There is a Longing

All media (social, news outlets, magazines, etc) is flooded with differences these days. It seems that everyone is quick to spout off their opinion & harshly criticize those who oppose them. It's frustrating to pull up my Facebook feed & be flooded with angry, rude (often vulgar) views about politics, religion, education, whatever the current hot topic is. Jesus tells us in today's Gospel, “Love your enemies and do good to them…”, and also “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.” What can be tough in those situations mentioned above is how to differentiate between what is being said & the person who is saying it. Many of the views I read on Facebook come from family members & friends I’ve had for a long time, people I care for & love. While they are not my enemies in a Vietnam or World War sense, some of their comments do offend me & my values. I have three choices: I can choose to criticize right back at...

Today, from Luke’s Gospel, we hear a shorter version of the Beatitudes. One difference from Matthew’s version, other than the number of Beatitudes mentioned, is that Luke also expresses woe to those who do not adhere to them. As I listened to the Gospel at Mass last evening, I realized that this passage could be used to examine our consciences prior to confession or each night before bed. I then remembered that The Fathers of Mercy has a great pamphlet for adults & teens & it includes the Beatitudes as one of their suggestions. ( Fathers of Mercy Examine ) Blessed are you poor…Woe to you who are rich      How do I assist the poor?      Do I give from my surplus or what’s leftover?      Do I look someone in the eye when I help or just give & go? Blessed are you who are hungry…Woe to you who are filled      The same questions above could apply here.      Do I waste food or eat more than I should? Blesse...

Today we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Per Mosaic Law, after the required time of purification, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord.  Traditionally, this day has also been known as Candlemas, a time for celebrating Christ as the Light for the world. Candlemas can be celebrated through the blessing of candles to be used throughout the upcoming year, a candlelit procession at the beginning of the Mass, bringing candles from home to be blessed, and leaving Christmas decorations up through this day. In parts of Europe, some families feast on savory or sweet crepes, while some Mexican households enjoy tamales and hot chocolate. It is suggested that whatever meals families eat, they should be accompanied by many candles symbolizing Christ’s light in the darkness. Simeon acknowledged Christ’s Light when he met Jesus in the temple. He took the infant into his arms and expressed his blessing to God, ending with, “…for my eye...

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...