• December 31, Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas - Contemplative Prayer
    Dec 30 2025
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    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:1; 14

    The Prologue to John’s Gospel, John 1:1-18, is one of the most profound and theologically rich passages in Scripture. It is both contemplative and mysterious, inviting us to come to know God in His essence through the depth of contemplative prayer.

    The opening words, “In the beginning…,” echo the Book of Genesis, revealing the eternal and preexistent nature of the Son of God. Saint John the Evangelist, through a special grace of infused contemplative knowledge, understood that Jesus was the Word, eternally spoken by the Father, and co-existing with Him for all eternity. He recognized that the Word took on human nature, becoming flesh and dwelling among us.

    Consider the thoughts of Saint John as he wrote these words for the first time. He had spent about three years with the Eternal Word made flesh—walking with Him, listening to His teachings, and witnessing His miracles, His rejection, His suffering, His death, and His Resurrection. He stood with the others as Jesus ascended into Heaven and experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

    After Pentecost, John’s understanding of Jesus deepened. Through prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist, John discovered his Lord in an even more intimate and transformative way. The Eternal Word, though no longer walking the earth, was now present within him by grace. This abiding presence became more real to him than ever before.

    Like John, we are called to know the Eternal Word as He continues to dwell among us through the Sacraments, in prayer, in the Scriptures, and within our souls. We are invited to be transformed by His presence so that we may become His living members within the Church.

    This deep union with Christ is only possible when we allow ourselves to be drawn into the mysteries of the Incarnation and redemption. While our minds can grasp these mysteries to a certain extent, true understanding comes through infused contemplative knowledge, a gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

    Reflect today on Saint John the Evangelist as he wrote his Prologue. Consider the gift of contemplative understanding he received, the transformation that occurred within his soul, and the intimacy he shared with God. Each of us is called to this same life of interior union and contemplation. Let this beautiful and mysterious Prologue draw you deeper into prayer and into the mystery of the Word made flesh.

    My Eternal Word of God, You existed before time began, in perfect union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. During this octave of Christmas, we reflect on Your Incarnation, Your becoming flesh to dwell among us and within us by grace. Please reveal to me this great mystery so that I may believe with the same faith as Saint John, Your beloved disciple. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    5 mins
  • December 30, Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas - The Faithful Remnant
    Dec 29 2025
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    There was a prophetess, Anna… She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36–38

    Like Simeon, Anna was among those “awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” She belonged to the faithful remnant of Israel who believed in the prophecies, understood the Messiah’s spiritual and salvific role, and awaited His coming with great hope.

    Because Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer,” she was deeply attuned to God’s voice. Her life of prayer made her sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, especially on that glorious day when Jesus was presented and ritually redeemed in the Temple.

    Imagine Mary and Joseph’s reaction to Simeon’s prophetic words and then to Anna’s. They might have expected the ritual offering and dedication to be a routine event. Yet, the joy and prophetic words of Simeon and Anna must have filled them with awe and wonder at the profound mystery of their Child’s identity and mission.

    Like Simeon and Anna, we are called to be part of the faithful remnant today. The chaos and immorality that plague our world can easily lead to discouragement or anger. When this turmoil is close to home, within our families or communities, it becomes even more challenging. Anna’s example in today’s Gospel offers us a powerful model of how to live our lives. While most of us cannot remain in church night and day, fasting and praying, we are all called to carry the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us, making our souls temples of God.

    Saint Teresa of Ávila speaks highly of the prayer of recollection, a practice that helps us become more aware of God’s presence within. This prayer takes place on two levels. First, “active” recollection is an intentional meditation in which we seek God within the temple, or “castle,” of our souls. It’s an active turning inward to find God dwelling within us by grace.

    Over time, as we deepen in this prayer, it becomes “passive” recollection. God begins to take the lead, and we sense His presence more profoundly throughout the day, calling us to be with Him in the temple of our souls. Those who practice these forms of recollection are like Anna who spent day and night in the Temple, attuned to God’s voice.

    Reflect, today, on God’s invitation to imitate Anna’s life of prayer. By following her example, you, too, will become more attuned to the voice of God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. You will recognize the many ways the Messiah comes to you and is present all around you. This grace will empower you to overcome the evils and challenges of the world, making you a member of God’s faithful remnant, awaiting His consolation and redemption.

    Most glorious Messiah, You see the chaos in our world, and You come to those who seek You to deliver them and set them free. Help me to become a member of Your faithful remnant, always turning to You in trust and seeking You day and night. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    5 mins
  • December 29, Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas - Thy Kingdom Come!
    Dec 28 2025
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    When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24

    Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”

    From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.

    This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.

    Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”

    We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God’s Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God’s promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world.

    Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God.

    My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    6 mins
  • Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Year A) - Family Life and the Holy Family
    Dec 27 2025
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    When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:13–14

    Today we honor and ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The love within their home exceeded that of any other household, and the love within their family poured forth upon their extended family and wider community. Scripture gives us limited details about the life of the Holy Family. What we do know is that from the very beginning, they suffered through enormous challenges.

    Mary’s pregnancy was the first challenge they faced. She conceived the Christ Child before she and Joseph lived together. Though she knew how she conceived the Son of God, Joseph did not understand until the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. We can imagine that relatives and members of the community expressed their disapproval, given that the angel of the Lord did not reveal the truth to everyone.

    Jesus was born far away from their home, in the little town of Bethlehem, in a cave, where animals dwelt. Humble shepherds were their first guests, and the magi from the East soon followed. Within a year or two after Jesus’ birth, this family had to uproot from their home and flee to Egypt, find accommodations, and earn a living because Herod sought to kill the child Jesus.

    After Herod’s death, Joseph was instructed in two subsequent dreams that he could return to Israel and was to move his family to the small and unremarkable village of Nazareth. Though Nazareth was not held in high esteem, it was within this simple setting that Jesus was raised and learned the virtues of hard work, obedience, and humility. Nazareth, though overlooked by the world, became the sacred ground where the Savior of the world was prepared for His mission. Finally, given that Saint Joseph is not mentioned during the time that Jesus exercised His public ministry, it is commonly believed that Jesus and His mother experienced the human sorrow of Joseph’s earthly death.

    Despite the hardships the Holy Family endured, the love in their home overshadowed every challenge, making their family life a source of the utmost consolation and joy. Amidst the trials they faced, the Holy Family found joy, not in worldly comforts, but in their deep union with God and with each other. Their home was a sanctuary of love, prayer, and mutual support, where God’s presence was always felt. How fascinating it will be one day, in Heaven, if God reveals to us the details about the earthly and hidden life of the Holy Family. Though the angels witnessed their lives as they unfolded in time, we can hope and imagine that God, in His goodness, will share these mysteries with the saints, revealing the true beauty of the Holy Family’s earthly life together. Their conversations, interactions, charity, prayer, fun, work, and all that made up their family life will be a source of eternal admiration and gratitude.

    Reflect today on the Holy Family. Ask God to give you insight into their lives together. As you do, use any insights as a source of inspiration for your own life and relationships with those closest to you. Though we will all fall short of the charity that permeated the home of the Holy Family, we can work to imitate them by allowing God to increase our charity toward one another. Through daily prayer, acts of sacrifice, and a commitment to love one another, we can create a family life that reflects the holiness and unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

    Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Your family life was holy beyond imagination. In your daily interactions, Your love was manifest and inspiring to each other and to Your relatives and friends. Please draw me into Your family life and teach me to love those in my family so that we will become a stronger community of love. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    7 mins
  • December 27, Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist - John, an Icon of Love
    Dec 26 2025
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    So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. John 20:3–8

    The “other disciple,” the one who “saw and believed,” was John the Apostle whom we honor today. In his Gospel, John often refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved.” This title indicates not that Jesus loved John more than the others but that John’s heart was perhaps the most open and receptive to Jesus’ love, allowing our Lord’s charity to fill him more completely.

    Celebrating the Feast of Saint John within the octave of Jesus’ birth invites us to reflect not only on John but also on the deep and intimate love that he and Jesus shared—a love that serves as an icon of the love Jesus desires to bestow on each of us.

    Today’s Gospel beautifully highlights three of John’s virtues. First, his all-consuming love for Jesus is evident in his immediate response to Mary Magdalene’s news of the empty tomb. John’s love compelled him to run to the tomb with Peter, showing how deeply he cherished his relationship with the Lord.

    Second, John’s respectful nature is revealed when he arrives at the tomb first but waits for Peter, the elder and leader among the Apostles, to enter before him. This act of deference speaks volumes about John’s humility and respect for authority.

    Finally, after entering the tomb, John “saw and believed.” This moment reflects the depth of his faith, a faith that did not require physical proof but was grounded in a profound trust in Jesus. John’s belief was a response to the infused gift of faith, a virtue that allowed him to recognize the truth of the Resurrection even before seeing the risen Lord.

    John’s example challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives. Is our love for the Lord so strong that it draws us toward Him with the same urgency that led John to run to the tomb? Does our love for God translate into a genuine respect for others? Is our faith so deep that we trust in God’s promises without needing visible proof?

    As we honor Saint John, reflect today on his identity as “the one whom Jesus loved.” His receptivity to Jesus’ love made him stand out as a model disciple. Seek to imitate John by expanding the capacity of your heart to receive more of God’s love, so that His presence within you becomes evident to others.

    My loving Lord, Your Sacred Heart overflowed with love for all people. Saint John was especially receptive to that love, enabling him to love You all the more. Please give me a heart like Saint John’s so that I, too, may become Your beloved disciple. Saint John, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.

    Image: St John at the Last Supper by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

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    5 mins
  • December 26, Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr - The Fruit of Martyrdom
    Dec 25 2025
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    Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:17–18

    These words capture the essence of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, whom we honor today. The day after celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church, in her wisdom, reflects on the reality of persecution as a consequence of worshiping the newborn King.

    The Jewish community in Jerusalem was diverse, with traditional Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews who were influenced by the Greco-Roman culture. As Jews began to convert to Christianity, a new unified community of believers emerged. Despite this unity, tensions arose, particularly when Hellenistic widows were neglected in the daily distribution of bread. To address this, the Apostles appointed seven deacons, with Stephen being the first, likely a Hellenist himself.

    Stephen, described as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” performed great wonders among the people. When confronted by Hellenistic Jews, he defended the faith with wisdom and courage, leading to his being dragged before the Sanhedrin. His eloquent defense angered his opponents, resulting in his stoning. In his final moments, Stephen commended his spirit to Jesus and prayed for his persecutors.

    At first, his martyrdom seemed a tragic loss that sparked a wave of persecution and scattered the Christian community throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. This dispersion, however, spread the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, leading to many new converts. What appeared to be a tragedy became a catalyst for the growth of the early Church.

    As we honor Saint Stephen, reflect on the truth that God permits evil only to draw greater good from it. If you face suffering or persecution, let today’s feast inspire hope. Trust in God’s plan, reject fear, and embrace His will, knowing that He can use every cross for His glory.

    Saint Stephen, you were a man filled with grace and power, deeply committed to Jesus and the proclamation of the Gospel. Please pray for me, that I will have your courage and faith so that God can use me to further His Kingdom by drawing many souls to Him. Saint Stephen, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    4 mins
  • The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - The Poverty of Christmas
    Dec 24 2025
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    While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6–7 (Gospel from Mass During the Night)

    A loving mother and father who experience the birth of their first child receive insight into the sacredness and beauty of this scene. Though great mystery surrounds Jesus’ conception within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she was truly His mother, and He was truly her Son. Saint Joseph, knowing he was not this Child’s biological father, made a profound act of faith by accepting that fatherly responsibility, as instructed in a dream by an angel of the Lord. Because of his faith and God-given mission, Joseph’s commitment to being the father of the Son of God was one that only a most loving and devoted father would make.

    As we celebrate Christmas Day, we are reminded of the humility with which our Lord chose to enter the world. Jesus was born in a place where animals dwelt because Mary and Joseph were away from their home to register for the Roman census. At first glance, one might conclude that the physical environment, most likely a cave, was unfortunate. However, we can be certain that this humble and poor setting was part of God’s divine plan, adding to the glory of that night. Christ, in His humility, chose this setting to reveal to us the true greatness of love.

    The poverty and humility of the cave and the manger—a feeding trough for animals—helped point to the sacredness of Jesus’ birth. No glamor, no fancy or comfortable setting, only love. Pure love. The love in the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the devotion of Saint Joseph, and the Incarnate presence of the Son of God were everything needed to make that night glorious.

    One lesson we can learn from the Nativity of the Lord is that the beauty, peacefulness, and contentment of our lives are not dependent upon how much money or how many material possessions we have, but rather on the purity of our love. The Holy Family’s hearts were perfectly fulfilled, not because of their surroundings, but because of their intimate union with God in the person of Jesus Christ.

    The presence of the Son of God in that place of poverty sheds light on the true riches we crave. The true treasures we seek are found not in wealth, comfort, or possessions, but in the love and grace of God. The Holy Family’s witness reveals to us that when we place our hearts in God’s hands, we will be filled with all we need.

    Reflect today on that most sacred, simple, and humble scene. As you do, try to imagine how humanly fulfilling that experience was for the Holy Family. Jesus was wrapped tightly in swaddling clothing, and He was adored with the greatest affection of His mother and foster father. Mary and Joseph’s hearts contained all that was necessary for profound gratitude and fulfillment. If you struggle with being fulfilled, learn a lesson from the Holy Family and seek to imitate Mary and Joseph so that your love for our Incarnate Lord fills you with all you need.

    My Incarnate Lord, Your divine nature, united to Your human nature, transformed that humble cave near Bethlehem into a tabernacle filled with the most powerful bonds of pure love. Please draw me into that sacred scene and help me to share in the love in the Immaculate Heart of Your mother, as well as the human devotion of Your foster father, Joseph. May I find contentment and total fulfillment in life by seeing You and loving You in every way that You come to me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    6 mins
  • December 24, in the morning - We Need a Savior
    Dec 23 2025
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    “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David…” Luke 1:68–69

    These words are the beginning of Zechariah’s song of praise, traditionally called the Benedictus, which he prayed as soon as his mouth was opened at the circumcision of his newborn son, John the Baptist. Priests and religious pray this beautiful song in the Liturgy of the Hours every morning. It recounts the whole plan of salvation that God began with Abraham, outlines the role of the prophets, and points to Zechariah’s son, John, as the “prophet of the Most High” who will “go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:76–77).

    As we prepare for the great Solemnity of Christmas Day, Zechariah’s song gives us much to ponder. He begins by blessing God Who “has come to his people and set them free.” Christmas is not only about the Most High God Who took on the form of an infant long ago. It’s also an ongoing coming to us by grace and the Sacraments. That same Most High God continuously descends into our souls as He is made visible to us in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Therefore, each of us must sing Zechariah’s song with the same vigor and conviction every time we attend Mass or encounter God’s presence in our lives.

    Why did God come to us? He came to set us free. Christmas must be a time when we acknowledge the ways that our sin oppresses us. We need a Savior. We need freedom. We need forgiveness. The only way to be receptive to our Savior is to humbly acknowledge how much we need Him.

    We see this in Zechariah’s song when he speaks of the role his son John would play in the whole plan of salvation. John was to give God’s people “knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” Seeing our sins is essential. Our culture tempts us to downplay sin, to see it as normal or even acceptable. Some hold up their sin with great pride. We must avoid being influenced by this tendency and recognize our sin with clarity and honesty.

    Understanding the kind of God we have greatly helps us to see our sin and our need for a Savior. Zechariah goes on to say, “In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Our God is not only compassionate, He offers us a “tender compassion.” He did not come to condemn, but to free us from “darkness and the shadow of death” so that we could be led into the “way of peace.” Deep down, we all want this. The only way to receive it is by listening to John the Baptist’s preaching that we must acknowledge our sins and repent.

    Reflect today on the true meaning of Christmas. God became Man to save us from darkness, sin, and death. He came to set us free from all that binds us, oppresses us, and misguides us. He came to free us from the evil one’s lies and the many ways that those lies have permeated our lives and culture. Join with Zechariah today in his song of praise for the gift of salvation, and strive to pray his prayer with the same faith he had.

    Blessed are You, Lord my God, for You have come to Your people to set them free. Mighty Savior, as I prepare to celebrate the great Solemnity of Christmas, please help me to see how much I need You in my life. Without You, I am lost and live in darkness and death. Free me, and help me to repent and to receive Your gift of salvation. Jesus, I trust in You.

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    6 mins