4th Sunday - A (January 29, 2023)

 

Blessed

Matthew 5: 1-12a

 

It is not uncommon to misinterpret the Beatitudes as a formula of earning God’s blessing, “If you practice there virtues, you will be blessed.” 

 

That interpretation makes the mistake that one can earn God’s graces and blessings. 

 

Perhaps by the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches us that God has already blessed us and is present with us.   These virtues are the results and signs of the action and presence of God in our lives.  At the same time, by putting these virtues in practice, we allow God’s grace to further guiding us and working in us. [1]

 

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[1]  Fr. Francis Moloney, SDB., The Gospel of the Lord, Year A.  Liturgical Press, p. 136 – 137. 

Image source: www.agnusday.org

 

3rd Sunday - A (January 22, 2023)

 

Jesus Calls Me

Matthew 4: 12-23

 

Last week, the Sunday readings reminded that God has created us, and in Jesus our Savior, has made us God’s children. 

 

Of course, God always exists (God is), and God is always there for us. 

 

However, today, maybe we can ask ourselves, “When and how did I become aware of God and God’s presence in my life?”

 

Some of us might have received that knowledge through a concrete event, similar to the first disciples when Jesus called them, as recounted in today’s Gospel. 

 

Others might have grown in our awareness and knowledge of God gradually, over many years. 

 

Let’s think, pray, and thank God for the unique way that God reveals God’s presence and calls each of us to grow closer to God.  

Image source: www.agnusday.org

Second Sunday - A (January 15, 2023)

 

Children of God

Readings

 

A week after the end of the Christmas Season, we now continue to live the mystery of the Incarnation.

 

We do so with the words of Scriptures from today’s readings to reassure us that

- God “formed” us “in the womb” out of love for us (First Reading) 

- Jesus, “the Son of God” is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Gospel) to make us God’s children

- Jesus “sanctifies” us so that we are “holy” (Second Reading)
- God gives us the divine gifts of grace and peace (Second Reading)
- And so, God makes us “a light to the nations that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (First Reading)

 

Image:  Leonardo da Vinci, The Baptism of Christ,  www.wikiart.org

Epiphany (January 8, 2023)

 

Guides to the Messiah

Matthew 2: 1-12

The magi’s guides to the Messiah include a star, Scripture, and people. Among the people,there is even a malicious tyrant.

 

God works through people, events, and creation to draw and guide us to God.

Perhaps as we celebrate Epiphany, we might want to recall who and what that have guided us to God, and to thank God for them. 

 

 

Image source: www.agnusday.org

Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2023)

 

A manger, in Bethlehem

Luke 2: 16-21

 

A manger provides animals with food. 

 

Bethlehem means “house of bread.”

 

Jesus, the Bread of Life, is born to us in a manger, in the “house of bread.”

 

Doesn’t God have a marvelously interesting way of doing things?

 

Now, God continues to nourish us with the food of God’s words and the Eucharist.  

 

Image source: www.agnusday.org

Christmas

 

Good News of Great Joy for All People

Luke 2: 1-14

 

The Savior of the world was born in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” 

 

God’s eternal Word became flesh.  Now, in God’s words and in the Eucharist, the Savior of the world continues to be with us.  That is the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” proclaimed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night and now for all humanity.  

 

4th Sunday of Advent - A (December 18, 2022)

 

Jesus – Emmanuel

Matthew 1: 18 - 24

 

In movies, superheroes are often portrayed swooping in, saves the day, and disappears.

 

That is not the way of Jesus.  He came to save us from sins and death.  And he stays with us.

 

He is present in us, in other people, in His saving words, and in His Sacraments. 

 

He is Jesus, who saves his people from their sins.  He is Emmanuel, “God with us.”