The first and second readings of this Sunday give the same injunction: Rejoice in the Lord! This doesn’t seem too remarkable unless you know that both the Prophet Zephaniah and the Apostle Paul were addressing people in the midst of…

“May your love increase ever more and more.” (Philippians 1:9) The Immaculate Conception which we celebrate tomorrow is part of this joyful dawning of the new day of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Just as the sun’s light is seen…

"God With Us" (And Yes, It’s a Bit Inconvenient) If you’ve ever scrolled through YouTube, you’ve probably encountered influencers trying to grab your attention with over-the-top headlines: “You WON’T Believe What Happens Next!” or “This CHANGED My Life Forever!” Their…

"We don’t have much reason to think about kings." The United States was founded on declaring independence from kings, and history as we see it mostly shows the effects of misrule by kings who enriched themselves and expanded their realms…

"You are my inheritance, O Lord.” -Psalm 16:5 Our refrain today looks back to the Levites, the priestly tribe in Israel. When God brought his people into the Promised Land, every tribe had its own portion of the land to…

"Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” These words from the inaugural papal address of St. John Paul II are words he would repeat often as Pope. Especially in his talks to young people, St. John Paul…

"Master, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51) I wear bi-focals. The top half of my lenses helps me see the faces of the crowd at Mass. The bottom half helps me read the words in the Missal on the altar.…

"To become a father, a man must first be formed by other fathers.” These words from my spiritual director have been resonating with me as I think back on my journey to the priesthood. My time in the seminary wasn’t…

Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus,…

United to God Weddings are supposed to be a joyful occasion, right? So why was I shedding tears as my sister walked down the aisle, and my brother laughing at my emotional display? My sister, a collegiate athlete who had…