Isaiah 11: 1-10Romans 15: 4-9Matthew 3: 1-12 Harmony  Advent is a time of preparation as we ready ourselves to once again celebrate the coming of Jesus into our world and into our lives at Christmas. The gospel for the second Sunday of Advent is a clear call to let God work in us, clearing space in our lives…

Isaiah 2:1-5Romans 13:11-14Matthew 24:36-44 Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Each liturgical year we set aside four Sundays before Christmas as a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. This feast of remembrance is significant because it reminds us that Jesus became one of us and experienced all the human feelings we experience…

2 Samuel 5:1-3Colossians 1:12-20Luke 23:35-43 Today as a Church, we conclude our liturgical year and celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. In Sunday’s gospel, Instead of celebrating a ruler’s great accomplishments, we are told about Jesus, King of the Jews, hanging on a cross. The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others,…

Malachi 3:19-20a2 Thessalonians 3:7-12Luke 21:28 Difficult Times As we get closer to the end of the liturgical year, the Sunday readings take on a warning tone of destruction and suffering to come in the times ahead. The first reading from the prophet Malachi is a prime example: “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,…

Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 121 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17Jn 2:13-22 A United Church This Sunday, we celebrate the dedication of the oldest Church in the West, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the Pope’s cathedral.  Our first reaction to this Feast may be to ask, “What has this got to…

Wisdom 3: 1-9Romans 5: 5-11 or Romans 6: 3-9John 6: 37-40 All Souls’ Day This Sunday on the Feast of All Souls, we reflect on the mystery of death and our loved ones who have died. We believe that we continue to share a relationship with those who have died. We pray for their souls. When we pray for the…

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-182 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Luke 18:9-14 Humility in Prayer The readings for this Sunday show us the difference between pride and humility. Sirach speaks of God’s justice. The psalm praises God for saving the poor. Paul talks about staying faithful even in hard times. Jesus tells a parable about a tax collector who prays…

Ex 17:8-132 Tm 3:14-4:2Lk 18:1-8 Persistence in Prayer The readings for Sunday remind us to stay close to God. They speak about prayer, faith, and trusting God’s help.  They show that God listens to God’s people and gives them strength, even when life is hard because God does not leave us alone. In the first reading,…

2 Kings 5:14-172 Timothy 2:8-13Luke 17:11-19 Gratitude The readings make clear that faith is sometimes found in unlikely places and we are reminded to notice God’s blessings at all times. We are to give thanks for what God has done. The readings show healing, mercy, and the gift of faith. They help us see that…

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-42 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14Luke 17:5-10 Faith The readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us to trust God, even when life feels unfair or unclear. The readings speak of faith that waits with hope, worship that listens, and service that does what is needed. Each passage points to a life that…

Am 6:1a, 4-71 Tm 6:11-16Lk 16:19-31 Important Choices All the readings of this Sunday are continuations of the readings of last Sunday. They center on the day of God’s judgment. Most importantly, they point to the end of the unjust and point to the triumph and comfort of the poor and just. Amos speaks strongly…

Amos 8:4-71 Timothy 2:1-8Luke 16:1-13 God vs Mammon The first reading from the Book of Amos written over two thousand years ago seems to be written for our world today. Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land!  “When will the new moon be over,” you ask, “that we…

Numbers 21:4b-9Philippians 2:6-11John 3:13-17 This Sunday we honor in a special way the holy cross. The cross is the sign of our salvation because of the immeasurable love of God for us. The readings focus on the themes of salvation through faith in a symbol of God’s power, compassion and great love for us. In…

Wisdom 9:13-18bPhilemon 9-10, 12-17Luke 14:25-33 Choosing the Kingdom of God The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that we can’t know God’s ways on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us. In the gospel, Jesus teaches the crowds that being a disciple requires putting him above all personal relationships…

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24aLuke 14:1, 7-14 Humility The readings for Sunday have a common theme. Sirach tells us to be gentle and humble. We are told in Hebrews that we are part of something bigger than we can see. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that when we welcome everyone – the poor, the…