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Reflections

Reflections

February 24 ~ Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

Jesus’ words today make it very clear how we are live as his followers. “Love your enemies” ... “do good to those who curse you” ... “pray for those who mistreat you” ... “give to everyone who asks of you (and) don’t demand it back” ... “Stop judging” ... ... Read More »

February 17 ~ Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

We hear the Beatitudes proclaimed in today’s gospel. The text is so familiar, it is easy for our thoughts to drift off and not really hear what Christ is saying. Take some time this week to reflect on these Beatitudes. Is there one beatitude that you need to focus ... Read More »

February 10 ~ Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

Jesus invites the disciples who have been fishing all night to “put out into the deep...” Despite their fatigue, they do as Jesus asks because they have faith in him. He not only rewards them with a large catch of fish, but he instructs them to be fishers of ... Read More »

February 3 ~ Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

In speaking to the prophet Jeremiah, God reminds him “before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations, I appointed you.” What we are to proclaim is best described by St. Paul in the second reading when he speaks of what love needs to look like ... Read More »

January 27 ~ Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

Re-read today’s Gospel. Put yourself in the scene: you’re in the synagogue, perhaps your family is beside you. Jesus, the carpenter’s son, gets up to read - He is the lector. The carpenter’s son reads a passage from the prophet Isaiah about the promise of the Messiah. When he ... Read More »

January 20 ~ Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Posted by Ray Lodato

“Do whatever he tells you.” These are the words of Mary at the end of today’s gospel! Mary is saying these words to us too – to you and me. What is He telling us to do? The psalm gives us one response– “Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all ... Read More »

January 13 ~ The Baptism of the Lord

Posted by Ray Lodato

Our gospel today recounts the story of Jesus’ baptism and the important words spoken by God about Jesus, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Imagine God saying these words to you, “You are my beloved. with you I am well pleased.” Take some time ... Read More »

January 6 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord

Posted by Ray Lodato

Today’s readings give us beautiful imagery along with the familiar story of the Magi. A line in the gospel that could be easily missed comes at the end of the Gospel: “they departed for their country by another way.” We might assume that because of their encounter with Christ, ... Read More »

December 30 ~ Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Posted by Ray Lodato

Every parent of a teenager can relate to this Gospel. The 12-year -old Jesus is a bit surprised about his parents’ concern. Upon returning to Nazareth, he “was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and ... Read More »

December 23 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Posted by Ray Lodato

The gospel today presents the beautiful story of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. This reading gives us much to ponder – Mary’s generosity to her older cousin; Elizabeth’s acknowledgement of Mary’s yes to God, and her admiration of Mary’s belief in God’s promises. In your prayer, ask for ... Read More »