It may seem odd that, just as the secular world begins to celebrate peace and joy during the holiday season, we are asked in this week's Gospel to consider our sinfulness. The words of John the Baptist echo across the centuries: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Isn't John's talk about sin, God's wrath, and the need for repentance a bit of a downer as we prepare for Christmas?
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September 6, 2020 - 23rd Sunday in Or...
One of the great spiritual truths is that forgiveness is as much for ourselves as it is for the other person. If we do not forgive, we hold that person in bondage to their sin. And we hold ourselves in bondage both to the sin and the sinner as well.
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1st Sunday of Advent—December 2, 2018
If the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, why does the Gospel focus on endings as it talks about the sun and moon darkening and the stars falling from the sky? We're supposed to be preparing to celebrate Jesus' birth as the Messiah, not hear about the end of the ...
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August 30, 2020 - 22nd Sunday in Ordi...
When the Word of God burns within us, it can be sweet, but sometimes it can be very difficult. If we are to faithfully pronounce that Word, we must be totally in love with the Lord, for it is only when we are enamored with God that we can do what St. Paul says: offer our entire lives as a sacrifi...
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