Readings for February 9, 2014: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time As a Catholic teen growing up in one of the most Catholic area of the U.S., I never would have considered abandoning my faith. But neither would I ever have…
The Presentation, Feast of Mission
Readings for February 2, 2014: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord I recently led a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem. As we stood at the foot of the Temple Mount and remembered the Presentation of Jesus, several people had…
Called and Chosen
Readings for January 26, 2014: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Flick on the television, turn to the news, and notice how hopeless it all looks. Terrorists kill hundreds and intimidate millions. Government debt in the U.S. and Europe balloons out…
Behold the Lamb of God
Readings for January 19, 2014: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time The Protestant Church is all about the Bible; the Catholic Church is all about the Sacraments. Right? Not exactly. When it comes to personal Bible reading, Protestants often put Catholics…
The Baptism of the Lord
Readings for January 12, 2014: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord At first glance, the scene makes little sense. John’s strident call to repentance provokes an overwhelming response. People of all shapes and sizes flock to him in the…
A Reflection on Epiphany
Readings for January 5, 2014: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Up until now, all has been quite humble. A donkey ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable…
Mary, Mother of God
Readings for January 1, 2014: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God The mother of the messiah has been called many things in the last 2000 years — the Virgin Mary, Our Lady, the Blessed Mother. But call her…
The Incarnation and the Family
Readings for December 29, 2013: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Every year right after Christmas, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. There is an important reason for this. It’s easy to think the…
The Deeper Meaning of Christmas
Readings for December 25, 2013: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) In the days of Caesar Augustus, an era of peace was established in the Mediterranean world after centuries of strife. But this peace was forged by the…
The Christmas Story’s Best Supporting Actor
Readings for December 22, 2013: Fourth Sunday of Advent In the drama of the incarnation, Jesus is, of course, the star. That’s the way it is at every birth. All eyes are on the baby. The co-star, though, is definitely…