Messiah

Reflections for the feast of Epiphany

Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi, while the Eastern Churches commemorate the Baptism of Christ, where the Father and the Holy Spirit give combined testimony to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Is 60:1-6;   Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6;   Mt. 2:1-12 Homily starter anecdote “Because you never know what’s going [...]

Palm Sunday homily

Pope Francis delivered the homily at Mass on Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square.  Today’s celebration can be said to be bittersweet.  It is joyful and sorrowful at the same time.  We celebrate the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem to the cries of his disciples who acclaim him as king.  Yet we also solemnly proclaim the Gospel [...]

Lent is an opportunity to draw near to Christ

“Perhaps we have not yet encountered Jesus personally,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Sunday. “Perhaps we have not recognized Him as our Saviour.” The Holy Father was commenting on the day’s Gospel, which relates the “dialogue” between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Because of the great respect Jesus shows her [...]

When Saying ‘He Is a Sinner,’ Ask Yourself ‘And What Am I?’

“How many times we say: “But he is a sinner, he has done this, and that …”, and we judge others. And you? Each one of us should ask himself: Yes, he is a sinner, and I?” Pope Francis observed this during his address at this morning’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, while stressing that [...]