Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family, which celebrates Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, but which also calls all families to holiness. In the Gospel, Joseph and Mary move towards letting Jesus go, allowing him to be part of something larger than their own family, a practice we can all try in our own families.

Readings: 1 Samuel 1:20–22, 24–28; 1 John 3:1–2, 21–24; Luke 2:41–52

When Jesus was born, the angels announced to the shepherds "Peace on Earth!" There is nothing that we need more in this world right now than peace over all the Earth. Let us pray for that, and look for that gift from God.

When Zechariah can finally talk after the birth his son, John the Baptist, he proclaimed that his son would, "give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." This is what the Christmas season is all about: revealing the tender compassion of our God.

Today we celebrate St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. Music can unite us, for we cannot be enemies while we sing together. Perhaps we can use music to bring us together at a time after the elections when we are so divided.

In today's Gospel, Jesus says, "whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." His mother, Mary, lived in such a way as to always point to God rather than to herself. We should do the same.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings include two widows who give their last pennies to the poor and are thus commended for their generosity. Such generosity is contrasted to the way rich people act and challenges our own response to the widow, the orphan and refugees who have nothing.

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44