There is a Longing

Today, I would like to reflect on the 2nd reading for this 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. It comes from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 12:4-11: Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;  there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another, mighty deeds; to another, prophecy; to another, discernment of spirits; to another, varieties of tongues; to another, interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes. St. Paul talks about the gifts we receive. Go...

On this Feast of the Epiphany, my thoughts for this reflection have come from several sources. As I share each thought, I will also share from where I received the inspiration for it. We hear in the Gospel that the Magi were led by a star from the East. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Herod inquired about the star’s appearance. He sent them to search for the child, with a request that they return so that he, too, may pay homage. This star preceded them to Bethlehem, stopping over the place where Baby Jesus lay.  Inspired by our priest’s homily at Mass last evening, I began to ponder myself as a star. Is the light of my star a bright beacon, leading others to Christ through my words & actions? Or have I let my star grow dimmer by the earthly worries & trials of human frailty? I must continue to polish my star, so that its light can remain a strong guide for those I encounter on a daily basis. That polishing process can be done through frequent reception of the sacraments ...

Well, here we are already...the 4th Sunday of Advent has arrived!  Have you finished your Christmas shopping & wrapped all the presents, baked your holiday delectables, mailed your Christmas greeting cards, decorated your home to rival any display of Martha Stewart's? If you're like most people, you probably answered that you're nowhere near being finished. But you know what? That's perfectly fine because none of those items are important in the grand scheme of things.  The bigger & most important question to be answered is, "Have you prepared your heart to receive Jesus on Christmas Day?" After all, without Jesus' humble birth in a stable over 2000 years ago, none of the other things above would have any significant meaning! Today's Gospel tells us that Mary, upon being told that she would bring our Savior into the world, set off in haste to her cousin, Elizabeth. Advanced in age, Elizabeth was experiencing a miraculous pregnancy, foretold by...

At least once a year, for as long as I can remember, my Dad has read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. There are some years he's read it two or three times. While I've only read it a couple of times, I have seen numerous movie versions, some much better than others! It is definitely a classic story that stands the test of time & has touched many hearts. I think I'll read it again this year!  Most everyone is familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who is visited by four ghosts. One is his deceased partner, who warns him that he will be visited that night by three others who will show him his past, present, & future. Following is part the essay Olivia wrote for her book analysis during her freshman year of high school. The bolded sentence in the last paragraph really stood out to me. That year, I printed it on a sheet of cardstock with an image of Scrooge & the ghost, framed it, & gave it to my dad for Christmas.  ********** English 9 B...

Welcome to the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday! Time to light that rose candle in the Advent wreath. Gaudete is a Latin word which means, "Rejoice" & on this today, we are called to rejoice in the hope our Lord brings for us. We rejoice that God loved us so much that He sent His only Song to redeem us from Original Sin. We rejoice that Mary said yes to God's call to carry & give birth to His Son. We rejoice in anticipation of Jesus' humble birth. Our readings today encourage us to rejoice in all circumstances, no matter what they may be. We, who trust & hope in our Lord, know that He has an amazing plan for each of our lives & even in times of trial & tribulation, He is there working for & with us.  The 1st reading from Zephaniah tells us, "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love...."  Paul's Letter to the Philippians in the 2nd re...

In the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8th. This year, because the 8th fell on a Sunday, the celebration was transferred to Monday the 9th. There are many over the years who have misunderstand this Solemnity  (myself included)  & mistakenly believe it is about Jesus' conception. However, it actually refers to Mary. From Her conception & birth, without the stain of Original Sin, God kept Her pure, undefiled, & full of grace. She was prepared to receive Jesus into Her womb, to bring the Divine into Human form, thus enabling Jesus to carry out His mission to save our souls for our eternal reward in Heaven.  Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38) Mary is the sacred vessel delivering Jesus to all humanity. In Her "Yes" , She has become the example we should follow. Like ...

Welcome to the 2nd Sunday of Advent where our focus this week is Peace . While our Gospel today doesn’t use the word, it does conjure up a sense of peace in John the Baptist’s cry, quoting the prophet, Isaiah… “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” We are asked to prepare the way in our hearts & homes for the coming of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The daily readings over the past week have come from the Book of the Prophet, Isaiah, focusing on Jesus’ coming. We can find peace in these readings, knowing that whatever trials we may face in this life, there IS peace in Christ. We can use this Advent season to prepare our hearts & homes for His arrival on Christmas Day & His eventual 2nd Coming.  Sadly, there are many who do not feel this sense of peace & struggle to find contentment in their daily lives. ...