Zephaniah 3:14-18a Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:10-18  Peace and Joy This third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means ‘rejoice’ and certainly that it the mood of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by…

Baruch 5:1-9Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11Luke 3:1-6 Preparedness In this second Sunday of Advent we are encouraged to make ourselves ready for the physical coming of Jesus into our world. It is not a somber time, but rather, a time of joyful preparation. Baruch tells us in the first reading that the Israelites should prepare themselves for…

Jeremiah 33:14-161 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 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…

Dn 7:13-14Rv 1:5-8Jn 18:33b-37 As modern disciples of Jesus, we may struggle at times to recognize Jesus as king. Today’s Gospel invites us to see with eyes of faith that we might recognize that Jesus, through his crucifixion and death, is indeed king and Savior of all. The Responsorial Psalm Response points to the core…

Daniel 12:1-3Hebrews 10:11-14, 18Mark 13:24-32 The End Times “… Today the readings direct our attention to the end of time. We are promised that if we are faithful, we shall not be destroyed.  We are promised that the Archangel Michael will be there helping us. We are told that the one great sacrifice for sins has been…

1 Kings 17:10-16Hebrews 9:24-28Mark 12:38-44  Faith and Generosity There is a clear link between the widow of Zarephath in the first reading and the widow in the gospel story. The first widow and her son are close to starvation when Elijah asks her for food and water. She trusts Elijah when he tells her “The…

Deuteronomy 6:2-6Hebrews 7:23-28Mark 12:28B-34 Love God and Neighbor The reading from Deuteronomy gives us the famous command to love God above all else. This command is reiterated in the gospel story when one of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is…

In January of 2020 I started writing Angela for Today. Over these past four years, I have published 248 blogs, have had 7,052 visitors to the site and 12, 027 views over that time. This month, we are going to take a look back at the most read blogs over the last four years. This week’s…

In January of 2020 I started writing Angela for Today. Over these past four years, I have published 248 blogs, have had 7,052 visitors to the site and 12, 027 views over that time. This month, we are going to take a look back at the most read blogs over the last four years. This week’s…

In January of 2020 I started writing Angela for Today. Over these past four years, I have published 248 blogs, have had 7,052 visitors to the site and 12, 027 views over that time. This month, we are going to take a look back at the most read blogs over the last four years. This week’s…

In January of 2020 I started writing Angela for Today. Over these past four years, I have published 248 blogs, have had 7,052 visitors to the site and 12, 027 views over that time. This month, we are going to take a look back at the most read blogs over the last four years. Thank you…

Nm 11:25-29Jas 5:1-6Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Jealousy In the first reading from Numbers and the Gospel of Mark jealousy rears its ugly head.  The Lord shares some of the spirit that was on Moses with seventy-two of the elders of the community. Two who were not present also receive the same spirit. Immediately it is…

Wis 2:12, 17-20Jas 3:16—4:3Mk 9:30-37 Humility, Wisdom and Service On this Sunday, the readings invite us to reflect on the roles of humility, wisdom, and service in our lives. We are challenged to examine how we live our faith and interact with others.  The Book of Wisdom tells us about just people suffering because of…

Is 50:5-9aJas 2:14-18Mk 8:27-35 Suffering In today’s gospel Jesus asks his disciples who people are saying he is. They say in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” He then asks them who they think he is. Peter says to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” This is correct…

Is 35:4-7aJas 2:1-5Mk 7:31-37 Be Open  The first reading for Sunday sets the tone for the message of all three readings, It is one that should fill our hearts with hope. Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with…