Today’s Readings Each year on December 18 and December 23, the Gospel from Luke places before us the story of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. When the angel announces that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, Zechariah struggles to believe—and his doubt leaves him unable to speak. Today’s Gospel, however, marks a Continue reading

Today’s Readings Today’s readings invite us to see the quiet but tremendous courage of St. Joseph. In his world, the expected response to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy was simple: end the engagement and walk away. Had he done so, Mary would have faced poverty, rejection, and even danger. Yet Joseph chose trust. Mary chose trust. Both Continue reading

Today’s Readings Today, December 17, Advent takes on a new and joyful intensity. With this day we begin the great “O Antiphons,” sung with the Magnificat at Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Drawing on rich images from the Old Testament, these antiphons express Israel’s deepest hopes and give voice to our own Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s first reading, the Lord offers a strong critique of the religious leaders of His time. He often challenges them for acting more like worldly authorities than true shepherds of God’s people. Yet these words are not meant only for those in positions of spiritual leadership. They are meant for all of Continue reading

Today’s Readings John the Baptist is a striking figure of Advent because he feels so close to our own experience of faith. Just last week, we heard him proclaim with confidence, “One more powerful than I is coming.” Soon after, he stands at the Jordan, recognizing Jesus for who He truly is: “I need to be Continue reading

Today’s Readings The prophet Isaiah reminds us that the Lord is not a distant or indifferent deity waiting to be appeased. God is Love itself. We were created out of that love and in His own image. Because of this, He is always present—calling, guiding, and reaching toward us with tenderness and mercy. St. Paul Continue reading

Today’s Readings Advent meets us right where we are. In these busy December days, the Scriptures remind us that our deepest longings—peace, hope, forgiveness, and communion with God—are fulfilled only in Jesus Christ. As Christmas draws near, the liturgy invites us to lift our eyes toward the One already in our midst, drawing close to Continue reading

Today’s Readings In today’s first reading, Adam hides from God in fear and shame. His disobedience leads to blame, division, and a desire to cover himself. We recognize this pattern in our own lives: when we sin, we often try to hide—from God, from others, even from ourselves. Our true identity, however, is found only Continue reading

Today’s Readings Advent invites us deeper into God’s peace. Today, John the Baptist calls out: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Many hear those words as a threat, but Scripture offers something very different. Repentance—metanoia—is an invitation to turn our hearts back to the Lord who loves us.  Isaiah speaks of “Fear Continue reading

Today’s Readings Today Jesus reminds us that it is not enough merely to know about Him or to be familiar with His teachings. Christian faith is not an academic exercise—it is a relationship. We are called to know Jesus personally, to love Him, and to allow His word to shape the way we live. Faith Continue reading