Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; Second Wednesday of Advent: Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30. What soothing words of hope and security we find in today’s readings! With so many trials and difficulties in our lives, this reminder couldn’t come at a better time. As we prepare …
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11, Matthew 18:12-14. Today’s gospel presents the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and Christ as the Good Shepherd is one of the oldest artistic representations we have from the early Christian Church. Clearly, this image resonates with us. But is it more …
Monday of the Second Week of Advent: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:17-26. Isaiah was graced with such vision! He saw the coming of Christ and all that this meant for humanity; his poetic prophecies are treasures. Today’s readings again present us with the call and response, the promise and the fulfillment, …
Second Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12. It is not in fashion to bring up damnation as a part of our religion. Heck, people look at you like you’re a superstitious nut if you mention Satan. The decades after Vatican II in America attempted to make Mass …
Saturday in the First Week of Advent: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5A, 6-8. I have reflected in the past on the use of agricultural metaphors in scripture (this list, particularly the first three), and today’s readings provide another opportunity to do so. The backyard gardener in me loves these …
Friday of the First Week of Advent: Isaiah 29:17-24 , Matthew 9:27-31. Today’s readings speak to one another in a grand call and response across the liturgy. Truly, this happens throughout the scriptures, as Christ fulfills the words he gave the prophets. The Liturgy of the Word shows us in …
Thursday of the First Week of Advent, Year A: Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27. The beginning of the first week of Advent has set our eyes upon the goal: Christ’s entrance into the world and – at the same time – the fullness of the Kingdom that will come. Today’s …
Tuesday in the First Week of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24. When I read today’s readings, it’s hard to contain my sense of expectation for the Kingdom. Isaiah’s poetic language gives sparkling life to the visions God has revealed to him. Luke then shows us an intimate moment outside of …
First Sunday of Advent, Year A: Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44. This Sunday presents a group of readings that speak to the essential character of Advent. The theme, of course, is preparation for God’s coming. As we are taught, this coming is something that happens in the stream of …
Third Sunday of Advent: Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18. Gaudete in Domino semper! These are the first words of today’s second reading and, in fact, the introit (opening chant) for the third Sunday in Advent, marking Gaudete Sunday every year. What does it mean? The Latin translates as “Rejoice …
