Lent: Second Sunday : Called to Live by Faith Abraham is a fascinating character. He receives a call from God to leave his native home; the call demands that he respond with deep faith. He is promised many descendants, land, a lasting relationship with God, and that he will be a blessing for all the families… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF OT II SUNDAY [B] Homily Jn 1:35-42 (L/18) Introduction: The main theme of today’s Scripture readings is Divine vocation – that everyone is called by God to be a witness for Christ by doing something for others with his or her life, using his or her unique gifts and blessings. Hence, today’s readings remind us of our… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Homily on the Epiphany of the Lord 8) (Mt 2: 1-12) L/18 Introduction: The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), means appearance or manifestation. First, the angels revealed Jesus to the shepherds. In the Western Church, the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while in the Eastern… Continue reading »
CHRISTMAS-2: A THEMATIC HOMILY- “Do not be afraid.” Luke 2: 8-12: 8 Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. 9. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. 10. The angel said to them, “Do… Continue reading »
ADVENT IV HOMILY ON LUKE 1:26-38 (L-17) Introduction: Today’s readings focus on the circumstances leading up to the first coming of Jesus, the event which sets the pattern for his coming to us now and at the end of time. The Gospel stresses the key role of Mary in the work of our salvation. In… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Advent III Gaudete Sunday John 1:6-8, 19-28 Introduction: The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” because the Mass for today (in its original Latin text), begins with the opening antiphon: “Gaudete in Domino semper” –“Rejoice in the Lord always.” To remind ourselves that we are preparing for the very joyful occasion of the… Continue reading »
One-page synopsis of Advent II Homily on Introduction: Homecoming is the central theme of the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. All three readings focus on the absolute necessity of our getting ready for Christ’s “Homecoming” into our hearts and lives by true repentance, reparation, prayer and the renewal of our lives. They also remind us… Continue reading »
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT STAY AWAKE: This Sunday we begin the new Liturgical Year and the Season of Advent in preparation for the great feast of Christmas. Advent is a penitential time, though not so severe as Lent. The colour of the priest’s vestments this time is purple, reminding us of the purple worn in… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Advent I Sunday [B] Homily on Mark 13:33-37 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to us to be alert, watchful and prepared because Christ’s Second Coming, coinciding with the end of the world, can occur at any time. People, in general, used to have a paranoid fear about the end… Continue reading »