Series: Advent 2017

At the beginning of Advent, the Church reminds us of Christ’s words: Be Alert! To be alert is to know your identity and situation…but it is also to remember how you got to that place. It is to remember your story and what God has done. We remember what God has done in history and what God has done in our personal history in order to be able to weather crises and walk in the darkness.

12/25/17 What Do You Want?

Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas).

Some people know exactly what they want and exactly what they need. Most of us do not, however. Because of that, until I experience the true need for a Savior, I will be unable to experience the joy of being given one. But when I know what I want…and need…Christmas becomes something far more than just another holiday.

Mass Readings from December 25, 2017:
Isaiah 62:11-12
Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:15-20
Listen to more homilies…

12/17/17 Here. Now.

Have we lost the ability to enjoy things?

Homily from the Third Sunday in Advent.

When we live life constantly distracted and incessantly amused, we will not find ourselves in a place of endless amusement; we will find ourselves unable to enjoy anything. But the Word calls us to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks. How can I do that if I can’t enjoy this moment?

Mass Readings from December 17, 2017:
Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11
Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Listen to more homilies…

(There won’t be a series this Advent, so there won’t be any study handouts posted. “May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)

12/10/17 Be At Peace

To be ready and to be in right relationship.

Homily from the Second Sunday in Advent.

Is it possible to have peace in the midst of battle? Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of something more powerful that war and trial. Peace is found when one is ready for the current challenge because they have done what they needed to do. This principally involves being in right relationship with one’s self, with others, and most especially with God. Repentance leads to right relationship…and Confession is the great gift that God has extended to us so we can be found at peace.

Mass Readings from December 10, 2017:
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

Listen to more homilies…

(There won’t be a series this Advent, so there won’t be any study handouts posted. “Be at peace!”)

12/03/17 Remember

In the darkness, you don’t need to see in order to move forward.

Homily from the First Sunday in Advent.

At the beginning of Advent, the Church reminds us of Christ’s words: Be Alert! To be alert is to know your identity and situation…but it is also to remember how you got to that place. It is to remember your story and what God has done. We remember what God has done in history and what God has done in our personal history in order to be able to weather crises and walk in the darkness.

Mass Readings from December 3, 2017:
Isaiah 63:16-17,19; 64:2-7
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37

Listen to more homilies…

(There won’t be a series this Advent, so there won’t be any study handouts posted. But please, remember to “be watchful and alert” with us!)

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