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Love Against Indifference — 5th Sunday of Lent—Year C

March 22, 2013

The scribes and Pharisees do not care about the woman caught in adultery. They do not care about her sin. If they actually cared about the adultery, the man she sinned with would be there too. They do not really care whether this woman gets punished or forgiven. They only want to trap Jesus. They want Jesus to say something against the Law of Moses that they can use to attack him. When it becomes clear that their scheme will not work, they leave Jesus and the woman. She has merely been their tool for a failed task.  Now she is left alone with Jesus.  Jesus neither denies the woman’s sin nor withholds his mercy. He says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

Jesus does not deny the truth. What the woman has done is wrong and it needs to end. But Jesus encounters her with love. We need to be the same way with the persons in our lives. Sharing the truth without love is repulsive. Who can embrace the truth when served with a sour taste? On the other hand, loving someone without sharing important truths is an imperfect love. We each have the duty to share the truth seasoned with love.

Like many of you, I am very happy concerning our new Holy Father. Pope Francis is a pleasant gift. He is an interesting and refreshing character who seems very holy. He comes to us from Argentina and is the first pope from Latin America, where more than forty-one percent of world’s Catholics live. One of my hopes is that Pope Francis will renew the Catholic faith there and here. Sometimes Catholicism can be widely present but not deeply held. Many claim our Faith but neglect to live lives moved by it.

I am honored to come here to celebrate Mass for few or for many and I am happy to do it. But how many people do you know that are absent from Mass? Invite them lovingly to come to the Mass here in the special weeks ahead. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, which includes the reading of the Passion. And in two weeks is Easter Sunday, the most important of all Christian celebrations.

The scribes and Pharisees did not care about the sinning woman. Let’s be unlike them. Let us help the people in our lives with love, truth, and the invitation of Jesus Christ to the sacraments in his Church.

Posted in Catholic Church, Homily, Love, Sunday Homilies, Witness | Leave a Comment »

The Other Son — 4th Sunday of Lent—Year C

March 11, 2013

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells one of his most famous parables. Usually, people focus on the younger son who ran away and on the loving father who forgives him when he returns. Jesus uses this father and son to teach us an important lesson. Even though we are like that selfish, ungrateful, and sinful younger brother sometimes, our Father never stops longing to embrace us. No one should ever say, “God could never forgive me after all the bad things I’ve done.” God’s merciful forgiveness always awaits us if we are willing to return to him.

This is an important lesson, but we should not overlook the brother who felt overlooked. We can learn something important through the older brother’s experience, too. While the younger son ran away, the older son loyally remained with their father. While the younger brother was having sinful fun with prostitutes at night, the older brother was working long days in the fields together with the slaves. While the younger son became unhappy in the distant country, the older son was unhappy at home.

We see the discontent of the older son when he says to his father, “Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends!” The older son doubts that his father really loves him. The older brother is close to the father physically but far away emotionally. Does his father love him? Of course! The father would have been happy to throw him a party, but his son never asks. The older son squnders his opportunity. He never receives because he never asks and so becomes bitter toward his father.

We can be like this older brother sometimes. We do our dutiful work for God and never ask for anything because we think it is better to never ask for anything. But, this can lead to bitter feelings toward God. God our Father wants to bless his children with good things so that our joy, faith, and love will increase. We should not be afraid to ask him. As Jesus says, “Ask, and you will receive.” Learn a lesson from the older brother who never asked for anything. Ask for good things from God because he is your loving and merciful Father.

En el evangelio de hoy, Jesús le dice uno de sus parábolas más famosas. Por lo general, la gente se centra en el hijo menor que se fue y en el padre amoroso que lo perdona. Jesús usa este padre e hijo para enseñarnos una lección importante. Somos como el hermano menor a veces (egoístas, ingratos y pecadores) pero nuestro Padre siempre anhela para abrazarnos. Nadie debe decir: “Dios nunca podría perdonarme después de todas las cosas malas que he hecho.” El perdón misericordioso de Dios siempre nos espera, si estamos dispuestos a volver con él.

Esta es una lección importante, pero no debemos pasar por alto el hermano que sentía por alto. También podemos aprender algo importante a través de la experiencia del hermano mayor. Mientras que el hijo menor se fue lejos, el hijo mayor lealmente se mantuvo con su padre. Mientras que el hermano menor pecaminosamente se divirtieron con prostitutas por la noche, el hermano mayor estaba trabajando largos días en los campos junto con los sirvientes. Mientras que el hijo menor se convirtió en descontento en el país lejano, el hijo mayor estaba infeliz en la casa de su padre.

Vemos el descontento del hijo mayor cuando dice a su padre: “¡Hace tanto tiempo que te sirvo, sin desobedecer jamás una orden tuya, y tú no me has dado nunca ni un cabrito para comérmelo con mis amigos!” El hijo mayor duda de su padre realmente lo ama. El hijo mayor está cerca del padre físicamente, sino emocionalmente lejos.  ¿El padre lo ama? ¡Por supuesto!  El padre habría estado muy contento de darle una fiesta, pero su hijo nunca pregunta.  El hijo mayor no recibe nunca, porque el hijo nunca se pregunta, y así se convierte en resentimiento hacia su padre.

Podemos ser como el hermano mayor a veces. Hacemos nuestro trabajo obediente a Dios y nunca pedir nada porque pensamos que es mejor no pedir nada. Sin embargo, esto puede conducir a sentimientos de amargura hacia Dios. Dios, nuestro Padre quiere bendecir a sus hijos con cosas buenas para que nuestra alegría, nuestra fe y nuestro toda amor se incrementará.  No debemos tener miedo de preguntarle.  Como dice Jesús: “Pedid, y se os dará”.  Aprende una lección del hermano mayor que nunca pidió nada.  Pregunte por las cosas buenas de Dios porque él es tu Padre amoroso y misericordioso.

Posted in Homily, Prodigal Son, Spanish Homilies, Sunday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Looking Forward to Heaven — 2nd Sunday of Lent—Year C

March 3, 2013

In Genesis, God promises descendants and a land to Abraham.  However, Abraham and his wife are very old, and Abraham feels uncertainty about whether they will have children. Therefore, God says to Abraham: “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you can. So shall your descendants be.” You may imagine this happening at night, but perhaps God has Abraham look during the day. We cannot see the stars in the daylight, but we know that they are there. Likewise, God’s promises to Abraham will be fulfilled even though Abraham cannot see it.

Like Abraham, we hope in God’s promises about things we cannot see. While Abraham wants to have children so that his legacy continues, we want eternal life. He hopes that his descendants someday get the Promised Land. We hope for the Promised Land of Heaven. I think we should feel hope in these things more.

In the Gospel, Peter is euphoric about seeing Jesus with Moses and Elijah and says something very silly. “Master, it is good for us to stay here and build three tents: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” How could Moses and Elijah prefer to live in tents on a mountain top on earth rather than return to paradise? Yet, sometimes we behave like our greatest hope isn’t heaven but to live here on earth forever.

Saint Paul says about sinners:  “… Just think of earthly things. We, however, are citizens of heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body… ” We all have a natural fear of death, and this is healthy and good. And we feel sad when persons depart from us, and this is understandable. But we should look forward to going to heaven. We should feel at least as much excitement about going to heaven as we would in winning an around-the-world vacation.

Have you encountered beauty here on earth? There is greater glory in heaven. Have you felt happiness and contentment here? There is overflowing joy in heaven. Have you known love? Every person loves perfectly in heaven. Which friends and family do you want to see again in heaven? Which saints or angels do you want to meet there? What will it be like to see Jesus face to face? Reflect on these things, and let this hope inspire you.

En el Génesis, Dios promete descendientes y una tierra a Abraham. Sin embargo, Abraham y su esposa son muy viejo, y Abraham se siente incertidumbre acerca de si van a tener hijos. Por lo tanto, Dios le dice a Abraham: “Mira el cielo y cuenta las estrellas, si puedes. Así sera tu descendencia.” Usted puede imaginar que esto ocurra por la noche, pero tal vez Dios ha Abraham mirar durante el día. No podemos ver las estrellas en la luz del día, pero sabemos que están ahí. Del mismo modo, las promesas de Dios a Abraham se cumplirá aunque Abraham no lo puede ver.

Como Abraham, esperamos que en las promesas de Dios acerca de cosas que no podemos ver. Mientras Abraham quiere tener hijos, para que su legado continúa, queremos la vida eterna. Él espera que sus descendientes algún día obtener a la Tierra Prometida. Esperamos que recibimos la tierra prometida de los Cielos. Creo que deberíamos sentir esperanza en estas cosas más.

En el Evangelio, Pedro es eufórico de ver a Jesús con Moisés y Elías y le dice algo muy tonto: “Maestro, sería bueno que nos quedarámos aquí y hiciéramos tres chozas: una para ti, una para Moisés y otra para Elías” sin saber lo que decía. ¿Cómo pudo Moisés y Elías prefieren vivir en tiendas de campaña en la cima de una montaña en la tierra en lugar de regresar al paraíso? Sin embargo, a veces nos comportamos como nuestra mayor esperanza no es el cielo sino a vivir aquí en la tierra para siempre.

San Pablo dice acerca de los pecadores: “…Sólo piensan en cosas de la tierra. Nosotros, en cambio, somos ciudadanos del cielo, de donde esperamos que venga nuestro salvador, Jesucristo. El transformará nuestro cuerpo miserable en un cuerpo glorioso, semejante al suyo…” Todos tenemos un temor natural de la muerte, y esto es sano y bueno. Y nos sentimos tristes cuando las personas salen de nosotros, y esto es comprensible. Pero debemos mirar hacia adelante para ir al cielo. Debemos sentir excitación cerca de ir al cielo como ganar unas vacaciones alrededor del mundo.

¿Se ha encontrado la belleza aquí en la tierra? Hay una mayor gloria en el cielo. ¿Se ha sentido la felicidad en la tierra? Hay mas alegría en el cielo. ¿Ha conocido el amor? Cada persona ama perfectamente en el cielo. ¿Lo que amigos y familiares qué quieres volver a ver en el cielo? ¿Que los santos y ángeles te quiero conocer allí? ¿Qué se sentiría al ver a Jesús cara a cara? Reflexiona sobre estas cosas que esta esperanza os inspire.

Posted in Abraham, Heaven, Homily, Hope, Spanish Homilies, Sunday Homilies, Transfiguration, Trust | Leave a Comment »

Tempting Christ — 1st Sunday of Lent—Year C

March 3, 2013

Today’s Gospel from Luke is preceded by Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan. There, Jesus is revealed to be the Anointed One awaited by God’s people. The Anointed One is called the Messiah in Hebrew and the Christ in Greek. It was foretold that the “Anointed One” would have God as his Father in a unique and intimate way. This “Anointed One” was prophesied to come and be the savior, the champion, and the liberator of God’s people.

“Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days…” Here, before the start of the public ministry of Jesus, in the silence and solitude of this desert retreat, the thoughts and prayers of Jesus were probably about his mission ahead. At this time the devil comes to tempt him. The devil wants to influence the kind of Christ that Jesus will be in hopes of derailing his mission from the start.

The devil says, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answers, “One does not live on bread alone.” What would be the evil in Jesus making this food? If he uses his power to meet his own needs, then the devil will ask “How can you refuse the needs of other people?” The devil wants Jesus to become an economic savior, a materialistic Messiah.

Jesus has compassion for our human condition–he knows it from his own first-hand experience. Jesus commands us to show his love to others by caring for their bodily needs. And when we do this it is Jesus acting through us. But if Jesus’ first mission had become to satisfy all material human needs, then Jesus would have been a Christ of bread alone, and we cannot live forever on bread alone. Making all of us wealthy wouldn’t be enough to make us holy, and so Jesus refuses the first temptation.

Then the devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and says, “I shall give to you all the power and glory…. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” And Jesus answers, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” The devil offers Jesus an alternative to a life of obedience to his Father and in service to all. Jesus can become the world’s dictator whose own will must be done, if he would simply worship the devil.

This is the devil’s promise, but the devil is a liar. Making a deal with him gains nothing but loss, yet even if Jesus knew the devil would keep his word Jesus would have none of this. Jesus does not come to control us, but to invite us. He does not want to dominate us, but to persuade us to love. God seeks our loving response, and a response in love cannot be forced, so Jesus rejects the second temptation.

Then the devil takes Jesus to a high place and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for God will command his angels to guard you, and with their hands they will support you….” And Jesus answers, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”

Here the devil argues that Jesus should expect to be protected from suffering and be preserved from death. But Jesus was sent and came to die and rise for us. Without these things how would we have been saved? Jesus trusted the Father’s will, even in suffering and death, and so Jesus refuses the third temptation.

God often works in ways that we wouldn’t imagine or choose for ourselves. We would wish that everything in life would be easy and painless. We wish our temptations and sorrows did not afflict us. But a doctor’s cure is given according to the disease he finds. After the Fall of mankind, God intends to save us through the difficulties and struggles of this life.

Our growth in holiness can be slow and our sufferings may be difficult. However, we should never despair. Our struggle has rewards and our suffering has purpose. We know this because of Jesus, who endured temptations just like us and for us.

El evangelio de hoy es precedido por el bautismo de Jesús en el Jordán. Allí, Jesús se revela como el Ungido esperado por el pueblo de Dios. El ungido es llamado el Mesías en hebreo y Cristo en griego. Fue predicho que “el ungido” sería tener a Dios como su Padre de una manera única e íntima. Este “Ungido” fue profetizado ser el salvador, el campeón, y el libertador del pueblo de Dios.

“Llenos del Espíritu Santo, Jesús volvió del Jordán y fue llevado por el Espíritu al desierto por cuarenta días…” Aquí antes del inicio del ministerio público de Jesús, en el silencio y la soledad de este retiro desierto, los pensamientos y las oraciones de Jesús fueron probablemente sobre su misión por delante. Entonces, el diablo viene a tentarle. El diablo quiere influir en el tipo de Cristo que Jesús va a ser, con la esperanza de desbaratar su misión desde el principio.

El diablo dice: “Si eres Hijo de Dios, di a esta piedra que se convierta en pan”. Y Jesús responde: “El hombre no vive solamente de pan”. ¿Cuál sería el mal en la fabricación de este alimento? Si Jesús usa su poder para satisfacer sus propias necesidades, entonces el diablo le preguntará “¿Cómo puedes negar las necesidades de otras personas?” El diablo quiere Jesús para convertirse en un salvador económico, un Mesías materialista.

Jesús tiene compasión por la condición humana y él lo sabe por su propia experiencia. Jesús nos manda a mostrar su amor a los demás por el cuidado de sus necesidades corporales. Y cuando hacemos esto, Jesús está actuando a través de nosotros. Pero si la primera misión de Jesús había sido la de satisfacer todas las necesidades materiales humanas, entonces Jesús habría sido un Cristo de pan solamente, y no podemos vivir para siempre en el pan solo. Haciendo todos nosotros ricos no sería suficiente para hacernos santos, y así Jesús rechaza la primera tentación.

Entonces el diablo muestra a Jesús todos los reinos del mundo y le dice: “Yo te daré todo el poder y la gloria …. Todo esto será tuyo, si me adoras. “Y Jesús responde:” Adorarás al Señor, tu Dios, ya él solo servirás “. El diablo ofrece a Jesús una alternativa a una vida de obediencia a su Padre y servicio de todos. Jesús puede convertirse en dictador del mundo, cuya propia voluntad se debe hacer.

Esta es la promesa del diablo, pero el diablo es un mentiroso. Haciendo un trato con él no gana nada sino pérdida, sin embargo, incluso si Jesús sabía que el diablo cumpliría su palabra de Jesús no quiso saber nada de esto. Jesús no viene a controlarnos, sino para invitarnos. Él no quiere que nos dominen, sino para persuadir al amor. Dios busca nuestra respuesta de amor y una respuesta en el amor no puede ser forzado, y así Jesús rechaza la tentación segundo.

Entonces el diablo lleva a Jesús a un lugar alto y le dice: “Si eres Hijo de Dios, arrójate desde aquí, porque Dios mandará a sus ángeles para que te guarden, y con sus manos te apoyan….” Y Jesús responde, “No tentarás al Señor, tu Dios.”

Aquí el diablo argumenta que Jesús debe esperar a ser protegido de el sufrimiento y ser preservado de la muerte. Pero Jesús fue enviado y vino a morir y resucitar por nosotros. Sin estas cosas, ¿cómo hemos sido salvados? Jesús confió la voluntad del Padre, incluso en el sufrimiento y la muerte, y así Jesús se niega la tercera tentación.

A menudo Dios obra de maneras que no nos imaginamos o elegir por nosotros mismos. Nos gustaría que todo en la vida iba a ser fácil y sin dolor. Queremos nuestras tentaciones y sufrimientos no nos afligen. Pero la curación de un médico se administra de acuerdo a la enfermedad que encuentra. Después de la caída del hombre, Dios quiere salvarnos a través de las dificultades y las luchas de esta vida.

Nuestro crecimiento en la santidad puede ser lento y nuestro sufrimiento puede ser difícil. Sin embargo, nunca debe desesperarse. Nuestra lucha tiene recompensas y nuestro sufrimiento tiene un propósito. Lo sabemos gracias a Jesús, que sufrió tentaciones como nosotros y por nosotros.

Posted in Consumerism, Homily, Humility, Jesus Christ, Love, Money, Politics, Redemptive Suffering, Satan, Spanish Homilies, Spiritual Warfare, Sunday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Our Thrice Holy God — 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time—Year C

March 3, 2013

The ancient Hebrews did not have a word that means “very.” To describe something or someone as “very beautiful” they would use the word twice, “It is beautiful, beautiful.” And to describe something or someone as “the most beautiful” they repeated the word three times: “She is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.” This is the reason Isaiah hears the angels saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” The Lord is the most holy, sacred, pure, and perfect.

It can feel overwhelming to be in the presence of the holy Lord. Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe is me, I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips.” Peter says, “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinner!” This Wednesday we begin another season of Lent, because we are sinners and God is holy. Yet, the Lord purifies Isaiah with the ember from the altar. And Jesus reassures Peter, “Do not fear.” St. Paul says: “I am unworthy to be called an apostle. However, by the grace of God I am what I am”.

God is not very concerned about where we have been. God is more concerned about where we are going. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Jesus says to you, “Be not afraid.” No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, God can do great things with Jesus Christ in you.

Los antiguos hebreos no tenían una palabra que significa “muy”. Para describir algo o alguien como “muy hermoso” usarían la palabra dos veces, “Es hermoso, hermoso”. Y para describir algo o alguien como “la más hermosa”, repitieron la palabra tres veces: “Es hermosa, hermosa, hermosa.” Esta es la razón Isaías oye a los ángeles diciendo: “Santo, santo, santo es el Señor”. El Señor es el más santo, puro sagrado y perfecto.

Esto puede ser abrumador para estar en la presencia del Señor santo. Isaías exclamó: “¡Ay de mí, estoy perdido, porque soy un hombre de labios impuros”! Pedro dice: “Apártate de mí, Señor, porque soy un pecador!” Somos pecadores y Dios es santo. Este miércoles comenzar otro tiempo de Cuaresma, porque somos pecadores y Dios es santo. Sin embargo, el Señor purifica Isaías con la brasa del altar. Y Jesús tranquiliza a Pedro: “No temas”. San   Pablo dice: “Soy indigno de llamarme apostól. Sin embargo, por la gracia de Dios, soy lo que soy”.

Dios no está muy preocupado acerca de dónde hemos estado. Dios está más preocupado por dónde vamos. Cada santo tiene un pasado y todo pecador tiene un futuro. Jesús te dice: “No temas.” No importa dónde has estado, no importa lo que has hecho, Dios puede hacer grandes cosas con Jesús Cristo en ti.

Posted in Courage, Homily, Isaiah, Spanish Homilies, St. Peter, Sunday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Mary’s Advice — 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time—Year C

March 3, 2013

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the greatest woman who has ever lived. She is the mother of God, but also our mother, our sister, and our friend. Mary is so easy for us to love because she is so lovable and she loves us a lot. God loves Mary even more than we do and, like a man in love, he speaks about her throughout the Bible, from the beginning to the end.

In Genesis, God speaks of Mary when he says to the serpent-devil, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.” And in the book of Revelation, ‘A great sign appears in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She gives birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations….’

In our first reading today, when the Lord professes his love for Mount Zion and the city of Jerusalem, he is speaking about the people symbolized by these places.  First among these is Mary, the virgin and bride, in whom God, the builder and bridegroom, rejoices.

Maybe you will be surprised to learn that, despite her great importance, Mary speaks on only four occasions in all the Scriptures. (Her husband, St. Joseph, utters no words at all, and so we imagine him as being a quiet man.) Mary speaks at the Annunciation, at the Visitation, upon the Finding of the Boy Jesus in the Temple, and at today’s Wedding Feast of Cana.

Mary’s words are few, but powerful. For instance, today we hear the profound last words that Mary speaks in the Bible. Mary says to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” That’s good advice for Christians in every age. “Do whatever Jesus tells you.” This has essentially been Our Lady’s message to us at every Marian apparition throughout the centuries since then. Mary never tells us anything different from the Gospel’s message, but encourages, or gravely reminds us: “Do whatever he tells you.”

This is not only Mary’s message, but also the way she lived and lives her life. At the Annunciation, when Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done unto me according to your word,” she was essentially saying, ‘Lord, I want to do whatever you say.’ When Mary gave the servants her instruction she did not know what Jesus was going to do, it seemed like he might do nothing, but she trusted in him. She trusted that whatever the Lord wished would truly be best.

Mary wants us to have this attitude our lives too; to trust in his care when unexpected problems arise; to trust him when we are burdened by carrying the heavy waters of our duty. Jesus’ plans may not be what we would prefer but they will always be the best. Jesus transformed Cana’s water into wine. Mary says, “Do whatever he tells you.” Listen to Mary and see what he transforms in your life.

La Santísima Virgen María es la mujer más grande que jamás haya vivido. Ella es la madre de Dios, sino también nuestra madre, nuestra hermana y nuestra amiga. María es tan fácil que nos encanta, porque es digno de ser amado y nos ama mucho. Dios ama a María incluso más que nosotros y, como un hombre enamorado, habla de ella a través de la Biblia, desde el principio hasta el final.

En el Génesis, Dios habla de María cuando le dice a la serpiente-demonio, “Y pondré enemistad entre ti y la mujer, y entre tu descendencia y la suya.” Y en el libro de Apocalipsis, ‘aparecia entonces en el cielo una figura prodigiosa: una mujer envuelta por el sol, con la luna bajo sus pies y con una corona de doce estrellas en la cabeza…. La mujer da a luz un hijo varón, destinado a gobernar todas las naciones….’

En nuestra primera lectura de hoy, cuando el Señor le declara su amor por el monte de Sión y la ciudad de Jerusalén, está hablando acerca de la gente simbolizados por estos lugares. La primera de ellas es María, la doncella y la esposa, en quien Dios se alegra.

Tal vez usted se sorprenderá al saber que, a pesar de su gran importancia, Mary habla en sólo cuatro ocasiones en todas las Escrituras. (Su esposo, San José, pronuncia ninguna palabra en absolute, y así nos imaginamos a José como un hombre tranquilo.) Ella habla en la Anunciación, en la Visitación, en el hallazgo del Niño Jesús en el Templo, y en la banquete de la boda de Caná de hoy.

Las palabras de María son pocas, pero poderosas. Por ejemplo, hoy oímos las palabras últimas María habla en la Biblia. María dice a los servían: “Hagan lo que Él les diga.” Es un buen consejo para los cristianos de todas las épocas. “Hagan lo que Jesús les diga.” Esto ha sido esencialmente el mensaje de Nuestra Señora a nosotros en cada aparición mariana a través de los siglos desde entonces. Ella nunca nos dice nada diferente que el mensaje del Evangelio, sino que alienta o gravemente nos recuerda: “Haced lo que Él os diga.”

Esto no es sólo María mensaje, sino también la forma en que vivió y vive su vida. En la Anunciación, cuando María dijo: ” Yo soy esclava del Señor, que Dios haga conmigo cono me has dicho,” fue básicamente diciendo: “Señor, quiero hacer lo que dice.” Cuando María dio a los criados su instrucción, María no sabía que Jesús iba a hacer, parecía como si fuera a hacer nada, pero ella confiaba en él. Confía en que cualquier cosa que el Señor ha querido realmente sería lo mejor.

María quiere que tengamos esta actitud en nuestra vida también, a confiar en el cuidado de Jesús cuando se producen problemas, confiar en Jesús cuando estamos agobiados por llevar las aguas pesadas de nuestros deberes. Los planes de Jesús no puede ser lo que nosotros preferiríamos, pero siempre será mejor. Jesús transformó el agua en vino de Caná. María dice, “Haced lo que Él os diga.” Escuche a María y ver lo que se transforma en su vida.

Posted in Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian Perfection, Spanish Homilies, Sunday Homilies, Trust, Wedding of Cana | Leave a Comment »

Baptize Him? — Baptism of the Lord—Year C

March 3, 2013

We can understand why God chose water as his sacramental instrument. Water is a rich symbol. Water cleans things. Baptism, likewise, cleanses from sin. Water is essential to life, all living creatures depend upon it. Baptism, likewise, gives us divine life. Water is ordinary but precious, like Jesus Christ incarnate. But why is Jesus baptized today? He has no sins and he already has divine life, so why does he seek baptism?

From ancient times, water has also been a symbol of death. Deep waters, such as the temperamental sea, can be dangerous. Going underwater is a symbol of death. Baptism, likewise, immerses us in Jesus’ death and his resurrection. Jesus was not born, baptized, nor sacrificed for his own sake, but for ours. He becomes one of us in life and death so that we may be united to him through these things.

When Jesus comes out of the water, God the Holy Spirit descends and rests upon him. God the Father speaks and declares from heaven, “You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” When you were baptized, you came out of the water with Jesus. The Holy Spirit came to rest upon you, and the Father has considered you his child ever since. Now, when the Father gazes on you, he sees his beloved Son. Therefore, call on the power of the Holy Spirit in your needs, and always find peaceful rest in the reality of your sonship.

Podemos entender por qué Dios escogió agua como su instrumento sacramental. El agua es un símbolo rico. El agua limpia las cosas. Bautismo, del mismo modo, limpia de pecado. El agua es esencial para la vida, todos los seres vivos dependen de ella. Bautismo, del mismo modo, nos da la vida divina. El agua es normal, pero precioso, del mismo modo Jesús Cristo encarnado. Pero ¿por qué es bautizado Jesús hoy? Él no tiene pecados y ya tiene la vida divina, así que ¿por qué busca el bautismo?

Desde la antigüedad, el agua ha sido también un símbolo de la muerte. Las aguas profundas, tales como el mar tempermental, pueden ser peligroso. El ir bajo el agua es un símbolo de la muerte. Bautismo, del mismo modo, nos sumerge en la muerte de Jesús y su resurrección. Jesús no nació, bautizado, ni sacrificado por su propio bien, sino para el nuestro. Se convierte en uno de nosotros en la vida y la muerte, para que podamos estar unidos a él a través de estas cosas.

Cuando Jesús sale del agua, Dios el Espíritu Santo desciende y se posa sobre él. Dios el Padre habla y declara desde el cielo: “Tú eres mi hijo, el predilecto; en ti me complazco.” Cuando usted fue bautizado, usted salió de la agua con Jesús. El Espíritu Santo se posó sobre ti, y el Padre ha considerado que su hijo desde entonces. Ahora, cuando el Padre mira en usted, ve a su amado Hijo en usted. Por lo tanto, llamamiento a las potencias del Espíritu Santo en sus necesidades, y siempre encontrar descanso tranquilo en la realidad de su filiación.

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Great Gifts — Epiphany of the Lord

March 3, 2013

Today we celebrate the Epiphany. Today the magi from the East arrive in Bethlehem. They do not come on Christmas day, but much later, months or perhaps a year later. The Holy Family has moved from the stable into a house. The magi enter the house and find the child with his mother, Mary. (This is still true today, for we will find Jesus wherever Mary is.) The magi bow down before the little one and give him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are strange gifts for an ordinary child, but they are poetically appropriate for Jesus.

Still today, gold symbolizes wealth and power. They give Jesus gold because he is a king, the newborn king of the Jews. Since ancient times, incense has been used in temples and chapels for the worship of God. Jesus should be offered incense because he is not only our great high priest but he is also God. Myrrh is a fragrant spice which people formerly used to prepare dead bodies for burial. Jesus shall be the divine and human sacrifice who will die for us.

The gospel tells us that the magi went back home by another way. Our ways should change after encountering the Christ child. He is our king. He comes not to dominate, but to liberate, yet he demands our obedience. We need to read the gospels and adopt the habits he teaches. Imagine how the world would be different if everyone did this. At first, we can be converted ourselves, but this by itself is enough to make our lives, our families, and our community noticeably better.

The baby Jesus comes to us in the least intimidating way conceivable. Do not fear the infant Jesus, like King Herod did. Do not fear his kingship over you. Let Jesus be the Lord of your life.

Hoy celebramos la Epifanía. Hoy los magos de Oriente llegan a Belén. Los magos no vienen en el día de Navidad, pero más tarde, tal vez meses o un año más tarde. La Sagrada Familia se ha movido desde el establo en una casa. Los magos entran en la casa y encontrar al niño con su madre, María. (Esto es aún cierto hoy, vamos a encontrar a Jesús donde María está.) Los magos se postran ante del pequeño y le dan regalos de oro, incienso y mirra. Estos son regalos extraños para un niño ordinario, sino les son apropiados para Jesús.

Aún hoy, el oro simboliza la riqueza y el poder. Los magos dan a Jesús oro, porque él es un rey, el rey recién nacido.  Desde tiempos antiguos, el incienso se ha utilizado en los templos y capillas para la adoración de Dios. Jesús se debe ofrecer incienso, porque no es sólo nuestro gran sumo sacerdote, sino que también es Dios. Mirra es una especia aromática que la gente antiguamente utiliza para preparar los cadáveres para el entierro. Jesús será el sacrificio divino y humano que va a morir por nosotros.

El Evangelio nos dice que los magos regresaron a a su tierra por otro camino. Nuestros caminos se debe cambiar después de encontrarse con el niño Jesús. Él es nuestro rey. Él no viene a dominar sino para liberar, sin embargo, demanda nuestra obediencia. Debemos leer los evangelios y adoptar los hábitos de que enseña. Imagínese cómo el mundo sería diferente si todo el mundo lo hizo. Al principio, puede ser convertido a nosotros mismos, pero esto, por sí misma, es suficiente para hacer que nuestras vidas, nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad notablemente mejores.

El niño Jesús viene a nosotros en la forma menos intimidante concebible.  No temas al niño Jesús, como el rey Herodes hizo.  No tengas miedo de su reinado sobre ti.  Permita que Jesús sea el Señor de tu vida.

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Into Her Hands — January 1 — Mary the Mother of God

March 3, 2013

Why do we call Mary the mother of God? Some Protestants hesitate to call Mary this because they don’t know what we mean by it. It is true that Mary did not give birth to either God the Father or the Holy Spirit. Mary is not an eternal mother-goddess. However, this human woman, whom God created, did give birth to Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is divine, Jesus is God, and therefore Mary is truly the Mother of God. We begin this new year of our Lord celebrating his mother by this awesome title.

Sometimes Protestant Christians fear that we Catholics put Mary ahead of Jesus. This is a silly fear. We celebrate Mary because we celebrate her Son. Mary is important because Jesus is so important. Mary is so wonderful because Jesus is so wonderful. He is the Sun, she is the moon. Her radiance, her beauty, her goodness, her love, they all shine bright, but her light is only a reflection of His.

On this first day of this new year of our Lord, let us entrust our lives into the soft hands of Mary. God the Father entrusted his Son into those kind hands. She will look after us too, and always lead us to her son.

¿Por qué llamamos María “la madre de Dios?” Algunos protestantes temen llamar María esta porque no saben lo que significa. Es verdad que María no hizo nacer Dios el Padre o el Espíritu Santo. María no es una eterna diosa madre. Sin embargo, esta mujer humana, que Dios creó, nació Jesucristo. Puesto que Jesús es divino, Jesús es Dios, por lo que María es verdaderamente la Madre de Dios. Comenzamos este nuevo año de nuestro Señor celebrando su madre por este gran título.

A veces los cristianos protestantes temen que ponemos María delante de Jesús. Pero celebramos a María porque celebramos su hijo. María es importante porque Jesús es tan importante. María es tan maravilloso porque Jesús es tan maravilloso. Él es el Sol, mientras que ella es la luna. Resplandor de María, su belleza, su bondad, su amor, todos brillan, pero su luz es sólo un reflejo de Jesús.

En este primer día de este nuevo año de nuestro Señor, encomendamos nuestras vidas en las manos suaves de María. Dios el Padre ha confiado a su Hijo en las manos amables. Ella cuidará de nosotros también, y siempre nos llevan a su hijo.

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Prepare the Way — 2nd Sunday of Advent—Year C

March 3, 2013

The message of John the Baptist is “prepare the way of the Lord. Fill the valleys, lower the hills, straighten the roads, and smooth the paths.” What is he talking about? John is speaking like the heralds or messengers who, in ancient times, were sent ahead to announce to villagers how they were to prepare for the king’s arrival. They would gather everyone together and say, “Pay heed! Your king is coming to visit you soon, but this road on which he will come is full of potholes and has too many twists and turns. Smooth and straighten this road, otherwise when the king comes he will feel unwelcome.”

John the Baptist words are not only spoken to the past. He speaks to us today about the state our lives. Advent prepares not only for the coming of Christ at Christmas but for the coming of Jesus as our Lord and judge on the Last Day. There are sacred works for us to do in preparation.

Note that in the fifteenth year of Caesar Tiberius, the word of God did not come to the emperor in Rome. The word of God did not come to the governor or kings of the Holy Land. This word did not come to the chief priests in Jerusalem. This word came upon John in the wilderness, John the poor, John the stranger, John the seemingly insignificant. The word of God comes to little ones, like John and us. Popes, bishops and presidents do important things, but if we rely solely on them to prepare and advance the kingdom of God on earth we will be greatly disappointed. The Lord also will be disappointed, because he wants to do great things through us. We cooperate with the Lord in the Gospel cause.

What holy works does God want you to do? I do not know, but the Holy Spirit knows. He is always there with you; at home, at work, when you are praying. He has a word for you. The Lord wants to do great things through you. Listen, listen, and prepare their part of the way of the Lord in your life and those around you.

San Juan el Bautista dice, “Preparen el camino del Señor; rellenen los valles, rebajen las montañas, alanen los caminos!” Juan habla como antiguos heraldos y mensajeros que se enviaron por delante para anunciar a los aldeanos cómo debían prepararse para la llegada del rey. “Preparen el camino del Rey, para que cuando él venga, estará encantado con ustedes.”

Estas no son palabras dichas sólo para el pasado. Se hablan hoy a nosotros. Adviento prepara no sólo para la venida de Cristo en Navidad. Adviento prepara para la venida de Jesús como nuestro Señor y juez en el último día.  Hay obras sagradas para nosotros que hacer en preparación.

Observe que en el año décimo quinto del César Tibero, no vino la palabra de Dios al emperador en Roma. La palabra de Dios no vino al gobernador o reyes de la Tierra Santa. Esta palabra no vino a los sumos sacerdotes en Jerusalén. Esta palabra vino sobre Juan en el desierto; Juan el pobre, Juan el desconocido, Juan el aparentemente insignificante. La palabra de Dios vino a los pequeños, como Juan, y nosotros. Papas, obispos y presidentes hacen cosas importantes. Pero si dependemos exclusivamente de ellos para preparar y avanzar el reino de Dios en la tierra, vamos a estar decepcionado. El Señor también se sentirán decepcionados, porque quiere hacer grandes cosas a través de nosotros. Tenemos colaborar con el Señor en la causa del Evangelio.

¿Qué santas obras qué Dios desea que hagas? No sé, pero el Espíritu Santo sabe. Él siempre está allí con usted en su casa, en su trabajo, o cuando se está rezando. Él tiene una palabra para ti. El Señor quiere hacer grandes cosas a través de usted. Escucha, escucha, y preparar su parte del camino del Señor en la viva a su alrededor.

Posted in Christian Perfection, Holy Spirit, Homily, Spanish Homilies, St. John the Baptist, Sunday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Lost Children — Feast of the Holy Family—Year C

March 3, 2013

Joseph and Mary loved their faith. Every year they journeyed with family and friends to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. But one year, when the festivities had ended and they were heading for home, Jesus stayed behind.

It takes a day for them to realize He’s even missing, and then his parents hastily retrace their steps, with impassioned prayers on their lips for the safety of their Son. (Perhaps Mary wondered if these days would bring the sword that was to pierce her soul.) But then, on the third day, they find Jesus safe and sound, dialoguing ably with the religious teachers in the temple.

He seems surprised that his parents would be searching for Him, “Why were you looking for me?” Jesus still has some “advancing” to do in both wisdom and in the experience that comes with age. Not telling His parents where He was going to be was perhaps the boy Jesus’ honest mistake, and when Mom and Dad tell Him it’s time to come home He leaves with them and is obedient to them.

Today, on the Feast of the Holy Family, we recall Saints Mary and Joseph, the ideal parents, who lost track of their only Son in the big city; and we recall Jesus, the holy Child, the sinless Lamb, who wandered off from them. This episode goes to show that even perfect people sometimes make mistakes. Remember: not every personal failure is a personal sin.

Sometimes parents come to me with great sadness because their children have wandered from the Catholic Faith. They often blame themselves. Now it is possible to be negligent in not handing on the Faith, but the kind of parents who grieve over their children leaving the Church are probably ones who raised their children in the best way they knew how. These parents should not be so hard on themselves. Even Mary and Joseph had a child who wandered off on His own.

In this Year of Faith, who are the ones who have wandered from the Church that we should be seeking out? Pray for them and invite them back. Tell them, “It’s time to come home.”

Posted in Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Church, Finding in the Temple, Homily, Marriage and Family, Parenting, Spanish Homilies, St. Joseph, Sunday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Remain Within — 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time—Year B

March 3, 2013

In our first reading, Joshua led the Hebrews into a new country. Joshua told the people: “Say here now whom you will serve.” (The Lord, or another god?) They had to make a choice. They had to do this many times again later, amid the temptations of their new home.

In our gospel we hear: “From that time many of his disciples withdrew and did not want to walk with him.” This is John, chapter six, verse sixty-six (interestingly: six, six, six.) Some disciples of Christ still leave him today. In the gospel, they left because of his teaching on the Eucharist. Today many leave to enjoy forbidden pleasures, leaving the God of true love. Other people become very rich and comfortable and think they do not need the creator of all these things.

We say: “Far from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods, for the Lord is our God.” But even if we approach the Lord every week here in the parish, we must remember that serving the Lord means more than saying the right things. Remember, Jesus said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

What is that will? Jesus tells his bride, the Church. Christ loves the Church and gave himself for her to sanctify. In it, Jesus purifies us with the sacraments, the Scriptures and the teachings of the apostles.
Stay in it, and you will be one with him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: ‘A word of St. Joan of Arc to her judges sums up the faith of the holy doctors and the good sense of the believer: “About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know that they’re just one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.”‘ Remain in her in this new country and you will be one with him. Say: “As for me, my family and I will serve the Lord.”

En nuestro primera lectura, Josué ha conducido a los hebreos en un nuevo país. Josué le dijo al pueblo: “Digan aquí y ahora a quién quieren servir. (El Señor, o un otro dios.) Tuvieron que hacer una elección. Que tenían que hacer esto muchas veces de nuevo más tarde, en medio de las tentaciones de sus nuevo hogar.

En nuestro evangelio escuchamos: “Desde entonces, muchos de sus discípulos se echaron para atrás y ya no querían andar con él.” Esto es Juan, capítulo seis, versículo sesenta y seis (interesante: seis, seis, seis.) Algunos discípulos de Cristo todavía le abandonan hoy. En el evangelio, se fueron porque de su enseñanza sobre la Eucaristía. Hoy en día muchos lo dejan para disfrutar pleasures prohibidos, abandonando al Dios del amor verdadero. Otras personas llegar a ser muy rico y cómodo, y no piensan que necesitan el creador de todas estas cosas.

Nosotros decimos: “Lejos de nosotros abandonar al Señor para servir a otros dioses, porque el Senor es nuestro Dios.” Pero, incluso si nos acercamos al Señor cada semana aquí en la parroquia, hay que recordar que servir al Señor significa mucho más que decir las cosas correctas. Recuerde, Jesús dijo: “No todo el que me dice: Señor, Señor, entrará en el reino de los cielos, sino el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre que está en los cielos.”

¿Cuál es esa voluntad? Jesús le dice a su esposa, la Iglesia. Cristo ama a su Iglesia y se entregó por ella para santificarla. En ella, Jesús nos purifica con los sacramentos, las Escrituras, y las enseñanzas de los apóstoles. Permanece en ella, y tú serás uno con él. El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica dice: ‘Una palabra de Santa Juana de Arco a sus jueces resume la fe de los santos doctores y expresa el buen sentido del creyente: “De Jesucristo y de la Iglesia, me parece que es todo uno, y que no es necesario hacer una dificultad de ello.”’ Permanece en ella, en esto nuevo país, y tú serás uno con él. Digamos: “En cuanto a mí toca, mi familia y yo serviremos al Señor.”

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What Jesus is Like — 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time—Year C

March 3, 2013

You may recognize today’s second reading from many weddings. This beautiful discourse on love from Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is often chosen by couples to be read at their ceremony. Ironically, Saint Paul wrote these words to the Christians at Corinth because they were not living together in love. However, these words gave to them, and give to us, a pattern to follow. This pattern for love is Jesus.

As Saint John has told us, “God is love.” Also, Jesus Christ is truly God. Therefore, whatever is true for love, is true about Jesus Christ. And likewise, knowing Christ gives us understanding into love.

Jesus is patient, Jesus is helpful and does not envy; Jesus is not boastful nor conceited, not rude nor selfish, not irritable nor resentful; he does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Jesus bears all things, hopes all things, preserves all things. Jesus endures forever.

Meditating on these words help us to know Jesus better. They can also serve as a list for ourselves. In which area do you need and want to improve the most? Choose one virtue and pray at this Mass for the help of God.

Never be afraid because your growth in holiness is slow. In today’s Gospel, the people of Nazareth, neighbors and acquaintances of Jesus, “were filled with wrath, and rose up, drove him out of the city and took him to a ledge of the mountain … to thrust him down. But passing through the midst of them, went away from there. You or I, in the situation of Jesus, could begin to hate these people. But Jesus’ love lasts forever.

Jesus can be patient and merciful towards people who hate him. Imagine the intense joy he has for people who want to serve and please him.

Usted podría reconocer la segunda lectura de hoy de muchas bodas.  Este discurso hermoso en el amor, de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios, se elige a menudo por las parejas para ser leído en su ceremonia. Irónicamente, San Pablo escribió estas palabras a los cristianos de Corinto porque no estaban viviendo juntos en el amor. Sin embargo, estas palabras dio a ellos, y daran a nosotros, un modelo a seguir. Esto modelo del amor es Jesús.

Comosan Juan nos ha dicho: “Dios es amor”. Además, Jesucristo es verdaderamente Dios. Por lo tanto, todo lo que es verdadero para el amor, es verdad acerca de Jesucristo. Y de igual manera, sabiendo que Cristo nos da la comprensión en el amor.

Jesús es comprensivo, Jesús es servicial y no tiene envidia; Jesús no es presumido ni se envanece; no es grosero ni egoísta; no se irrita ni guarda rencor; no se alegra con la injusticia, sino que se goza con la verdad. Jesús disculpa sin límites, confía sin límites, espera sin límites, soporta sin límites. Jesús durara por siempre.

Meditando sobre estas palabras nos ayudan a conocer mejor a Jesús. También pueden servir como una lista para nosotros. ¿En qué área te necesito y quiero mejorar más? Elija una virtud y rezar en esta Misa por la ayuda de Dios.

Nunca tengas miedo porque su crecimiento en la santidad es lento. En el evangelio de hoy, la gente de Nazaret, los vecinos y los conocidos de Jesús, “se llenaron de ira, y levantándose, lo sacaron de la ciudad y lo llevaron hasta una saliente del monte…  para despeñarlo. Pero Él, pasando por en medio de ellos, se alejó de ahí”.  Usted o yo, en la situación de Jesús, podría comenzar a odiar a esta gente. Pero el amor de Jesús durara por siempre.

Jesús puede ser paciente y misericordioso hacia las personas que lo odian. Imaginen se la legría intensa que él tiene para las personas que quieren servirte y agradarte él.

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Lingering Before The Lord — Tuesday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time—Year I

July 26, 2011


During the Exodus, the Lord’s presence would descend in a cloud upon the desert tabernacle called the tent of meeting. All the children of Israel would worship at the mouth of their own tents while Moses and his young assistant Joshua went in before the Lord. After speaking with the Lord, Moses had to leave to tend to the responsibilities involved in leading God’s people. Joshua, however, remained behind to pray, give thanks, and intercede for others.

God was pleased with Moses for the time he could spend with Him, blessing Him with a radiant light. He was also pleased with Joshua for lingering after. He would later select Joshua to lead the people after Moses’ passing because he was a man like David, “a man after God’s own heart.” Sometimes we can’t come to Mass early or linger after because of the demands of home and work and that’s ok. But if you can and do spend extra time with the Lord, know that this pleases Him greatly and helps you yield a greater harvest for Him.

Posted in Christ the King Parish, Exodus, Homily, Joshua, Mass, Moses, Prayer, St. John the Baptist Parish, Weekday Homilies | 2 Comments »

Whom Her Heart Loves — July 22 – St. Mary Magdalene

July 23, 2011


Mary Magdalene in today’s gospel shares obvious parallels with the woman in the first reading from the Song of Songs. The woman in the Song of Songs rose to find him whom her heart loves. Mary Magdalene rose early in the morning and came to the tomb. The woman in the Song of Songs sought her beloved but did not find him. Mary Magdalene reported to the apostles, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” The watchmen came upon the woman in the Song of Songs. As Mary wept, she saw two angels in white. The woman in the Song of Songs asked, “Have you seen him whom my heart loves?” Mary said (unknowingly to Jesus), “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” The woman in the Song of Songs had hardly left the watchmen when she found him whom her heart loved. Jesus said Mary’s name; she turned and said to him, “My rabbi!” The woman in the Song of Songs goes on to say, “I took hold of him and would not let him go.” Jesus had to say to Mary Magdalene, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.”

So what is the reason behind this providential parallel between Mary Magdalene and the woman in the Song of Songs? I have heard it said that the Song of Songs is the book of the Bible on which the saints have written about most. Perhaps God gave us Mary’s example so that we would not interpret the Song of Songs merely as a description of the corporate love between Yahweh and the people of God, or between Jesus and His bride the Church, but so that we would also see in it the love affair between Him and every person individually.

Our faith is not based upon feelings alone. (Feelings are too fickle to be our foundation.) Yet, feelings of the heart are an important part of our relationship with God. As Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all you mind, with all your strength, and with all your soul.” We must love Him with the intellect of our minds, with the strength of our bodies, and with the will of our souls, but we must also love Him with the emotions of our hearts. Stir up your affections for Christ, pattern the emotions of Mary Magdalene, who showed true devotion to Him whom her heart loved.

Posted in Christian Perfection, Homily, Love, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Mary Magdalene, Weekday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

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