2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16ROM 16:25-27LK 1:26-38 This is the final week of Advent and in a few days we will celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus into our world. For the last two weeks, we heard stories about John the Baptist preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. Today we switch gears…

Is 61:1-2A, 10-111 Thes 5:16-24Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 Commit The readings for the Third Sunday in Advent encourage us to rejoice because our salvation is near. The first reading foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one. The second reading encourages us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. In the gospel, John the Baptist tells…

IS 40:1-5, 9-112 PT 3:8-14MK 1:1-8 Change The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent introduce us to John the Baptist and his call to repent. John the Baptist is presented to us as a prophet preparing the way for Jesus’ coming. We, too, are called upon to prepare a way for the Lord. Our…

IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-71 COR 1:3-9MK 13:33-37 Be Vigilant The readings for the First Sunday in Advent are a call to be alert, prepared and vigilant while waiting for the coming of the Lord. Advent culminates with the feast of Christmas, but it is more than that. Advent is a time for us to be…

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-171 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28Matthew 25:31-46 Serving our King and Shepherd The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King tell us that Christ is a caring leader who longs for us to live together as his Reign of God is made real in our world. The first reading tells of the Lord as a shepherd gathering in his…

Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31Mt 25:14-30 Use Your Talents The readings for this Sunday remind us that we are  to make God’s reign real in the here and now by using the gifts we have been given. The first reading tells us of the worthy wife who uses her talents to labor for good. In the second…

Wisdom 6:12-161 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 Preparedness We are reminded in the Sunday readings to always be alert and ready. The first reading speaks of seeking wisdom and being ready for her at dawn. The second reading tells us that death is not the end and that we will rise in Christ Jesus. In the gospel, Jesus tells the parable…

Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-101 Thes 2:7b-9, 13Mt 23:1-12 Be humble and Holy The readings for this Sunday are timely because we will vote two days later. They remind us that all leaders, and we as well, are called to humility and holiness. The first reading from the prophet Malachi speaks God’s message to listen to God…

Ex 22:20-261 Thes 1:5c-10Mt 22:34-40 Love of God and Neighbor The readings for this Sunday are a clear call to love. We are told in the first reading how we are to treat other people, especially the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. St. Paul in the second reading reminds us that we should live in such…

Is 45:1, 41 Thes 1:1-5bMt 22:15-21 Faith, Hope and Love From the first reading for this Sunday, we are told about the presence of the God of Israel in the life of Cyrus who eventually makes it possible for the exiled Jews to return home to Israel. The second reading speaks of how we are chosen…

Is 25:6-10aPhil 4:12-14, 19-20Mt 22:1-14 The Wedding Banquet The readings for this Sunday provide images of the abundance of the Kingdom of God. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the Lord’s goodness is evident in the symbol of a feast of good food and rich wine. The second reading speaks of how God…

Isaiah 5:1-7Philippians 4:6-9Matthew 21:33-43 Rejction In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard and the wicked tenants who are to care for it. In this parable, the landowner leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe to him….

Ez 18:25-28Phil 2:1-11Mt 21:28-32 Actions Speak Louder than Words. Have you ever told someone you would do something for that person and then did not follow through and do it? Our hearts, intensions and words are important, but the actions that reflect them are more important. In Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus uses an example that…

Isaiah 55:6-9Philippians 1:20C-24, 27AMatthew 20:1-16A God’s Generosity If you were asked to choose your favorite parable and the one you liked least, the parable from this Sunday’s readings would probably be your least favorite. The first reading hints at the reason why because we are told that God does not think the way we think….

Sirach 27:30-28:7Romans 14:7-9Matthew 18:21-35 Forgiveness All three readings for this Sunday teach us that forgiveness is essential if we are to live whole and holy lives. The first reading tells us that we must forgive each other for “wrath and anger are hateful things”. Paul tells us in the second reading that we are to…