Second Tuesday of Advent

Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

We are all called to be heralds of the Good News to the world around us. We do this through our thoughts, our words, and especially through our works. We give witness to God’s Goodness, Love, and Mercy through sharing our own faith with those we meet each day from friends and family to neighbors and strangers. We shouldn’t be afraid of what others might think of us for devoting our lives to God and His Church. After all, if we live according to the Gospels, then we shall receive the greatest reward... eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Besides being heralds, we are also tasked with being co-shepherds feeding God’s flock with good works, helping God gather others into lives of saintliness, carrying those who are injured by sin, and leading the young and old alike toward our Savior through acts of charity and mercy.

In what ways are we acting as heralds of the Good News? How can we do a better job of fulfilling our calling to proclaim the Word of God? How can we become better shepherds and lead others to faith in our Merciful Lord?

O Lord, give us what we need to be heralds of the faith and shepherds of your flock.

Amen.

Thirty-First Friday in Ordinary Time

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.

It might be difficult to believe, but there are many in this world that do not know Jesus Christ. They have no personal or communal relationship with Him. He exists outside their frame of reference. They might have heard about him, but they do not know him or what he truly stands for. So many children are not being taught what it means to be Christian. So many are told they do not need him in their lives. So many are denied him by parents who have neglected to bring him into their children’s lives. It can be saddening to think that the only exposure many have with Jesus is as a historical figure, who lived and died in Israel. What a loss for such people! We should look at this lack and be driven to do something about it... to proclaim the Gospels and show others what it means to be faithful, hopeful, and loving Christians. That way those around us will have a chance to see and understand our God, who is Good and worth knowing.

What does pertain to God in our lives? What have we done to accomplish His Will in our lives? How are we spreading the Good News and the knowledge of Christ to all those who are around us?

O Lord, spread your Word and accomplish your Will through us.

Amen.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.  Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

We are not alone in our struggle against sin. There is a cloud of witnesses from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament to the saints of our times, who are all praying for us. They also provide us with an example of how to resist evil and do good no matter what. In their lives they rid themselves of every burden and sin that clung to them and persevered till the end of their earthly race. They kept their eyes fixed on Jesus and endured their crosses. We would do well to imitate them just as they imitated Jesus and His Mother. So, let us take our inspiration from these witnesses, be willing to suffer for the sake of holiness, and one day join God in Heaven. 

Do we call upon the saints for help when we need it? How can we live in imitation of the Jesus as the saints did in their lives? Are we willing to resist sin to the point of shedding our blood for the glory of God and the good of others?

O Lord, thank you for the example of your holy and selfless life and the lives of your saints.

Amen.

Twelfth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue... shall never be disturbed.

If we do justice, we will live in the presence of the Lord, but if we do not, then we reject God and all that He calls us to be. If we are truthful, then God is in our thoughts and words and works, but if we do not, then we deny the Word of God in favor of a worldly life. If we are good as our Heavenly Father is Good, we will bear abundant fruits, but if we choose evil, then we will reap destruction. If we are faithful then we will become more Christ-like in all things, but if we are indifferent, then we will become lukewarm and God will spit us out. If we hope in the Holy Spirit, we will be at peace no matter what happens to us, but if we doubt and fear, then we shall become lost. If we love, God will return our love a thousand-fold, but if we hate, then we will be judged according to how we judged others.

Do we act justly toward God and His children? How can we be better bearers of the virtues and Good News God calls us to embody? What can we do to walk blameless before our God? 

O Lord, help us to be just and truthful in all things.

Amen.

Pentecost Sunday

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the LORD.

The Holy Spirit comes into our lives in many ways. He comes in our moment of conception. He comes in our living. He comes in our loving. He comes in our holy thoughts. He comes in our words of peace and compassion. He comes in our works of charity and mercy. He comes to renew our faith in every prayer we pray and every mass we attend. He comes to us through the Blessed Sacrament. He also goes forth with us into the world. He goes forth with us to proclaim the Good News. He goes forth with us to be our companion along the Way. He goes forth with us to guide us to the Truth. He goes forth into our daily world to show us how to live the Life of Christ. He goes for with us to show us how to make our every moment into a good work that brings gladness to God and others.

Are our minds, hearts, souls, and bodies open to the Holy Spirit? What can we do to bring the Holy Spirit into every facet of our lives? How can we embody the gifts of the Holy Spirit and magnify God through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, send your Spirit to us so we might be able to go forth into the world and bear your Good News to all your people.

Amen.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.

The water of salvation is meant to be shared. We cannot receive the sacraments or go to Mass and refuse to spread the Good News to the rest of the world. As Christians, we cannot turn our back on the world. Instead, we must bear the Light of Christ into it to the best of our ability and bring as many people into the wedding feast as we can gather. We cannot do that if we are locked away from the world. We should be confident and unafraid to do whatever Jesus tells us to do. We should be willing to empty ourselves of all those things that keep us from being filled with the Holy Spirit so we might become living fonts of God’s Grace. We should strive to pour out the good wine of salvation to all whom we meet and give it to all who are thirsty for salvation.

Are we confident and unafraid to bear the Good News into the world? Are we willing to empty ourselves of our own desires and wants so we can become better bearers of God’s Divine Grace and Mercy? What can we do to bear the light of Christ into the lives of those around us?

O Lord, you are the fountain of our strength and courage.

Amen.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus is our King, but not in the way the world sees kings. He is a servant king, who puts the welfare of his people above his own. He is willing to sacrifice himself for our good in hopes that we might grow in faith, hope, and love. He has given us a faithful witness of what it means to be a good and faithful servant. It means a willingness to suffer and to forgive. It means loving our enemies as well as our family and friends. It means making ourselves into living sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. It means acting like kings and queens called to know, love, and serve God and all His children. It means becoming priestly people, keeping holy the Sabbath and partaking in the sacraments. It means being prophets of the Good News and bearing the Word of God to all whom we meet each day in whatever ways God calls us.

Are we allowing Jesus and his teachings to rule our lives? How can we let the Holy Spirit work through us and become more faithful servants to God and His children? In what ways can we transform ourselves into priests for our Heavenly Father?

O Lord, make us into faithful witnesses to you, just as Jesus was, is, and ever will be the perfect witness to your goodness and glory.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here." So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

Sometimes it may seem like our enemies have triumphed over us or that the wicked are rewarded for their misdeeds, but in the end, there is always a reckoning with God. Those who mock and persecute us will have to answer for their sins, just as we will have to answer for ours if we trespass against others. Those who do wrong and spurn good will be judged by God and go to their punishment, while those who do good and avoid evil will go to their reward. Those who lie about God, His Church, and His children will be silenced, while the good and faithful people will speak the Truth, follow the Way, and live the Life of Christ for all eternity. We can only hope to be such good witnesses to the Good News that one day God will say to us, “Come up here” and lift us up to heaven and eternal life.

How can we keep faith with God when it seems everything is going wrong? What can we do to ensure we are counted among the good and faithful servants of God? In what ways can we witness to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ?

O Lord, lift us up and make us into a holy people.

Amen.

Thirty-Second Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.

As Christians, we are called to be good citizens, obedient to all legitimate authorities. We must be open to every good enterprise and ready to do every sort of good work. Although we should stand up for what is right and strive to change bad laws, we should do so through peaceful means. Not slandering our opponents, but rather being considerate and gracious toward all. We should have pity on those who have been led astray by their worldly desires and pleasures and seek to show them the right way to live without forcing them into the faith. We do this best by allowing God to think, speak, and work through us to bring about the conversion of sinners.

Are we being good citizens? Are we showing compassion even to those whom we most disagree with? How can we show others what it means to be a good Christian neighbor?

O Lord, make us into peaceable, considerate, and gracious citizens.

Amen.

Seventh Saturday of Easter

"This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains." He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul proclaimed the Good News to the ends of the world by announcing it in the heart of the pagan empire of Rome. In a similar way, we, too are called to give witness to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. We are called to bring God’s Word into the world. At the end of every Mass, we are sent forth to bear the message of the Gospels to those around us. We are asked to be missionaries to our families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. This isn’t an easy mission, but it is one we must perform if we wish to be a part of the Heavenly Kingdom.

In what ways are we bearing the Good News to others? How can we become better witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Are we willing to allow God to send us forth into the world to proclaim His Divine Word?

O Lord, help us to proclaim the Kingdom of God and teach others about you.

Amen.

Seventh Tuesday of Easter

You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus. But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.

Doing God’s Will requires a great deal of sacrifice. We have to be willing to go where He leads, to do what He asks, and bear the burdens that are ours to carry. We have to humble ourselves and be willing to suffer tears and trials in order to bring the Good News to others. We have to be brave enough to speak the Truth, even when it is unpopular and might cause us to be mocked or persecuted. We have to put God and others before our selfish interests, constantly working for God’s greater glory and the benefit of all His children. We have to bear witness to our faith to all whom we meet each day. Last but not least, we have to listen to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and seek to do God’s Will in all things... even if they take us away from all we have ever known and lead us to greater hardships. And why? Because we know in our hearts it is the right thing to do and will lead to a greater good for all.

Are we willing to sacrifice what is necessary in order to do God’s Will? Are we willing to humble ourselves and allow God to lead us to where we need to be and what we need to do? How can we become better witnesses to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus Christ?

O Lord, we choose to serve you with humility and hope.

Amen.

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

We preach the Good News in many ways. Through our thoughtful prayers, through our righteous words, and through our charitable and merciful works. We preach the same Gospel the first Christians preached... we are modern day apostles, great and small. If we hold fast to our faith in God, hope in His Plan, and love of Him and His children, then our belief will not be in vain. Jesus died for us, once and for all, and this is a message we are called to give witness to throughout our lives in whatever way we can with the gifts God has given us.

In what ways are we preaching the Good News? Are our lives a witness to the Way, the Truth, and the Life Jesus has handed onto us? How can we use our gifts and talents to spread the Word of God to all we meet?

O Lord, help us to preach what we have received from you and your Holy Church.

Amen.

Fourth Friday of Easter

But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

Just like the first disciples, we are also called to be witnesses before the people, proclaiming the Good News to everyone we meet. Jesus died for us so that we might live in accordance with the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He wants us to be his eyes, ears, lips, hands, and feet... bearing God into the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. And if we are faithful to God and put our trust in His Divine Plan, then we shall be like Christ and worthy of being called the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

How are we witnessing to the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What can we do to be better preachers of the Good News? Do we thank God for treating us as His children?

O Lord, make us good and faithful witnesses to the truth.

Amen.

Second Thursday of Easter

But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."

We must obey God rather than men... these words are ones the Apostles lived by and they are ones we should live by, too. God should come first and foremost in our lives. His commandments should be kept, His teachings followed, and His inspirations put into practice. Everything else should come second to what God wants from us. We are also called to be witnesses to these things and proclaim the good news to all who will listen. If we do these things, then we, like Christ, will be exulted.

Does God come first in our lives? Do we keep His commandments, follow his teachings, and enact His inspirations? Are we being the best witnesses to the faith we can be?

O Lord, help us to give witness to you in all things.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life." When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.

God might not free us from a physical prison, but each and every time we go to confession He frees us from the bonds of our sins and tells us to go and spread the Good News. Our faith is not only one of forgiveness, but also responsibility, too. We seek forgiveness and do penance so we might be more faithful, hopeful, and loving. Our entire lives should proclaim the Divine Word and teach others about what it means to be Christian. Our family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers should all be able to tell we are Christians by our loving words and works.

How do we respond to the freedom God has given us? What can we do to bear the Gospels into the world around us? What are our lives teaching others about the Christian faith?

O Lord, give us the grace to proclaim you always and everywhere.

Amen.

Second Tuesday of Easter

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

The early Christian community was a model of unity and charity. They shared their goods with each other and helped each other out to the best of their abilities. They bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord by proclaiming the Good News and helping the needy among them. They were more than willing to give up worldly goods in order to feed, clothe, and shelter the least of God’s children. We can learn a lot from this early community of believers and should imitate them as best we can. We might not have church houses anymore, but we can certainly make each of our homes into spiritual churches that nourish body, mind, and spirit.

How can we cultivate a spirit of detachment from our worldly things so that we can share them when needed? How can we bear witness to the resurrection as the early disciples did? What can we do to make our houses into domestic churches?

O Lord, make us one in heart and mind with you and all your holy ones.

Amen.

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life—for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

The Word of Life became flesh for us and just as he came into the world to bear the Good News, so too should we give witness to him and his teachings. Jesus’ incarnation is a reminder to us all that we are the sons and daughters of God and we are all called to manifest Him in our daily lives. We are asked to think His thoughts, speak His words, and perform His good works. We have the responsibility to make visible God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace for all. We do this when we proclaim the Gospels, live according to God’s commandments, and enter into fellowship with those around us. When we share our faith with others, we give them an opportunity to grow in their own faith and come to a deeper understanding and conversion of their souls. We are constantly giving witness to our faith in God because the people around us are watching... hopefully they see a God-bearing person, who leads them closer to their Lord.

How can we become incarnations of the Word of Life?  In what ways can we give witness to our faith? Are our thoughts, words, and works bringing others closer to God?

O Lord, make yourself visible through us.

Amen.

Thirty-Second Tuesday of Ordinary Time

For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.

Even though we might suffer and be persecuted for our faith, we will not go unrewarded for our fidelity to God and His teachings as handed down to us through the Scriptures and the Church. We might be asked to make sacrifices, but none of the things we will give up in this life will compare to the blessings we will receive when we come into the Kingdom. Each day, we are tested by God, not because He wants us to fail, but because He wants us to succeed in what is most important in life. He gives us every grace and opportunity to do the greatest good with our lives and to become living saints. Whatever we suffer is simply meant to purify us of those attachments that are holding us back from knowing, loving, and serving God and others more perfectly. Our sacrifices when united with those of Jesus Christ shine for all to see and like living fires sent the world ablaze with the love of God. We are all called to be witnesses to the faith and it is only through trial and triumph that we can give the best of witnesses... the witness of self-gift.

Are we willing to suffer a little in this world in order to enjoy the feasts in heaven? How can we prove ourselves to God and give a fruitful witness to the Good News? In what ways can we set the world ablaze with the love of God?

O Lord, we offer ourselves to you as living sacrifices for your glory.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another's foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.

We should all aspire to proclaim the Gospel to everyone we meet, whether they know the Good News or not. Unlike in Paul’s time most people have at least heard of Jesus, but hearing about him and knowing his teachings are two different things. The best way to spread the Gospel is to live it out through our thoughts, words, and works. By becoming living signs of God’s Goodness, Love, and Truth, we give witness to our faith so even non-believers take notice of. We might not be perfect, but what matters to trying to be the best we can be so others around us see our attempt to be holy and are inspired by it.

In what ways have we proclaimed the Gospel? What have we done to make ourselves into faithful witnesses to the Good News? How can we help others to know, love, and serve God?

O Lord, help us to proclaim the Gospels through our every thought, word, and work.

Amen.

Thirtieth Friday of Ordinary Time

I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

We should always be concerned for others. Because of this we should always speak the truth in Christ. Our consciences should ever be joined with the Holy Spirit so we can be better bearers of witness to the world. We should be more than willing to sacrifice ourselves in the pursuit of saving souls just as Jesus Christ did in his most holy life. In the end, we might not be able to convince others to believe, but we can at least show them what it means to truly believe by being good, faithful, hopeful, and loving people.

Do we show concern for others or are we self-absorbed? How can we become better witnesses to the Good News and God’s Divine Love and Mercy towards all? In what ways can we sacrifice ourselves for the good of others?

O Lord, help us to lead others to you.

Amen.