|The church gives us these exact same readings twice each year, on March 25, at the feast of the Annunciation, and today, five days before Christmas. In both cases the emphasis is primarily on God's act; nevertheless, at ...

|There are so many themes for reflection in today's readings; the new and old Ark of the Covenant, Mary's fiat, Jesus as the heir of David to name a few.   I felt drawn to spend some time exploring the idea of co-creation ...

Today's reading from Luke contains one of the great understatements of all time - Mary, by most accounts a young woman of 15 or so years of age, is visited by an angel and, according to the author, is "greatly disturbed." ...

The work of any family is to make their house a home. David, in our first reading for this Advent Sunday, feels a bit embarrassed about having his rest in a beautiful palace, while the residence for the Ark of God, dwells ...

As we end the third week of advent and prepare to enter the fourth and final week we turn our attention to Luke's accounts of Mary's preparation for the birth. Today we reflect on the shock, joy, confusion, and acceptance ...

What a wonderful time of year. Advent. The coming. A season of joy and anticipation. I love this time of year. And I love today's scriptures. Isaiah's prediction of the virgin who shall conceive and bear a son, and shall ...

Today's scriptures all speak of Divine intervention, of God breaking into our everyday world. God is disruptive, and that is really a good thing for us. We need His help to disrupt the mediocrity and banality that can be ...

"Patience, people. Steady your hearts for God is close at hand . . . do not grumble against one another . . . " ("Patience, People", John Foley, SJ, 1977)|How's your 'patience' factor during these busy pre-Christmas days? ...

"Do not be afraid, Mary!"... "May it be done according to your word...." These familiar words from Luke continue the advent vigil into our celebration of Christmas.||Throughout this week we hear the angel of God delivering ...

Today St. Luke focuses our attention on the Blessed Virgin Mary in his beautiful account of the Annunciation. This is our first meeting with Mary in the gospel story. The scene lends itself well to our imagination. We see ...