On the Second Sunday of Advent, the Church directs our attention to John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-6). Everything in John’s life is informed by who God created him to be; namely, preparing people for the Messiah’s arrival. There is no personal gain in what he does. Indeed, he ultimately will surrender his life rather than...
Category: Pastor’s Pondering
1st Sunday Advent (11/28)
Advent begins today. It is time to shake off weakness. If we have been lethargic in our blessed Lord’s service, run now to Him with love. Let Him make us strong and generous.
Persevering Prayer (11/15)
“As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging” (Luke 18:35). Holding fast to the actual miracle Jesus performs, the earliest commentators further explain that the blind man also symbolizes those who are unable to see eternal light. How easily we can fail to recognize God in our personal struggles along...
Remembrance Day (11/11)
On this hallowed day in which we rightly remember our brave Veterans, an excerpt from “For the Fallen” (1914) by the venerable British poet Laurence Binyon. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our...
Real Learning (11/10)
Learning is not as simple as acquiring knowledge. It is a regular practice of trying out new things and seeing the world in new ways. We best learn the Faith by daring to live it.
FEAST: All Souls’ Day (11/2)
Death has taken from us those whom we love. Intentional disciples hold fast to the truth that there can be no real separation from the beloved ones who have died in the loving embrace of our Lord. The bond of charity forever unites us, enfolding in one embrace earth and heaven. Thus, our sadness is...
FEAST: All Saints (11/1)
Today we joyfully celebrate the members of the Church who, having reached their heavenly home, are safe for all eternity, forever safe from the clutches of the foe and numbered everlastingly among God’s elect. Who are these splendid SAINTS? They are wonderfully varied, all having lived upon the earth as we have, who have known...
Preaching Notes – Feast of Saint Thérèse (Sun) October 3
Note: While the Feast of Saint Thérèse, the Little Flower, is October 1, we also celebrate our parish feast on the Sunday following her day which this year is October 3, 2021. Thérèse’s Dilemma Thérèse wanted to perform extraordinary deeds for God, but knew she was “too little” to accomplish any of them. “I feel the...
Virtue Makes Experience (9/16)
“Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Intentional disciples model virtue. Virtue – good choices – fortifies experience, not so much age.
Feast: Triumph of the Cross (9/14)
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, St Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to acclaim the supreme power of Christ’s Cross: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by...