Feast of the Holy Family

In today’s readings we get some very practical advice about how to live as Christians: put the wants and needs of others before your own…as Christ did.  Paul gives us a very concrete example of how this looks in one of the most fundamental sets of relationships we find ourselves in: the family.  Before getting up-in-arms about how Paul could write, “Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,” let’s look at the reading in context and see how Paul is challenging everyone to stretch their hearts and love others the way Christ loved us.

Solemnity of the Epiphany

In our Gospel today we see the three magi coming from the east.  They saw the signs God placed in their lives, and they followed them – straight to Jesus.  God wants to lead all people to Jesus, and God works signs in the life of every person on this earth – Christians, Muslims, atheists, agnostics, New Agers…it doesn’t matter.  The presence of the magi today shows that God IS working in the lives of all, calling all people to His Son, whether they know it or not.  What are the signs God is placing in your life?  How are you following them?

My Homily from this weekend.

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!

My Homily from this weekend.

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?

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

My Homily from this day.