Third Sunday of Ordinary Time-A Last week, the Gospel reminded us of the meeting between St. John the Baptist and Jesus at the Jordan River. St. John preached repenting from sin and preparing for the coming of the Messiah. The story continues this week, and it is learned that Herod’s fear of the outspoken preacher … Continue reading Repent, the Kingdom is Near
Tag: St. John the Baptist
Are You the One Who is to Come?
Third Sunday of Advent-C For the past two weeks, the evangelist Matthew has given us a glimpse into the Life of St. John the Baptist. A cousin of Jesus, surely, but more. He is the prophetic voice alerting the world that the Messiah has come to visit his people. His courageous proclamation upset Herod, and … Continue reading Are You the One Who is to Come?
Prepare the Way of the Lord
Second Sunday of Advent-A More than three thousand years ago, Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus in words foreign to a chaotic world in which he lived. He looks forward to a time when God’s people will rejoice in a ruler on whom the Spirit of the Lord will rest. He will rule with justice, … Continue reading Prepare the Way of the Lord
Take Christ With You
Fourth Sunday of Advent-C Just days before Christmas, we are asked to reflect on the meeting between the Blessed Mother and her older cousin, Elizabeth. Scripture tells us that Mary went in haste to Judah to the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.The backstory behind Elizabeth and Mary's meeting starts with Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah. Since … Continue reading Take Christ With You
Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday
Third Sunday of Advent-C The tradition of the Church has a special name for the Third Sunday of Advent. She has named it Gaudete Sunday, which is translated as Rejoice. In previous times, when Advent was more a penitential season focused more on fasting and abstinence, the third week gave believers hope that the season … Continue reading Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday
Living a Life of Conversion
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time -B For cradle Catholics, the idea of discovering God is something rarely reflected upon because they grew up with others telling them that God exists and he loves them. The notion of conversion is equally ignored because they think conversion is only reserved for unbelievers. The theologian Thomas Merton penned … Continue reading Living a Life of Conversion
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Twentieth-First Sunday -A In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples two questions about how people understand his identity. There is a progression in this passage, initially starting with a nonpersonal response and proceeding to an intimate response from Peter acknowledging Jesus as Christ. Flesh and bones did not reveal Jesus as the Messiah; only the … Continue reading Who Do You Say That I Am?
Should We Look for Another?
Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” The greatest man born of a woman, even questioned whether his cousin, was the long-awaited Messiah. While imprisoned by Herod, John the Baptist hearing the works of Christ sent his disciples to ask Jesus one question: “Are you the … Continue reading Should We Look for Another?