FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (February 22, 2026)

St. Matthew's Gospel provides details of the nature of the test that Jesus experienced in the desert: to be a different kind of Messiah, to find a quicker or more spectacular way to win people over, to employ a one-shot way of doing God's Will that would make everybody happy.

In other words, Jesus was tempted to be someone other than who God called him to be.

This test in the desert was simply the beginning.  The temptation dogged Jesus every day of his ministry.  The voices came in all different shapes and sizes - expelled demons, Pharisees, Sadducees, family, friends, even some of his closest disciples.  Screaming, whispering or shrieking, the voices of temptation tried to dissuade Jesus from being himself, to lose his focus, to abandon his mission, to turn away from his role in God's plan of salvation.  Even as the life drained out of his body on Golgotha, Jesus still heard the voices of temptation taunting, “You saved others, save yourself.  Come down from that cross.”

All of us are tempted to be someone other than who God calls us to be.  Voices around us, voices within us attempt to convince us that we would be happier, healthier, more successful, powerful and persuasive if we were someone - anyone - other than who we are.

We are most like Jesus when we strive to be faithful to God's plan for us.  We are most like Jesus when we are faithful to our unique role in God's plan of salvation for others.  We are most like Jesus when we refuse the temptation to settle for less, to sell ourselves short, to look for a short cut. We flirt with the easier, the more convenient, or the more popular way of trying to do what is right, of trying to do what is good, of trying to do what is just.

St. Francis de Sales' advice is on point: "Don't sow your desires in some else's garden; cultivate your own as best you can.  Don't try to be someone other than who you are; rather, desire to be thoroughly who you are."

With God’s help, and the encouragement of others, let us be who we are…and be that well. In the midst of the challenges of life, let us be true to ourselves…and give glory and praise to the God who made us.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 15, 2026)

Today’s Scripture readings elaborate on the wonderful reminder that we have heard from the book of Sirach: God has created us out of love, and the surest sign of his love is the blessing of free will. Sirach encourages us to exercise our freedom to choose wisely.

St. Paul reminds us that God has revealed his wisdom to us through his Spirit who dwells in us. The gift of faith gives us a broader view of life than mere human wisdom can give. Allowing the Spirit to lead us will enable us to see beyond our own selfish needs and desires and choose to act in ways that manifest God’s goodness and love.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about one way to do this. He encourages us to look beyond the mere letter of the law and strive to act in ways that move us toward the ideal living of the kingdom of God. Minimal obedience is far beneath the dignity of anyone who genuinely loves God and neighbor.

Jesus’ words in the gospel are not to be taken too literally. He is using the customary Middle Eastern love of exaggeration to make his point. What he is saying is that reaching the ideal implies avoiding whatever will compromise the ideal.

For example, the letter of the law says: “You shall not commit murder.” Living by the spirit of the law will mean: Do nothing which can injury another person (anger, abuse, hatred). And if you have injured anyone, go and seek reconciliation immediately. Then the two of you can worship God in mutual love and respect.

Jesus is encouraging us to listen to the wisdom of God present in us in the Spirit and use our freedom to choose wisely as we go about our daily living.

In this way, we respond to the love that God has shown us in the gifts he has given us. Our choice to use our gifts wisely becomes an act of love. And in choosing to love, we are building up the kingdom.

May we learn to be faithful in following the lead of his grace.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 8, 2026)

St. Paul reminds us that our faith rests on the Cross of Christ and the convincing power of the Spirit, not on the wise argumentation of the world that so often leads to conflict and division. The crucified Jesus is the powerful manifestation of God’s love that unifies.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to be what we are because of the power of the Spirit. You and I are “the salt of the earth.” We flavor the world with the presence of God’s loving concern. Jesus encourages us to look at the flavoring we are at present. If we are not flavoring the world around us with the presence of God’s loving concern by the way we live each day, then we must be careful. Then we are good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled.

You and I are “the light of the world.” We are a “city set on a hill,” “a lamp set on a stand to give light to all in the house.” Everyone sees us. Are we light in the darkness? The power of the Spirit working in us and through us is meant to touch others’ lives with God’s loving concern and mercy.

The theme of “light” appears again and again during this time before Lent. As Jesus manifested the light of God’s great concern for the poor of this world, you and I are to be continuing manifestations of that care and concern.

When we are aware of God’s presence in our own lives, then we are capable of illuminating the lives of others. When we do this is a way that makes it clear that we are reflecting the “true” light, then those around us will recognize the “light” we manifest and give thanks to the Father for it

Francis de Sales must have had this in mind when he wrote: “Let us be what we are, and let us be it well, to do honor to the Master whose work we are.”

May today’s Word be good news once again and may we rededicate ourselves to being flavorful “salt” and transparent “light” for our little corners of the world.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 1, 2026)

We have just heard very familiar words from the mouth of Jesus.

We know that his words are instructive, they are also filled with joyful encouragement. Our God rewards those who struggle to be poor in spirit and humble, those who hunger and thirst to be holy, those who show mercy and work for peace, and especially those who suffer for their efforts to be holy.

When we try to follow the lead of grace and be like Jesus, we are blessed and have reason to be glad. We are promised the reward of heaven.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us of the great paradox of our existence. The lowly of the world are called by God to be his friends, brothers and sisters of His Son - not the wise and influential whom people of the world seek. Only the weak, the low-born, those who count for nothing are able to recognize the deeper realities of creation and give thanks for the wonderful mercy and love of God. They are overjoyed to let God be God. They are open to all that grace can do in their lives. They can take refuge in the Lord.

The prophet Zephaniah encourages us to continue to seek the Lord, observe his law, and seek justice and humility. When we live in this manner, then we are part of the faithful remnant whom God leaves in the midst of the world as a leaven.

As followers of de Sales, we have often heard the words of the Beatitudes. They are the foundation for “Live, Jesus!” May we find joy in hearing them again, and may they urge us on in our efforts to be humble and gentle as Jesus was.

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 25, 2026)

Today’s reading from Isaiah announces once again that Jesus’ coming among us has brought light to the darkness and gloom of our world. Jesus has smashed the yoke of sin; he brings us joy and reason for great rejoicing. You and I have been brought into the Light through our baptism, and we are grateful for this gift.

We look around us, and it’s easy to see the gloom and darkness that cover so many peoples’ lives. Since our baptism gives us a share in Jesus’ mission to bring Light to the world, it’s important that His Light be with us as we go about our daily living. The way we reach out to the people we live with and work with offers us an opportunity to share His Light. Our caring, our honesty, our compassion, our willingness to forgive - each can bring Light into the darkness which envelops many of our brothers and sisters.

Like Andrew and Peter, James and John, Jesus calls us to follow him into our world. We need to be clear about our mission as followers. We are called to share the Light of Christ, not our own light. If we are sharing the only true light – Jesus, then there can be no factions, no special groups. We are called to be one in the Body of Christ; otherwise, we risk rendering the cross of Christ void of its meaning, as we heard St. Paul tell us.

Today we are invited to spend some time renewing our commitment to live in the Light of Christ. In prayer and Eucharist, we can gain some new insights into how we can do this more completely. And now the Lord will come to nourish us for our continuing journey with him.

May we let Jesus live in us more and more each day and may His Light shine through us in all we do.

May God be praised in our efforts today!

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 18, 2026)

Today we begin the cycle of ordinary Sundays of the year - a time when the Church once again focuses our attention on the reality of God’s kingdom present among us in the life and ministry of Jesus.

In the gospel passage we just heard, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “God’s Chosen One,” the servant spoken about by the prophet Isaiah. He is the One who is “a light to the nations” so that the salvation planned by our God may reach the ends of the earth.

Through our baptism, you and I have been incorporated into God’s saving plan. As St. Paul tells us, we are “called to be a holy people, consecrated in Christ Jesus.” We are members of his Church and therefore part of Jesus’ continuing presence in the world. We share in his prophetic mission to be “a light to the nations,” announcing the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth.

It’s very easy to forget that you and I have an obligation to be light to the nations, even though most of us have little contact with “the ends of the earth.” We have to remind ourselves frequently that we are essential parts of the body of Christ. While we may not be able to reach very far physically, we can give strength to those who do. The power of our prayer for those who minister the good news and for their people is invaluable. How often our brother Oblates who minister in Africa or South America or India have thanked us for our prayers which give them the strength they need to carry on their efforts for the Church.

Today might be a good time to renew our efforts of prayer on their behalf. We might even take a few minutes this week to write to one of them, reminding him (and ourselves) of our prayer for him and his people. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Francis de Sales this week, we might offer a day of fidelity in our practice of the Directory for our brother Oblates who serve the Church far from home. In this way, we can stir up in our own hearts a sense of connection with the mission of the Church and, in the process, assist others in coming to know Jesus as God’s Chosen One.

God be praised!

Baptism of the Lord (January 11, 2026)

Today we complete the Church’s celebration of the unbelievable good news that God has fulfilled His promise to be Emmanuel - God with His people.

As we hear Matthew recount the baptism of Jesus, heaven and earth are joined together as the Spirit descends on Jesus and we hear the Father’s voice announce Jesus’ true identity: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

To help us understand the full meaning of the Father’s words, we have also heard the words of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of His prophecy. Jesus is the Servant, the Chosen One, on whom the Father’s favor rests. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Him, and He will bring forth God’s justice to all the world.

The wonder of this revelation is that he will bring about this justice with meekness and gentleness, especially toward the downtrodden. Jesus will announce this good news of peace as He goes about going good and healing sinners. He will be light to the blind and freedom for those locked away in darkness. Anyone who reveres God and is willing to live as Jesus teaches can share in God’s gift of peace.

That’s the message we have received and the challenge we are offered by our baptism. Because Jesus wants us to share His very life, the Spirit of God has descended on us and dwells in us, and the Father speaks the same wonderful words to us that He spoke to Jesus: “You are my beloved son or daughter, with whom I am well pleased.”

Our Father has grasped us by the hand, and He wants us to be the living signs of His continuing care for all His people, especially the downtrodden. We are to work each day for the victory of justice with great gentleness. In our own way, we are to bring light to anyone who is living in darkness.

Our Father wants to remind us at the beginning of each day:  “You are my beloved son or daughter, with whom I am well pleased.” If we take the time to listen to His words each morning, they offer us direction for our day. As we listen, we can ask ourselves: how will I live today as the beloved son or daughter of God? How will I make it evident today that I am thankful that God is pleased with me?

God’s loving word to us has to be an uplifting start to our day! Let us take the time to listen.

Epiphany of the Lord (January 4, 2026)

Have you ever thought what could possibly have possessed very wise men to leave their homes and undertake a long, hard desert journey?

What was so special about this new “king of the Jews”? Everyone knew that Israel was under Roman occupation. Any Jewish king would be a mere puppet of the emperor. Why would news of a powerless king in a faraway land be so attractive? Perhaps the Holy Spirit was moving them, touching a sense of longing and hope and compelling them to investigate. These wise men, astrologers and interpreters of dreams clearly believed that they were being led to someone extraordinary.

What must have happened when they arrived where Joseph, Mary and the child were staying? Did they simply present their gifts and then hurry back to the East? I would imagine they stayed for a little while asking Joseph and Mary lots of questions, trying to find out what all these signs were about.

And Mary and Joseph had plenty of extraordinary happenings to tell them about – angels visiting, dreams, Scriptures foretelling their arrival. Even their gifts had been foretold. These men must have been thrilled to know that the longing in their hearts could be fulfilled in this little child! Mary and Joseph evangelized these wise men from the East.

Every one of us longs for a sense of meaning and purpose. All around us people are starving for answers, and the Holy Spirit may want to direct them to us, just as he directed the wise men to Mary and Joseph and the child. Like Joseph and Mary, all we have to do is share with them the ways that God has moved in us, the ways that God has shown us divine love. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

As we begin a new year and celebrate the coming of the wise men to the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, let us reflect on the gifts we have received from our loving God - gifts far more valuable than gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then we will be well prepared for whoever may show up at our door this year.

Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2026)

Today the Church celebrates Mary, the Mother of the Word made flesh.

In greeting Mary, the Mother of God, we are reminded that she is also our Mother, the Mother of all of us who form the Body of Christ.

As we just heard, the shepherds hurried to find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. Mary and the shepherds encourage us to join them in making known the message we have heard this Christmas: Jesus is God’s gift of peace; he shares with us the love of our heavenly Father.

As we begin a new year, our Mother Mary offers us a way to keep alive the peace and love we have been given in Jesus. As Luke told us, Mary kept all the things she experienced in her heart and reflected on them in prayer. She invites us to do the same.

The more we remain aware of the presence of God during the day, the more we will be able to see that all that happens each day is part of God’s loving plan for our holiness and salvation. God is with us, giving us the strength we need for whatever we have to do.

May 2026 be a year in which each of us grows in wisdom and knowledge. Like our Mother Mary, may the gift of God’s loving peace take root in our hearts so that we can bring God’s peace to others.

Holy Family (December 28, 2025)

What was it like to live with Jesus as he “grew in size and strength, filled with wisdom and grace?” We don’t know much about how the Holy Family lived, and yet the Church encourages us to live as they did. It would be easy to say, “I’m not able to be Jesus, or Mary, or Joseph.” The truth is: we are able to be like Jesus. We are baptized and we share the life of Jesus by grace. If we remember each day who we are by our baptism and ask God for the grace we need for the day and accept it, then we can live like the Holy Family.

Today’s scripture readings can help us to understand what that will mean. In today’s second reading, St. Paul offers us a model for good family relationships.

Because God has chosen us and loved us, we are called to live in His love. God’s love in us will take many forms in our living together:

·        living what St. Francis de Sales calls the “little virtues” gives a flavor to how we live with one another; showing heartfelt mercy, kindness, humility and meekness  never grows old-fashioned.

·        at other times, when our own idiosyncrasies, or those of others, show themselves, patience can lead us to “bear with one another lovingly.”

·        even with the best of intentions, we can offend others or others can offend us. Remembering that the Lord has forgiven us often can help us to forgive one another from the heart.

Paul encourage us to wear love as an encompassing garment that perfects all the other virtues we try to practice. When we have learned to accept Jesus’ gift of peace in our own hearts, then we will want to share that peace with each other in any way we can. Thankfulness will lead us to live peacefully. Everything we say and do can be marked by our thankfulness. In this way, Jesus comes alive in us and through us He can touch everyone we live with.

All of us have lived long enough to know the personal effort it takes each day to let Jesus live in us. That’s why it’s important for us to come and be fed often at Eucharist and rededicate ourselves to living Jesus each day.

May our celebration of the Holy Family today be a gentle reminder that we too grow each day. We can grow is wisdom, knowledge and grace, as Jesus did. May our conscious efforts to grow today fill us with wisdom and grace. May we bring the love and peace of Jesus to all we meet, especially at home.

Christmas Day (December 25, 2025)

The prologue of St. John’s Gospel which we just heard is quite a change from the familiar story of Jesus’ birth told by St. Luke, yet it is filled with its own beauty. As John tells it, “The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.” He tells us that everything that has been created has been given life through the eternal Son of God, the Word. And now the Word chooses to become physically present in his creation so that he can show us the great love God has for us. God wants us to be his children and share his life - that’s why Jesus came!

There’s sadness in the story - when Jesus comes, some do not accept him. There is also joy! Those who do accept him are given “a share in his fullness, love following upon love.” We are able to “see his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.”

As Oblates, the mystery of the incarnation has a special meaning. The Savior wants to become incarnate in each one of us. Jesus wants to live in us so that he can continue his mission – bringing his saving love and compassion to each person whose lives we touch. He comes to us in Eucharist each day to continue his transforming work in us, "giving us a share in his fullness, love following upon love."

We have good reason to shout with joy and break into song. The Savior has come to dwell in us.

As we make our way to the manger today, let us hold our heart in our hands as a gift for the Word made flesh. He will take it and fill it with the fullness of his love.

Then he will return it to us as his gift and ask us to share his gift of love with everyone around us.

May the Lord bless our efforts today, and every day!

Midnight Mass: Christmas (December 24/25, 2025)

We have just heard the most important message we can ever hear. In the familiar story of the birth of Jesus, our God is telling us how much he loves us. It’s easy to get caught up in the scene we heard Luke paint for us. We wonder: God’s own Son has chosen to come among us as a tiny infant. We see his Mother binding him up in swaddling clothes and putting him in an animal-feeding trough.

There isn’t any room for the family in the traveler’s lodge. We are awed when an angel appears to the shepherds to tell them that the long-awaited Messiah-Savior has come. And we share their amazement when they hear that they will find him in a manger. We may even hear the angel chorus praising God: “Glory to God in high heaven.” We long to share the peace given to those on whom God’s favor rests.

Today’s reading from St. Paul brings us back to earth a little as he reminds us that there’s a purpose for this appearance of God’s grace - our salvation. This infant has come to sacrifice himself for us, to redeem us from unholy things, and cleanse a people who will be eager to do what is right. That’s you and me!

We have accepted the offer of God’s saving grace. Now we must allow ourselves to follow the lead of grace. That means rejecting godless ways and worldly desires, and living balanced, just and holy lives. In this way, we can confidently await our blessed hope - the coming again of our Savior to complete the kingdom.

Just as surely as Jesus came among us as an infant in a manger, he will come again with the fullness of salvation. We have nothing to fear. Jesus comes this night with tidings of great joy to be shared by all of us.

We have so much love to celebrate. As we make our way to the manger tonight (today), let us hold our heart in our hands as a gift for the Word made flesh. Jesus will take it and fill it with the fullness of his love and peace. Then he will return it to us as his gift, and ask us to share his gift of love and peace with everyone around us - within our families and among our relatives and friends. That sharing is the best gift we can give each other this Christmas.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21, 2025)

Isn't it sad that Ahaz refused to accept Isaiah’s invitation to ask God for a sign that he would fulfill his promise to save Jerusalem from an advancing enemy? But God's love for his people will not be thwarted by a fearful leader. Isaiah gives Ahaz a sign anyway: “The virgin will bear a son and name him Emmanuel.”

Centuries later, Matthew is inspired to recognize the unexpected depth of meaning in Isaiah's prophecy. An angel appears in Joseph's dream and encourages him not to be afraid to take his pregnant wife Mary into his home. Her child has been conceived through the Holy Spirit. And Joseph is to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Jesus will truly be Emmanuel, God is with us.

Now all is ready for our celebrating the coming of our God among us in Jesus.

Our Advent longing and waiting takes on a heightened expectancy. The feast of Christmas is near.

But our Salesian/Oblate spirituality tells us that there is more for us. “God is with us” is why we live the way we do each day. God has loved us so deeply that he wants us to be living witnesses of his presence and love. Letting Jesus live in us as Emmanuel each day becomes our way of holiness and allows us to share his love with one another and with all we meet.

May our Advent expectancy lead us to be vibrant messengers of the truth: “God is with us” saving his people!

Come, Lord, and do not delay!

Third Sunday of Advent (December 14, 2025)

We have just heard Jesus tell John that he is the One whom God is sending to save his people. The evidence can be seen in the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the mute speak. The Israelites of old came back to Jerusalem singing after their exile; so too will those who are entering the kingdom now find joy and gladness when the kingdom is completed when Jesus comes again.

You and I have entered the kingdom through our baptism. We now share the expected joy of Jesus’ coming again to complete the kingdom.

But that time has not come yet; the kingdom is not complete. We have work to do to prepare for that day. St. James reminds us that there will be hardships in our working for the kingdom. He encourages us to be patient, keep our hearts firm. We heard him offer the example of the farmer who is patient, knowing that he must wait for the early and late rains – working and waiting for the seed to sprout.

We need to stay focused on our mission as we work. James reminds us that waiting could lead us to become unfocused and start complaining and grumbling. He tells us that this is a sure sign that we are not preparing for his coming. We can let petty quarrels and little inconveniences sidetrack us from working together patiently. We can forget that we are to bring Jesus’ compassionate mercy to one another as we strive to work together patiently to further the kingdom.

During these final days of Advent preparing, let us resolve to claim back our awareness of the presence of Jesus among us and continue to work patiently for his kingdom. Let us pray that Jesus may work through us during these days so that the blind may see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the mute speak. This can happen if you and I are open to letting Jesus work in us and through us. Jesus wants us to experience more deeply the joy and gladness he brings to all who work toward his coming again in glory.

Second Sunday of Advent (December 7, 2025)

We have just heard Isaiah announce to us that God will raise up a Messiah from the remnants of Jesse’s clan. The Spirit of God will give him all the gifts he needs to accomplish his mission. Justice and faithfulness will characterize his way of living. His concern will be for what is in peoples’ hearts, not for what they say or do. He will stand as a signal for all to see and follow.

John the Baptist enters history to prepare the way for the Messiah. We hear his familiar cry: “Reform your lives! The kingdom of God is at hand.” John’s baptism was to be a sign of life-long willingness to reform - to change whatever is needed in order to be open to the many ways the Lord will come.

John’s anger at the Pharisees who approached him to be baptized gives us reason to look into our own hearts. What evidence do we give each day that we are trying to repent - to change? We can’t afford to tell ourselves: I’ve been a faithful member of a faith community. I’ve spent years in ministry. That’s sign enough. Is it? The important question is: Am I open to changing any aspect of my life that may still get in the way of Jesus’ living in me more fully?

St. Paul offers us a place to look - the way we live in community. He tells us: “Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God.” We know how Christ has welcomed us with all our imperfections, and he has called us his brothers and sisters. Paul tells us that, when we are open to welcoming one another in that way, the God of steadfastness and encouragement will help us to live in harmony with one another, so that together we may glorify God our Father with one voice.

The Baptist reminds us that “every tree that is not fruitful will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” The fruitfulness of our lives depends on our continuing willingness to change attitudes and behaviors that do not reflect fully the love of God.

As we continue our Advent preparation, may each of us be open to the grace of continual repentance so that the Lord can come and live in us more fully.

God be praised!

First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2025)

Today we begin the new Church year and the season of Advent - a time of devout and joyful expectation.

During these four weeks, we will prepare ourselves to celebrate the remembrance of Jesus’ first coming among us - when the Word took on human flesh in order to reconcile us to our Father. This remembrance will help us direct our minds and hearts as we await Jesus’ coming again as King, Judge and Savior.

Today, the prophet Isaiah helps connect us to the longing of God’s people, Israel, who are in exile. Their prayer is a plea for God’s mercy, asking him to come again, as he had done in days gone by, and redeem his people with a display of his power and majesty. It’s easy for us to join the Israelites as they confess their sins and plead for salvation. Like them, we can acknowledge God as our Father; and, in great humility, open ourselves to be clay in the hands of the divine potter.

In this way, we can become more and more the “work of his hands.”

Paul encourages us to focus our attention on the favor that God has bestowed on us in Christ Jesus. We have been called to fellowship Jesus, and he will strengthen us to the end.

The constant call of Advent is heard in today’s Gospel. If we are really aware of the favor of grace that God has given us in Jesus, then we want to “be constantly on the watch.” We need to “stay awake!” for Jesus is coming again at a time no one knows. And when he comes, we want to be found living faithfully the way that he has taught us and graced us to live.

Our longing for his coming is best shown in our willingness to be fresh clay in the hands of God, asking him to mold us more and more in the image of Jesus during this Advent season. Then we can say with devout and joyful expectation each day:

“Come, Lord Jesus, come!”

May God be praised!

Christ the King (November 23, 2025)

In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been made worthy to come into the kingdom of Jesus through his death on the cross and his rising to new life.

Jesus is the center of God’s plan of creation: “All were created through him, and for him. He is before all else that is.” Jesus is the “image of the invisible God,” an obvious reference to Adam’s creation in God’s image. Jesus, then, is the ideal human being; he shows us our real potential as human beings because of God’s great love.

Jesus is also the agent of redemption, the new creation. As he was the firstborn of all creatures, Jesus is also the firstborn from the dead. As all things were created in him, so he reconciles everything in his person. Today we acclaim him head of the Church and ruler of the universe.

The Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus is King, and his throne is the cross. His kingship is one of love and sacrifice, not power and dominion.

While we join the Church in acclaiming Jesus as King, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ reign is ultimately exercised in the mind and heart of each believer. Like the thief on the cross, each of us must recognize Jesus in faith. Like him, our prayer at the moment of death can be: “Jesus, remember me when you enter upon your reign.” And Jesus, our redeemer and Lord, will respond with loving compassion: “This day you will be with me in paradise.”

But we have work to do now for the building up of Jesus’ kingdom. His kingdom is one of justice and peace for every person. Every person, regardless of race or creed or economic status, possesses dignity as an image of God. Everyone has a right and a responsibility to contribute his or her talents in the making of human society.

As faithful disciples of Jesus, you and I are asked to treat everyone with reverence and help them to recognize and respect their own dignity as an image of God. We can also make efforts to help transform our society to be more just and less violent.

May Jesus be King for us – the center of our hearts. May he transform us more completely in his image, so that we are better able to see his image in one another and in everyone we meet.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 16, 2025)

As we approach the end of the Church year, the Scripture readings begin to call our attention to the end-times.

They remind us that Jesus came among us to inaugurate the kingdom of God. Through the sacrifice he offered on the cross, our sins have been forgiven and we have been reconciled with our Father. We have been given a share in Jesus’ new life and that makes us children of the kingdom of God who are journeying home to our Father’s house.

This Eucharist allows us to share in the one sacrifice of Jesus, to open ourselves once again to the grace of salvation, to reconcile ourselves more deeply with our Father and with one another, and to be nourished with the bread of life for our continuing journey home.

The word and sacrament we share here today can help us to keep our minds and hearts focused on Jesus and his words to us. That focus will enable us to avoid the agitation and anxiety many people around us experience as we hear talk of the end times. We hear many claims about special revelations concerning the end of the world. The apocalyptic message of the Scriptures has always raised these kinds of claims. They disturb many good people. Jesus tells us very clearly today:  “By patient endurance you will save your lives.”

How should we deal with these times? First, it’s a time to be thankful. God’s plan of salvation is moving closer to its completion, as it does each day. It’s also a time for us to rededicate ourselves to living out our faith commitment more fully each day: praying for deeper faith in God’s continuing love for us and reflecting that love in the way we live with each other.

There’s really no reason for us to be afraid or become anxious about endings. We believe that the grace of salvation given to us in baptism, strengthened in us by confirmation, and nourished in us by Eucharist is leading us home to be with our Father. While death is an ending to our earthly existence, we already possess the gift of eternal life by God’s grace. Our only real end is to be with our God forever.

So let us take heart and patiently resolve to live each day with faith. Let us love our God with our whole being and love one another as Jesus has loved us. Our patient endurance will lead us to salvation. In this way, our journey home will be a safe and sure one.

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (November 9, 2025)

To construct a building is one thing, but to maintain it is another. Prudent builders/owners not only allot resources for the actual construction of whatever it is they build, but they will also earmark resources for the ongoing upkeep of the building.

In a letter to Madame de Chantal (February 11, 1607), Francis de Sales observed:

“It is not necessary to be always and at every moment attentive to all the virtues in order to practice them; that would twist and encumber your thoughts and feelings too much. Humility and charity are the master beams - all the others are attached to them. We need only hold on to these two: one is at the very bottom and the other at the very top. The preservation of the whole building depends on two things: its foundation and its roof. We do not encounter much difficulty in practicing other virtues if we keep our heart bound to the practice of these two...” (LSD, pp. 148-149)

God – the Master Builder – has constructed each of us in his image and likeness. Celebrate the building-of-God that you are! Maintain the gift of your divinely-built edifice with the spiritual foundation and roof most readily available for your good - humility and charity!

Commemoration of All the faithful Departed (November 2, 2025)

In one of his pamphlets that was later published in a broader collection entitled The Catholic Controversy, Francis de Sales wrote:

“We maintain that we may pray for the faithful departed, and that the prayers and good works of the living greatly relieve them and are profitable to them for this reason: that all those who die in the grace of God – and consequently, in the number of the elect – do not go to Paradise at the very first moment, but many go to Purgatory…from which our prayers and good works can help and serve to deliver them.”

“We agree the blood of Our Redeemer is the true purgatory of souls, for in it are cleansed all the souls of the world. Tribulations also are a purgatory, by which our souls are rendered pure, as gold refined in the furnace. It is well known that Baptism in which our sins are washed away can be called a purgatory, as everything can be that serves to purge away our offenses. But in this context we take Purgatory for a place in which after this life the souls which leave this world before they have been perfectly cleansed from the stains they have contracted. And if one would know why this place is called simply Purgatory more than are the other means of purgation above-named, the answer will be, that it is because in that place nothing takes place but the purgation of the stains which remain at the time of departure out of this world, whereas in Baptism, Penance, tribulations and the rest, not only is the soul purged from its imperfections, but it is further enriched with many graces and perfections. And agreeing as to the blood of Our Lord, we fully acknowledge the virtue thereof, that we protest by all our prayers that the purgation of souls – whether in this world or in the other – is made solely by its application.” (CC, pp. 353-354)

Notwithstanding the effects of our prayers and good works on behalf of our dearly departed, Francis de Sales reminds us that at the end of the day it is the life and death of Jesus Christ that purifies our souls, whether in this life or in the next. To that end, whether it’s the just or the unjust, whether it’s in this world or the next, we are all in the hands of God.

Here’s hoping that we pray for our faithful departed. Here’s hoping that our faithful departed pray for us. All of us could stand to do with a little purgation of one kind or another from time to time!