Videos

Today we have the Parable of the Sower, where the Word of God is planted like seed on different kinds of soil. Some of each kind of soil is inside each of us. So let each of us dig deep and find the good soil in our own hearts and work to cultivate the good soil in other people's hearts.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that whoever does the will of God is his mother, brother and sister. As related by Fr. Scott, Fr. Brendan tells us of an interreligious group founded my muslims in the Chicago area that does amazing work bringing God's compassion to war-torn areas of our world. Certainly, these people are Jesus' mother, brother, and sister.

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we recall that Jesus was baptised to carry out the the commission of the Prophet Isaiah, "Give Comfort to my People." May all of us who are baptised fulfil this mission.

Fr. Brendan Curran OP breaks open the readings for the Baptism of the Lord. As John baptised Jesus in the Jordan River, we are invited to imagine being on the banks of the river searching our own souls for what we need to change in our own lives. What do we need to do to prepare a way for God to come more fully into the world? Can we embrace our own Baptismal call to be authentic witnesses of Christ?

Readings: Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11; Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7; Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

The first chapter of the Gospel of John reminds us: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." As we prepare to welcome a new year, let us move forward with confidence that God's unfailing light will help us create all things new and shake off the darkness of the past year.

The Prophet(ess) Anna recognized the Christ child as the new messiah when he was presented in the Temple. Let us honor all the women whose resilient, prophetic, and steady faith has fed the church and our guided our own faith journeys.

Fr. Brendan Curran, OP breaks open the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, remembering our call to be messengers of hope for a weary world, as was the Prophet Baruch and John the Baptist. God will complete the good work already begun, and let it be done through us.

Readings: Baruch 5:1–9; Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11; Luke 3:1–6

The Book of Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth coming to be as the old world passes away. December is the Month for Peace, and this year the Dominicans are focussing on Haiti where amidst great destructions, some courageous Dominicans are trying to bring forth new signs of hope.

Jesus healed ten lepers and only of them came back to thank him. It is important not only to be grateful in our hearts, but to take action on that gratitude by saying "thank you" or passing on our blessings to others so that they also might be blessed.

Fr. Brendan Curran, OP breaks open the readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, showing the glory we hope for, and reminding ourselves how the reality we see is not what will be in the Kingdom of God. Thus, as the world struggles to become something better than it is right now, we do not despair at the destruction, but believe in the possibility of what will come.

Readings: Daniel 7:13–14: Revelation 1:5–8; John 18:33b–37

A blind man heard Jesus was coming and so cried out, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!" The crowd tried to quiet him. Jesus healed him. Who could see more clearly who Jesus was, the blind man or the crowd? Can we see with those eyes of faith and trust that God can heal us?

Sometimes bad things happen to good people and it is not their fault. Jesus , though innocent, was brutally killed. But when this happens, we can know that God it at our side at those times, and Jesus can identify with those who suffer. Perhaps we can ask God about it when we get to heaven, but in this life the best we can do is walk with others who are suffering.