out in the desert: 'make straight the way of the Lord'..."
‘Don’t kill the messenger’ = whether it’s the preacher, the singers, the Church overall, or whomever, let’s not begrudge the bearer of the message because we don’t like it. Rather, let’s examine whether we understand the message, are ready to receive it, or are ready to act upon it. Perhaps our disdain is a sign that we are the ones with the “problem” – maybe we are not ready to receive God’s message. The season of Advent is all about preparation. Let us all prepare to receive God’s message appropriately. And if the delivery needs some work, let’s be proactively and lovingly part of the solution and not some critic murmuring on the sidelines.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 19th, 2011
Is 61:1-2a, 10-11 "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, ... he has sent me..."
Whether hearing or being the bearer of the Good News, we should truly take delight – even rejoice – in our ability to share this Good News with others and joyfully prepare for its fulfillment.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 19th, 2011
1 Thes 5:16-24 "Rejoice always ..."
All three readings = “Rejoice!” – With all the blessings God has bestowed on us and the merciful assurance of an eternity in Heaven, we should always be rejoicing, even in the face of challenges and adversity.
Read Full Post »
Posted in Homilies on Dec 19th, 2011
Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12 "In him, we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One ..."
Like Mary, we are called to receive the faithful, unfailing love and grace of God; and with her, to say “Yes!” to His call to be the channel of Christ to the world. Lean on Mary when it is tough to do this, and pray to her for her help in your efforts. Her aid and her miraculous interventions are regularly available to us.
Read Full Post »