January 2025

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB   Jesus, the Stronger One, who breaks all illusions,is our protector and guide in the face of deceit. “Hey Eve, if you eat of the tree of good and evil, you will be like God!” What a trick! What deceit? “For God knows that when

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB New Year’s Resolutions – One To Keep Have you ever kept a New Year’s resolution? Have you ever made one and broken it? Commitment is not just a word; it’s a powerful force that can move mountains and change lives. How much does your resolution mean to you?

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012525.cfm Remove The Scales From My Eyes. St. Paul’s conversion is a fascinating story of how God works in our lives. He was in a murderous state of mind. His persecution of Jesus’ followers brought him into an encounter with our Lord. I am tempted to think that St. Paul had it easy because the

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012425.cfm Who is Your Mentor? When I began my studies for the priesthood in England, I met a priest who knew Jesus. Fr. Anthony Meredith had a profound impact on my relationship with God. He wasn’t a scholar who could teach a theological course. He had a presence about him, and I soon discovered that

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012325.cfm    Hearing What Jesus Was Doing In today’s Gospel, the crowd heard what Jesus was doing, healing everyone from everywhere. This passage invites us to reflect on what Jesus is doing in our lives. What recurring themes or challenges do we face? Why not take a moment to pause and reflect, perhaps during the

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012225.cfm      Sabbath Time – Two For One  When I assumed the role of pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church, I made a point to individually remind each staff member, “People are more important than stuff.” Possessions will fade, and our plans, decisions, and achievements will become history. However, each person will remain with us for

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012125.cfm Push Them Back, Way Back Moods change all the time. Sometimes, when I am at a stoplight or coming off the expressway, I see someone with a sign that reads “Hungry” or “Need Help.” Maybe you are like me. How do you feel when you see someone begging while you are driving? Jesus was