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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: First Sunday of Advent – November 30, 2025

Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:37-44

Today marks the First Sunday of Advent and is the beginning of a new liturgical year (Year A) in the Catholic Church. It focuses on the theme of hope and the call to stay awake and be prepared for the coming of the Lord. The readings encourage us to reflect on actively waiting for Christ’s arrival at Christmas. And not only that, but we also anticipate his promised return in glory. 

As mentioned, Advent is a time of preparation. It is the preparation of our minds and hearts to fully accept the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent is an invitation to introspection and spiritual renewal. It encourages setting aside time for quiet and prayer, turning away from distractions, and seeking reconciliation with God and with others. Each week of the Advent season does represent something. Beginning with the first week is the theme of hope. It is followed by faith in the second week, joy in the third and finally peace in the fourth week.

This first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope. It is symbolized by the first candle lit on the Advent Wreath. John’s Gospel says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that they might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is the hope we have in Jesus’ coming, that we are saved through him. The vision of Isaiah in the First Reading, offers hope amidst current global crises and personal anxieties. The reading speaks of a future time when all nations will walk in God’s light, and weapons of war will be transformed into tools for peace. 

In the second week, the focus turns to faith. It is when the second candle is lit, which reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born, as it is noted in Luke’s Gospel and in Chapter Five in the Book of Micah, which says, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2, , The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The third Sunday of Advent presents the theme of joy. The Prophet Isaiah says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” and the people “rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest.” (Isaiah 9:2-3, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The third candle is lit, usually a rose-colored candle and puts the light of joy in our hearts that our Lord Jesus is near.

Lastly, the fourth Sunday of Advent 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 a reminder, preparing for Jesus at Christmas can be difficult and challenging. Just as Jesus warns his disciples in the Gospel reading of Matthew to “stay awake” and “be prepared,” he is telling us to be diligent and be aware for his coming. Jesus does emphasize that the exact time of his return is unknown. So, therefore, the reflection here is on spiritual readiness, urging us to look beyond the superficial hustle and bustle of the holiday season and examine the state of our hearts to be prepared.

The First Sunday of Advent is a reminder that salvation is near and that we are called to be vigilant and active in our faith, ensuring our hearts and lives are prepared to welcome Christ whenever he comes. Therefore, Jesus has an urgent call to action for us. He does not want to passively sit by and wait. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,” (Romans 13:12, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul further says in his letter to live honorably as children of light by putting on “the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:14, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This means actively working for justice and peace, embodying God’s love, and making the prophetic vision a lived experience in the here and now, rather than speculating on end times.

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!

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Today’s Word: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 14, 2025

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalms 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

Today begins the 24th week in Ordinary Time within the Catholic Church. Today happens to be a feast day, which are other days celebrated in the Church. Feast days are days recognized to reflect on the life of Jesus and the saints. Today’s feast day is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Today highlights the Cross as, not only Jesus’ death but his victory over death and sin on the Cross as he rose on Easter Sunday. 

Every Sunday, as Catholics, are encouraged to remember the resurrection and Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. So today’s Feast day to recognize the Cross is seen to symbolize God’s great love and as a source of salvation and new life through Christ’s sacrifice. And I believe the readings emphasize that idea. 

So in the first reading today from the Book of Numbers takes us back to the time in the wilderness while Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt on their way to the Promised Land. We see the effects of complaining against God, but we also see the mercy and love God has for his people. The people were tired and hungry and began grumbling against God. He then sent forth “fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people,” (Numbers 21: 6, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Many died because of that and the people then repented and asked Moses to speak to the Lord God to ask for forgiveness. He told Moses to put up a bronze staff with a serpent head as a sign for anyone who was bitten may live.

This shows God’s mercy he had for his people, and the mercy he has for us today. If you believe, repent for your sins and come back to him, he forgives and welcomes you. He brings you into his arms again. Therefore, just as Moses lifted up the serpent to help save his people, Jesus was “lifted up” to bring eternal life to all who believe in him.

This Feast day also serves as a reminder that God’s glory is found in humility, with the Cross representing Christ’s willingness to suffer for humanity, ultimately leading to his resurrection and triumph over sin and death. The readings connect with each other on this Sunday beautifully. It all goes back to the Cross, as we see in St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians as Paul talks about Jesus’ sacrifice and says Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This again reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the everlasting life we can obtain by believing and following him to the heavenly Father.

The Gospel today is from John, and from it is the verse where he says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). When Jesus was lifted up on the Cross, he was just not lifted up for his disciples, but for the whole world. Jesus is the source of eternal healing and life just as the bronze serpent was for the Israelites in the Old Testament.

As an instrument of suffering, the Cross, is the promise of eternal life, and that is the central message today in the readings. We must humble ourselves, as Christ did during his Passion and ultimate resurrection, to find the promise of eternal life.

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Be a light, make the world shine with light

Today I want to share with you a scripture passage that has as much meaning today as in any day. The scripture comes from Matthew 5:14 and reads as follows: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

With all that is going on in the world, with its current state of affairs – and really for the last several years – some of humanity has lost its way it seems. We can all act too quickly to blame others or see fault in people, but cannot see our own shortcomings. Not everyone is like this, but it appears there are people that have this mentality, or thought.

In Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus says, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” I think today’s passage (Matthew Chapter 5) reflects those words, and it is what we should all be asking ourselves. “Can I be a light the world needs?” It is possible that many don’t turn that light on for fear of ridicule or prosecution. Perhaps if we took a step, be bold (like Jesus), and let the light shine for others to see and not be like that town that is hidden, then it might give others the courage and strength to be bold as well and let more light shine upon this world.

It can be difficult I know. I struggle with this myself at times. But it is in God’s word that gives us hope, strength and courage. It is my hope that you can see that and accept His word to be a light unto this world. There are three simple ways to effectively allow God’s light to emanate through us: 1) Be an effective witness; 2) Serve others; 3) Fellowship with Christians.

Here is a simple prayer to ask for help in being that light: “Father, please teach me how to represent Jesus well in the world. Please help me to follow His ways and not my own. Please let me reflect Jesus into this broken and dark world. Amen.”

May we all be encouraged to shed light unto this world, just as Jesus did, so that we may become a united people and close the divide between us.