2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B); January 14, 2024 1 Sam 3:3-10,19.  Ps 42.  1 Cor 6:13-15,17-20.  Jn 1:35-42 Deacon Jim McFadden          In business and social gatherings, it’s fairly common for people to exchange calling  cards for future interactions.  For that to happen, people have to know where one is located.  In today’s Gospel…

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The Epiphany of the Lord; January 7, 2024 Is 60:1-6.  Ps 72.  Eph 3:2-3a,5-6.  Mt 2:1-12 Deacon Jim McFadden             The Evangelist Matthew tells us that the Magi, when they came to Bethlehem, “saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him” (Mt 2:11).  This seems very straightforward, but worshiping…

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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B); 12-31-2023 Sir 3:2-6. Ps 128. Col 3:12-21. Lk 2:22-40 Deacon Jim McFadden Today we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, which is a good opportunity to reflect on just what makes a family “holy.” Now, the source of holiness is God— it’s…

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The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas); 12-25-2023 Is 9:1-6.  Ps 96.  Ti 2:11-14.  Lk 2:1-14 Deacon Jim McFadden          One of the stranger aspects of The Annunciation that precedes the Birth of Jesus is how the Archangel Gabriel addresses Mary  as “Hail, favored one!” (Lk 1:28b).  What will ensue is that she will be a…

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Tercera Semana de Adviento 2023 (Ciclo B);  Is 61:1-2a,10-11. Lc 1:46-50,53-54. 1 Tes 5:16-24. Juan 1:6-8,19-28 Diácono Jim McFadden El corazón humano desea alegría. Todos queremos ser felices. Nadie se despierta por la mañana y dice: “¡Hoy será un buen día para ser miserable!”. Entonces, ¿cuál es la fuente de nuestro gozo? En pocas palabras, el…

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3rd Sunday of Advent (B); December 17, 2023 Is 61:1-2a,10-11. Lk 1:46-50,53-54. 1 Thes 5:16-24. Jn 1:6-8,19-28 Deacon Jim McFadden The human heart desires joy. We all want to be happy. Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, “Today is going to be a good day to be miserable!” So, what is the source…

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2nd Sunday of Advent (B); December 10, 2023 Is 40:1-5,9-11.  Ps 85.  2 Pt 3:8-14.  Mk 1:1-8 Deacon Jim McFadden        Last Sunday we began Advent with the anticipation of Christ within our hearts and community at a deeper level.  In this Sunday of preparation for Christmas, we focus on the itinerary of faith, which…

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1st Sunday of Advent (B); December 3, 2023 Is 63:16b-17,19b; 64:2b-7.  Ps 80.  1 Cor 1:3-9.  Mk 13:33-37 Deacon Jim McFadden             Carly Simon in the ‘70s sang, “Anticipation, anticipation is makin’ me late, is keepin’ me waitin’.” As we enter the new liturgical year and season of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas, the…

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Christ the King (A); November 26, 2023 Ez 34:11-12 Ps 23. 1Cor 15:20-26,28 Mt 25:31-46 Deacon Jim McFadden As we conclude our liturgical year, the Church invites us to fix our gaze on our Lord Jesus, the King of the Universe, who is the beginning and end of Salvation History. As King, Jesus preached and…

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