Today is the First Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. And just as everything else in our lives seems to be speeding up, the Church invites us to slow down. Over the next year, our lectionary readings will be drawing from the Gospel of Mark. And Jesus tells us in today’s gospel to, “watch!” What are we watching for during the season of Advent? Well, since the word “advent” means “beginning,” this ought to be for us something like New Year’s Day, when we make our…

As our liturgical year draws to a close, our readings focus us more and more on being prepared for the coming of Jesus. Holy Mother Church celebrates this with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which we will celebrate next Sunday. Our entire liturgical year culminates on the important reality that Jesus Christ is our King, and our readings encourage us to be prepared for the day of his arrival. We have heard this in a variety of parables that Jesus gives, particularly…

“For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care….” These words taken from the Book of Wisdom speak of our relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of all wisdom. As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (Jn. 16:13). That is why seeking wisdom is the perfection of prudence. But, what is prudence? Prudence is practical reason. It is the…

Today, the Word of God speaks to us about the value of integrity: Integrity in who we are as people, integrity in what we say, and integrity in how we act. The prophet Malachi speaks of the lack of integrity the people had with respect to God. They were conspiring against the Lord and failing to honor the covenant. Jesus also identifies how the Pharisees are acting as hypocrites. They were seeking seats of honor, widening their phylacteries, and lengthening their tassels. In other words, all…

Today, we observe World Mission Sunday. As we have been hearing in our announcements, Pope Francis has chosen the theme, “Hearts on fire, feet on the move,” which is inspired by the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (cf. Lk. 24:13-35). In this passage, the disciples are leaving Jerusalem depressed because Jesus had been crucified, and along the way, Jesus appeared to them and spoke with them about the Scriptures, how it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer death so he could redeem…

A few months ago, our bishop asked for volunteers from the presbyterate to provide a catechetical homily for the year of the Eucharist. I volunteered and was given a choice of different Sundays throughout Ordinary Time. After reviewing the readings, I chose to submit my homily for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, which is today. So, what I am sharing with you was prepared in a particular way to highlight the Eucharist.

Today, we celebrate the second annual Deacon Sunday, and I would like to acknowledge all deacons throughout the Church. From the very early days of the Acts of the Apostles, men have been chosen to serve in the office of Deacon to assist in the charitable work of the Church. Today, this includes service at the altar, taking communion to the sick and homebound, leading prayer services, celebrating baptisms and weddings, and many other duties that, while often behind the scenes, are an integral…

Today, we are reminded of God’s mercy, and the importance of conforming our will to the will of the Father. St. Paul encourages the Philippians to, “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus….” What was Jesus’ attitude? Simply put, Jesus sought to carry out his Father’s will. And by carrying out his Father’s will, he has obtained mercy for all who believe. Remember, mercy is compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power. Jesus, the second Person of the Blessed…

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.” These words taken from today’s psalm are a reminder of the infinite mercy of God. Mercy begins with God, but does not belong to God alone. Since God has been merciful to us, we too, have a share in his infinite mercy, and are therefore capable of extending mercy to one another. What does it mean to be merciful?…

Today, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of admonishing the sinner. Those who remember their eighth grade catechism will remember the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Among the Spiritual Works is the imperative to admonish the sinner. What does it mean to admonish? To admonish someone is to counsel them against something to be avoided or warn against something that is dangerous. So, let us take a deeper look at this important spiritual work of mercy.