Sunday Reflections

Psychologists tell us that if a child grows up hearing “You are stupid!”  “You are good for nothing!” the child will believe that, especially when it comes from an adult of confidence.  Today God the Father tells us who Jesus is, and who we are by our Baptism – “You are my son/daughter, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”  God’s love is a free gift to us, something that many struggle with, complicated by feelings (rightfully or wrongly so) of unworthiness.  Our Baptism is more than just a moment in time – captured in photos and video – but a life-long and intimate

                   The Greek word from which we derive the word “epiphany” means manifestation or striking appearance.  The feast of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the manifestation or appearance of God as a human being in the person of Jesus Christ.  The gospel highlights how the magi from the east were drawn by the manifestation of God’s light, dwelling in He who is the Light of the World. 

Today, the Feast of Mary the Mother of God, we celebrate the life of Mary.  The 'Yes' of Mary to the Angel Gabriel meant in so many moments of her life God asked for another 'Yes'.  Each time we meet the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Scriptures we see her facing another mystery.  But, filled with faith and confidence in the faithfulness of God, Mary gave her 'Yes' over and over again.  In our human condition it is not as easy for us to give that 'Yes' over and over again.  We want to be in control.  We want that OUR will be done, not the will of God.  Despite

                All Resurrectionists have a special interest in the Feast of the Holy Family because our mission, as Resurrectionists, is to “call others, especially youth and families, to communities of the Risen Lord in which faith, hope, and love radiate as a sign of union with Christ and his mother, Mary, in the Church” (Resurrectionist Mission Statement).   Contemplating and praying over the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel provides a particular way to think about how a virtue cultivated within the Holy Family might

This gospel is a great encouragement to each of us for the Feast that is upon us - the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.  We celebrate the faith-filled response of Mary, her 'Yes' to God to be the mother of the Christ Child.  When I read this gospel in Spanish I find an interesting 'twist' to the gospel.  At the end Mary says "I am the handmaid of the Lord".  What a beautiful, almost medieval, image of a young lady.  However, in the Spanish the words of Mary are "I am the slave of the Lord".  Quite a difference!  No one wants to be a slave, with all that

The preparation for the advent or the coming of Christ is highlighted by his herald, John the Baptist. All the gospels position John the Baptist as the one who announces Jesus as “the one who is greater.” If we look more closely at the gospels, we see that the gospel writers make a connection between John the Baptist and the prophet Elijah. It is interesting that Elijah is one of the biblical persons who does not die, but is taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot (2 Kgs 2:11). He is described as “wearing a hairy garment with a leather girdle about his loins” (2 Kgs 1:7).

“The Congregation of the Resurrection announces and gives witness to the Paschal Mystery.”  These words comprise the first sentence of the mission statement of the Resurrectionists.  Like all Christians, the Resurrectionists are able to accomplish this mission because they hope that God has the power and will to bring about, in us, new life from suffering and death.   We see this theme in each of our readings this 2^nd weekend of Advent.

Unfortunately sometimes we can be overcome by sleep, perhaps when we have not had a good night of rest.  As we begin the Advent Season, this season of grace, we are told to "keep awake!"  Keep awake for what?  To keep awake to recognize and respond to the action of God here and now.  How sad to live with the sentiment of "If only I had …"!  Too often we do not recognize the ways of the Lord and miss the opportunity to do God's will.  We also then fail to help others to recognize, accept and do God's will.  Our Advent season is a time to prepare for the cel

The definition of a “King” is the sole and absolute ruler of a kingdom holding a position of great power and majesty. How did the people in Pilate’s time perceive Pilate? As someone rich, powerful, dominating, and manipulative? How did the people perceive Jesus? After all, “he was born in a stable”.  Someone who associated with tax-collectors, sinners and prostitutes. He avoided all show of earthly power and authority. You would expect kings to receive important people and dignitaries. Jesus was a humble king who received the lowly and rejected people of his era.