Fortunate Are The Poor In Spirit!
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Sister Anawim used to call me to say the Mass for the Missionaries of Charity in Downtown Newark, a place you do not want to go at night. It was always a very moving experience since the nuns are so young, from every continent, barefoot, and very pious. Her name means…
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You Can Choose Not To Worry!
Dear Brothers and Sisters: John the Baptist was arrested and Jesus withdrew to Galilee; he left his small town of Nazareth and went to make his home in Capernaum. Probably it does not mean much to us but Nazareth was a small town of two hundred people and Capernaum and that area was despised by…
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This Is My Only Son, My Only Beloved!
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The gospel today speaks of the Baptism of the Lord which is part of the Epiphany of Jesus Christ –his manifestation–to the world. He was revealed in a special way even by his Father and the Holy Spirit as he began his public life. It is not by chance that the…
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The Magi Follow A Star
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The star is a message of hope. The “wise men” have an inner unrest, a longing for something better; they are on a look out for the true star of salvation, of truth, of goodness (Matthew 2: 1-12). In many ways they represent all those journeying toward Christ, you and I. …
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Mary Is Mother Of God
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I trust you had a wonderful Christmas and also some time to reflect on the wonder of Christ being born for you. It is an event that blows my mind: God became man for me, to free me from slavery, and to give me a new life. The number of people…
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The Peace Of Christ Is Not What The World Gives
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you good news of great joy that will be shared with all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you who is Christ the Lord.” He is the savior of “all the people,” not…
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Do Not Be Afraid!
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am going to visit an elderly woman today who was separated from her husband for more than twenty years and by returning to the Church in a more serious way she heard that she should go look for him. It was a miracle that she even found him. She asked…
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Do Not Complain, Brothers!
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Advent is a time of hope, of expectation, of waiting for the Lord. St. Paul told us last week to endure the weaknesses of the others; bear them, put up with them, don’t gossip about them. It is better to build him up, and to build up the community rather than…
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Prepare The Way Of The Lord, Wait For Him
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Advent is a time of hope, of expectation, of waiting for the Lord. God wants you to recover that sense of anticipation you had as a child when you waited for Christmas. It is not about wishful thinking but to reflect about the deep desires you have for yourself, your family…
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What Are Your Deepest Desires?
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation, a quiet time of wonder. It is first of all a preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus and the second part, a novena from December 17th to 25th, is the immediate preparation for Christmas. It is a time of hope. It is…
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