Author: James T.

“Give them some food yourselves.” | Tuesday after Epiphany

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.'” I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 6:34-44)

Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied.

Late in the day, Jesus sees the vast crowd following him like sheep without a shepherd. Moved with pity for them, he begins teaching them when the disciples approach him and ask Jesus to dismiss the crowd so they can go to nearby villages to find something to eat. He tells them, “Give them some food yourselves.” When the disciples tell him that it would be impossible to buy the amount of food needed, Jesus asks how many loaves there are. Taking the five loaves they give him, Jesus prays, says a blessing, and breaks the loaves and fishes. At this, Mark simply says, “They all ate and were satisfied.” After they ate, the disciples picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments from the crowd of five thousand. Why does Jesus tell the disciples to give the crowd some food themselves? It seems in that question, he is teaching the disciples to rely not on themselves but on the word of God, as we hear in the Gospel according to John, when he says, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”

God, help me understand the motivation of Jesus when he sees the crowd and feels great compassion for them. Why is it that the way Jesus first feeds the crowd is by teaching them many things? The disciples see the practical need; it is getting dark and the people need to go find food. Jesus sees the spiritual need that goes beyond physical hunger. Satisfying the hunger of the crowd takes place as the Son of God blesses the food and looks to you in prayer. In his word, just as in his crucifixion, what is broken is not divided and diminished but multiplied and increased in superabundance. Give me the grace, Lord, to trust in the food that you give for the life of the world in Jesus Christ your Son. Give us this day our daily bread.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“And he cured them.” | Monday after Epiphany

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.'” I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 4:12-17, 23-25)

His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.

“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” With these words, Jesus picks up where John left off after he had been arrested. The mission of Jesus begins to unfold in Galilee as he teaches in the synagogues, proclaims the kingdom of God, and cures every disease and illness. In doing this, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: “Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” And the light he brings is healing to those whose illnesses are physical, mental, and spiritual. He continues to do that today.

God, give me the grace and wisdom to do as great crowds did in following Jesus. The Gospel acclamation says, “Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” Strengthen my faith, Lord. Nourish me through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, where you are truly present—body and blood, soul and divinity. Be my light in the darkness, and throughout the day let me trust in your merciful care and power to heal mind, body, and soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“We saw his star at its rising.” | The Epiphany of the Lord

From the responsorial psalm: “For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 2:1-12)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

The magi come to King Herod bringing news of the birth of the newborn king of the Jews. Excited at the star’s rising, they ask Herod where the infant can be found. But Herod, threatened by this news, calls together the scribes and pharisees to ask them where the newborn can be found. They determine through the prophet Micah that he will be born in Bethlehem, so Herod sends the magi to find him, pretending that he also wants to do him homage. Matthew tells us that “the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.” There they prostrate themselves, open their treasures, and offer their gifts. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they leave for their country by another way. At his birth, Jesus evokes two responses in people that he would face over and over throughout his earthly ministry: hatred and love, rejection and adoration.

God, as the magi did, help me throughout the day see the signs that point to your newborn Son. The excitement of the magi is clear; seeing the star at its rising draws them closer to the king of kings to prostrate themselves before him. Herod was greatly troubled and threatened by the loss of his authority and power. One birth, two responses. Herod closed his fist to grasp control and denied Jesus. The magi opened their treasures and offered gifts. When I seek to control or obtain power, give me the wisdom to put that desire aside. Help me understand, Lord, that in giving power and authority to you, I gain more than I ever could by my own fractured efforts. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

From the responsorial psalm: “Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:35-42)

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.

Two disciples of John the Baptist stand with him as he calls their attention to Jesus. “Behold, the Lamb of God,” John tells them, and they follow him. Obedient to John and his mission, the two disciples believe him, recognizing Jesus’ authority and identity as the Messiah. Andrew, after spending time with Jesus, goes to find his brother Simon Peter and brings him to Jesus. By naming him Cephas, Jesus claims him as a disciple and gives him a new identity as one of the Twelve, and the rock on which he will build his church. In pointing to Jesus as the Son of God, John fulfills his mission. “He must increase,” says John. “I must decrease.”

God, help me today do as Andrew did for his brother by bringing others to Jesus. Where he is throughout the day will not always be clear to me. Among family members, how do I go beyond the ordinariness of a day—of my ordinary state—and bring them into the presence of your Son? Just as Jesus named Simon Peter, help me recognize how he claims me for his own and invites me to stay with him today and every day. Give me the grace to recognize in the present moment where Jesus is and to hear him speak to my heart, asking, “What are you looking for?” Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“I did not know him.” | Christmas Weekday

From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:29-34)

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. At his appearance, John states the mission and identity of Jesus so that he is made known to Israel, and as John testifies, that he is proclaimed as the Son of God. Although a cousin to Jesus, John says “I did not know him.” Trusting God, the one who sent him, John recognizes Jesus not from human senses but from divine revelation as the Holy Spirit descends and remains on Jesus. We hear the words of John during the Invitation to Communion as the priest elevates the Body and Blood of Christ, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.” In that moment at every Mass, we recognize as John did that the Son of God is present before us to behold.

God, help me deepen my understanding of the Eucharist. It is Jesus present in the appearance of bread and wine, the Lamb of God, whom you sent to take away the sins of the world. “Blessed are those,” the priest says at Mass as he holds up the host and chalice. “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Sent for me and sent for all, the Lamb is the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the way of salvation. Lord, when I think about the struggles of this life and what I can hope in and depend on, help me remember the words from the Gospel acclamation as I call to mind that hope is the person of Christ: “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:19-28)

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

Today’s Gospel begins with priests and Levites questioning John the Baptist about his identity. John denies that he is the Christ or Elijah. When they ask him if he is the Prophet, he says no, and they then ask him who he is so they can share the answer with those who sent them. John replies, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” John knows exactly who he is in relation to the Old Testament and to Jesus; in truth, his self-identification is akin to God’s when Moses asks him who he should say he is: “I am who I am.” As John refers to Jesus as the one among them whom they do not recognize, the greatest of prophets accepts his role in relation to Jesus with complete humility and unworthiness.

God, help me discern and understand what genuine humility is in relation to you. Help me also give little credence to the modern-day understanding of humility and its association with shame, as a symptom of poor mental health. You are God and I am not. That is exactly what John said of Jesus, which gives him his rank among the greatest prophets and saints. John recognized the divinity of Jesus and because of that knew himself and his role in the salvation of humanity. Give me the grace to do the same—to recognize that true greatness is to grow in the knowledge that who I truly am, I am through Christ. Saints Basil and Gregory, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God | The Octave Day of Christmas

From the responsorial psalm: “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. May God bless us in his mercy.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:16-21)

All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

Luke describes what happens after the angel appears to the shepherds and says, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” In obedience to the angel’s message, the shepherds travel in haste to Bethlehem to find Jesus. As they share with Mary and Joseph what happened, Luke tells us that Mary kept all these things and reflected on them in her heart. After the shepherds return home, they continue to witness to the birth of Jesus Our Savior, glorifying and praising God. Instructed by an angel, the shepherds leave home on a holy pilgrimage to encounter Christ; they return home as witnesses to others of the glory of God and the birth of the Messiah. In the celebration of Christmas, Jesus invites us to find him in Scripture, in service to others, and especially in the Eucharist, where he remains present—body and blood, soul and divinity, as the risen Christ.

God, you always keep your promises; strengthen my trust in you. Through the message of an angel, the shepherds were instructed to go and find Jesus. They found him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just as the angel told them. Also in today’s Gospel, Luke tells us that at his circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel at the Annunciation. As Mary did, help me keep these revelations and reflect on them in my heart. You bless and speak in hearts who desire to hear you, yet your voice is unmistakable in your ultimate Word, Jesus Christ. As the Gospel acclamation says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.” Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD comes, he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 1:1-18)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The first words of John’s prolougue to his Gospel echo the first words of the Old Testament. Through powerful imagery of light and darkness, being and nothingness, and God invisible and God in the flesh, John connects the coming of Jesus to the long-awaited Messiah of the Old Testament. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he gives to those who believe in his name the power to become children of God. Enough can’t be said of the magnificance of John’s prologue. Only in rereading it and dwelling on it does its sweeping poetry and spiritual beauty shine brightly like the Star of Bethlehem that rested over the Christ Child.

God, help me hold on to the wonder of the birth of Jesus, that in his coming is the fulfillment of the covenants made by you with your people. In the first reading, John writes what it means to have your anointing; it is to live in the truth. He says, “I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.” Because I do know the truth but in sin tend toward lies, keep me on guard to remain in the truth. Give me the grace to turn away from what detracts from you and instead keep my eyes fixed on you yourself revealed in your only-begotten Son.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

From the responsorial psalm: “Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name! Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:36-40)

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

After the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the prophetess Anna comes forward to Joseph and Mary and, as John tells us, “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” In her long life, Anna faithfully awaited the coming of the Messiah and sees just that in the child Jesus. Luke then tells us that Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth with Jesus, where he “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Like Anna, Mary and Joseph remained obedient to God in fulfilling all the prescriptions of the law and returning home to raise Jesus in Nazareth, giving to the Lord the glory due his name.

God, help me be vigilant in recognizing your work in the world and the quiet ways you make your presence known. Attentive to this, give me the grace to know and do your will—not my will—throughout the day. From the first reading, help me call to mind the words of John as I look for direction: “Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.” From the enticing call of the world and its hollow pretentiousness deliver me. Give me the wisdom, Lord, to recognize it for what it is and instead grow and become strong in faith and childlike in my love for you. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” | Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

From the responsorial psalm: “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:41-52)

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.

Luke tells us the story of Jesus at the age of twelve during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his parents for the Feast of the Passover. After the feast, Mary and Joseph begin their journey home, assuming Jesus was with them in the caravan of travelers. Returning to Jerusalem, they find Jesus after searching for him for three days. After finding him in the temple among teachers who are astouned at his wisdom, Mary questions why Jesus has done this to them and expresses her anxiety. In that moment, Mary did not understand what Jesus means when he explains that he was in his Father’s house. Over time, as Jesus “advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man,” Mary came to undersand more deeply that her son, and stepson of Joseph, was the Son of God. Through Mary’s help, we come to know the Son and the Father.

God, help me see the examples of perfect faith in you as modeled by the Holy Family. Mary speaks for herself and for Joseph when she said she looked for Jesus with great anxiety, yet in finding him they were astonished at his wisdom and closeness to you. As Jesus grew, he advanced in his love for you and sought your favor in every word and action. Give me the grace, Lord, to be free from all anxiety through the intercession of the Holy Family and in the knowledge that I am in the midst of Jesus, who sits at your right hand, whenever I seek your favor and do your will. Holy Family, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.