The Third Sunday of Advent I was surprised to find reviews of my local church on Tripadvisor one day. The reviews read a lot like others for must-see tourist sites, but they also reiterated a truth: People won’t remember what … Read More
The Second Sunday of Advent In today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we hear: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day … Read More
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Because the Immaculate Conception falls on a Saturday this year, you’ll likely get some questions asking if it is still a holy day of obligation. So it’s a good time … Read More
The First Sunday of Advent It’s easy at Advent to become a bit overzealous with our rubrics around these four short weeks. Of course we should encourage one another to observe the distinct spirit of Advent and not let too … Read More
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Good kings, rulers, and leaders testify to the truth. They speak the hard words no one else wants to say, and they see beyond the superficial and temporary to utter the profound … Read More
Readings for Thanksgiving Day On this day, many will gather with friends and family at table, and will want to mark that time with some form of meal blessing. Unless a family is already used to praying at home together, … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Bad news sells. Just turn on the TV, scroll through your social media feed, or check the show times for the latest dystopian, nature striking back, zombie apocalypse blockbuster. One recent media … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time I used to work for a bishop who took great pride in his homilies. He would type them out then mark the places where he planned to pause and the phrases he … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. How clearly Jesus distills the law. Yet, every so often our behavior might teach that love of God and neighbor don’t actually have to … Read More
Solemnity of All Saints / The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Death is never easy to face, so we avoid it. We keep aging at bay with creams and dyes and never talk of preparing for death. … Read More