Year A: 1st Sunday of Advent
Year A: 2nd Sunday of Advent
Year A: 3rd Sunday of Advent
Year A: 4th Sunday of Advent
Year A: Christmas Day Mass
Year A: Feast of the Holy Family
Year A: Epiphany

First Sunday of Advent
(November 28, 2004)
1st Reading - Is 2:1-5
2nd Reading - Rom 13:11-14
Gospel - Mt 24:37-44

"They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the LORD!"

These words, from the prophet Isaiah are important for us in today's world. As we consider the world in which we live - especially in this time of war - we should pray for peace. The Lord will come. When he comes, one nation will not raise a sword against another. Isn't this worth praying for? As Christian Stewards, we know how important it is for us to be self-giving, rather than selfish. Therefore, let us offer the selfless gift of prayer for peace in the world!

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Second Sunday of Advent
(December 5, 2004)
1st Reading - Is 11:1-10
2nd Reading - Rom 15:4-9
Gospel - Mt 3:1-12

On this Second Sunday of Advent, we hear from the great prophet, Isaiah. In the first reading, he encourages his people (and us) with his prophecy that the Messiah will come and will bring peace. The beautiful imagery of the Lion and the lamb lying down together shows us that in God's Kingdom there is no war, hatred or violence.

As our country continues to fight terrorism and other battles in Iraq, Afghanistan, and even here in the U.S., this reading is particularly important for us. Violence and war will have no place in God's Kingdom. In fact, as God's Kingdom continues to break into this world, war should have no place here on earth either. As Christian Stewards, let us continue to care for God's world and protect it. Let us pray for peace for all humanity. While we pray for our military men and women, we must also pray for God's Kingdom to come. As the Psalm reminds us about the coming of the Messiah, "Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever." So let us pray, "Come, Lord Jesus! Come!"

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Third Sunday of Advent
(December 12, 2004)
1st Reading - Is 35:1-6a, 10
2nd Reading - Jas 5:7-10
Gospel - Mt 11:2-11

In today's second reading, from the letter of James, we read, "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord." Patience is a virtue.

I often hear this in the confessional - "Father John,I need more patience with my children. Please ask God to give me more patience." In fact, what we fail to realize is that God has already given us the grace and the patience to deal with those who make us uneasy. However, we don't use the virtue of patience very well, so we think that by asking for more patience, things will be better.

Here's a suggestion. Don't ask for more patience. Otherwise, God will give you more reason to be more patient. Who needs that? Instead, ask God to help you use wisely the tool of patience that you already have. Pull that virtue of patience out of your tool box and use it wisely.

As Christian Stewards, we know that we have received many gifts. Don't forget that patience is one of them. In addition, let's not forget that this gift of patience is a gift that must be shared. Sharing your patience is a way to make people around you feel comfortable and at peace.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent
(December 19, 2004)
1st Reading - Is 7:10-14
2nd Reading - Rom 1:1-7
Gospel - Mt 1:18-24

Whenever we think of the Incarnation, we think of the angel visiting Mary, the mother of Jesus. However, in today's Gospel of Matthew, we hear of another angelic visit to Joseph, the husband of Mary.

This Gospel tells us that Joseph should have no fear and that he should take Mary and the child into his family. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home."

As Christian Stewards, we are called to have the same faith as Joseph and Mary. Very often, we may give into fear. Faith conquers fear. Faith tells us to be self giving, not selfish. Think about it. Why are people selfish? Because they fear losing something - material possesions, friends and loved ones, their very lives. However, faith means doing what the Lord commands of us.

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The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
(December 25, 2004)
1st Reading -Is 62:11-12
2nd Reading - Titus 3:4-7
Gospel - Lk 2:15-20

"And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen..."

On this Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, we celebrate the Birthday of Christ our Lord. The joy of Mary and of the shepherds are experienced in different ways. Mary treasures all of these things in her heart, while the shepherds glorify and praise God. One celebrates joy in silence, while the others celebrate with noise. As we continue to celebrate the Season of Christmas, let us celebrate with noise and trumpets and praise. But, let us also also take time to quietly reflect on the awesome power of God who came to set us free. "Emmanuel - God with us!" These are words worth pondering and celebrating!

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Feast of the Holy Family
(December 26, 2004)
1st Reading - Sir 3:2-6, 12-14
2nd Reading - Col 3:12-21
Gospel - Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

The readings today could almost be used on Father's Day. "Whoever reveres his father will live a long life. He who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother" (First Reading); "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged" (Second Reading); and "Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son" (Gospel).

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we certainly know that Jesus and Joseph must have had a wonderful bond. Jesus would have followed the words of Sirach and Joseph would not have provoked Jesus. But, we are reminded that Joseph is not the actual father of Jesus. Instead he obediently follows the command of God, the true father of Jesus. At the appointed time, Joseph leads the family out of Egypt, because "Out of Egypt I (meaning the Heavenly Father) called my son."

Joseph knows who he is. He is not God, nor is he the Father of Jesus. In fact, he recognizes that he is the servant of Jesus. He must care for the Lord and watch over him. But, isn't that how all parents should treat their children? They are co-creators, in that they participated in the life giving miracle of their children. However, God is the true Creator and Father of all children.

In many ways, to be a foster parent, or an adoptive parent, is more in line with the message for today's Feast. Accepting a child through adoption can be a powerful testimony. It says that children are not property of parents. Children are from God and, in this life, we help to bring them into this world and/or care for them, but they will always belong to God.

On this Feast of the Holy Family, I pray that you and your loved ones will enjoy the prayers of Mary and Joseph who welcomed the Savior into their home. May Christ be a welcomed member of your home in 2005.

Have a nice week!

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The Epiphany of the Lord
(January 2, 2005)
1st Reading - Is 60:1-6
2nd Reading - Eph 3:2-6
Gospel - Mt 2:1-12

On this Feast of the Epiphany, we can see the two faces of humanity. Herod represents the jealous and greedy face of humanity; people who would rather move God out of the way in order to get what they want. The wise men represent the grateful face of humanity; people who will go out of their way to offer gifts of praise to God. The message is simple. As we begin a new year, what kind of face will we wear?

On January 6, I will be going to Peru. I will make a visit to the Basilica of Saint Rose of Lima and visit her relics at the Church of Santo Domingo. In addition, I will be joining nurses, doctors, and members of the Chula Vista Rotary as we assist the poor in towns just outside of Cuzco, Peru. I will be returning for Masses on Sunday, January 15th. Please pray for me and I assure you that I will be praying for you; especially as I visit Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres in Lima.

May God bless you!

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