SYNOPSIS OF OT IV HOMILY [C] JESUS IN THE NAZARETH SYNAGOGUE-II (Lk 4: 21-30) L/16 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is that we should have and show the courage of our Christian convictions in our Faith and in its practice in our communities, even when we face hatred and rejection because of our Christian… Continue reading »
Synopsis Synopsis of O.T. III homily on Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21 (L/16) Introduction: Today’s Gospel, presenting Jesus’ inaugural speech in the synagogue of Nazareth and outlining his theology of total liberation, marks a great moment in Jewish history. The Scripture readings for today focus our attention on the importance and liberating power of the Word… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Epiphany of the Lord (Jan 3) (Mt 2:1-12) L/16 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 Church, the… Continue reading »
1) Origin of the Christmas celebration: Many scholars believe that Christmas came to be placed on December 25th in order to counteract a pagan celebration called the Birth of the Unconquered Sun, a feast established by the Roman Emperor Aurelian in AD 274. Since December 25th was around the date of the winter solstice (the… Continue reading »
Introduction: The Scripture lessons for today focus on the first Christmas, or the birth of Jesus, which we celebrate today in all its solemnity. We are celebrating the fulfillment of the prophecies about our merciful God who sent His own Son to save a sinful world. Scripture lessons: In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies how… Continue reading »
Christmas: A thematic homily: Lk 2: 1-14: One-page synopsis: We celebrate Christmas with a lot of rejoicing for three reasons: # 1: First, Christmas is the Feast of God’s sending us a Savior: God undertook the Incarnation of Jesus as God-Man to save us from the bondage of sin. The Hindu Scriptures describe ten incarnations… Continue reading »
Parajumpers Herr Svart Synopsis Advent IV [C] Sunday (Dec 20) Homily on Luke 1:39-45 (L/15) (Penance service attached) Introduction: Today’s readings remind us that Jesus is reborn every day in ordinary people living ordinary lives, who have the willingness to respond to God’s call and the openness to do God’s will. They suggest that Christmas… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Advent III (Dec 13) Homily on Lk 3:10-18 (L/15) Introduction: Homily on Immaculate Conception is attached. Today is called “Gaudete” Sunday because today’s Mass begins with the opening antiphon, “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”). Today we light the rose candle of the Advent wreath and the priest may wear… Continue reading »
One-page synopsis: Advent II [C] (Dec 6) Homily Lk 3:1-6 (L/15) Thanksgiving Day (U.S. A. Nov 26th Thursday) homily is attached Introduction: The Second Sunday of Advent challenges us to prepare a royal highway in our hearts for Jesus so that we may receive him as our saving God during Christmas. We should also be… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Advent I [C] (Nov 29) Homily on Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 (L-15) Introduction: Advent is a time of waiting for Christ, allowing him to be reborn in our lives. It is also a time for purifying our hearts by repentance and for renewing our lives by reflecting on and experiencing the several comings (advents)… Continue reading »