Sunday Reflections

            The Preface I for Lent might take us by surprise. It begins by thanking God for giving us “this gracious gift each year” so that we can prepare for the paschal feasts “with the joy of minds made pure.” This phrase stands in sharp contrast to the images that we tend to associate with Lent: penance, fasting, abstinence, not singing “Al----ia,” and austere looking churches with no flowers. For some, the Lenten season is a bit of a “downer”; they can hardly wait until it is over.

The power of touch is real.  Studies have shown how children respond when touched with care and love, and also how those deprived of human contact respond.  The differences are alarming!  The power of touch is also shown in the Sacred Scriptures, as a sign of blessing and the giving of life and power.  Jesus touched the leper and brought him healing.  This touch was forbidden by law, and brought even penalties in the Synagogue and Temple.  But, for Jesus, healing was more important.  Jesus continues to touch us, especially when we fervently and sincerely c

             Our readings today remind us of the importance of having a “prophetic voice.” Of course, this voice will only “speak with authority” if we are authentic people of integrity—people who are willing to be united in their thoughts, words, and actions. A lack of integrity undermines the message. This is why Jesus was so critical of some of the Pharisees who did not follow what they preached. In contrast, Jesus was willing to “shed blood” as a testimony to his commitment to have his actions conform to his teaching.

The Lord is forever calling us into deeper union with Him.  This Sunday, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, he is calling us to a conversion, a change of heart.  His message is clear.  We hear the message, but we may hold out.  St.

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