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Today’s Word: Epiphany of the Lord – January 4, 2026

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Sunday readings today center on the theme of “manifestation.” Today we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the entire world. The word epiphany means “to manifest.” This day recognizes the three times Jesus made himself known to the world. The first time was of course when the Magi visited Jesus upon his birth. The second time was through Jesus’ baptism, and the final time was his miracle at Cana.

Before going further, I would like to take a moment and offer a prayer for today:

Lord God, on this day of Epiphany, we rejoice in the revelation of your glory to the world. As the Magi once followed the star to find the newborn King, guide us on our journey of faith. May we, like the Wise Men, bring our gifts of adoration, humility, and love to the feet of the Savior. Amen.

Worship requires sacrifice. We can sacrifice in many ways – through prayer, giving something up, doing something more of, offering gifts, helping others and so on. It is taking something that we may not necessarily do every day or something that we may not do at all. The point is that we give of ourselves in some way. We “sacrifice” a part of ourselves, or a part of our day or week, to do something of value. In the same way the Magi brought gifts for the baby Jesus. The Magi offered gold, as a sign of Christ as King; frankincense, as the sign of Christ the priest; and myrrh, the sign of Christ as prophet.

The First Reading today is a prophetic call for Jerusalem to “rise up in splendor” because its light has come (Jesus). It describes nations and kings gathering from afar, bringing gold and frankincense to proclaim the praises of the Lord. In the Second Reading for St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains the mystery revealed to him; that through the Gospel, the Gentiles now belong to the same body, partaking in the same promise in Christ Jesus. The Gospel offers the account of the Magi following a star to Bethlehem. Upon finding the child with Mary, they prostrate themselves in worship and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I believe we can learn some things from today’s readings. It seems they reflect the idea of seeking truth and light. In the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we read that the land will be in darkness, and then the glory of the Lord will rise and “nations shall walk by your light and kings in the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:3, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This foretells the coming of the light – Jesus.

As previously mentioned, St. Paul writes a letter of inclusivity. We have learned that Emmanuel means “God with us,” and that Emmanuel is Jesus, then we know that God is indeed with us. Therefore, Paul’s message to the Ephesians reinforces that God’s grace is very inclusive, breaking down old barriers to invite all of humanity into one body. “God is with us.” He’s just not with this group of people or that group of people. God is with all people, and Gentiles are “fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The Gospel of Matthew shows King Herod reacting in dread and fear of a new king. He felt this was a threat to his own power. In contrast, the Magi were very willing to seek the truth. Their journey through uncertainty serves as a model for our own spiritual persistence. Additionally, just as the star guided the Magi, we are called to shine through acts of care, concern, and love, guiding others through the darkness of difficult and troubled times.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” (Psalm 63:1ab, 4 – The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Feast of the Holy Family – December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalms 128:1-5

Colossians 2:12-21

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Christmas has come and passed. However, this is still the Christmas season within the Church. Today marks the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This day serves as a profound meditation on how God chose to enter human history through the ordinary, often messy, and vulnerable structure of a family.

The readings today reflect on the holiness in the ordinary. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were the holy family, not in the sense of being “perfect” but they used trust over control and relied on presence over perfection.

The Gospel reading today is from Matthew and depicts the Holy Family sort of as refugees. Following a dream, Joseph immediately flees to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod’s violence, illustrating that holiness is found in obedience and protection of the vulnerable. Joseph is portrayed here as a model of quiet, unwavering trust. He does not demand a detailed plan; he simply responds to God’s immediate call to protect his family, even when it means displacement and uncertainty. 

This feast today invites all families – including those that are broken, blended, or struggling – to reflect on the Holy Family in order to see themselves in the Holy Family’s story. God chose to dwell in a family that faced poverty, political violence, and exile, reminding us that He is present in our own struggles today.

This idea of a close, holy family is reflected in the other readings for today. The First Reading from Sirach highlights the sacred duty of children to honor their parents. It specifically calls for patience and kindness toward parents in their old age. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians to put ourselves in compassion, humility, gentleness, and love, which binds everything in perfect harmony within the family.

As we close the final Sunday of 2025, we are invited to ask: Is God at the center of my home? Holiness is not found by escaping our family life, but by entering more deeply into it with the same love and obedience shown by Mary and Joseph.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalms 24:1-6

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

We are now on the fourth Sunday of Advent. These are the final days before Christmas. The readings today reflect on the quiet, internal “yes” of those who made the Incarnation possible. As a reminder, this fourth Sunday of Advent also brings peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called the “‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus came into the world to bring peace. This peace is the knowledge that we, as believers, have in the Lord that he is the Savior and Redeemer.

As we go through today and begin our week leading up to Christmas and reflect on the peace that Jesus gives, we are reminded to look at the “yes” spoken by those few who helped bring forth that peace into the world.

In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah confronts King Ahaz, who refuses to trust God during a national crisis. In response to this lack of faith, God offers a sign, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign, the birth of a child named Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us. ”Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el.” (Isaiah 7:14, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This reading reminds us that God often works through the humble and vulnerable to overcome the haughty. Even when we, like Ahaz, try to rely on our own “allies” or schemes, God remains committed to being present with us.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul introduces himself as a servant set apart for the Gospel, which was promised long ago through the prophets. He highlights that Jesus is both a descendant of David “according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) and the Son of God “in power according to the Spirit,” (Romans 1: 4, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

This passage bridges the gap between ancient prophecy and our present reality. We have received “grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,” (Romans 1:5, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and are “called to belong to Jesus Christ,” (Romans 1:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) not just as a far-off hope, but as a living testament of peace to ourselves and to the world.

As previously mentioned, this new year in the Church marks a new cycle of readings. Previously, the Church was in Cycle C. This year we have Cycle A. Most of the Sunday Gospel readings will be from Matthew. And while other years focus on Mary’s Visitation, the Gospel today focuses on St. Joseph. Faced with a bewildering situation – Mary’s pregnancy – Joseph chooses mercy over public shame. However, when an angel explains God’s plan to Joseph in a dream, he wakes up and immediately does as commanded.

Joseph’s holiness is found in his quiet obedience. He was willing to surrender his reputation and plans to collaborate with a mystery he didn’t fully understand. Like Joseph, we are invited to separate from anything that blocks our union with God.

So, as you light the final candle on your Advent wreath – often called the Angel Candle, representing Peace – consider the following points: God chooses closeness over distance and vulnerability over power, He is with us – Emmanuel. Like Joseph, we are called to trust in the dark, to trust God’s voice even in moments of deep confusion or fear. And remember, real preparation for Christmas isn’t about perfect decorations; it’s about offering our own lives, our selves, for God’s will.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Third Sunday of Advent – December 14, 2025

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

Psalms 146:6-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

The readings for this third Sunday of Advent, focus on the themes of joy, patience, and also the definitive proof of God’s saving power through Christ’s works. The readings invite reflection on joy and the signs of the coming Kingdom of God in our midst. This Sunday is also known as Gaudete (having joy or being joyous) Sunday. The Lord Jesus is near. It is a time to be joyful.

Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally a moment to pause and rejoice, as it says in Phillippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always;” (Philippians 4:4, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This third Sunday is marked by the lighting of the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath. This burst of joy is rooted in the certainty that the Lord’s coming is near.

The prophet Isaiah, in the First Reading, paints a vibrant picture of restoration: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer;” (Isaiah 35:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is God’s coming, a time of everlasting joy.  Psalm 146 echoes this, praising a God who secures justice, and does good for the people. The Lord is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. … All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!” (Psalms 146:8, 10, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). These readings remind us that our faith is not just about abstract beliefs but about a tangible reality of healing and justice that God brings into the world.

The Letter of James encourages patient waiting for the Lord’s coming, comparing it to a farmer’s patient expectation of the harvest. (James 5:7, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is an active patience. James tells the people to not complain, or “grumble … against one another, that you may not be judged;” (James 5:8, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition) because the “judge is standing at the doors.” (James 5:9, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This calls for strengthening our hearts and living out faith through actions of justice and kindness while awaiting God’s full plan.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew today, John the Baptist questions Jesus from prison, asking if he is the Messiah. John, who had previously recognized Jesus, may have expected a more revolutionary figure than the one performing quiet acts of mercy. Jesus tries to keep his works a secret to not conflict with Herod Antipas, until Jesus finishes his ministry on earth. Jesus responds to the questions simply by pointing to his works, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy through healing and proclaiming good news to the poor. This highlights that faith can involve questioning and that God’s methods may differ from human expectations.

The Gaudete Sunday readings encourage a shift from anxiety to joy, reminding us that signs of God’s kingdom are already evident in acts of compassion and healing. As we anticipate Christ’s full return, we are called to be both joyful and patient, actively living lives of love and justice that reflect God’s power of restoration.

So, I will leave you with this scripture, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Second Sunday of Advent – December 7, 2025

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Romans 15:4-9

Matthew 3:1-12

Today begins the second week of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. This week deals with the theme of peace. 

Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen

The readings today also reflect on repentance and the continued preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel today, John the Baptist is baptising in the Jordan River. He tells everyone to repent and be baptised and to “make his paths straight,” (Matthew 3:3, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The Gospel of Matthew quotes from the Book of Isaiah here to remind people to prepare the way and make sure he has a clear path to come into the world and into our lives.  John challenges people to produce “fruit that befits repentance,” (Matthew 3:8, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This emphasizes outward actions and ancestry are insufficient; but genuine internal transformation (metanoia) is required. His call pushes us to actively remove the obstacles – sins and distractions – that prevent us from fully welcoming Christ into our lives.

The readings work together to paint a picture of the promised Messiah and the urgent need for a change of heart to receive Him. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah shares a vision of a future kingdom marked by extraordinary peace and justice, where even natural enemies coexist as it is noted in the text. This peace comes not from human effort alone, but from a descendant of Jesse (King David’s father) upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests. It assures us that God can bring forth new life and hope.

St. Paul writes of a message of hope and unity in his letter to the Romans. He reminds us that the Scriptures were written “for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). He calls for unity and mutual acceptance among believers (both Jews and Gentiles) to glorify God with one voice. The encouragement here is that God, who started a good work in us, is faithful and will bring it to completion. 

The reflections for this week urge a shift in focus from the external chaos of the world to an internal preparation of the heart. This week, consider that true peace is found in Christ, not in the absence of worldly chaos. John the Baptist’s message is a call to examine our lives and identify areas where we need to ensure our paths are straight and clear. One can accomplish this by seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and turning away from poor choices. The readings also call us to be active partners with God in bringing about His kingdom. This means working for justice, helping the poor and needy, and proclaiming peace through our actions and advocacy in the world. 

So, in this second week of Advent, let us continue to prepare the way, and ourselves, so that we can truly experience the coming of Jesus at Christmas and continue to build God’s Kingdom.

So, as I will leave you with this scripture, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!