Introduction: It was Pope Pius XI who brought the Feast of Christ the King into the liturgy in 1925 in order to bring Christ, his rule and Christian values back into lives of Christians, into society and into politics. The Feast was also a reminder to the totalitarian governments of Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin that… Continue reading »
Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is “The Day of the Lord” or the “Second Coming” of Jesus in glory, as Judge, at the end of the world. They warn us about the final days of the world, our own death and the final judgment. Scripture lessons: Malachi, in the first reading,foretells this Day,… Continue reading »
Introduction: As we near the end of the Church’s liturgical year, the readings become more eschatological — having to do with the end times. The main theme of today’s readings is the reality of life after death and of the relationship between our lives on earth and the life of glory or punishment that will… Continue reading »
Two-pages synopsis: All Souls’ Day (November 2, 2016) Homily: All Souls’ Day is a day specially set apart that we may remember and pray for our dear ones who have gone for their eternal reward and who are currently in a state of ongoing purification. Ancient belief: 1) People of all religions have believed in… Continue reading »
Synopsis: All Saints Day: The feast and its objectives: All baptized Christians who have died and are now with God in glory are considered saints. All Saints Day is intended to honor the memory of countless unknown and uncanonized saints who have no feast days. Today we thank God for giving ordinary men and women… Continue reading »
Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the benevolent and forgiving mercy of God for sinners and the response of repentance and conversion expected from us. Scripture lessons: The first reading reminds us that God’s Almighty Power includes His strength to be merciful. That is why God, Who created the universe mercifully, waits for sinners… Continue reading »
One-page Synopsis WORLD MISSION SUNDAY [C] – (OCT 23, 2016) Introduction: Over one billion Catholics all over the world observe today as World Mission Sunday. This annual observance was instituted 89 years ago in 1926 by a Papal decree issued by Pope Pius XI. Every year since then, the universal Church has dedicated the month… Continue reading »
Introduction: The main theme of today’s Gospel is that true humility must be the hallmark of our prayers. However, the central focus of today’s parable is not on prayer itself, but rather on pride, humility and the role of grace in our salvation. Scripture lessons: The first reading, from Sirach, is a perfect companion piece to the Gospel parable. … Continue reading »
Introduction: Today’s readings are mainly about prayer — perseverance in prayer, constancy in prayer and trust in God as we pray. They are also about the Trustworthiness and Justice of God, the type of Justice that reaches out to the poor and the weak, enabling them to fight against injustice. Scripture lessons: In the first reading, Moses,… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT [C] XXVIII – Homily Lk 17:11-19 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is gratitude – in particular, the expression of gratitude God expects from us. Today’s Gospel presents a God Who desires gratitude from us for the many blessings we receive from Him, and Who feels pain at our ingratitude. Scripture lessons: Naaman, the… Continue reading »