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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

In today's Gospel we hear Jesus tell his disciples that among the Gentiles, rulers lord their power over their subjects, but that it cannot be that way with his disciples. Among them, the greatest is the one who serves the rest. In this elections season we hear much bravado from some who seek to sit in the seats of honor, but God would choose as leaders those who work to serve others rather than those who aggrandize themselves.

In Paul's Letter to the Ephesians he asks that our hearts be enlightened to know the hope that belongs to being called by God. In our world still torn apart by war, can we let our hearts be lifted up to find a new way forward that brings forth life rather than destruction?

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, where the first reading from the Book of Wisdom proclaims that the just one is often persecuted, and then in the Gospel Jesus predicts that he will be persecuted while is his closest disciples squabble about who is the greatest among themselves. The second reading from the Letter of James tells us that selfish ambition leads to quarrels, disorder, "and every foul practice." Do we let our selfish ambitions rule our lives, or can we seek, like Jesus asks us to do, to become servants of all?

Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17–20; James 3:16—4:3; Mark 9:30–37

Paul reminds us today that though we are many different parts, together we are the one Body of Christ. So we do not approach God individually, but as a part of the Church. Let us celebrate the gifts God has given each of us as well as gifts God has given others, so together, we can be more than any of us are individually.

Paul upbraids the Christian community at Corinth for allowing division among its members when celebrating the Lord's Supper. Do we let our personal preferences get in the way of fostering unity in the Church even today?

Based on 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33

Jesus said that it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get to heaven. Besides external wealth, are there obsessive personality traits that we need to shed in order to follow Christ more closely?

A rich young man who kept the commandments asked Jesus what else he needed to do to have eternal life. This is a good question to ask God. Try it and see if perhaps you should give up something or take something on. At least you will know....

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." He did not say that he would take away our burden, but he will refresh us and give us the strength to carry our burdens.