Following the Star / I Saw the Sign

This Epiphany homily reflects on the journey of the Three Wise Men, who were led by a simple but powerful sign—a star—to the newborn Christ. Though the sign was visible to all, only a few chose to follow it. Ancient prophecies foretold their arrival, and after months of searching, the Magi finally reached Bethlehem, offering gifts and homage to Jesus.

The homily highlights a striking contrast: while the religious leaders knew the scriptures and could name the birthplace of the Messiah, they did not act on that knowledge. True wisdom, as described by Matthew Kelly, is not just seeing or knowing the truth, but living it. The Magi were wise because they followed the sign God gave them and allowed it to change their lives.

As the New Year begins, listeners are invited to reflect on two simple but challenging questions:
What signs is God placing in my life?
And when I see them, do I follow?

The message encourages openness, courage, and action—reminding us that faith grows when we not only recognize God’s signs, but respond to them.

About Father David
Father David is the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Superior and the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles & Hayward Area Catholic Churches in northern Wisconsin, serving multiple parishes across the Northwoods. Rooted in the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, his ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and helping individuals and families welcome Christ into daily life.

Learn more at www.haywardcatholic.org.

Hear the previous podcast about O Little Town of Bethlehem at:   www.anchoredinthelord.com

Feast of the Holy Family: Holy & Ordinary

Feast of the Holy Family – Holy and Ordinary
(December 28, 2025)

On the Feast of the Holy Family, we reflect on a powerful truth: holiness is found not in extraordinary places, but in ordinary family life. Jesus chose to grow within a real human family—one marked by love, sacrifice, misunderstanding, and daily tension—showing us that God’s primary path to holiness is lived through relationships.

This reflection explores how everyday moments of friction, sacrifice, and care within families become opportunities for growth in love, patience, and mercy. Drawing from Scripture, it reminds us that putting the needs of others before our own—spouses, children, parents, coworkers, and neighbors—creates a ripple effect of grace that extends far beyond the home.

The Holy Family teaches us that real holiness is not perfection, but faithfulness: choosing love in the midst of ordinary life. As we look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we ask for the strength to recognize the opportunities God places before us each day to grow in authentic, lived holiness.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—pray for us.

About Father David
Father David is the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles & Hayward Area Catholic Churches in northern Wisconsin, serving multiple parishes across the Northwoods. Rooted in the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, his ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and helping individuals and families welcome Christ into daily life.

Father David also serves as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Superior. www.callednorth.org

Learn more at www.haywardcatholic.org.

Hear more reflections at www.anchoredinthelord.com.

O Little Town of Bethlehem | Christmas 2025

This reflection weaves the beloved hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” into a quiet, hope-filled meditation on how God chooses small, hidden places to do His greatest work. From the stillness of Bethlehem to the silence of our own hearts, it invites listeners to notice how Christ meets the hopes and fears of every age—not from a distance, but by stepping directly into our lives.

The episode explores how Christmas can be easily missed amid busyness and distraction, even as heaven remains wide awake with wonder and love. It reminds us that God comes gently, waiting to be welcomed, asking only for openness rather than perfection.

###

About Father David
Father David is the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles &  Hayward Area Catholic Churches in Hayward, Wisconsin, serving the faith communities of St. Ann in Cable, St. Francis Solanus Mission & School in Reserve, St. Ignatius in New Post, St. Joseph in Hayward, and St. Philip in Stone Lake. With a heart for pastoral care, preaching, and community life, Father David walks closely with parishioners through the joys and challenges of daily faith. His ministry is rooted in the sacraments, the teachings of the Church, and a deep commitment to welcoming Christ into the lives of individuals and families across the Northwoods.
Learn more about Father David and the Hayward Area Catholic Churches at www.haywardcatholic.org

See more podcasts at:  www.anchordinthelord.com

The Little Drummer Boy

Merry Christmas!

Come, they told me — pa rum pum pum pum
A newborn King to see — pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring — pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King — pa rum pum pum pum
    Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.
So to honor Him — pa rum pum pum pum
When we come.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Merry Christmas!

God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

What Child Is This?

Merry Christmas!

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Our Baptism

The Baptism of the Lord

Today Jesus is baptized, not to be washed by the water but to wash the water; not to be cleansed by the waters but to cleanse the waters.  Today Jesus isn’t baptized by water – water is baptized by Jesus.  So when we go down into the water in baptism, we no longer just get wet, we get Jesus Christ!  At our baptism we were set free from the hold of sin, worry and anxiety in our life, brought into God’s family, and given the power of the Holy Spirit to live this new life in God.  The challenge this week: how are we doing?  How are we living out the graces of our baptism?  Have we in some ways forgotten the power and strength God gave us on our baptism day and settled for a less than full and vibrant life of faith?  This week, let’s ask for a renewal of that strength of our baptism!

Love & Family

Feast of the Holy Family

Jesus not only came as a baby at Christmas, He also entered into a human family – with all the joys and frustrations that go with it.  We are challenged in all relationships, but especially in the family, to put the wants and needs of others before our own, to stretch our hearts, to learn how to love more, to sacrifice for each other.  Our readings today all challenge us to put others first, “Children, obey your parents in everything…Wives, be subordinate to your husbands…Husbands, love your wives.”  Jesus loved us, and so He subordinated Himself to our needs, even to the point of death.  We can practice this kind of love every day, especially in the family!

O Holy Night

Merry Christmas!

O holy night!  The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night, Oh night divine