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Today’s Readings The Epiphany of the Lord Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally on January 6th, but liturgically observed this Sunday. We know the story of the magi—wise men who traveled far to encounter the Holy Family and adore the newborn Jesus. Imagine Mary treasuring this moment in her heart, and Joseph in awe as he embraced the mystery of the child entrusted to him. The epiphany was the manifestation of God’s love to the world. For Mary and Joseph, this visit confirmed the greatness of their Son. For all of us, it revealed that this child, vulnerable as he was, is the Son of God, that we all, no matter our vulnerability, are children of God. Salvation’s doors were opened to all and every nation. God’s love and might was revealed not in power, but in the poverty of a stable and yet welcoming these kings from afar. Traditionally, this feast has been a day of prayer for immigrant families. Following the visit of the Magi, Joseph and Mary learned of Herod’s persecution and fled to a foreign land, where they spent the first three years of Jesus’ life. They knew firsthand the hardships of being […]

Today’s Readings Saying “Yes!” to God’s Plan January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (in Greek, Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God”). Jesus’s conception, birth, and circumcision after eight days began with Mary saying, “Yes!” Yes to God’s plan. Yes to being Mother of God: “May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) How do we say “Yes!” to God’s plan? Today’s Scriptures suggest we should follow the law, be open to adoption as God’s children, and reflect upon God’s plan. Follow the law. Not only the positive law (the focus of most law schools!) but also the natural law, divine law (Scripture), and eternal law. As St. Paul says: “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Be open to adoption by God. Jesus’s coming fulfilled the Mosaic Law. Jesus freed us from sin, so we might receive adoption. As God’s adopted children, we are no longer slaves to sin but “heirs” to God’s grace. Reflect upon God’s plan for us. “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” We should […]

Today’s Readings Perhaps this season finds your home illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights, wrapped in the warmth of a fireplace, brightened by a Christmas tree decorated to perfection with ornaments that recall cherished memories from throughout the years. And perhaps, for some, on the top of the tree sits an angel, perched serenely in adoration, or jubilant in song, looking out over the room with a reverence and joy that befits the coming of Christ. At and around the Nativity, angels abound. The Gospel today tells us twice that “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph”. We immediately hear echoes of Christmas night when angels of the Lord come to proclaim tidings of great joy: the Savior is born! Angels are God’s messengers, sent to communicate a word from the heart of God, a word that guides, instructs, makes clear the way to walk with the Lord. In this passage, the angel of the Lord helps Joseph keep Mary and Jesus safe; the angel directs the Holy Family where to go to escape the wrath of Herod and then guides them safely back to Nazareth years later. Each time we learn that the angels’ instruction is […]

Today’s Readings As we celebrate Christmas Day, how do we move forward into a new year as people shaped by the reality of the Incarnation? What difference does the Incarnation make in our lives once the gifts have been opened, the good dishes have been put away, the radio stations have returned to non-Christmas music, and kids have returned to school? We need look no further than today’s reading from the Gospel of John, which includes a beautiful summation of John the Baptist’s ministry: He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. We are not the light, but today and every day, we are called to point people to the light, to reflect the light in how we live and work and love others. As Pope Leo has shared, when we center ourselves on Christ, we “overcome the logic of the world, of fake news, of frivolity, with the beauty and light of truth.” What might it look like for you to point others to the light? It will almost certainly look different from person to person, from one day to the next. Maybe it’s an encouraging word, a meal, an invitation, a deeper question, a […]