Reflections on the weekly gospel from our Pastor.
In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus’ temptation in the desert. I want to invite you to reflect on two verses of this passage. The first one, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” and the second, “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”
Today’s readings invite us to realize who we are in relation to God, our neighbor, and creation. The first reading says: “’Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.’” This code of holiness is not something unattainable in our lives, that which is only reserved for a select few. Nor is it supernatural or merely spiritual behavior that occurred in the past.
This past Monday, we started our new program called Forming Missionary Disciples. It is our response to your request to grow as active disciples of Christ. Even though the number was less than expected, it is hopeful to see that there are parishioners who want to grow in their faith. As we hear in the first reading today, God is willing to respect our decisions, but at the same time, He is telling us to continue trusting in Him, so we can have life everlasting.
On February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, popularly known as Candlemas, the Catholic Church also celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. The U.S. Bishops Conference has asked parishes to celebrate that day this weekend. Just as candles are usually blessed on the Feast of the Presentation to symbolize Christ as the light of the world, so too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
Today’s Gospel is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. Known as “The Beatitudes,” these statements define for us what it means to be a follower of Christ
This time that we begin in our liturgical calendar is called “Ordinary Time,” but there is nothing ordinary about it! Rather, we should call it “extraordinary time,” since after having lived and experienced all the grace and gifts that we receive from our God, the Emmanuel, who can live in an ordinary way?
With this celebration, we understand that today, all the gentiles of the world understand that Jesus came, not just for the people of Israel, but for all people everywhere.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, let joy be born in our hearts not just this Christmas day, but the whole year; not just the whole year, but our whole lives
In this season of Advent, the Good News, the Gospel, invites us to “wake up.” To live in the present, to live in God’s time, ‘kairos’. Where Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, or God with us, is literally the living and real God who dwells in each one of us. This is our great truth, which shines on our Church like the star of Bethlehem. But living in God’s time entails a great sacrifice of our ego, our way of thinking, and our lifestyle.
Advent is the season of hope, peace, joy, and love. But what if during this period of waiting and preparing, doubt and despair get the best of us? READ MORE.
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