My Dear Friends,

The Baptism of the Lord is an important feast in the Christian liturgical calendar, especially in the Franciscan tradition. The event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34) and marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. For Franciscans, this feast offers rich theological reflection, inviting us to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s humility, his identification with humanity, and his mission to bring about God’s kingdom.

Humility is considered the cornerstone of the Christian life, and St. Francis of Assisi himself is known for his deep commitment to humility, as seen in his rejection of worldly honor and his embrace of poverty. The Baptism of Jesus is seen as a profound act of humility. Though sinless, Jesus enters the waters of repentance, not because he needs purification, but because he desires to identify fully with the human condition. This moment calls us to reflect on our own call to humility, inviting us to follow Christ’s example in our own lives—especially in moments when we may feel called to serve others without seeking recognition.

When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the voice of God the Father declares, “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This moment of divine revelation affirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and shows the deep love the Father has for him. As Franciscans, our approach to this passage emphasizes God’s love not only for Jesus but for all of creation. St. Francis often spoke of creation as a reflection of God’s love, and he saw everything—people, animals, plants—as brother or sister in the vast family of God. The Baptism of the Lord reminds us to live in the grace and love bestowed upon us and to share it generously with all creation.

The Baptism of the Lord is one of the clearest moments in the New Testament where the Holy Trinity is revealed: the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. The dove represents peace, simplicity, and gentleness—qualities that were central to St. Francis’s way of life. The dove’s presence at the baptism is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering Jesus for his mission, and it reminds us of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. The Spirit calls us to embody peace and gentleness in our interactions with others and to live out the radical love that Jesus demonstrated.

The Baptism of the Lord is a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and a rich source of reflection. It is an opportunity to contemplate the humility, love, and mission of Christ, to renew our own baptismal calling, and to remember that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of peace, service, and joy. Through the Baptism of Jesus, we are reminded that all our vocations in life call us to be of transformed by humility, and to pursue active participation in the divine mission of working towards bringing peace to the kingdom of God to earth.

Pax et bonum!
-Fr. Zack

Dear Friends,

The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—holds a central place in Christian theology and devotion. Representing the ideal family, their lives reflect the virtues of faith, obedience, humility, and love. Among the passages in the New Testament that offer insight into the family dynamic of Jesus, one particularly moving moment is found in Luke 2:41-52, where we see a glimpse of Jesus’ early years and his growing awareness of his divine mission.

The story begins by noting that the Holy Family, as was customary for faithful Jews of the time, made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. The Passover was one of the most important Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. This annual journey highlights the devotion of Mary and Joseph to their faith and their commitment to keeping the religious practices that defined their Jewish identity.

Their participation in this religious tradition underscores the holiness of their family life. It also sets the stage for the story to come, as we see how Jesus, even at a young age, is growing in both his understanding of God and his sense of divine purpose.

How do we try to resemble a Holy Family? Do we have annual traditions and customs as Jesus’s family did? Do we make sure that we have that special quality time with our family and making sure that God is always the center? This is how we can work and become more like the Holy Family we read about this weekend. We celebrate this feast because again Jesus is showing us the way, the way to Him by making sure we include our family and His in this journey of faith.

It is through our experience of family life that we can learn and try to imitate the Holy Family. We may not think of ourselves as being a holy family, but in fact, we really are. Are we trying our best to live good and moral lives? Do we respect and honor each other? Do we say, “I love you” and “I forgive you”? Do we stop to listen, not just hear, and try to understand the different situations of our family members? Do we practice our faith together by attending Mass and praying together? Do we live with a heart full of gratitude for the abundant blessings God’s gives to us? These are just a few indicators of living the life of a holy family. You are a holy family!

Luke offers a powerful glimpse into the early life of Jesus, showing both his divinity and his humanity. It highlights the loving, obedient relationship between Jesus and his parents, and the early signs of his divine mission. This passage invites Christians to reflect on the importance of family life, the call to obedience, and the profound mysteries of the Incarnation. Through the example of the Holy Family, we are encouraged to live lives of faith, humility, and devotion, trusting in God’s plan and growing in wisdom and grace.

– Deacon Ray

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