Reflections
December 16 ~ Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Posted by Ray Lodato
“Shout for joy.” “Sing joyfully.” “Be glad and exult with all your heart.” “Rejoice, in the Lord always.” The message this week is clear, joy must be a sign of our life in Christ. We need to bring the light of Christ to these dark December days and speak ... Read More »
December 9 ~ Second Sunday of Advent
Posted by Ray Lodato
“Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is where Advent calls us to put our focus. It can happen though that preparing for the coming of Christ gets overwhelmed by what our culture tells us Christmas should look like. St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that God ... Read More »
December 2 ~ First Sunday of Advent
Posted by Ray Lodato
The readings for this first Sunday of Advent stress the importance of having a strong and committed relationship with Jesus Christ. When stress and tensions arise, or we feel weighed down and discouragement sets in, these readings remind us to remain hopeful. They tell us again that we have ... Read More »
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe ~ November 25
Posted by Ray Lodato
Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" A question we need to ask ourselves today is, “Is Jesus my King? Do I live with Jesus at the center of my life? Here are some suggestions that will help answer the question? When am I going ... Read More »
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 18
Posted by Ray Lodato
We are nearing the end of the Liturgical Year when the readings call us to think about the ‘end times’. Even though we don’t know when death will come, it is not a time to be comfortable and complacent because "of that day or hour, no one knows, neither ... Read More »
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 11
Posted by Ray Lodato
We have two different stories of widows who gave everything they had. When Jesus spoke about the widow at the treasury, he said “she contributed all she had..." Time, talent, and treasure are pillars of stewardship. Do you use your time to help others? Do you put your talent ... Read More »
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4
Posted by Ray Lodato
Today’s readings leave us with a clear message as to the commandments of God. “Love God with all your heart, soul and strength” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” In the first reading Moses is speaking and, in the Gospel, it is Jesus who is speaking. As disciples of ... Read More »
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ October 28
Posted by Ray Lodato
Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?" The answer seems obvious and the question unnecessary. But it really is a great question and one Jesus is asking you today. Bartimaeus asked for sight, believing that Jesus would heal him. What do you want Jesus ... Read More »
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ October 21
Posted by Ray Lodato
Today’s Gospel gives us a glimpse at real life among the disciples as they jockey for places of honor in the kingdom of God. Jesus is quick to point out that being his follower isn’t about looking for notoriety and special treatment, but rather it means being a servant ... Read More »
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ October 14
Posted by Ray Lodato
The rich young man in today’s gospel is like many of us. He knows about his faith and its teachings but finds it difficult to let go of those things that stand in the way of being fully committed to following Jesus. What are those things in your life ... Read More »