Category: Daily Reflections

“A family record of Jesus Christ…” –Matthew 1:1 I’ve often heard parishioners express discontent about having to listen to today’s Gospel litany of name after name in the genealogy of Jesus. Church attendees often seem bored with the genealogy. Genealogy, however, is riding a wave of popularity at present. One of the primary uses of the Internet is genealogical research. I know three individuals who “have carefully traced” (Lk 1:3) their family histories back hundreds of years. To these individuals, genealogies are exciting, not boring. They spent countless hours researching their beloved family lineage. They rejoice when they find another...

“The lowly will hear me and be glad.” –Psalm 34:3 Throughout much of our lives, many of us develop the illusion that we are naturally good-hearted, loving, and kind people. We pretend that about all we want out of life is to help people. Although various circumstances in our lives seem to indicate a self-centered, egotistical attitude in us, we ignore these details. Usually somewhere around middle age, we may realize by God’s grace that we have spent our whole lives thinking about ourselves and seeking our own pleasure, even at others’ expense. We now begin to realize we are...

“I too will ask a question.” –Matthew 21:24 Sometimes we pray and talk to God, even questioning Him, but He doesn’t seem to answer. We wonder if He’s even listening. One reason for this is mentioned in today’s Gospel reading. The chief priests and elders asked Jesus two questions (Mt 21:23). Jesus replied that He would not answer their questions until they answered His (Mt 21:24). “Their answer to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ He said in turn, ‘Then neither will I tell you on what authority I do the things I do’ ” (Mt 21:27). Jesus loves to...

“I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.” –Isaiah 61:10 “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4) Today is “Gaudete Sunday,” that is, “Rejoice Sunday.” We are rejoicing because soon and very soon Christ will come in glory this Christmas. We are able to “rejoice always” (1 Thes 5:16) despite the many sorrowful circumstances of our lives. This is because we are not only in sorrow, pain, trouble, and suffering but also “in the Lord.” Being “in the Lord” takes precedence over everything else. With Mary, our spirits...