![4th Sunday of Advent [C] December 22, 2019](https://littleflowertoledo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PastorsPonderingsPurple-300x300.jpg "4th Sunday of Advent [C] December 22, 2019")
MATTHEW 1:18-24 Mary finally makes her appearance in the Gospel Reading this Advent season, although Joseph is at center of Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus. Through the message of an angel coming to him in a dream, Joseph learns that “it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in...
![Christ the King [C] November 24, 2019](https://littleflowertoledo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/two-good-mins-2019-300x300.jpg "Christ the King [C] November 24, 2019")
The Feast of Christ the King is a response to the alarming rise of 20th century despotism denying God’s absolute and perfect sovereignty. Dictators violently asserted authority over peoples and suspended religious liberties. At the core of this feast, we boldly declare the inherent dignity all people and our corresponding duty to worship the Lord...
Luke 10:38-42 God’s Word spoken by Jesus always takes precedence. Mary is open to it and, thus, able to listen to it. So, too, must we first listen to God’s Word if we are to act rightly. ONLY ONE THING IS REQUIRED 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] Today’s Gospel recounts the arrival of...
Luke 10:25-37 The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most popular tales. Two figures who should have shown compassion ignore a pressing need while an especially unlikely character – one viewed as an enemy – takes pity on the half-dead victim, cares for him and concerns himself for him even after he...
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Jesus sends His disciples out like sheep among wolves. Humanly speaking such a mission is utterly reckless. Supernaturally, however, our victory has been won by Jesus, the “Lamb that that slain.” BRINGING PEACE TO A WORLD THAT LACKS IT 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] Today’s Gospel recounts Our Blessed Lord Jesus...
Luke 9:51-62 In the Gospel Reading, three people insist upon a condition to following the call of Christ. However, God’s call never involves negotiation or compromise to be had between preserving personal aspirations and living the mission of He has entrusted to us. TO JERUSALEM AND BEYOND 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] Today’s Gospel...
Luke 9:11-17 Today’s Gospel Reading recounts the miraculous multiplication of the loaves. Jesus’ words and actions point to His own total self-donation in the Passion; a self-outpouring done expressly for us and for our salvation. FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI 2019 [C] The Feast of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ – is...
Matthew 6:39-45 In the Gospel Reading, Jesus offers two maxims for discipleship. First, before a disciple judges anyone else, they must have there own spiritual clarity. Seconda disciple always tests the relationship between their own heart and mouth before undertaking the task of correcting someone else’s problems. Of course, genuine disciples always measure themselves against...
Luke 6:27-36 In the Gospel Reading, Jesus emphasizes the connection between inner attitudeand outer actions. The absolute generosity of God showers love on those who hate Him and despise Him. Genuine Christians know they are products of divine generosity. We all owe ourselves to God’s generosity. BE COMPASSIONATE Last Sunday Jesus’ beatitudes and woes established...
LUKE 6:17, 20-26 In the Gospel we hear four pronouncements of beatitude – blessedness – and four declarations of woe. A NEW WAY OF LIVING Luke 6:17, 20-26 In today’s Gospel, Jesus sets forth an entirely new way of living. Actually, Jesus’ bold instructions for daily living not only are listed in Luke’s Gospel, but also...
