Dec 9 – Memorial for St. Juan Diego, hermit, layman John (1474-1548) was born an impoverished free man in a strongly class-conscious society. He was a farm worker, a field labourer, and a mat maker. He became a married layman with no children. Even as a pagan, he was a mystical and religious man, and... Continue Reading →
7 December, Sunday — There is always hope
2nd Sunday of Advent Isa 11:1-10Rm 15:4-9Mt 3:1-12 …people who did not give up were helped by God. Nowadays, my feed is filled with news of difficulties finding jobs, of mass layoffs, and of how the economy is not doing too well globally. It seems that everywhere we look is bleak. I’m not sure how... Continue Reading →
23 November, Sunday — Hope amidst grief
Nov 23 – Feast of Christ The King The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, commonly referred to as the Feast of Christ the King, Christ the King Sunday or Reign of Christ Sunday, is a feast in the liturgical year which emphasises the true kingship of Christ. It was meant to respond to the rise of atheism and secularization. For... Continue Reading →
4 November, Tuesday — Gifts Are Meant To Be Used
Nov 4 – Memorial for St. Charles Borromeo, bishop St. Charles (1538-1584) was born to a wealthy, noble family, the third of six children, and the son of Count Giberto II Borromeo and Marghertita de’ Medici. He was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He suffered from a speech impediment, but studied in Milan, and... Continue Reading →
15 August, Friday — Magnificent Love and Sacrifice
Aug 15 -- Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The commemoration of the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Dormition, or falling asleep, as it was known in the East) is known as the Assumption because of the tradition that her body did not decay but that she was raised up,... Continue Reading →
11 June, Wednesday — The Courage to Encourage
Jun 11 – Feast of St. Barnabas, apostle St. Barnabas (martyred 61) founded the Church in Antioch. He was a Levite Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost. Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, and is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in... Continue Reading →
30 May, Friday — Moving from grieving to hoping
Friday of the 6th Week of Eastertide Acts 18:9-18Jn 16:20-23 "So it is with you: you are sad now, but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you." The passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV have... Continue Reading →
24 April, Thursday — Permitted Victim, Planned Sacrifice
Easter Thursday Acts 3:11-26Lk 24:35-48 ...neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Spotless victim, holy sacrifice, Led to the slaughter, obedience tetheredby a gentle feather. Yet... Continue Reading →
17 April, Thursday — A World of Love
Maundy Thursday -- Chrism Mass Isa 61:1-3,6,8-9Apo 1:5-8|Lk 4:16-21 “This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.” In the past five years, our world seems to have been very chaotic. We had the pandemic, there are wars in Europe and Middle East, and most recently, economic wars may be imminent. The thought of... Continue Reading →
23 March, Sunday — A Symbol of Hope
3rd Sunday of Lent Exo 3:1-8,13-151 Cor 10:1-6,10-12Lk 13:1-9 “…it may bear fruit next year.” In today’s Gospel, the parable of the barren fig tree illustrates God's patience and mercy. The fig tree, though unfruitful for three years, is given another chance to bear fruit after the gardener's plea for more time and care. This... Continue Reading →