Know - Grow - Go

When we praise God in the midst of our storms, we're declaring that He is still in control – that darkness has not overcome the light. Praise pushes back against the darkness and becomes both a weapon and shield, guarding our hearts from anger, hate, resentment, and the desire for revenge or retaliation. It's okay to cry out or be angry with God; He can take it. Even Jesus sweat blood in His anguish. By reaching out to God in our pain, we're reminded that we are not alone.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 15:1–2, 22–29 | Rv 21:10–14, 22–23 | Jn 14:23–29 

When you find yourself confronting something new or something seemingly out of control, and you wish your life was different or that things could just continue like they always have — resist that thought. Resist. Remember: God has known about this time and this situation from all eternity, and He's known about you from all eternity, and He's chosen this time and this place for you – from all eternity.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 14:21–27 | Rv 21:1–5a | Jn 13:31–33a, 34–35

Fr. Anthony preaches the homily on Good Shepherd Sunday.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 13:14, 43–52 | Rv 7:9, 14b–17 | Jn 10:27–30

Fr. Bill speaks to the children celebrating their First Communion about how Jesus accompanies us every day, everywhere, through the Eucharist.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 5:27–32, 40b–41 | Rv 5:11–14 | Jn 21:1–19 

The first and most important job of the Pope is to help us walk together, as brothers and sisters of the Lord. St. Augustine is our guide here. He said, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. And in all things, charity.” So, pray for the cardinals this week. Pray for an open and gracious heart. And pray, too, for our new Pope, whoever that will be. Being Pope is a weighty burden. Let's help our new Holy Father to carry it with our prayers and affection.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 5:12–16 | Rv 1:9–11a, 12–13, 17–19 | Jn 20:19–31

Because of Jesus, no day is wasted. In Jesus, every season of life — whether it be joyful or painful — can become an opportunity for meaning and transformation. When we unite our experiences to those of Christ, life itself takes on new perspectives and meaning.   Readings at this Mass: Acts 10:34a, 37–43 | 1 Cor 5:6b–8 | Jn 20:1–9

Our Lord made the journey to Mount Calvary to take on the sins committed by every human being in the past, present, and future. Tonight, as we journey with Him, is the night to recommit ourselves to live out our identity as Christians; to yearn for the Eucharist, the life-giving and eternal food; and to lay down our lives for one another in service, forgiving faults, and creating peace.   Readings at this Mass: Is 52:13—53:12 | Heb 4:14–16; 5:7–9 | Jn 18:1—19:42

God wants to touch your life. To wash your feet. To change your heart. These days aren't just about remembering what happened to Jesus 2000 years ago. In a very mysterious but real way, they're about becoming present to Jesus, allowing him to draw us along the path of his Passion, Death, and Resurrection.   Readings at this Mass: Ex 12:1–8, 11–14 | 1 Cor 11:23–26 | Jn 13:1–15

Jesus' ambiguous answer to the question of who He was should also be a challenge for us: do we call Him our King, our Savior, our God? Do we see Him in all moments of our lives? In whatever way we suffer, do we unite our suffering to that of His? Or do we glorify Him only in the good moments, and put the blame on Him when we are suffering, when we are alone and afraid, when we feel abandoned and rejected?   Readings at this Mass: Lk 19:28–40 | Is 50:4–7 | Phil 2:6–11 | Lk 22:14—23:56 

Judgment is a very dangerous thing. I'm not talking about judging choices, attitudes, or actions, but judging hearts. Condemning and dismissing others. Ridiculing and dehumanizing them. Using them. When we do that, we put ourselves in God's place — and God takes that very seriously. Only God can judge the heart, because only God can see the heart. Let's remember that when we're angry or frustrated or annoyed this week — for the sake of our relationships and for our own sake.   Readings at this Mass: Is 43:16–21 |  Phil 3:8–14 |  Jn 8:1–11

Our heavenly Father is always seeking us out. He made us for communion with Him and with one another. And when we sin, we break that communion. That's why every Mass begins with a confession of sin — not because we've already made everything right, but because turning back to the Father opens the door for His embrace. God offers us second chances (and third, and fourth, and as many as we need) to come to our senses and return to Him. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was given to us by Jesus for exactly this purpose: to restore and preserve our communion with the Father. And when we turn back toward Him, He comes running toward us.   Readings at this Mass: Jos 5:9a, 10–12 | 2 Cor 5:17–21 | Lk 15:1–3, 11–32

Praying, fasting, and almsgiving are the remedy for inner peace, helping us to imitate the good things that belong to God. Putting effort into praying, fasting, and almsgiving assists us in staying constant in our relationship with God, while also strengthening our conscience, soul, mind, and heart to be always at ease and in peace. If we consistently and intentionally fertilize our soul, our mind, and our heart with these three disciplinary acts, we will be freed from disordered affections and instead yield the beautiful fruits of a good conscience.   Readings at this Mass: Ex 3:1–8a | 1 Cor 10:1–6, 10–12 | Lk 13:1–9 

Fr. Columba Jordan notes that most of us have little pauses in our day that pop up naturally: we're stopped at a stoplight, waiting for the kids to get out of practice, waiting in line at Starbucks, etc. Those are opportunities when we can practice turning our attention inward for just a minute or so, to listen to God. It's not much at first, but when you make this a habit, you start to become aware of God's voice.   Readings at this Mass: Gn 15:5–12, 17–18 | Phil 3:17—4:1 | Lk 9:28b–36

Just as nature has seasons and athletes have training cycles, Lent is our "spiritual training season" — a season to refocus and reset our hearts and minds on God. It gives us an opportunity to share and renew our faith with those around us through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.   Readings at this Mass: Dt 26:4–10 | Rom 10:8–13 | Lk 4:1–13

Our speech can act like a sieve that can filter out the bad and negative words a person can deliver to yield the beautiful and good characteristics about this person. In other words, when we listen to our own words/speech, we can filter out the ugly/unneeded husks to reveal the inner soul which should display what is a resemblance of the image and likeness of God.   Readings at this Mass: Sir 27:4–7 | 1 Cor 15:54–58 | Lk 6:39–45

What we say about Jesus matters because in the end, who Jesus is determines whether we're able to really know God or only know about God. For the Arians and the Gnostics, knowing God was impossible; God was too far beyond us, inaccessible to mere mortals. For our Christian ancestors, knowing God was the very essence of faith, and the key was the direct, personal encounter with Jesus. In Jesus, God Himself entered our reality and sought us out — so, to know Jesus was (and is) to know God.   Readings at this Mass: 1 Sam 26:2, 7–9, 12–13, 22–23  |  1 Cor 15:45–49  |  Lk 6:27–38

Gnostic thinking can creep into all of us, but the answer is simple — trust Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He sanctified both body and soul, and when we sin, our salvation isn't dependent upon some hidden, secret knowledge. We have something far greater — the Sacraments, where God's grace makes us new.   Readings at this Mass: Jer 17:5–8  |  1 Cor 15:12, 16–20  |  Lk 6:17, 20–26

This covenantal way of being requires us to see salvation as more than just reaching the end goal, heaven, but as new way of being, in which we see Christ in ourselves and in others. This week, in everything that you do and in every interaction that you have with others, see if you can identify whether it is transactional or covenantal. If it is transactional, ask God to help you transform your mind and move toward seeing Christ in you and in others.   Readings at this Mass: Is 6:1–2a, 3–8 | 1 Cor 15:1–11 | Lk 5:1–11

The wholeness, the peace, the fullness of life for which we all long only comes from being connected to God. Communion with Jesus is the key to our salvation; He unites in Himself both humanity and divinity. The more deeply we enter into relationship with Him, the more He can draw us into the Father's embrace.    Readings at this Mass: Mal 3:1–4 | Heb 2:14–18 | Lk 2:22–40

It's easy to praise God when things are good and going our way. I want to encourage you to also do it when things are hard. Don't forget that the Lord can take anything  and use it for good. And when we turn to our loving God, He will help guide us and give us strength to endure.   Readings at this Mass: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 | 1 Cor 12:12-30 | Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Jesus wants to to make things better for us, to bless you and me in abundance, but we must invite Him in to do so. How short sighted are we to only ask for his help when we are desperate and not to invite him in all things! Whatever you are willing to bring to Him, however unimportant or mundane, He will transform. So make a “new year resolution” to bring Jesus into it, whatever you do in your daily lives.   Readings at this Mass: Is 62:1–5 | 1 Cor 12:4–11 | Jn 2:1–11 

Jesus is real. His grace is real. He's not sitting up there somewhere, watching to see if you can figure it all out on your own. He's chosen to descend, to be your brother, to walk with you and face your deepest fears and failures with you. Resist the temptation to be a practical atheist. Don't just believe in God - live as if you believe. Sometime over the next few weeks, go to Confession and open your heart to Him. Let Jesus make a difference and be part of your daily reality.   Readings at this Mass: Is 42:1–4, 6–7 | Acts 10:34–38 | Lk 3:15–16, 21–22 

All of life is an epiphany - a revelation. Your very life is a gift from God, and none of us caused ourselves to come into being. When we embrace our role in God's divine story and don't fight against it, then we can see that everything - our lives and abilities, our world, our relationships - are a gift from Him. Give yourself away for God's purposes. If it helps, put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror which says, "Life is not about you. It's about God." Then, see what happens.   Readings at this Mass: Is 60:1–6 | Eph 3:2–3a, 5–6 | Mt 2:1–12 

We honor Mary because she was given the gift to be the mother of Jesus - and he was the Son of God. It is right that we call Mary "the Mother of God", and we honor Jesus when we honor her. We don't confuse the honor we give her with the worship give to her Son. If we love Jesus, then we should honor all whom He loves. That includes Mary, his mother - the Mother of God.

We can make our home like the Father's house if we make prayer the center in our home and family life. This week, formulate a plan to set aside some time nightly for prayer together, offering thanks and praises to God, asking for the strength to overcome whichever crisis comes your way and affects your family. Then put this praying plan into action, and discover the peace and grace that follows from uniting as a family unit in God.   Readings at this Mass: Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 | Col 3:12–21 | Lk 2:41–52

In our world that's often shrouded in darkness, remember that the incarnation of Christ was the match that changed everything. And despite our own struggles, God can quietly strike a spark in our hearts that ignites hope and light. And our mission is to carry His light into the world. So during this Christmas season, ask yourself: ‘Where can I bring Christ's light?' Be that person through whom God can strike a spark that will ignite hope and light to those in darkness.

Joy is deeper than happiness; more enduring. Joy isn't the absence of sadness or worry. And though it's found within, it doesn't come from within. It comes from the love of God within. The Incarnation isn't just something that happened 2000 years ago. Christ continues to come to us: in His word, in the Eucharist, in the events of our lives. Let Him lead, and you'll discover His peace. Open your heart to His love, and you'll know His joy.    

We are called to "rejoice always," and it's easy to do so when things are good. But when things are bad or dark or depressing or without hope? It's not so easy, and yet at those moments we should praise God all the more - not for the darkness, but so that the light of the world overcomes the darkness. By speaking and proclaiming light into that darkness, we are acting as agents of Christ. No matter our situation, remember to rejoice, for the light will always overcome the darkness.   Readings at this Mass: Zep 3:14–18a | Phil 4:4–7 | Lk 3:10–18 

Though none of us can live exactly as Mary did, being immaculately conceived and living without sin, we are called as Catholic Christians to lead a life filled with grace. How do we do that? Attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, going to confession - all these things help return us to a state of grace.   Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38

Each one of us is called to share the good news by imitating John the Baptist to be a missionary, helping others to encounter Christ and to prepare and straighten the paths for God. Joy, peace, suffering, and persecution are parts of any journey, including the journey of faith in God. However, only in the journey of faith in God with our missionary effort can we face suffering and persecutions gracefully on the way toward the eternal peace and joy.   Readings at this Mass: Bar 5:1–9 | Phil 1:4–6, 8–11 | Lk 3:1–6

The lesson that Advent holds out to all of us, in the midst of all the purchasing, planning, and frantic activity around us, is patience. Trusting that when life doesn't look the way we think it should look, God is still in control. Remember: some things can't be rushed. God has a plan, and if we open our lives to Him and let Him work, He'll get us where we need to be - even if He doesn't do it the way we would do it. Advent means remembering how to wait.   Readings at this Mass: Jer 33:14-16  |  1 Thes 3:12—4:2  |  Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

What are you thankful for? That's the question Fr. Bill asks of our Thanksgiving Day Mass attendees, after playing a video that reminds us not to take things for granted. Consider what you are thankful for as you listen to their responses!   Readings at this Mass: Sir 50:22-24  |  1 Cor 1:3-9   |  Lk 17:11-19

Jesus is more than just an ordinary person or a religious leader. He is God, our creator, the reason we exist. The laws of physics and science depend on him. Our ultimate happiness resides in him. Our ability to go to heaven is only through him. He is the King of the Universe, our Lord, our Messiah - and He loves you. The king of all things loves you.   Readings at this Mass: Dn 7:13–14  |  Rv 1:5–8  |  Jn 18:33b–37 

When it comes to preparing for anything, often we think of stocking up or loading up on things. The process of preparation often gives us anxiety, taking away our peace due to the unknowns. But as people of faith, being prepared is to not be in fear, to not let the idea of the end times frighten us. Being prepared is to let go of our sins, vices, unhealthy habits, and the things we do not need to gain peace and to be free of anxiety.   Readings at this Mass: Dn 12:1–3 | Heb 10:11–14, 18 | Mk 13:24–32 

Right now, it's far more helpful – emotionally, psychologically, relationally – to be proactive and focus on the things over which we have some influence, rather than to send ourselves into tailspins reacting to what we can't control. Think about God's initiative in your own life. Today, concretely, what can you influence? Who can you help?   Readings at this Mass: 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

When we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, we become more like Him. As we grow close to God, we gain His peace and can extend His love to those around us. Because God is in control, unshaken by the world's troubles, we can be too, for the love of God calms our fears. Loving our neighbors, even those we disagree with, creates bonds that build unity. When we love as God loves, our neighbors stop being enemies and become brothers and sisters.    Readings at this Mass 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

Jesus invites us to reject worldly standards and take on Godly standards with the Beatitudes. They are a kind of roadmap to sainthood, God's standards for leading a joyful, fulfilling life that also prepares us for our reward in heaven. Sainthood is not far from us, but is happening here and now: when we mourn, when we experience tribulations that cause us hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we show mercy, when we are peacemakers, when we are mistreated for the sake of peace for others.   Readings at this Mass:  Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 | 1 Jn 3:1-3 | Mt 5:1-12a

On being resilient and persistent in cultivating an upward movement toward God, Saint Cyprian of Carthage says that we must endure toil and fatigue while we are attempting to climb hills and mountains. However, the toil and fatigue are less if we set our eyes on heaven and consider the promised reward. This reminds us to continue to keep our focus on Jesus and remain resilient in inviting God to take part in our life.   Readings at this Mass:  Jer 31:7–9 | Heb 5:1–6 | Mk 10:46–52

Real change requires radical honesty, and we could all do with a bit more honesty: in our public lives, our private lives, and in our prayer. Don't be afraid of the truth when you pray. Don't ignore what's going on inside. Embrace who you are – and where you are. Tell it to God like it is. And then, let God go to work.   Readings at this Mass: Is 53:10–11 | Heb 4:14–16 | Mk 10:35–45

Take a moment this week and ask yourself: "What is one thing standing between me and a deeper relationship with Jesus? What is one thing that I am lacking?" Then, take a leap of faith and surrender it. Whatever it is, place it at the feet of Jesus, and then be patient. Wait and watch as joy, like a hidden treasure, reveals itself to you in ways you never expected.   Readings at this Mass: Wis 7:7–11 | Heb 4:12–13 | Mk 10:17–30

We heard of the call to bring children from what Jesus commanded the disciples today, ‘Let the children come to me'. When married couples bear fruits in bringing children into this world, they are not only bringing God's love into the world, but also displaying the inner life of God, the love, which is the Holy Spirit, shared between the Father and the Son.   Readings at this Mass: Gn 2:18–24 | Heb 2:9–11 | Mk 10:2–16

Fundamentally, holiness is not churchiness or being theologically literate. It's not having our act together morally, and certainly not about judging other people. Fundamentally, holiness is about having the courage to let Jesus into the center of your life - and then hanging on for the ride! That might not always look the way we think holiness should look, but it's powerful when we see it. In the end, it's all about Jesus.   Readings at this Mass: Nm 11:25–29 | Jas 5:1–6 | Mk 9:38–43, 45, 47–48

What is greatness in in the view of God? Jesus makes it clear: "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Greatness can be a good thing, as long as it has love of God and neighbor as its goal. So, this week, put on your calling of being a disciple of Jesus. Find a way to lift someone up. Whether it be at school, work, home, or just being about. Be a good winner or loser. Help a friend. Help a neighbor. Help someone in need.   Readings at this Mass: Wis 2:12, 17–20 | Jas 3:16—4:3 | Mk 9:30–37

Each of us experience some kind of suffering every day, big or small. If we only see our suffering as a punishment from God, we miss that our suffering is also redemptive. In the Cross, we experience the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord, and we are given a promise of eternal life. Part of the fulfillment of that promise is embracing the crosses in our own lives. When you are given a cross to bear, look at the crucifix and ask Him to help you to embrace it.   Readings at this Mass: Is 50:4c–9a | Jas 2:14–19 | Mk 8:27–35

At the end of the day, it's not our sinfulness that's a problem for God. It's the way we refuse to admit our sinfulness, or even to see it. The way we hide or minimize or rationalize it. That's what makes us sick, unfree, and lonely. When we allow Jesus to open our hearts to truth, when we let him be our compass and measure, our lives change. This week, ask God for the grace and the humility to just be honest when you're wrong and admit your fault - and see what happens.     Readings at this Mass: Is 35:4–7a | Jas 2:1–5 | Mk 7:31–37

Jesus made it clear that evil thoughts and acts come from within, but the opposite is also true. We heard from St. James today, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves" (Jas 1:22). In order to be doers of the word, we must begin from within our hearts. The next time you find yourself disturbed by something or someone around you, offer it up. Pray for that situation and person. They may not change - but you will.   Readings at this Mass: Dt 4:1–2, 6–8 | Jas 1:17–18, 21b–22, 27 | Mk 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

According to C. S. Lewis, having faith is a commitment to and trust in Christian teachings in the face of daily distractions and doubts. Let this Gospel reading today remind you to commit yourself again and again when you come to Mass and receive a very tangible thing: the Lord's body, blood, soul, and divinity in your hand and on your tongue. Nowhere else outside of the Catholic Church can this food be found, and with that recognition, we say, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”   Readings at this Mass: Jos 24:1–2a, 15–17, 18b | Eph 5:21–32 | Jn 6:60–69

Do you know the most common time for a person who prays to stop praying? It's when they sense God asking them to change or let something go. But every great love requires at some point a willingness to say 'no' to what we want in order to say 'yes' to what love demands. If you're finding yourself restless, fearful, stuck, or directionless, come to Communion. Open the doors of your heart to Jesus and let Him into those frustrated places inside. And then – listen, and do whatever he tells you.   Readings at this Mass: Prv 9:1–6 | Eph 5:15–20 | Jn 6:51–58

The Assumption of Mary is not only a celebration of her glorious destiny but also a powerful reminder of our own future hope of eternal life with Christ. Mary's Assumption encourages us to live our lives trusting in God, in His blessings and promises that prepare us for our own destiny, which Mary has reached: eternal life with Christ.   Readings at this Mass: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab | 1 Cor 15:20-27 | Lk 1:39-56

God will never abandon you. He knows your suffering; He knows your deepest mistakes and sins; and He desires greatly to receive you back and heal you. Don't be afraid to express your troubles, worries, and fears to Him. Invite Him into your heart, your mind, your soul - for the first time or the 100th time. Be open to His mystical presence here at Mass and beyond. Readings at this Mass: 1 Kgs 19:4–8 | Eph 4:30—5:2 | Jn 6:41–51

In receiving the Body of Christ, you are transformed and filled with Him who came to unite you to the Father, to turn you from an ordinary individual to an extraordinary person in God. Let's set the world on fire for the Lord through His presence in you, the living and walking tabernacle through the fire and power of the Holy Spirit! Be Christ-like to others, so that they may come to know Him and His presence in the Eucharist and be transformed.   Readings at this Mass: Ex 16:2–4, 12–15 | Eph 4:17, 20–24 | Jn 6:24–35