Isaiah 8:23–9:3;  1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17;  Matthew 4:12-23 “The people that walk in darkness have seen a great light.” Her name is Lucy, a name which means “light.” Ironically, her eyes appeared dark and lifeless.  She tells me she hasn’t been sleeping at night.  She had come to me for spiritual direction because she was...
Read More »

Isaiah 49:3,5-6; I Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 In a letter to his nephew, Michelangelo wrote about his great achievements as a sculptor, painter and poet.  The great Renaissance artist said, “Many believe – and I believe – I have been designated by God for this work.  In spite of my old age, I do...
Read More »

Isaiah 42:1,4.6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17 Since the earliest days of the Church it has been the practice that we baptize infants into the faith.  In presenting a child for baptism, it is actually the parents of the child who are making the commitment to faith.  But children come into this world completely dependent...
Read More »

Read More »

The Christmas story is filled with a colorful cast of characters that is essential for any good story.  First we hear of a young Jewish woman named Mary, and her fiancé, Joseph.  We hear of angelic messengers and shepherds in a field. We hear of foreign dignitaries who are ancient astronomers being led by...
Read More »

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 Today our attention is drawn to the visitation of the magi, star-gazers from foreign nations who came to pay homage to the newborn king.  And so our feast has three important elements to capture our attention.  Let’s look first at the stars. If you look throughout the scriptures...
Read More »

Sirach 3:2-6,12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40 In the infancy narratives of the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph are the key characters.  We hear about the shepherds and their response to the newborn king.  We hear about the foreign dignitaries who paid homage to the newborn king.  We hear also about a jealous local...
Read More »

Read More »

Isaiah 7: 10-14;  Romans 1: 1-7;  Matthew 1: 18-24 Isaiah the prophet tells the story of Ahaz who heard God but would not listen.   God told him to ask for a sign, but Ahaz would not ask because he knew that he should not put God to the test.  So, God, growing weary with...
Read More »

Isaiah 35:1-6,10;  James 5:7-10;  Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist, in prison and pondering his fate and the success of his message, appears to be having doubts.  John, the cousin of Jesus, who grew up with Jesus, knew that the time of the Messiah had come.  He knew well the message of hope proclaimed by...
Read More »