Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Amid the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the great Solemnity of Christmas, this weekend the Church asks us to pause and reflect on all we already have to rejoice about.

In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah, (3:14-18a) we are called to “shout for joy, sing joyfully, be glad and exult!” Why did the ancient Israelites have cause to rejoice? Because “The Lord removed judgement against them, and the Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty Savior!” Little did they understand that the Lord in their midst will one day become one of them and that the Lord Himself will “rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in His love; He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.”

We, who have faith, know that “the Lord is near” as St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians (4:4-7). Our response to the Lord’s nearness is to be kind to all that we meet. (And if there is one thing the world and the church need now more than ever it is kindness.) It is that simple; the Lord is Kindness and Mercy, and we are made in His image and likeness. When we are kind and merciful, then we are truly living as human beings.

Why then does it seem that being kind and merciful is so difficult? Perhaps the answer can be found in today’s Gospel according to Luke (3:10-18). John the Baptist, when questioned who he is, and why he is doing what he is doing, responds in all humility that he is not who people suppose he is. He is not the Christ, the Messiah. He says, “One mightier than I is coming; I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” It seems to me that being kind and merciful requires a degree of humility. John knows who he is and is not tempted to be anything but who he is, and to do what God is calling him to do.

On this Gaudete Sunday, let us rejoice that we are who we are. That weak, finite people who are prone to sin, have been called by God, just as we are to grow more and more into His likeness. Let us rejoice that God, rejoices in us.

– Fr. Steve

My Dear Friends,

The 2nd Sunday of Advent in Year C offers a reflection on the theme of preparation and repentance as we await the coming of the Lord. The readings for this Sunday emphasize the call to prepare the way for Christ, both externally and within our hearts.

1st Reading (Baruch 5:1-9): Baruch speaks of God bringing joy and restoration to His people. The imagery of God leveling the ground so His people may walk safely home is a powerful message of hope. It assures us that God is actively working to bring us closer to Him, removing barriers and leading us toward His kingdom.

2nd Reading (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11): Paul encourages the Philippians, reminding them that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” This reading highlights the faithfulness of God and the importance of growing in love, knowledge, and discernment. It calls us to live lives that are pure and blameless, ready for the day of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3:1-6): The Gospel introduces John the Baptist, who calls people to “prepare the way of the Lord” by repentance. His message echoes the prophecy of Isaiah: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” This imagery reflects the transformative work of God’s grace in our lives, removing obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him and making a straight path for His coming.

John’s proclamation is a reminder that Advent is a time not only of waiting but also of active preparation. It invites us to reflect on areas in our lives where we need spiritual renewal and to embrace God’s mercy.

And so let us reflect: Advent is not just a season of waiting but also one of hope-filled action. This Sunday challenges us to examine our lives:

• What mountains need to be made low? Are there obstacles such as pride, anger, or selfishness that prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and sharing it with others?

• How are we preparing our hearts for Christ? Through repentance, prayer, and acts of love, we can respond to John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for the Lord.

This week, we actively seek to align our lives with God’s will, allowing His grace to transform us as we journey closer to Christmas. May our preparation not only ready us for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also deepen our anticipation of His second coming.

– Fr. Zack

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

With elections over, and the end of the liturgical year to be celebrated next weekend with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the readings this week seem to me to be quite apropos.

In the Gospel according to Mark (13:24-32), Jesus reminds His disciples of the truth that this world will be, and often is, filled with tribulation and change whether wanted or unwanted. But Jesus doesn’t leave them, nor us, without hope. “…they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” I think that the great power and glory that Jesus will come with is forgiveness and love. For those who imitate Christ in their lives, this offers great hope and comfort. And we, Christ’s Elect, will be gathered “from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”

The question then arises: what grounds our hope? Where can we find security when everything around us is in flux? Is hope merely wishful thinking? Again, the answer to these questions is found in the Gospel. The first piece of advice is to pay attention to what is happening in our lives and in our world. Instead of seeing just the awful or distressing, look for signs of Jesus’ already and always present, in our lives, our church, and our world. I’m fond of saying you find what you look for. I truly believe there is more grace than sin. But grace is often more subtle, and quiet. And if you can’t find any grace, be the grace you wish you could find.

Learn from the Eucharist. Though the bread is broken, it is in reality the Body and Blood of the Risen Christ. The Eucharist is our identity in this world, and our destiny. The destiny, not just of us but the cosmos “I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away…” (Rev. 21:1)

Our hope is grounded in the truth that Jesus said to His disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Christ, the Word of God made flesh, spoke the words of eternal life, and He and they are everlasting. Christ is the Truth, the Way, and the Life, given to us. And we who believe this, are called to become tender and bear fruit.

As the liturgical year comes to an end, let us reflect on our spiritual growth this past year. Has our faith given birth to the fruit of charity? If so how, and if not, why not?

– Fr. Steve

My Good Friends,

This Sunday, our readings present us with profound lessons on true generosity and faith. At the heart of Mark’s Gospel, we encounter the story of the poor widow who gave two small coins as her offering at the temple. Jesus observes her act and points out to His disciples that she, in her poverty, has given more than all the others who contributed from their surplus wealth. This moment provides a powerful lesson: true generosity is measured not by the size of the gift, but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.

In our first reading from 1 Kings, we find a similar act of sacrificial giving. The prophet Elijah encounters a widow in Zarephath who, despite being on the brink of starvation with her son, offers him the last of her food. Her faith and willingness to give, even when she had so little, leads to God’s miraculous provision. This story echoes the Gospel’s theme: God values the selflessness and trust of those who give from their very need.

What then are the lessons we can take from these readings?

• Generosity is an Act of Trust: Both widows in the readings give everything they have. Their acts are not just about charity; they are acts of profound trust in God. The widow in the Gospel might have worried about how she would survive after giving away her last coins, but she trusted that God would provide. This invites us to reflect: do we trust God enough to give not only from our abundance but even when it requires sacrifice?

• Quality over Quantity: Society often measures the worth of a gift by its size or monetary value, but Jesus challenges this view. The wealthy donors in the Gospel gave large sums, but Jesus singled out the widow as her gift was all she had. God sees beyond appearances and values the love, faith, and sacrifice that accompany our offerings.

• A Call to Examine Our Priorities: The Gospel begins with a warning against the scribes who seek honor and recognition while neglecting true compassion and service. This is a reminder for us to examine our motives. Are we seeking acknowledgment for our acts of kindness, or are we giving out of genuine love for God and neighbor? True discipleship calls us to humility and self-giving without seeking praise.

How do we apply these lessons in our lives? We are called to live out the Gospel by embracing a spirit of generosity and trust. This does not only mean financial giving; it means giving our time, energy, love, and service to others, especially those in need. True generosity may be as simple as offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or being present for someone who feels alone. It is in these acts, given from the heart, that we embody Christ’s teachings.

We can draw inspiration from these two widows who, in their poverty, showed extraordinary faith and love. We too, strive to give from the depths of our hearts, trusting that God sees and cherishes every act of selfless love. As we approach the altar, ask for grace to be generous —giving not only when it’s easy, but especially when it requires faith. Giving is not just about what you could spare—it’s more about what you were willing to share, no matter the cost.

– Fr. Zack

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Scripture scholars use the criterion of embarrassment as one of their tools to help them uncover the historicity of a particular scripture passage. Many scripture scholars also advocate that the Gospel according to Mark is the earliest gospel text written. In today’s Gospel (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus, for the third time, has told the disciples that He is soon to be handed over, mocked, scourged, and condemned to death. Rather than offer Him support, the brothers James and John basically ignore all that Jesus has just said, and, to put it bluntly, ask, “What does that have to do with us? Give us what we want.” Talk about throwing a bad light on the disciples! But don’t worry, Matthew (20:20-28) cleans this up and has their mother do the demanding. Jesus asks them, “Can you drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized.” To which they respond (probably without any reflection), “We can!”

Whenever we go to communion, we should remember that our reception of the Body and Blood of Christ (even if it is only the Eucharistic Bread) is a “re-dipping” into the waters of baptism. The baptism of Jesus of Nazareth was no washing away of sin, since Jesus was and is sinless. Rather, Christ’s baptism was a baptism of solidarity with sinners: the poor and hungry, the religiously disposed, and the politically powerless. This is the cup that Jesus asks James and John if they can drink from. And this is a question we must ask ourselves as we enter the communion line: Am I willing to live my baptism of solidarity with those who are different from me? Baptism is communion…and communion is a living out of our baptism.

Of course we all want to know, “what’s in it for me?’ I suppose the answer is, in the end, eternal life. But there’s more…to paraphrase Psalm 29:13, “we shall see the Lord in the land of the living.”

Our heaven will begin for us now, in this life, on this earth. Christ as Servant becomes for us the Way, the Truth, and the Life of us who have faith. Heaven is the result of how we live our life of faith, and it begins now…or it doesn’t begin at all.

– Fr. Steve

My Good Friends,

Our readings this weekend challenge us to reflect on what we truly value in life. The Gospel from Mark presents the familiar story of the rich young man who seeks eternal life but struggles when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man’s sadness at the thought of giving up his wealth speaks to a deeper spiritual truth: it’s not just about material possessions, but about what holds our heart.

In the first reading from Wisdom (7:7-11), we hear Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. He values wisdom above all earthly goods—gold, silver, health, or beauty. He teaches us that the greatest treasure we can seek is not material wealth, but God’s wisdom. This wisdom leads us to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life and what brings lasting fulfillment.

In the second reading, Hebrews 4:12-13, we are reminded that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates our hearts and exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s Word challenges us to see where our priorities lie and helps us discern what is keeping us from fully following Christ.

When Jesus tells the rich young man to sell his possessions, He is not condemning wealth itself, but rather pointing out that it can become an obstacle to following God wholeheartedly. It is a reminder that whatever we are most attached to—whether it’s wealth, status, or comfort—can become a stumbling block in our relationship with God. Jesus invites us to let go of anything that prevents us from living fully for Him.

As we reflect on today’s readings, we are challenged to ask ourselves: What is holding me back from following Christ more closely? What do I treasure more than my relationship with God? Jesus’ words remind us that only when we are willing to surrender our attachments and trust in God’s wisdom will we find the true riches of eternal life.

May we pray for the grace to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God, and to seek His wisdom as our greatest treasure. Let us trust that by following Jesus, even through sacrifice, we will inherit the eternal life He promises.

– Fr. Zack

Dear Friends,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus predicts, for a second time, the high price He will have to pay in order to be faithful to the mission that the Father sent Him to do. What strikes me about this excerpt from Mark is the stark contrast between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus was trying to prepare them for the suffering He would endure while they were preoccupied with which of them was the greatest. They didn’t understand what Jesus was trying to tell them. The narrative here reveals key aspects of Jesus’ teaching on discipleship and the values of the Kingdom of God. This passage provides important lessons on humility and service, while redefining “greatness.”

The passage begins with Jesus and His disciples traveling through Galilee. Jesus, once again, takes this opportunity to foretell His impending suffering, Death, and Resurrection. He says, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” This prediction is central to Jesus’ mission and the suffering that awaits Him. However, the disciples do not fully grasp the meaning of His words. Mark notes that they were afraid to ask Him about it. This moment also highlights the disciples’ lack of comprehension to the nature of Jesus’ mission and the concept of a suffering Messiah, which contrasts with their expectations of a triumphant earthly king.

Upon arriving in Capernaum, Jesus asks his disciples what they were arguing about on the way. Jesus turns to those who are left out of the circle and pulls them to the center. He teaches his disciples that the one who appears most vulnerable and seems to need the greatest amount of care can also be the one who has the most to teach us about what it is to be Christlike and Godlike.

This passage reminds me a lot of my dad. He was low key and humble. He was one of eight children, and I guess one could get lost in that crowd. I remember the conversations I heard while I was growing up from his siblings about how unskilled and reserved they thought he was. They thought only they knew the way to happiness and success. This never bothered my dad. He just pressed on and lived his best life. He didn’t seem to care that they undervalued his gifts and his vulnerability. My dad would work two or three jobs just to give us a better life than what he had. I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as he did. My dad was the example of being a “servant for all.” No matter what someone else needs, it came before his own.

When I became a teenager and I was able to work, I would ride the train afterschool and meet my dad at his second job to eat dinner together. One day, his boss was working late and asked if I would like to work at night alongside my dad. I agreed and it was amazing to see the skills my dad had on the massive machinery he worked with. He never shared his work with his family and friends, because he felt they didn’t need to know, since they already had their own ideas of him. Another time, I visited him at his day job and it was much the same thing. He knew how to handle everything that was put in front of him. He was using his God-given natural skills. He didn’t have to brag to his family and friends he just did the work that God put in front of him, and he did it well.

That wasn’t even his greatest gift. His greatest gift was the love he gave me, my sister, and my mother. I was with him at the Hospice the day he passed. The last words he spoke, in Spanish, were telling me “Take care of her for me.” I was blown away that my mom was on his mind till his last breath. My dad was Christlike to me. I can only strive to be half the man he was.

Jesus moves on to address His disciples, responding to their debate by teaching them a radical lesson about greatness. He says, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This teaching turns their understanding of greatness on its head. In Jesus’ view, true greatness is not about power or prestige, but about humility and service.

This passage has some profound implications for how we understand leadership or greatness today. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to rethink our values and priorities. In a world where success is often measured by power, influence, and recognition, Jesus invites us to consider greatness in terms of humility and service. The message is clear: true leadership in the Kingdom of God is characterized by a servant heart and a willingness to embrace those who are marginalized or in need. It’s about putting others before ourselves and finding value in the seemingly insignificant.

As we strive to follow Jesus’ example, we are invited to redefine our understanding of what it means to be truly great. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.”

Peace of Christ,
– Deacon Ray