Wednesday, January 6, 2010 By Father Timothy Schehr The Baptism of the Lord: Isaiah 40:1-11; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 So far this liturgical year we have been celebrating events in the Lord’s early years: His birth and the worship of the Magi. Now Luke records for us His …

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 By Sister Betty J. Lillie, S.C. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14; Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:41-52 Having celebrated the birth of Jesus, the structure of the holiest family in Nazareth  becomes visible. How did that family live? There is …

Thursday, December 17, 2009 By Sister Carol Gaeke, O.P. When the pregnant Elizabeth encountered the pregnant Mary, there was great joy at the mutual recognition of God among them in Mary’s womb.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 By Sister Betty J. Lillie, S.C. Fourth Sunday of Advent: Micah 5:1-4a;  Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19;  Hebrews 10:5-10;  Luke 1:39-45. The beautiful “O” antiphons that are sung at vespers from Dec. 17-23 remind us that Christmas is near. They recall for us the long period of …

Thursday, December 10, 2009 By Father Kyle Schnippel As we journey through the Advent season, at least part of me wonders what was going through Mary’s mind during that journey. The somewhat haunting refrain of a popular carol asks: “Mary, did you know that your baby boy would someday walk …

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 By Sister Betty J. Lillie, S.C. Third Sunday of Advent: Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18 As we draw closer to the celebration of Christmas the coming of the Messiah is a continuing emphasis in the Scripture passages used in the liturgy. In our …

Thursday, December 3, 2009 By Scott Mussari Very few of us actually enjoy waiting. In today’s instant credit approval, instant coffee, instant karma lifestyle, we have become accustomed to getting what we want when we want it. We have neither the time nor the inclination to wait for anything.  We …

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 By Sister Betty J. Lillie, S.C. Second Sunday of Advent: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-6 A wonderful guest is coming, and the time of preparation for the event is full of joy and excitement. However, from our point of time in history the …

Friday, November 27, 2009 By Father Kenneth Overberg, SJ Despite the fact that the epidemic is spreading faster than previously thought, there has been a sharp decline in public concern regarding HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, provides us an opportunity for renewed awareness and action.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 By Father Rob Waller A monk and a girl in a pink sweater helped me remember. Father Joseph was visiting from his monastery in Beirut. Bridget came to morning Mass to pray for her father. They reminded me that any bishop likes having a contemplative community …