The Extra Meisl: Recent Episodes
Fr. Nick Meisl
The Bible presents the sea as both beautiful and life-giving, yet also as a symbol of chaos, danger, and forces beyond human control. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals his divine authority by walking upon the troubled waters and inviting Peter to step out of the boat and come toward him. Christ similarly calls us to enter the uncertain places of our lives with our eyes fixed on him, trusting that what appears frightening can become a place of grace, growth, and new life.
In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus reveals the economics of the Kingdom of God: when we offer what we have, he multiplies it for the good of others. The generous banquet of Jesus stands in sharp contrast to Herod’s selfish banquet, which ends in the death of John the Baptist. The Gospel invites us to place our time, talents, and treasure into Jesus’ hands and to respond to the needs around us by saying, “Let me be the one.”
Jesus’ parable of the treasure hidden in a field reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is not merely an obligation but a gift of immeasurable value. Like people who discover that an ordinary household object is actually priceless, Christians can become so accustomed to their faith that they lose sight of its beauty. The Gospel invites us to make a spiritual reset and rediscover the mercy, community, purpose, prayer, and joy we have found in following Christ.
Jesus teaches through parables because the kingdom of God is a mystery into which we must enter, rather than a problem that can be answered quickly and neatly. The parables of the wheat and weeds, the mustard seed, and the yeast show that God’s kingdom is already present but not yet complete: good and evil still coexist, while God quietly brings growth through small acts of faith and love. Each of us helps build the kingdom whenever we allow Christ’s word to bear fruit in our lives and plant seeds of goodness in the world.
Every day, many voices compete for our attention, but God’s word is the voice that gives life, nourishes our hearts, and produces lasting fruit. The example of St. Anthony and the parable of the sower show what can happen when we receive Scripture as a personal word from Christ. We prepare good soil in our hearts by making time for God’s word, listening to it personally, and acting upon what Jesus asks of us.
Jesus does not promise a life without responsibilities, but he does promise rest to those who carry their burdens with him. When our work and duties are motivated by love of God and neighbour, the weight of these burdens is transformed. The Mass, like the Sabbath, helps us remember our deepest identity and the true purpose behind all that we do.
As Vancouver welcomes the world during the World Cup, the readings invite us to reflect on the deeper Christian meaning of hospitality. From the Shunammite woman who welcomes Elisha, to St. Benedict, St. Vincent de Paul, Dorothy Day, and Pope Francis, the Church teaches that in welcoming the stranger, the poor, and the person who is different from us, we welcome Christ himself. Christian hospitality begins when we stop seeing others as interruptions, threats, or problems, and begin receiving them as gifts to be encountered.
Fear is a natural part of human life, but it can become harmful when it holds us back from loving God, loving others, and following Christ more fully. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God is a loving Father who knows us intimately, cares for us deeply, and sees even the smallest details of our lives. Because we are held in the Father’s love, we can bring our fears to him with trust and hear again the words of Jesus: do not be afraid.
This Corpus Christi reflection explains that the Eucharist is the greatest gift we receive, Jesus himself becoming bread for our journey. Yet the Eucharist does not leave us as passive receivers; it transforms us into the body of Christ, sent out to become a gift for others. Our “Amen” at Communion is therefore not only an act of belief, but a renewed commitment to continue the mission of Jesus in the world.
Corpus Christi 2026
Pope Leo’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence invites us to ask what makes human beings truly human. On Trinity Sunday, we remember that we are made in the image of the Triune God, which means we are made not for isolation or mere efficiency, but for communion, love, and relationship. Technology can serve this vocation when it strengthens human connection, but it becomes dangerous when it weakens our capacity to love and be present to one another.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit gathers people of many languages, cultures, and backgrounds into one family of faith. The Spirit does not erase our diversity, but unites us in Christ and sends us to continue his mission in the world. Through baptism and confirmation, each of us receives a real role in the Church, because there are no “couch potato Catholics” in the body of Christ.
The Ascension can seem strange at first because we are celebrating Jesus leaving his disciples behind. Yet Jesus leaves not to abandon us, but so that we can grow into his mission and become his presence in the world. As we prepare for Pentecost, we ask for hearts open to the Holy Spirit, who makes us the Body of Christ and empowers us to continue Jesus’ work.
On Mother’s Day, we give thanks for mothers, grandmothers, and all those who have cared for us with patience, sacrifice, and love. Jesus promises in the Gospel that he will not leave his disciples orphaned, but will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to remain with them and strengthen them. The faithful love of mothers helps us glimpse the deeper mystery of the Holy Spirit, who nurtures, guides, supports, and gives us life.
6 Sunday Easter, Year A
Jesus is not only a carpenter but a builder, the one who prepares a dwelling place for us in the Father’s house. Through his rejection, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and love, Christ becomes the cornerstone of the spiritual home God is building. As members of his Body, we are called to become a place of welcome, light, hospitality, and hope for the world.
We live in a world filled with competing voices that shape our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. The voice of Christ, like that of the Good Shepherd, can be recognized by the lasting peace it brings, even when it calls us to change. The Christian task is to create space to hear that voice and to follow it with courage in both large and small ways.
The feeling of missing out, so common in a world shaped by social media, can also affect how we view the resurrection, as though we were born too late to encounter Christ. The road to Emmaus reveals that the risen Jesus is still present today, especially in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, community, and acts of charity. With the eyes of faith, we come to see that we are not at a disadvantage, but are continually invited to encounter him along our journey.
Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that God’s mercy is active, reaching out to those who suffer and meet us in our struggles. In a world marked by conflict and indifference, we are called to live that mercy concretely by working for peace and building loving communities. Trusting in Christ’s victory, we are invited to repeat with confidence: Jesus, I trust in you.
The resurrection of Jesus is a truth that radically changes how we see the world, just as major discoveries in history reshaped human perspective. Like the first disciples, encountering the risen Christ transforms fear into courage and despair into hope. When truly believed, the resurrection calls us to live differently, allowing Christ’s victory to shape every part of our lives.
The resurrection of Jesus is the turning point of history that brings about a new creation and a new way of life. Through baptism, believers die to the old life of sin and are reborn into the life of Christ, called to live as light in the world. This new life is not lived alone, but with the constant presence of Christ, who goes before us and frees us from fear.
There are two ways before us: the way of violence, power, and retaliation, and the way of Christ, marked by love, sacrifice, and peace. In the Passion, especially as presented in John’s Gospel, Jesus reveals that true victory comes not through force but through self-giving love. We are invited, especially as we venerate the cross, to choose again the way of Christ, which alone breaks the cycle of violence and leads to life.
Holy Thursday invites us to reflect on what it truly means to be human in Christ: to live in communion, to serve others, and to be transformed by grace. Through the Eucharist, we are drawn into unity and shaped into the likeness of Jesus. Ultimately, it is not our own effort, but Christ himself who makes us fully human.
Holy Week invites us to reflect on whether we are truly hearing the story of Christ or projecting our own expectations onto him. While many expected a Messiah of power and violence, Jesus reveals a radically different path of love, service, and sacrifice. The rituals and stories of this week are meant not just to be observed, but to transform our hearts and renew our lives.
The raising of Lazarus reveals that while death brings real grief, Christ transforms sorrow into hope through his power over death. By pointing to his own resurrection, Jesus shows that the life he offers is not temporary but eternal, a victory we share through baptism. Even now, this new life is at work in us as Christ frees us from what binds us and invites us to live in hope.
Faith shapes the way we see and interpret the world around us. In the Gospel of the man born blind, Jesus not only restores physical sight but leads the man to a deeper vision of faith, recognizing him as Lord. Through the gift of baptism, Christ gives us the light to see God’s presence in both the blessings and struggles of our lives.
The first scrutiny invites both the catechumens preparing for baptism and all the baptized to reflect on the deeper meaning of baptism in their lives. In the story of the Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals that our deepest thirst for love, purpose, and acceptance cannot be satisfied by the many things we often turn to. Christ alone gives the living water of the Holy Spirit that truly fills the human heart.
In the Transfiguration, the disciples witness Christ’s radiant “glow up,” a glimpse of his divine glory and a preview of the resurrection. Yet the mountaintop is not a place to remain, but a moment of preparation that strengthens them to follow Jesus down into lives of service and sacrifice. When Christians encounter the transfigured Lord, they are sent into their families, communities, and civic life to help bring the light of Christ to the world.
As the Church celebrates the Rite of Election and accompanies those preparing for Baptism, Lent invites all the faithful to rediscover the meaning of their own baptismal identity. The readings contrast Adam and Christ, reminding us that while we share in humanity’s woundedness, we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, the new Adam. This season calls us to live both compunction and joy, honestly facing our need for conversion while trusting in the mercy that leads us toward Easter hope.
The closing of the Pattullo Bridge reminds us how easy it is to cling to what is familiar, even when we know a new and better path is needed. Lent is an invitation to step away from habits and patterns that are no longer life-giving and to embrace prayer, generosity, and sacrifice with renewed sincerity of heart. Through the symbol of ashes, we are reminded that what seems like an ending can become the beginning of new life when we trust Christ to lead us forward.
In Matthew 5:17–37, Jesus teaches that he fulfills the law not by adding more rules, but by transforming the human heart, moving from external obedience to interior conversion. In the wake of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, this Gospel reminds us that violence begins in the heart, yet so does healing, reconciliation, and grace. Like the moon reflecting the sun at Lunar New Year, Christians are called to reflect Christ’s light, allowing his grace to renew our hearts and bring hope to a wounded world.
In a world filled with loud public claims of Christianity that are not always compelling, Jesus reminds his followers that true witness is measured not by volume or power, but by credibility. Through the images of salt and light, the Gospel shows that Christians are called to draw out the goodness in others and to reveal what is life-giving, without overpowering or dominating. Authentic Christian witness makes God visible not through force or status, but through a quiet presence that enhances goodness and illuminates the path toward Christ.
Jesus’ Beatitudes challenge our usual ideas of success by revealing that true blessedness is not found in comfort or status, but in right relationship with God and with one another. Even in poverty, grief, or struggle, a person can experience deep fulfilment through trust in God and a life shaped by self-giving love. Lived out in the Christian community, this paradoxical way of life becomes a powerful witness to the Gospel and a sign of God’s work among us.
Sacred Scripture is not meant to be admired from a distance but read and lived as a daily part of Christian life. Through the Word of God, Jesus continues to speak, call, and guide believers in the midst of ordinary, busy lives, just as he did the first disciples. Even a small daily practice of reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, can deepen faith, shape discipleship, and transform how we follow Christ.
We are first known and loved by God, and that identity comes before any call to serve. Christian service flows not from guilt or pressure, but from an overflow of God’s love that fills our lives and naturally spills out to others. Parish ministries are one way this love takes shape, as each person is invited to serve according to their gifts and season of life.
2 Sunday OT, year A
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this homily reflects on the meaning of Christian baptism through the voices of the early Church and the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. Baptism is presented as the foundation of Christian identity, naming us as sons and daughters of God, equal in dignity, and fully belonging to the Body of Christ. From this identity flows a mission, as every baptized person is sent into the world to build God’s kingdom of justice, peace, and love.
Following Jesus is not always safe or predictable, but it is always good, as shown in the journey of the Magi who risk everything to encounter Christ. Drawn by the star, they follow Jesus not out of fear or obligation, but because they are attracted by his goodness, truth, and beauty. This Epiphany reminds Christians that discipleship means allowing Christ to change our lives, trusting that his goodness leads us to true fullness of life, even when the path is risky.
Epiphany 2026
As the new year begins, the Church invites us to look beyond self-improvement and focus instead on relationships, especially our relationship with God who has come close to us in Jesus Christ. Through the Marian dogmas of Mary as Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception, and the Assumption, we are reminded that God’s grace precedes us, accompanies us, and leads us toward our ultimate hope. Grounded in this grace, we are invited, like Mary, to begin the year by saying a deeper yes to God’s plan for our lives.
The Gospel shows that the Holy Family was not spared hardship but knew fear, displacement, and struggle from the very beginning. Their holiness did not come from a perfect or peaceful life, but from God’s faithful presence with them in the midst of uncertainty and danger. This feast reminds us that holiness in our own families is found not in perfection, but in choosing love, forgiveness, and service each day, even when family life is messy and difficult.
Holy Family 2025
At Christmas, we celebrate the astonishing truth that God became human, not in power or glory, but in the ordinary rhythms of family life. Through the mystery of the Incarnation, God reveals that everyday moments are not obstacles to grace, but the very places where God chooses to meet us. Because Christ has been born, nothing in our daily lives is ever truly ordinary again.
Life does not always follow the plans we carefully schedule, and the Gospel reminds us that unexpected moments can become places of grace rather than failure. St. Joseph shows us that trusting God—especially when our plans fall apart—allows God to work in ways we could never have imagined. When we surrender control and trust that God is guiding our lives, even detours can lead us to something greater than our original destination.
John the Baptist’s question from prison reminds us that even deep faith can waver, especially in moments of suffering and disappointment. Jesus teaches that he is recognized as the Messiah not through arguments or certainty, but through lived experience—through healing, hope, and lives quietly transformed. The Gospel invites us to stop searching for substitute saviours and instead prepare space in our own lives, and in the lives of others, for Christ to be encountered.
The RCIA rites happening this weekend remind the whole parish that the Christian life is a journey of choosing again to follow Christ. John the Baptist calls each of us during Advent to examine our lives, let go of what holds us back, and take concrete steps toward deeper discipleship. While we act, it is God’s grace that brings true growth, renewing our hearts just as He brought new life from the stump in Isaiah’s prophecy.
Advent invites us to open our eyes to the deeper reality that Jesus—Emmanuel—is already present in our midst. It trains our vision so we don’t miss the many ways Christ arrives in our daily lives through Scripture, the sacraments, and the love of others. This season calls us to awaken, stay alert, and recognize the world as “crammed with heaven,” alive with God’s presence.
Christ the King reveals that true kingship is not about power or domination but about self-giving love, shown most clearly in Jesus whose throne is the cross. Scripture teaches that human kings often fall into injustice, but God’s rule brings freedom, dignity, and peace. This feast invites us to place our hope in Christ’s reign and to help build his kingdom through lives marked by justice, service, and love.
Remembering our mortality is meant to bring clarity, not fear, helping us focus on what truly matters. Jesus’ reminder of the end calls us to make meaningful choices now rather than delaying the good we are called to do. When we face our limits with Christ, we discover hope and learn to live each day ready to meet him.
The Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope’s true cathedral and the “mother of all churches,” reminds us that the heart of the Church is not stone but Christ Himself. Its long history of fires, earthquakes, and rebuilding mirrors our own call to rise from hardship through faith. As the first church dedicated to Christ the Saviour, it teaches that we, the baptized, are now His living temple, bringing His grace into the world.
Every culture has its own way of honouring the dead, but Christians see death not as an ending, but as rest—our cemeteries are “sleeping places,” not “cities of the dead.” In Jesus, life conquers death; the one who raised the widow’s son will awaken all who rest in him. All Souls Day reminds us that our love and communion with those who have died endures, because in Christ, death is only temporary.
Sometimes life brings us down—through illness, aging, or hardship—and we feel powerless. Yet it’s often in those moments of helplessness that we finally recognize our need for God’s mercy, opening the door for grace to enter. Like the humble tax collector, when we pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” we discover that dependence on God is not weakness but the path to true strength.
Even when God appears silent, faith and prayer invite us into a living relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that transforms us even when our prayers go unanswered. Like waves that slowly carve stone, persevering prayer reshapes our hearts and deepens our trust in God’s love. And just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms, we too rely on one another in our community of faith to keep praying, believing, and hoping together.
Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” reminds us that gratitude isn’t naïve. It is a choice to see the good even amid struggle. The grateful Samaritan in the Gospel shows that thanksgiving brings not only healing of the body but also of the heart. When we choose gratitude and become people others are grateful for, we don’t just see a wonderful world, we help create one.
28 Sunday ordinary time
God calls each of us to let His love and light shine through us, even when we feel ordinary or inadequate. Like Habakkuk, Timothy, and Paul, we are reminded that God works through our weakness, not in spite of it. Even if we aren’t stars, the Holy Spirit enables us to shine brightly in the world around us.
The Gospel challenges us not only to see the suffering around us but to judge rightly what it means and to act with compassion. The rich man saw Lazarus but failed to recognize his need or respond, missing the mark of love. Like a skilled archer, we are called to see clearly, judge wisely, and act courageously, guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross reminds us that what was once an instrument of shame and death has been transformed by Christ into the tree of life and source of salvation. Marked with the Cross at baptism, we carry it as the core of our Christian identity, a sign of hope, service, and strength in suffering. Each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we proclaim that through Jesus’ love, death is conquered and life is given.
The Exaltation of the Cross
Saints are not distant figures from the past but people who lived ordinary lives, even enjoying things like video games and mountain climbing, while keeping Christ at the center. Jesus calls us to root our identity not in family, career, or possessions, but in being his disciples through baptism and the cross. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis show us how a life grounded in Christ gives meaning and direction to everything else.
In today’s Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7–14), Jesus links humility with true hospitality. Real humility isn’t pretending we are worthless, but learning to think of ourselves less—turning outward in love. True hospitality welcomes those who cannot repay us, affirming their dignity as children of God. At the Eucharist, Christ gives us this perfect example: he makes room for us at his table, giving a gift we could never repay, and sends us out to extend the same welcome to others.22 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, Luke 14:1, 7–14
Today’s Gospel reminds us that salvation isn’t automatic just because we belong to the right group or community. Entry into God’s kingdom is not about having a “pass,” but about whether Christ recognizes his own love, mercy, and service alive in us. Belonging to the Church helps, but each of us must personally choose to follow Christ through the narrow gate of faith and discipleship.
Jesus calls us to live each day prepared to meet Him, like servants waiting for their master’s return. St. Polycarp’s lifelong faithfulness and the daily habits of the early Christians show us that readiness comes from steady prayer, worship, and acts of love. By keeping our hearts in “spiritual sports mode,” we can welcome Christ with joy whenever He comes.
Jesus reminds us that while material needs are real and pressing—especially in a city like Vancouver—they must not become our ultimate concern. Like the ghost towns left behind after the gold rush, worldly treasures don’t last. True riches are found in what we give away: love, service, and relationships that endure into eternity.
The Our Father isn’t just a set of words we repeat—it’s a prayer that slowly forms our hearts and reshapes our lives. Like a parent saying “I love you” each night, its repetition is meant to ground us in relationship, awe, mission, trust, forgiveness, and hope. Each phrase draws us deeper into what it means to live as children of God and builders of His kingdom.
When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, He wasn’t choosing between work and worship—he was showing us we need both. Martha teaches us to serve with love; Mary reminds us to stay close to Jesus. The best disciples are those who welcome others and make time to listen at the feet of the Lord.
Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to examine our own tendency to judge or exclude others based on group identity. Sometimes, the people we least expect are the ones who show the greatest compassion and faithfulness. Like Mr. Rogers taught, our call as Christians is to be the helpers—those who reach out in love, regardless of differences.
Too often, the word missionary brings to mind flashy televangelists or social media influencers chasing followers—but Jesus sends out ordinary people like us to bring his peace to the world. We’re not meant to be “couch potato Christians,” but active participants in God’s mission, especially in our families, workplaces, and friendships. When we leave Mass, we’re not just dismissed—we’re sent to light up the world with peace, hope, and love.
Saints Peter and Paul aren’t lifeless statues in a museum—they’re real people who fell, failed, and followed Jesus anyway. Their greatness didn’t come from perfection, but from perseverance: they got back up, again and again, through God’s grace. They’re not distant heroes—they’re family, cheering us on in our own journey of faith.
St. Peter and Paul
At every Mass, we affirm a bold belief—that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This mystery invites not only faith in Christ’s Real Presence but a call to live as his Body in the world. Corpus Christi reminds us that the Eucharist is both a sacred gift and a mission of love that Christ continues through us.
We often measure success by achievements, wealth, or status, but Trinity Sunday invites us to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Created in the image of the Triune God—a perfect communion of love—we are made for relationship. Our true success lies not in what we possess, but in how we love and are loved.
Trinity Sunday
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enables people of different nations to understand one another, reversing the division of Babel and forming one united family of God. Through Confirmation, we are anointed to speak Christ’s language of peace—a language that transcends words and is expressed through love, understanding, and service. In a world marked by division and conflict, we are called to be people who embody and share this peace.
Pentecost 2025
Separation from loved ones is painful, and the Ascension reminds us that even Jesus' followers knew that grief. Yet Christ has not abandoned us—his Spirit remains like sunlight after the sun has set, warming, guiding, and sustaining us. Through the Holy Spirit, we become Christ’s living presence in the world, continuing his mission with our hands, our voices, and our lives.
Ascension 2025
The Church is journeying through a time of transition, both locally with a new archbishop and globally with a new pope. Amid these changes, the Gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the constant guide—like the wind that moves the Church forward, even through uncertainty. This homily invites reflection on how to become more attentive to the Spirit’s presence through silence, Scripture, and discerning the fruits of our choices.
6 Sunday Easter
Like children on a long road trip, Christians often ask, “Are we there yet?” as we wait for the fullness of Christ’s victory. This homily explores the tension of living in the “already but not yet”—trusting in the resurrection while still confronting suffering. Grounded in the hope of Revelation and the command to love, we are reminded by both Scripture and Pope Leo that we are pilgrims of hope, walking together toward the new creation.
5 Sunday Easter
The surprise election of Pope Leo XIV invites us to reflect on the voice of the Good Shepherd still speaking to the Church today. From missionary service in Peru to leadership in Rome, Pope Leo brings a heart for the poor, a passion for justice, and a deep commitment to synodality. As we rejoice, we also take up his first request: pray for him.
Good Shepherd Sunday | 4 Sunday Easter
After the Resurrection, Jesus prepares a simple breakfast for Peter—not just to feed him, but to heal and restore their broken relationship. This powerful moment at a charcoal fire mirrors the Eucharist, where Christ meets us in our pain, nourishes us, and sends us out with purpose. In a time of mourning and sorrow, we gather at the Lord’s table to be strengthened by his love and commissioned to bring healing to the world.
3 Sunday Easter
In a world wounded by fear and division, Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that Christ enters our locked doors with peace and healing. Pope Francis lived this message, teaching us that the Church is a field hospital where mercy welcomes and transforms. As we mourn his passing, we commit ourselves anew to being living instruments of God's mercy in the world.
Divine Mercy Sunday
Easter reminds us that no matter how fierce the storms of life may be, the light of Christ’s resurrection can never be extinguished. Like lighthouse keepers, we are called to tend the flame of faith and shine it for others. In a world often clouded by fear and despair, we are pilgrims of hope, carrying the light that leads to life.
Easter Sunday
On this most sacred night, we journey from darkness to light, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory of life over death. As pilgrims of hope, we walk not alone, but with the Risen Christ lighting our path through the gift of the Paschal candle, the Word of God, and the waters of baptism. This Easter, let us choose to carry that light into the world—renewed in faith, strengthened by hope, and sent forth in joy.
On Good Friday, we stand before the cross not in despair, but as pilgrims of hope. Though the day is marked by suffering and silence, it is good because God chose to enter our broken world, confront sin, and redeem it through love. In Jesus, the innocent one who suffers for the guilty, the cycle of sin is interrupted and transformed. And through His death, we discover that we are never alone—not even in suffering or death—for Christ has made every cross a crucifix by sharing it with us.
On Holy Thursday, we begin a sacred pilgrimage with Jesus—from the Upper Room to the Cross and the empty tomb. The Eucharist, which we receive tonight, is not just a ritual but a powerful source of hope: it transforms us, unites us, and gives us a foretaste of eternal life. As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, let us allow Christ’s love to shape us into His likeness and carry that hope into the world.
What do Jesus entering Jerusalem and St. Oscar Romero speaking truth to power have in common? Both were praised by crowds—then rejected when their message became uncomfortable. This Palm Sunday reflection invites us to consider the real cost of discipleship and the courage it takes to follow Christ all the way to the cross—and beyond.
Palm Sunday, year C
Jesus shows us that mercy isn’t earned—it’s a gift that restores dignity and life. In contrast to the religious leaders who use a woman’s sin to trap Jesus, He sees her humanity, forgives her, and offers a new beginning. As we continue through Lent, we’re invited to receive God’s mercy and extend it to others by calling them not by their sins, but by their name.5 Sunday Lent, year C
God isn’t a distant judge keeping score—He’s a Father who runs to meet us, arms wide open.
Whether we’re the runaway son or the resentful sibling, His love is bigger than our mess.
This Lent, come home to mercy—you’ll find it’s already been waiting for you.
4 Sunday of Lent, year C
Life isn’t just mountaintop moments—it’s also the valleys, and Jesus shows us that both are part of the journey. The Transfiguration reminds us that while we glimpse God’s glory at times, much of life is about walking faithfully through challenges, knowing Christ walks with us. By following St. Ignatius’ ERGO—Encourage, Regularize, be Generous, and stay Open—we can navigate the ups and downs with trust, resilience, and hope.
2 Sunday Lent, year C
Lent is a time of sacrifice, but today's Gospel reminds us that trials and suffering—when united with God—can lead to transformation and grace. Just as the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a greater purpose, our own hardships can refine us and even inspire others, as seen in the lives of figures like Terry Fox and Samra Zafar. This Lent, as we give things up, let us also offer our struggles to Christ, trusting that He is with us, bringing life out of suffering.
1 Sunday Lent | Luke 4:1-13
What we do in this life echoes in eternity—especially how we treat the least among us. If we truly believe every person is destined for eternal life, it should change the way we act, speak, and love. Jesus calls us to see others with this perspective, challenging us to live with mercy, dignity, and deep compassion.
8 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C
Lk 6:36-45; 1 Cor 15
Among the most radical of Christ's commands is that we love our enemies (Luke 6:27–38). When we witness someone living this way, it is inspiring. However, trying to love our enemies can often feel impossible. Jesus gives us some helpful guidance for how we can live out this command by not judging those who harm us. On the cross, Christ put this into practice when He prayed, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".
7 Sunday Ordinary Time, C
At Jesus' time, as at our own, a particular way of seeing the world and set of values prevails. In the beatitudes (Luke 6:18, 20–26), Jesus flips this worldview upside down. Rather than the rich, powerful, and oppressive, in God's eyes it is the poor, marginalized, and needy who matter most. By taking time to be in silence and allowing the words of Christ to touch our hearts we can begin to see the world the way God does.
In our baptism, we all receive a mission to become, in the words of Pope Francis, "missionary disciples". The readings today show us that the drive for mission is born out of an experience of God's grace. This jubilee year is an opportunity to experience anew the grace of God and become re-energized for mission.
5 Sunday OT
The celebration of the Presentation of the Lord gives us the hopeful and inspiring message that Jesus is the light of the world, who scatters all darkness and fear. This message is particularly important to focus on when times are dark and troubling. The Gospel calls us to imitate Anna and Simeon, who were able to recognize the goodness and grace of God in their midst. When we do this, we are called to be a light to others.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Luke 2:22-32
A good team is one in which all its members are able to contribute their own talents as everyone works together for a common goal. In the Gospel today, Jesus declares His mission and our own in His hometown of Nazareth. As Paul describes in the second reading, we are all members of the body of Christ, carrying out this mission in the world. When we hear God's word at Mass, it is an opportunity for us to be reminded of our calling as the Eucharist unifies our community for our common mission.
3 Sunday of Ordinary Time
Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Like any sign Christ works in John's Gospel, the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana is meant to teach us about who Jesus is (Jn 2). We learn that Christ is very close to married people, especially those who struggle. We discover that where Jesus is there is abundance. In addition, we learn that for Christ to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary we must "do whatever He tells us".
2 Sunday Ordinary Time
Year C
In his Gospel, Luke makes the case that Jesus was anointed at His baptism. It is there that His identity is proclaimed, and He enters a definitive stage in His ministry. A our own baptism, we receive a new identity and are given the task of continuing the mission of Christ. Therefore, as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we should also give thanks for the gift of our own baptism.
Baptism of our Lord, year C
The coming of Jesus in the world changes the way we see. The Magi recognized that God does not work through power, wealth, and might, but rather through humility and service. Those who saw the Magi learned that the Saviour of Israel, Jesus, was in fact the Saviour of all peoples. We pray for our own Epiphany, that God may grant us new vision to see the world differently.
Epiphany, year C
Happy New Year! In the first reading from Numbers (Num 6:22–27), we discover that God is always seeking to bless us. However, do we recognize how God is blessing us? From Mary, we learn how to search out and understand the ways God is working in our lives, blessing us (Luke 2:16–21). The assurance of God's support assists us in journeying forward with confidence into 2025, this Jubilee year.
We can relate to a lot about the Holy Family. Like our families, they experienced both joy and challenges. On the other hand, there is a lot about the Holy Family that can be difficult to connect with: Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a Saint, and Jesus is the Son of God! Similarly, the feast of the Holy Family reminds us that with the coming of Christ, the dignity of family has been affirmed. At the same time, we are challenged to expand our concept of family. Being Christian makes us part of a larger family.
Holy Family, year C
Merry Christmas! In the Nativity story, we hear of many characters who are on a journey: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We too are on a journey in our own life. This journey can be difficult at times. We can be confused about our destination. We can feel alone. Christmas changes the way we journey forever. We know our destination: Jesus Christ. We are strengthened by Him. As well, we receive the gift of community, people who strengthen, nourish, and support us along our way. It is good to journey together!
"Does anyone know what Christmas is all about"? This is a question posed by Charlie Brown in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Today in the Gospel (Luke 1:39–45), we hear the story of the Visitation. This meeting between two pregnant women, Mary and Elizabeth, teaches us some of what Christmas is all about: hospitality, welcome, service, and sharing the joy of Jesus.
4 Sunday Advent, year C
Advent is a time marked by the spirituality of waiting. Like when we sit in the arrivals area waiting for a loved one to return, the waiting of Advent reminds us of our need for Jesus and strengthens our desire to follow Him.
3 Sunday Advent: Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
In Luke's account of the Baptist's preaching, we are reminded that the scope of Jesus' salvation is universal. Christ came to change our hearts and all structures of the world. While we wait for Jesus' return and the full actualization of His kingdom, we care called to build a more just and peaceful world.
2 Sunday Advent, year C
Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1; Lk 3:1-6
During this season of Advent, we pray that the life of Christ may be born anew in our hearts, especially in circumstances that seem hopeless and lifeless. As the mystic Angelus Silesius once wrote,“Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem – but all in vain until He is born in me.”
1 Sunday Advent, year C
Jer 33:14–16; 1 Thess 3:12–4:2; Lk 21:25–36
We can feel powerless and insignificant when we consider the incredible wealth and oppressive and even violent power of some people. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus exercises ultimate power and influence in an unexpected way, through selfless service to the least among us. When we follow Jesus' call to love others as He has loved us, our actions truly has significance now and forever.
Apocalyptic literature, like we find in the first reading and Gospel today (Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32), are some of the strangest and most difficult to decipher genres in the Bible. At their core, these texts are meant to inspire hope in a persecuted community. They convey that God is in control and therefore their suffering will not last forever. These texts encourage the community to live in faithfulness to the covenant. The Gospel in particular reminds us that Jesus is a light in our darkness.
Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32
I think we all like to go people-watching from time to time. In the Gospel today (Mk 12:38–44), Jesus is in the Temple people-watching with His disciples. There he teaches them, and us, important lessons about who are the people worthy of our attention and imitation. Surprisingly, Jesus calls attention to a poor widow, calling us to imitate her sacrificial generosity.
32 Sunday OT, year B
In response to a question, Jesus gets back to basics, revealing the core of what it means to follow God's path: love God and love our neighbour (Mk 12:28b-34). In order to truly love our neighbour, we must get to know them so that we can serve them in the way that is truly best for them, not what we might think is best.
31 Sunday of Ordinary Time, B
In the Gospel today, we meet Bartimaeus (Mark 10:45-52). Although he is physically blind, he has better spiritual vision than others around him since he is able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and knows Christ will heal him. We can become spiritually blind when we fail to see Christ present in our neighbour and daily experiences.
30 Sunday of Ordinary Time, B
In the Gospel today (Mk 10:35-45), Jesus presents a vision of His community where all participate, all serve, and each and every voice matters. The Synod, currently happening in Rome, is an opportunity for the Church to become this kind of community.
29 Sunday OT, B
In his interaction with the rich young man (Mark 10:17–30), Jesus gives guidance for how we can focus better on what bring our greatest joy – our relationship with Christ – by decluttering or putting in proper perspective things like possessions and even family. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to focus on what brings us joy.
28 Sunday, B
In discussing marriage, Jesus shows his care for married people who are vulnerable as well as emphasis on the goodness of marriage. As a Church, we are called to continue this ministry of care and encouragement. We care for those for whom marriage has been a source of pain, creating space for healing and welcome. We encourage those who are married, promoting the value and beauty of the sacrament of marriage.
27 Sunday OT, B
Like parents warning their children from danger and harm, Jesus uses strong language to have us move away from the damaging impacts of sin (Mark 9:38-43; 45, 47-48). We all have behaviours that harm ourselves and those around us. The Gospel, as well as the writings of saints like St. Ignatius, give us helpful guidance for how to overcome temptation and live a fuller life.
26 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
The Gospel today (Mk 9:30-37) teaches us that human fulfilment is not found in having power. Rather, we live a joyful life when we make of ourselves a gift to others. Doing this allows us to find meaning, even in the midst of routine and seemingly ordinary daily life.
25 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
Our understanding of who Jesus is will impact how we think a follower of Jesus will act. In the Gospel today (Mk 8:27-35), although Peter correctly identifies that Jesus is the Messiah, Peter cannot grasp that the Messiah will be a suffering servant. Since Jesus is a Saviour who came to serve others, we are called to do the same.
24 Sunday of OT, year B
Mk 8:27–35
The start of each school year is a time of hope and possibility. New beginnings are a time to choose new behaviours and attitudes. The second reading today from Saint James challenges us to behave with special care and attention for the needy (James 2:1–5). The healing in the Gospel (Mk 7:31–37), which we relive in the Ephphatha ritual in our baptism, reminds us that Jesus give us the grace to see the needy in our midst and respond to them in a positive way.
23 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
In the Gospel today (Mark 7), Jesus is asked about what causes division, separation, and broken relationships. Jesus explains that it is not certain external observances which create problems. Rather, it is the human heart that has the power both to divide and to unite.
22 Sunday OT, year B
Having doubts about what we believe is a common experience in our faith journey. In the Gospel (John 6:60–69), we find people experiencing doubts about who Jesus is. In the midst of this struggle, the Apostle Peter shows a way through doubt. Focusing on the person of Jesus can transform doubts into an opportunity to grow.
21 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
In the Eucharist, Jesus the Bread of Life nourishes us, and leads us into communion with God and each other. The Gospel this Sunday (Jn 6:51–58) focuses our attention on the precious gift of the Eucharist.
20 Sunday of OT
Jn 6:51-58
As we continue the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus describes today how He is the Bread of Life in His word (Jn 6:41–51). In the Sacred Scripture Christ nourishes us, giving us encouragement, direction, and hope. Do we read Scripture expecting Christ to speak personally to us?
Signs, like an Olympic medal, can be wonderful things. However, signs usually point to something more important. In the case of the medal, the sign points to the excellence of the athlete and the sacrifices they made. In the Gospel (Jn 6:24-35), Jesus reminds us to focus not only on the sign He has worked (the multiplication of the loaves), but to keep in view what the sign points to: Jesus is the bread of life.
On this Sunday we remember in a special way grandparents and elders in our community. Grandparents image the generosity of God. They often want to feed those they love! In the readings today, we see that God gives food in abundance. God satisfies more than just physical hunger. Like the boy in the Gospel who contributed five loaves and two fish, God wants us to contribute in this mission of satisfying those who hunger physically and spiritually.
17 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B
2 Kings 4:42-44
John 6:1-15
In Ephesians we discover that Jesus came to breaks down walls that separate people (Ephesians 2:13–18). As followers of Christ, we are called to build bridges, seeking to bring unity in the midst of polarization and division. We can do this by imitating Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices Himself out of love for others (Mark 6:30–34)
16 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B
As followers of Christ we are all sent out on mission (Mark 6:7-13). We carry out this mission in community. The witness of love, reconciliation, and peace, is one way we complete our mission. In addition, we are encouraged to rely totally on God in our mission.
15 Sunday of Ordinary time, year B
The Gospel today tells us about how Jesus was acting as a prophet, preaching the Word of God in his hometown Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6). Although we can be tempted to judge the people in the Gospel who reject Christ, we should remember that we too run the risk of rejecting Christ's life-giving words.
14 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
How can a loving God allow suffering and death? This perennial question is tackled in today's readings. The book of Wisdom shows us that suffering and death was not part of God's original plan for humanity (Wisdom 1). Jesus came to restore life and overcome suffering (Mk 5). We are called to continue this healing and life-giving mission of Christ.
13 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
In the Old Testament, the sea epitomized the dangerous forces aligned against humanity. In the Gospel today (Mk 4:35-41), Jesus calms the storm which threatens His disciples on the Sea. In this way, the power of Christ to overcome all forces of evil is manifested. As we face our own storms, we take courage in the power of Jesus.
12 Sunday of Ordinary Time
At times we can get discouraged because of prayers, acts of charity, or efforts to build God's kingdom seem small and insignificant. The Gospel today (Mark 4:26-34) encourages us to persevere. The work of God in the world is often humble and goes undetected. God, however, is always at work, taking what we offer Him and causing it to grow into something wonderful.
11 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
In the Scripture, we read about an entity, Satan, who works against the goodness of God. Whereas God is a communion of love, Satan brings division, separating people from God and one another. In the Gospel (Mark 3:20-35) Jesus declares he has defeated Satan. Christ has created one family of God. We have been given the grace to bring unity. Only we prevent this by happening, by rejecting the power of Christ, something Mark calls the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
10th Sunday of Ordinary Time
On Corpus Christi, the readings today are rather gory! There is a lot of talk of blood and sacrifice. The particular readings for this current year invite us to consider the topic of covenant as it relates to the Eucharist. The first reading describes the important covenant God made with Moses and the people, in which blood was a central aspect (Exod 24:3-8). The second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ for us creates a final covenant (Heb 9:11-15). The Gospel teaches us that the Eucharist is a renewal of this covenant (Mk 14:12-26). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and life.
Corpus Christi, year B
Thinking about the Trinity can be complicated! When we get right down to it, however, our belief in the Trinity is central to who we are as baptized people. We are made for relationship and communion.
James Joyce once said that Catholic means "here comes everybody". On Pentecost we read about the birth of the Church, a united family which has great diversity of languages and backgrounds. We remember on Pentecost that the Church is a diverse body unity by the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the Church matters and we all need one another.
Pentecost 2024
At first glance, the Ascension seems like something we shouldn't really celebrate. Jesus leaves us behind and, to make matters worse, gives us an impossible mission before He goes. The Holy Spirit is the anecdote for the separation anxiety caused by the Ascension. The Comforter restores us and gives us the strength (Mark 16:15-20) for our mission of healing the separations (with God, neighbour, and creation) that resulted from the Fall.
Ascension, year B
The readings today encourage us to consider the reality of love. We learn that true love has its origin in God and always seeks the good of the other (John 15:9-17). As followers of Jesus, we are not meant to be motivated by fear. Rather, we are called to fall in love.
6 Sunday of Easter, year B
In the Gospel today (John 15:1-8), Jesus tells us about our close connection to Him and, through Him, to other Christians. By abiding in Christ, aided by prayer and the Sacraments, we bring the love and peace of Jesus to those around us.
In our baptism we are linked to Christ and called to be good sheep as well as shepherds in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd. On Good Shepherd Sunday, let us pray that we can all follow our vocations faithfully, bringing Christ to the world!
The Gospel today (Lk 24:35-48) emphasizes that Jesus rose from the dead WITH His body. He was not a ghost! This shows us the importance of our own bodies. It is through our bodies that we show care, closeness, and charity to others.
Why does the Risen Christ still have wounds? This is a puzzling feature of today's Gospel (John 20:19-31). We believe that our resurrected bodies will be free from suffering and decay. So why the wounds on Christ? From Jesus' encounter with Thomas, we discover His wounds have been glorified. They are a constant reminder of His love for us and now give life, not death. Likewise, through the mercy of God, our own wounds can become glorified and can become a channel of grace for others.
Divine Mercy, Year B
As Christian we have Risen with Christ. Let us show to the world what this means in our life, bringing joy, peace and goodness to those around us. Let us show to all our own Resurrection.
Easter Sunday, year B
During the Easter Vigil, we hear the remarkable history of salvation history, from Adam to Jesus. At first glance, the Gospel telling us about the Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8) can seem like a definitive conclusion to the story. When we look closer, however, we find that the Gospel ends with a "to be continued". We, the baptized, continue the story Jesus. Through the Spirit, we keep His mission alive. We are the sequel of Christ.
Easter Vigil, year B (Mark 16:1-8)
When Christ died on the cross, God joined Himself to all who suffer the darkness of pain, sickness, war, and grief. Because of Good Friday, we can be sure that we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus is always by our side. Because of Good Friday we have hope in the midst of our struggles. Christ has lit a candle in the darkness of our suffering.
Good Friday, year B
On Holy Thursday our reality about who God is and how we are to act got upended. Jesus, the great "I Am", the almighty, came and washed feet in an act of humble service. Christ went further and even washed the feet of Judas, the one who would betray Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve all, even those who we find difficult. The Eucharist, the gift of Christ Himself, gives us the strength to follow this radical call.
Holy Thursday, year B
As we hold palms this Palm Sunday, we are connected to those who waved palms when Christ entered Jerusalem. Why did these people wave palms in the first place? Who did they think Jesus was? As we wave our palms this Sunday, let it be an opportunity to reflect of the kind of Saviour we think Jesus and the consequences this has for our life of discipleship.
Palm Sunday, Year B
Every so often, our phones need a software update to repair some critical issue in the program. Perhaps this can be an image of what Jesus does for us. After we were created in God's image, something within us became broke. A virus entered our system. Jeremiah 31 looked forward to a time when God would heal our heart in a definitive way. God promised to make a new covenant, writing the law on our hearts. Christ brings about this new covenant. By His death and resurrection, He saves us and makes us new, ensuring we will never again need any kind of update to our hearts. Lent is a time for us to participate more and more in this transformation Christ is working, providing the ultimate "software update" for the human heart.
5 Sunday Lent, year B
Nicodemus undergoes an incredible transformation in John's Gospel. Nicodemus moves from someone who is afraid to be seen with Jesus, to having the courage to be one of the few to bury Jesus. The message of today's Gospel, Jn 3:14-21, is what transforms Nicodemus. He learns of the generous love of God and how when we give love, God multiples it.
We often procrastinate when we come up against a task that we know will be difficult: filing our taxes, forgiving someone, having a difficult conversation, or getting healthier. The story of Jesus cleansing the Temple (Jn 2) gives us some helpful pointers for how we can overcome procrastination and live a fuller life.
The story of Abraham in the first reading (Gen 22) as well as the Gospel (Mk 9:2-10), show us how God can take our generosity and sacrifices and transform them into something remarkable.
Since sin entered the world, God has been planning to make all things new. The flood was a part of this plan (Gen 9:8-15). With Christ, humanity is created afresh, given new hearts to love and serve God (Mk 1:12-15). Lent is a time to remember that we are being made new. This project begun at baptism and continues with God's grace and our cooperation.
In the Lion King, Simba needed to relearn his deepest identity in order to follow his mission. Lent, likewise, is a time for us to reconsider our core identity as God's children, sinners and yet redeemed.
The Gospel today shows Jesus healing a leper in a holistic way: physically, socially, and spiritually (Mk 1:40-45). Many Christians, such as St. Damian, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Theresa, have been inspired to imitate this story literally. In different ways, all of Christ's followers are called to continue Jesus' mission of healing, caring and praying for the sick, and seeking to integrate those on the margins into our community.
The book of Job grapples with some of life's most difficult questions. Why do we suffer when we have done nothing wrong? Why does God feel absent at times? In the Gospel today (Mk 1:29-39) Jesus confronts these challenges. He shows us that, in the end, all suffering will be destroyed. In the meantime, Jesus is very close to those who suffer. This care is expressed in a special way in the Sacraments of healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
In one way or another, we are under someone's authority. Human authority tends to oppress and fails to lead us to the fulness of life. In the Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) we learn that Jesus has absolute authority, yet uses this authority to serve and give new life. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages us all to put ourselves under Christ's loving lordship.
When we lack a mission our purpose, we can lack joy and a sense of person. The readings today show us that Jesus has called each of us to be part of a community, loving God, serving our neighbour and building a more just world. We should never think we are not good enough. We all have talents God wants us to use for mission.
3 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
The First Reading (1 Sam 3) and the Gospel today (Jn 1:35-42) encourage us to reflect on how we can hear the word of God in our lives. We can perhaps think that God will call us in a clear way as he did for Samuel. However, John's Gospel shows us that we often hear the voice of God through other people, and can have trouble understanding what God is calling us to, and learn more about God's plans for us as we journey with Jesus and participate in His mission.
On this celebration of the Epiphany, the magi are presented to us as models of faith to imitate. They are humble seekers who show incredible generosity. Among the various traditions that have developed surrounding the magi, this is illustrated by the story of the fourth wise man.
Epiphany, year B
Names have a meaning. The name Jesus, which we hear proclaimed in today's Gospel means the "Lord saves". Through Jesus, God saves, rescues, heals and blesses us. Like Mary, let us learn to recognize the many ways we are blessed by Jesus.
Mary Mother of God, year B
Although their are so many blessings and much goodness in our families, no one has a perfect family. The Holy Family also struggled and suffered. We learn from the Holy Family that our own families - as imperfect as they are - can be schools in which we grow in love of God and neighbour.
Holy Family, year B
On Christmas Day, the shepherds received an unexpected gift. When they visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in Bethlehem, they encountered a Saviour who defied all expectations: Immanuel, God with us. We rejoice in having such a Saviour, who is always close to us, whatever we are going through, saving us.
Christmas, year B
Today's readings are all about houses. In the first reading (2 Sam 7), David wants to build God a house, a Temple. Instead of David building God a Temple, God promises He will build David a dynastic house. Jesus, son of David and son of God, fulfills this promise when He is born at Bethlehem, the "house of bread".
4th Sunday of Advent, year B
John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the light of the world (Jn 1). Jesus came to bring salvation and joy. Just as some recognized His light for what it was while some failed to see it, so we must choose to see the goodness Jesus brings into our daily lives. The light always shines in the darkness. Seeing the light and embracing joy is a choice.
3 Sunday of Advent, year B
John 1
The wilderness or desert is a rich image in the Bible. At different times, God's people found themselves in a literal or figurative desert. These were times of suffering, confusion and disruption. At the same time, the desert is also a place of hope. God cares for his people in the desert and send help and salvation. On this second Sunday of Advent, the readings call us to rekindle our hope. Whatever desert we find ourselves in, God will come to rescue us through Christ!
Second Sunday of Advent, year B | Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8
Waiting for God to act in our lives can be difficult, especially when God seems distant. In the parable from today's Gospel, we learn that although Jesus will always enter our lives, the timing of his arrival and means by which He works is often unexpected.
1 Sunday of Advent, year B
Mark, 13:33-37
Although the Solemnity of Christ the King is relatively new (established in 1925), the theme of kingship is an important one in the Old Testament. After exile, expectation grew that God would send an ultimate King would would establish the Kingdom of God in a definitive way. As we hear in the Gospel today (Matthew 25), Jesus fulfills this expectation in an unexpected way.
Christ the King, year A
The parable of the talents from today's Gospel (Matt 25:14-30) can almost sound like a clique. However, when we know more about the value of a talent at Jesus time, we learn that each of us has been incredible blessed by God with gifts we are called to use at service of other.
Waiting is a difficult thing to do, it can create tension, anxiety and anticipation. Christians are people who live in a constant state of waiting until the return of Christ. In today's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus teaches us how to wait well, by waiting with hope and by keeping our lamps full of the oil of charity and service.
32 Sunday of Ordinary time
At times, those in leadership - whether inside or outside the Church - can use their authority for their own gain. In the Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shows us that true leadership involves service and practicing what we preach.
31 Sunday OT, year A
When asked, "what is the greatest commandment?" it is significant that Jesus answers with more than one commandment (Mt 22:34-40). We need to love God... but... we can't really love God unless we love our neighbour... but... we can't really love our neighbour unless we love ourselves. To love God, then, we need to love others (especially the difficult ones) in a way that shows we actually like them.
30 Sunday of Ordinary time, year A
In today's Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21), Jesus deftly avoids a trap sprung with the question: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Not only does Jesus expose the hypocrisy of those trying to trap Him, He also teaches a profound lesson about who has true authority over us and the world, and the inalienable dignity of each person.
29 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A
What do we make of the extreme language we hear from Jesus in the Gospel today (Matthew 22:1-14)? Jesus seems to be raising an alarm in the passage, compelling us to take action so that we do not loose the great goodness offered to us now and for eternity.
28 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A
Matthew 22:1-14
On this Thanksgiving weekend, we express our gratitude to God for our many gifts, particularly being called to be followers of Jesus. The parable of the vineyard in the Gospel today (Matthew 21:33-43) reminds us that these gifts come with the responsibility to use them for the benefit of others. The Synod is an opportunity for all in the Church to pray about how we can live up to this responsibility, bearing the most fruit in our world.
We have all experienced losses. In the second reading today from Phil 2, Paul teaches his audience how to live in peace when things are taken away from them. By following Jesus' example of kenosis (= self-emptying), naming our losses, and serving other in the midst of our struggles, we can find healing and life.
26 Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
The parable of the vineyard owner and the workers that Jesus tells in the Gospel today (Matthew 20:1-16) is unsettling because it seems so unfair. Like all parables, this one is supposed to provoke and unsettle us so that we can see some deeper spiritual truths. The parable teaches us that God's grace is something we could never earn, it's pure gift. It also shows us that in God's eyes we all have the same dignity since God is equally generous with us. Finally, the Gospel challenges us to be generous like God, especially with those we don't believe deserve our generosity.
25 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A
Forgiving others can be extremely difficult. In today's Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells us how important it is to forgive. We must forgive not 7 times but 77 times! In addition, by means of a parable, Jesus gives us a tip or method for how to make forgiveness easier: the more we remind ourselves of the mercy and forgiveness God and others have shown us, the easier it becomes to forgive.
24 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A
When someone harms us or those we care about, our natural reaction can be to seek to hurt them in return. In the Gospel today (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus points out an alternative (and challenging!) way of responding, which leads to true reconciliation.
Suffering is an unavoidable human experience. It is a problem which various religions and philosophies have grappled with. In the Gospel (Mt 16:21-27) Jesus teaches us that when suffering is combined with love it can lead to life.
22 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A
"Who do people believe the son of Man is?" Peter answered, "you are the Christ, the Son of the living God". In order to better appreciate the incredible interaction between Jesus and Peter in the Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20), it can be helpful to consider the importance of three locations: Caesarea Philippi, Calvary and the Vatican hill in Rome.
21 Sunday Ordinary Time, A
We can be quite good at creating barriers that separate people. The readings today show us that God seeks to remove these wall, giving His grace to all.
20 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A
The readings for the feast of the Transfiguration fill us with the hope that, in the end, God will conquer all that oppresses us: evil, sin, and death. This gives us confidence as we follow Jesus each day.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as being a treasure or a pearl of great price that people acquire by selling all that they have (Matthew 13:44-46). Jesus reminds us that although following Him can be difficult at times - it requires selling or leaving behind certain things or ways of thinking and acting - what we gain by being His disciple is truly worth it!
(17 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A)
In the Gospel today (Mt 13:24-43) Jesus uses parables to help us better understand different mysteries about the Kingdom of God.
16th Sunday Ordinary Time, year A
Each of us hears many voices in our life (friends, co-workers, social media) which speak various words to us. Some voices bring us peace and lead us closer to God and neighbour and others do not. God's word always brings life. Can we hear His voice?
15 Sunday of OT (Mt 13:1-9)
Work can be a burden for many of us. When we find a deeper purpose in our work, it can become an easier burden and a lighter yoke.
The readings this Sunday teach us about the importance of hospitality. When we welcome the stranger we show love to Christ.
13 Sunday Ordinary Time, Year A
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16; Rom 6:3-4; 8-11; Mt 10:37-42
Fear is a helpful thing. At times, however, it can overwhelm us. The Gospel today (Matthew 10:26-33) gives us helpful advice for keeping fear in check with faith.
What would change if we truly believe if we are precious to God? What would change if we truly believed that other people, especially those who we might not care for, are precious to God?
11 Sunday Ordinary Time
Exodus 19:2-6; Matthew 9:36-10:8
Pope Leo the Great wrote: "Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ has no other purpose than to transform us into that which we receive". Today, we give thanks to God for the great gift of the Eucharist.
We are made in the image of God, who a Three Persons in One. This reminds us that we find our fulfillment when we prioritize relationships and work to build unity.
At Pentecost we celebrate that the Holy Spirit makes us one family, united in diversity, which is sent on a common mission. In this family, everyone is important and have gifts to offer in service of our common mission from Jesus.
At His Ascension, Jesus does not abandon us. Rather, He gives us the strength to flourish as mature disciples. This Sunday as we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, we are inspired by Jesus' commission to “make disciples of all nations” and are comforted by His words “I am with you always, to the end of the age”.
Happy Mother's Day!
Today's Gospel (Jn 14:15-21) comes from Jesus' farewell discourse, His last will and testament to his followers. In this, He gives his disciples hope, summarizes the core of His teaching and speaks of His success, the Holy Spirit. In a special way, Jesus entrusts us with the mission of loving others as Jesus loved us. This sacrificial love is epitomized for so many of us by the love of our mothers. As Rudyard Kipling wrote "God could not be everywhere, so he gave us mothers".
This Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, we celebrate the sacrificial love that Christ has for us. The image of Christ as the gate (Jn 10:1-10) shows us that we are called to participate in this gift of salvation. On this Day of Prayer for Vocations, we remember that we do this by responding generously to our own vocation.
On the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24), two disciples had their sorrow transformed into joy when they finally recognized the Risen Jesus who was in their midst the whole time. This story not only tells us about a past encounter. It also teaches us who live long after the Ascension how we can recognize the Risen Christ who is present to us in the scripture, the Eucharist, community, and charity.
We can learn a lot from the example of "doubting Thomas" we read about in the Gospel (Jn 20:19-31). Like him, we should be open with God about what we need so that Divine Mercy can transform our lives.
Easter fills us with hope. Just as the rising sun at dawn bring the promise of a new day, so the Resurrection ensures that the Light of Christ will conquer all the darkness of sin and death. When we renew our baptismal creed at Easter, we recommit ourselves to being people of the dawn, bringing the light of Christ to those around us.
During the Easter Vigil, we have the opportunity to hear the highlights of the story of God's interaction with humanity. In the Gospel, we hear the end of the story, the triumph of love and life over sin and death. At our baptism, we enter into this story. Knowing that our story ends in life transforms us here and now. As the candles that we light as the Vigil from the Pasqual Candle light up the Church, so we spread the light of and love of Christ around us.
Good Friday reveals to us that we received mercy from a God who loves us rather than strict justice. This mercy cannot end on the Cross. We receive this mercy as a gift we share with others.
The theme of remembering runs through the readings for Holy Thursday. The Passover is a remembrance of the Exodus. The Lord's Supper or Eucharist is in remembrance of the Last Supper. The remembrance that the Jesus speaks about at the Last Supper is meant to transform us to become servant like Him, treating all with dignity and love.
The two Gospel we hear on Palm or Passion Sunday show diverse reactions to Jesus. While there are some who stand by Jesus through His Passion, many abandon Him. Why? The answer can be found in the palms they waved. Jesus was an unexpected Messiah.
The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (Jn 11:1-45), speaks to us of three tombs, the tombs of Lazarus, Jesus, and our own. This story shows up the compassion Jesus has for those who mourn and the life Jesus gives us, now and for eternity.
The Gospel this Sunday (Jn 9:1-41) tells the story of Jesus giving sight to the blind man. It is rich in symbolism. The Gospel teaches us how Jesus is the light of the world. Just as the pillar of fire led the people of Israel through the wilderness, so Jesus is the light that guides us. Further, the Gospel challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus, the light of the world. Do we reject Jesus as his opponents did? Are we hesitant in our faith like the parents of the blind man? Or, do we allow Jesus to deepen our faith as the blind man did?
Homily for 4 Sunday Lent, year A
Water is a basic human need. When we lack water, we can experience a thirst that can be painful at times. In Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:5-42), the image of thirst is used to explain how we all have deeper longings in our heart that Christ satisfies with His gift of the living water.
Just before His journey to Calvary, the Transfiguration of Jesus gave hope to his followers by giving them a preview to the end of Christ's story: the Resurrection (Mt 17:1-9). In our lives, God gives us mini-transfiguration moments which give us hope in the midst of our challenges
1 Sunday Lent, Matthew 4:1-11
Similar to how the song of Orpheus conquered the Siren's song, so Christ points us towards our true good and away from temptations which can never fulfil us.
"Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return". "Repent and believe in the Gospel". The two invocations we use while imposing ashes remind us that God has given us an assignment - to follow the Gospel - and that this assignment has a due date.
When we think of someone who we may consider an enemy, Jesus teaching to love that person can seem impossible (Mt 5:38-48). Part of the problem can be that we misunderstand what Jesus means by "love". Ultimately Jesus teaches us that non-violent resistance and forgiveness is the path that brings lasting peace.
In the Gospel this Sunday (Matthew 5:17-37), Jesus tells us that He came to fulfill and not abolish the Law or the prophets. What does this mean? From the examples Jesus gives, we learn that He emphasizes our interior motivations for following the commandments. Jesus wants us to follow the commandments of course, but our living relationship with God is what is most important. As Benedict XVI wrote in Deus Caritas Est,
“Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”
In the Gospel today Jesus (Mt 5:13-16), Jesus teaches us a lesson we all probably learned in Kindergarten: we are called to transform those around us by being salt and light. We do this by letting the light of Christ, which we received at our baptism, shine through us to those around us.
Social media if full of influencers who try offering advice to people, telling them what it means to live a good life. Those who create this content want to get the maximum number of people watching them - they want to go viral. If Jesus had a social media platform in which he offered His teaching, would He go viral? When we hear the Beatitudes in today's Gospel (Mt 5:1-12), it seems that such teaching would not gain traction online because it does not seem logical. How can those who mourn or are persecuted by "blessed"? Who would want that? The truth of the Beatitudes, however, is realized only when we live them out.
In the Gospel today, Jesus choses his initial followers, the first members of His team (Mt 4:12-23). Sometimes we might fear we don't have what it takes to be chosen by Christ. In reality, He calls all of us. We are all necessary and important members of the community.
John the Baptist was like a commercial for Christ. By his words and actions he drew people to Jesus (Jn 1:29-34). In our baptism, we are called to imitate John the Baptist, being signposts directing people to the goodness of Jesus.
The story of the Magi (Matthew 2) is more than just a nice story to tell at Christmas. The stages of their journey to encounter Christ parallels our own experience as we follow Jesus. Their story is our story.
We may want to imitate one practice of Mary as a New Year's resolution. The Gospel today (Lk 2:16-21) shows us the ability of Our Lady to "ponder" the wonders God was working around her. By taking some time in silence each day, we too can ponder the ways God blesses us and be strengthened and filled with hope.
When we listen to the Christmas story, we hear about many characters (Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Magi) whose lives were changed when they chose to play a role in the story of Jesus. This Christmas, let us not only hear the story of Jesus' birth, but participate in it and be transformed.
For each of us, our name is so important. Our parents selected our name with care. Our names mean something. The same goes for Jesus. The Gospel today (Matthew 1:18-24) shows us what the name of Jesus - Emmanuel - indicates about who He is.
Like John the Baptist, we too can be confused about the identity of Jesus. What kind of Saviour is he? In the Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11), Jesus teaches us that he always brings us life and joy. Let us invite others this Christmas to experience this joy.
The Christmas tree is an important symbol during this time of year. In the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent, we find trees beings used as images in both the first reading and the Gospel (Isa 11:1-10; Mat 3:1-12). This "tree imagery" communicates the way that God brings new life from seemingly helpless situations as well as how we sometimes need pruning before God's goodness can flourish.
God is always present in our lives, blessing us. However, we sometimes miss God's presence. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that his arrival in our lives is similar to the time of Noah. Advent is a time to train our "spiritual eyes" to recognize the presence of God in our lives.
It is strange to hear Jesus speak about the end of the world in the Gospel today (Luke 21:5-19). Although foreign to us, this "apocalyptic" way of speaking is meant to challenge as well as console us. The world as we know it is ending, but Jesus is bringing a better one into existence.
Just after Halloween, with days getting darker, we tend to focus on spookier things like our own mortality. In the Church, we pray for the faithful departed during November. This is a time to consider our death, but always through the lens of our hope in the resurrection.
In Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10) we seek that Jesus will not prevent anything from coming in the way of people encountering His goodness. As a Church we are called to imitate Jesus' example, making space for everyone to meet Christ and be transformed.
31 Sunday OT, year C
God's grace and mercy are freely available to all. When we think we do not need God, however, God cannot help us. When we behave like this, we can often be judgmental and unmerciful towards others. In the Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus calls us to imitate the tax collector. Because he recognized his need for God, he was blessed.
Prayer is a tricky business. Sometimes we don't get what we ask for in prayer. We can feel like giving up with prayer altogether. In the Gospel (Lk 18:1-8) Jesus encourages us to persevere in prayer. God the Father will give us what is best for us. The first reading (Ex 17:8-13) hints at the idea that we can help one another to persevere in prayer.
Happy Thanksgiving! The Gospel today (Lk 17:11-19) teaches us about the power of gratitude. Gratitude is able to cut through the darkness caused by suffering and helps us to recognize the many ways God blesses us daily. Gratitude leads to joy.
Like the disciples in today's Gospel (Luke 17:5-10), because of various doubts we can think that our faith is fragile and insignificant. Jesus teaches us that true faith is expressed in faithful actions, in serving God and neighbour without hope of personal gain. Even with a little faith we can do great things in God's name.
In the story today about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:9-13), Jesus gives us the question we will all be asked at judgement: what have you done to help the poor? Unlike the rich man in the Gospel, let us share generously with those who are in need around us. Who is a "Lazarus" in your life?
Who will welcome us into God's Kingdom? Those we have given to without counting the cost. In today's Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus describes the economics of God and teaches us an important lesson about stewardship.
In the Gospel today (Luke 15), we hear three parables which tell us about the mercy of God. God loves all. God has a special love for those who are suffering. He is always with us and seeks us out when we are in need. As Pope Francis said, "the name of God is mercy".
When Jesus tells his follows to "hate" mother, father and even our very self (Lk 14:25-33), He is not suggesting that we should distain particular individuals. Rather, He warns us that we cannot construct our identity based on family ties or social status (e.g. "I am from a wealthy and powerful family therefore I am superior" or "I am from a family of limited means and influence therefore I am of less value than other"), as was common at His time. Rather, be a disciple our identity needs to be rooted in Christ. When we do this, we can truly love others and have a proper understanding of our own dignity.
The Gospel today (Lk 14:1, 7-14) illustrates the importance of humility and shows it is so much more than a way of thinking about ourselves. True humility involves giving with no strings attached, just as God is generous with us.
Rather than closing the door of salvation to others, Jesus encourages us in the Gospel (Luke 13:22-30) to make sure that each of us personally walk through the door Christ has opened which leads to God's Kingdom.
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, August 6, 2022
With His emphasis on judgement and violent punishment, the language of Jesus in the Gospel today (Luke 12:32-38) is startling. He sounds like a "fire and brimstone" preacher declaring a message that seems far removed from the Gospel of love and mercy with which we are accustomed. When we look closer, however, Jesus' proclamation about judgement is in fact Gospel. It is good news.
The Gospel today (Lk 12:13-21) shows us that generosity rather than greed brings peace in the midst of the insecurities and uncertainties of life.
The Gospel of today (Lk 11:1-13) teaches us to pray with confidence and perseverance. This week we have the opportunity to put this teaching into practice during Pope Francis' "Penitential pilgrimage". With him, we pray that this pilgrimage "will contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken".
Today was my first Mass as pastor of St. Peter's, New Westminster. In this homily, I reflect on two values, hospitality and discipleship, that are highlighted by today's readings (Gen 18:1-10; Luke 10:38-42). These values are important in any Christian community or parish.
"Don't make the enemy of the good". Today's Gospel seems to apply this common adage to our spiritual life. Although none of us are perfect, Jesus loves and accepts us and calls us to serve.
We can learn a lot from the example of "doubting Thomas". Like him, we should be open with God about what we need so that Divine Mercy can transform our lives.
At the Easter Vigil we renew our baptismal call to be an Easter people, a people full of joy. Knowing the end of our story - the resurrection - helps us to live with hope.
The readings from Palm Sunday show us two responses to Jesus. On the one hand, many who acclaim Jesus as Messiah when he enters Jerusalem later call for His death. They are fairweather fans. On the other hand, others show incredible fidelity to Jesus throughout His Passion. During Holy Week, we pray to follow the example of this group.
When tragedies strike we are reminded of the shortness of life and the need to live well. In the Gospel today, Jesus references two contemporary tragedies from His time. These tragedies teach us that we will not live forever and so we should be sure to live a good life that has eternal significance.
First Sunday of Advent
Advent teaches us to be ready for the arrival of Jesus, not just at the end of time, but in the various ways that Jesus enters our life each and every day.
The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that central to Jesus' mission was establishing the kingdom of God. Just as Jesus is a king unlike any other, so the kingdom of God is unlike any kingdom the world has ever seen.
Apocalyptic literature in the Bible, like we read about during today's Mass , is meant to inspire hope in a community that is suffering.
33 Sunday Ordinary Time year B
In the Gospel today (Mark 12:38-44), Jesus challenges us to consider who is truly great. It is not the rich, powerful or wealthy who are great. Rather, those who are generous and self-sacrificial are the ones who are truly great in God's eyes.
Jesus shows us that leaders must serve (Mark 10:35-45). This has major implications for the way that the Church exists. The Synodal process, recently inaugurated by Pope Francis, is meant to shape the Church so that it is marked by service and collaboration between all the baptized.
A paradox at the heart of Christianity is this: we find fulfillment for ourselves when we make ourselves a gift to others. This truth, which St. John Paul II called "the law of the gift", is at the heart of today's Gospel (Mark 9:30-37).
The Gospel reading for today, Mark 8:27-35 (24 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B), discusses the identity of Jesus. The image we have of Jesus matters because it determines how we live our life as Christians. We hear in the Gospel that Peter gets some aspects of Jesus' identity correct but is very wrong when it comes to some fundamentals of who Jesus is.
In the Gospel today (Mark 7:31-37, 23 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B), we find Jesus speaking Aramaic. This teaches us something important about Jesus' identity and the way that God works in the world.
Doubt is a normal part of our spiritual journey. Although it seems counterintuitive, when we respond to doubt in the right way, it can be an opportunity to strengthen our faith (Jn 6:60-69).
God always wants to help us when we need help. Sometimes, however, like the people in today’s Gospel (John 6), we reject God’s assistance because because it comes in a form we do not expect. Asking for help is an act of faith.
Just as the people in the Gospel (John 6:24-35) are corrected by Jesus for focusing on the good, but external aspects of a sign (bread) rather than the better, divine truth it represented (Jesus is the bread of life), the Gospel today challenges us to ensure we come to Mass for the right reasons.
We have all experienced the painful experience of not getting what we ask for in prayer. The Gospel of today (Mk 5) gives us the hopeful message that God is always doing something when we pray, therefore we can have the courage to persevere.
When Jesus ascends into heaven, we are confronted with a paradox: Jesus loved us so much that He needed to leave us behind. If Jesus had not ascended, we would never have matured as disciples.
The Mandalorian and the Nativity both tell the story of a child entering a dark world who, though rejected by some, has the potential to bring hope and a new direction to life. Don't worry, there are no spoilers in this reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent!
Living in a pandemic, it can be very hard to appreciate how we are supposed to rejoice on this Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday. The Gospel today (John 1) gives us hope. It tells us that Jesus is light in the darkness. When we are in a dark place, a little light makes a big difference. We can rejoice by recognizing the small ways Jesus is a light to us and by being a light to those around us.
The COVID pandemic has been like the wilderness or desert experiences we read about in the Bible. At different times, God's people found themselves in a literal or figurative desert. These were times of suffering, confusion and disruption. We can have hope because in the midst of these desert experiences God always proclaims a message of comfort to his people: God's saving help is on the way! Desert experiences are transformed into times of renewal. We, like the people in the readings today (Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8), are called to prepare ourselves to receive this salvation that comes at Christmas in a new way.
Every Advent season - especially an Advent during a pandemic - is a special time to pay attention to how God is working in our life and world. As the Gospel (Mk 13:33-37) tells us, we need to "Be watchful! Be alert!". God is trying to teach us something. Let us pay attention.
God has given each one of us incredibly valuable gifts. In the Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches us that we will be judged based on how well we have used these gifts. This challenges us to change our perspective regarding what it means to follow Jesus well. Instead of focusing solely on the bad actions that we commit, we also need to pay close attention to those good actions that we neglected to do.
Waiting is difficult! Today's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13) shows us that the tension of waiting is an opportunity for growth. We prepare ourselves to meet Jesus by growing in faith and the practice of charity. This challenge is particularly important during the pandemic, during which we can accept regulations and other sacrifices out of love and concern for others. In addition, reaching out to the lonely and isolated is especially important now.
The Feast of All Saints reminds us we are all called to be saints. Jesus' beatitudes are a roadmap for how we can be holy. Saints are people who let God's light shine through them.
When asked, "what is the greatest commandment?" it is significant that Jesus answers with more than one commandment (Mt 22:34-40). We need to love God... but... we can't really love God unless we love our neighbour... but... we can't really love our neighbour unless we love ourselves. To love God, then, we need to love others (especially the difficult ones) in a way that shows we actually like them.
Have you voted yet? In today's Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21) Jesus does not tell us who to vote for, but He does indicate important principles that should guide our participation in the political process. In escaping a trap set by Pharisees and Herodians, Jesus wants His hearers to recall they are made in God's image. In doing this He restores dignity to people who were oppressed by Rome and reminds them they belong to God and are to build up God's Kingdom. These are truths we should remember when we vote.
The Gospel (Mt 22:1-14) today is tricky. On the one hand, Jesus tells us that following Him, living in God's Kingdom, is something joyful, like being at a wedding banquet. Because God has greatly blessed us, our first response is gratitude. On the other hand, Jesus shows us that we need to accept the invitation to the wedding by changing our lives. One way we can respond to how blessed we are is by being a blessing to others, by "speaking well" to them.
In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God shows love and care for the world through his people. We are God's vineyard, the way He produces good fruit in the world (Mt 21:33-43). Today, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we are reminded that one way we can bear good fruit is by working to strengthen bonds of love and fraternity among all people.
During the pandemic we have all experienced losses. In the second reading today from Phil 2, Paul teaches his audience how to live in peace when things are taken away from them. By following Jesus' example of kenosis (= self-emptying) and accepting losses for the good of others we can ensure our loses do not wound us and lead to crankiness.
The parable of the vineyard owner and the workers that Jesus tells in the Gospel today (Matthew 20:1-16) is unsettling because it seems so unfair. Like all parables, this one is supposed to provoke and unsettle us so that we can see some deeper spiritual truths. The parable teaches us that God's grace is something we could never earn, it's pure gift. It also shows us that in God's eyes we all have the same dignity since God is equally generous with us. Finally, the Gospel challenges us to be generous like God, especially with those we don't believe deserve our generosity.
Paul's hymn to love (1 Cor 13), which we hear in the first reading a Mass today, is by far the most popular reading for weddings. For good reason! This beautiful reading is a challenge for all of us. It teaches us that love is above all a verb - an action - and encourages us to become more like God who is love (1 Jn 4:8).
Forgiving others can be extremely difficult. In today's Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells us how important it is to forgive. We must forgive not 7 times but 77 times! In addition, by means of a parable, Jesus gives us a tip or method for how to make forgiveness easier: the more we remind ourselves of the mercy and forgiveness God and others have shown us, the easier it becomes to forgive.
People generally agree that happiness is the one thing everyone wants. However, people disagree about what will make them happy. In the Gospel today (Luke 6:20-26), we hear Jesus' beatitudes, his radical and unexpected roadmap for happiness. The saint whose feast we celebrate today, St. Peter Claver (1580 – 1654), lived the beatitudes in a remarkable way in his service to slaves in Colombia.
The readings today teach us about what it means to be a prophet. A prophet is not clairvoyant peering into a crystal ball but is someone who sees the world through God's eyes and calls us how to best live. The prophet is a watcher. In the gospel today, Jesus shows us that to be a true prophet we need to listen to others. The baptized form a prophetic community.
Jesus has some strong words for Peter in today's Gospel. Jesus calls Peter "Satan" because he is an obstacle to Jesus' mission. This shows us how important the Cross is in the life of Jesus and in each of our lives. From tradition, we know that Peter eventually learnt his lesson and gave his life for Christ.
Spending time in silence can help us refocus on Jesus and ensure our fear does not overcome us. 19 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A. Readings
The readings this Sunday show us that God cares for us. In the Gospel (Mt 14:13-21), Jesus teaches us a paradoxical lesson: one way God cares for us is by giving us the opportunity to care for others.
In today's Gospel, Jesus explains more about God's Kingdom with parables. The Kingdom is something valuable that satisfies our desires. By searching for Wisdom, we can find the kingdom in our daily lives.
With three parables, Jesus teaches us how the Kingdom of God works (Gospel).
16 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A, 2020
In the parable of the sower, Jesus emphasizes the need for us to listen actively to his instructions about the kingdom of heaven. (readings)
Jesus uses the metaphor of a yoke - which seems foreign to us - to explain that when we are with him we can face the struggles of life with hope and strength.
14th Sunday Ordinary Time, year A (readings)
Today (13 Sunday OT, year A) Jesus challenges us to reconsider our expectations when it comes to the costs and rewards of following Him.
In the Gospel today (Mt 8:5-17), Jesus shows us what loving our enemies looks like in practice.
Jesus teaches us we can cure an unhealthy fear with "fear" (awe, reverence) of God.
Readings 12 week OT (year A)
The Eucharist, like manna, is a gift of love which draws us closer as a community. Readings for Corpus Christi.
We all sometimes delay or procrastinate in doing what we know is right. On the memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, the readings today teach us that we should follow what God calls us to do and not stall.
We can feel doubt and pain when it seems Jesus is far from us, just like the disciples did when Jesus left and ascended to heaven (Mt 28:16-20). At the same time, we place our trust Jesus' promise that He is with us always, until the end of the age.
Happy Mother's Day! Mothers love us in a way that is is very focused, particular and sacrificial. It is a love that fills us with hope, especially when things are difficult. This is the kind of love and care Jesus shows his followers in today's Gospel (John 14:1-12), part of his "farewell discourse" which is like his last will and testament to us.
Happy Good Shepherd Sunday! Rather than leaders who are out to enrich themselves, Jesus shows us that true leadership involves sacrificing ourselves so that others may have life (John 10:1-10). All baptized are challenged to live this way. We pray in a particular way today for vocations to priesthood and consecrated life where this call is expressed in a beautiful way.
Pope Francis has emphasized our need to "go to the margins". Our mission of evangelization should start with those in most need. We see this in Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch in today's first reading (Acts 8:26-40). In evangelizing the Ethiopian, Philip makes the outsider a part of the community.
How do we experience the joy of the Resurrection when we feel sad and hopeless? The story of the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel (Luke 24) shows us that when we reach out to those in need with an act of kindness we are awakened to the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst.
In a fascinating detail from today's Gospel (John 3:7-15), Jesus compares his death on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Unlike the bronze serpent, the life Jesus gives us is eternal. The promise of eternal life is a great source of hope to us especially especially during difficult times.
We often judge the Apostle Thomas harshly because he expresses doubt (John 20:19-31). Although his faith is not what it should be, we can learn from his example. Thomas is honest about his struggle and because of this Jesus can help him in his particular need. Likewise in our life, when we are honest with God about our needs He can more readily give us His mercy, healing and assistance.
Like Jesus' first followers, we can have difficulty believing that He has truly risen from the dead. We can take hope, however, knowing that after the resurrection Jesus embarks on a mission of convincing His disciples, us included, that He is indeed risen (cf. Luke 24).
Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged us to practice the art of accompaniment, something Jesus does with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). During the pandemic, accompaniment is more important than ever and requires creativity during this time of social distancing.
Happy Easter!
When will things get back to normal? Since the pandemic has begun, we have heard this question many times. We long for a return to normal. As wonderful as that will be, the Resurrection shows us that God wants better than normal for us. Jesus has brought about a greater world and each of us has a part in bringing it to fruition.
On Holy Saturday God can seem hidden, silent. Jesus lays in the tomb and things appear hopeless. Today we contemplate the places in our life where God seems silent and we feel frightened and abandoned. On Holy Saturday we try to be consoled because Jesus entered this "no man's land between death and Resurrection" and will one day take us by the hand and lead us to life (Benedict XVI, 2010).
On Good Friday we recognize that when Jesus died on the Cross for us we did not get what we deserved. Instead of death we received mercy and life. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are transformed to become more merciful and forgiving to those who have harmed us.
On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. How can we mark this great day at a time when many of us cannot receive Communion? Perhaps one way is by reminding ourselves that the Eucharist leads us to love and serve like Jesus, to wash the feet of others. When we try to humbly serve in this way we live a Eucharistic life.
The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.
Jesus is an unexpected kind of Messiah. The Gospels of Palm Sunday remind us of this. He does not take away our suffering, but He suffers with us, He is compassion itself. This encourages us to be compassionate to others, to be "the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth" (St. Teresa of Avila).
During the Exile, the prophet Ezekiel gave hope to people who felt that they were separated from God's presence. Ezekiel reminded them that God still dwelt among his people just as he had dwelt in the Temple. God's covenant is everlasting. Ezekiel's message can give us hope during this time that may in some ways feel like an exile.
In today's Gospel, Jesus asks people a provocative question in order to help them see things differently and to grow (John 10:32). In this pandemic, God may be doing something similar with us.
In the Gospel today (John 8:51-59), Jesus promises us life, that we will never see death. This is something even greater than what promised Abraham (Genesis 17). Reminding ourselves of Jesus' promise can inspire us with hope in difficult times.
The pandemic is a time in the wilderness and potentially a time of growth. In this situation, God is perhaps inviting us to rediscover the idea and practice of the domestic church. Each family is a church where God is worshipped, the faith is handed down and charity is practiced. What are some practices you currently do or would like to try that build up your domestic church?
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Today's Gospel (John 11), in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, encourages us to be people of compassion and hope during the time that is given us.
Nicodemus, who appears in today's Gospel (John 7:40-53), is a character who develops greatly as a follower of Jesus. His growth comes from his willingness to take risks. Let us do the same.
Today's Gospel (John 7) refers to Jesus' "hour" (v. 30). This is the moment He is raised up on the cross. In John's Gospel, it is in the time of Jesus' greatest suffering when we discover fully who He is. Moments of suffering and challenge are moments of revelation. During this pandemic we have the opportunity to learn more about God, others and ourselves. Let us pay attention.
Like the people Jesus interacts with in today's Gospel (John 5:31-47), we can have selective hearing, listening to messages that we are comfortable with and ignoring voices that challenge us. During this time it is especially important for us to check on our hearing.
The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) celebrates the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation, when God became like us in all things but sin. This is a great source of hope because it shows us that God is always with us when we suffer and struggle. In the Incarnation, God has embraced us in our weakness and is never letting go.
In today's Gospel (Jn 5:1-16) Jesus healed a man on the sabbath. In this time of pandemic, we are likewise called to adjust crucial practices of our faith to preserve life.
The Gospel today (John 4:46-54) offers hope because it shows us that (social) distance is no impediment to the power of Jesus.
Suffering is not a punishment from God. Rather, today's Gospel (John 9) shows us that Jesus is with us during hard times bringing about some good. Discovering what Jesus is doing during this pandemic will take time. A good way to start understanding this extraordinary situation is by consciously recognizing some blessing that happens each day.
Today's Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) teaches us that there are types of prayer that God hears better than others. God hears the prayers of those who cry out in their suffering and need. Now is a time to pray.
The encounter Abraham and Sarah have with their heavenly guests in Genesis 18 is narrated in a fascinating way and conveys an important message. The text teaches us about the power of God and therefore should give us hope. In addition, the passage reminds us of the need to provide hospitality and care to others, those we know as well as strangers. As we read in Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
In Genesis 15, God makes an unconditional and unilateral covenant with Abraham. This covenant shows that whatever happens, whatever the people do, God will always be faithful. This message inspired hope to those who were exiled in Babylon. It reminded them that God had not abandoned them and would always be with them. This passage continues to be a source of hope for us.
The ordinary and extraordinary in the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and our lives.
readings
Resurrection Hope (32 Sunday in ordinary Time, year C)
Readings: 2 Macc 7:1-14; Lk 20:27-38
Gratitude is an antidote for suffering that is best shown in action.
Homily for 28 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C
Readings: Lk 17:11-19
Being street smart in the Kingdom of God
Readings for 25 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C:
Am 8:4-7; 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13
Readings for 23 Sunday Ordinary Time, year C:
Wisdom 9:13-18; Phmn 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33
Readings for 21 Sunday Ordinary Time, year C
Isa 66:18-21; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30
Readings for 20 Sunday Ordinary Time, year C
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Heb 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53