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Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, Luke

This Sunday, we hear in the second reading St. Paul’s summary of the Kerygma. The word kerygma is Greek for proclamation. It is what is translated as “preach” in the last line of the reading: “Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” We now refer to as the Kerygma, the basic message of our faith; it is the Good News or Gospel in summary form.

St. Paul is reminding the members of the Church in the city of Corinth what they heard him preach in person. First, the Good News is that of salvation. But salvation is a journey, which begins at Baptism, but requires our participation and free will choices. We must cooperate with God’s grace.

The Kerygma that St. Paul repeats is the same one explained more fully in the Nicene Creed we recite at mass every Sunday: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve…”

Readings for Sunday: Malachi, Hebrews, Luke

At the Field Museum there was an exhibit filled with shoes—endless varieties from around the world, even boots. A sign read, “Walk a mile in my shoes,” inviting us to understand others’ lives by imagining their journeys. It was inspiring. But something was missing—a pair of sandals, worn by a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth named Jesus.

Those sandals represent something profound: that God Himself understands us. God, as God, knows everything.Yet in Jesus, God takes our humanity, walking among us, experiencing life as we do.

The feast we celebrate today, the Presentation of the Lord, reminds us of this incredible truth. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple—the place where God’s glory, His shekinah, dwelled among His people.

For centuries, that glory had seemed distant—hidden behind the curtain of the Holy of Holies, accessible only to the high priest, and only once a year at that. But Malachi foretold a day when the Lord Himself would come to His temple. And when He did, it wasn’t with fire and lightning, but as a baby in His mother’s arms.

In Jesus, the glory of God walked a mile in our shoes. He shared in our joys and sorrows, even our death, to save us from sin and bring us into a new relationship with God—as His beloved children.

So, when life feels dark or overwhelming, follow Simeon’s example. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Because in Jesus, our God is with us in our experience, even when life is hard.

Readings for Sunday: Nehemiah, 1 Corinthians, Luke

How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Here’s a suggestion for another resolution: incorporating daily Bible reading into our routines as a way to strengthen our connection with God. While it might initially seem like a daunting goal, it’s a simple yet profound way to hear His voice and grow spiritually. Many of us wish we could hear God answer our questions directly, but more often, He speaks to us through prayer and scripture. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings—it is God’s living Word, full of wisdom and guidance for our lives.

In this Sunday’s first reading, we hear of how the people of Israel, having returned from exile from Babylonian to the Holy Land, listen to Ezra read God’s law, meaning part of scriptures we now call the Old Testament. The people were deeply moved to point of being sorrowful for their sins. But Ezra reminds them that God’s word is to also guide them on how to live, and that in hearing God’s word, the people are to rejoice in the Lord. In the Gospel reading, we hear of how God’s word is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. After reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus tells those listening in the syngague that the scripture passage is “fulfilled in your hearing.” Psalm 19 reminds us of the power of God’s Word, describing it as perfect, refreshing, and life-giving.

Historically, access to the Bible was limited, as copies were rare, and very expensive. Before the moveable type printing press was invented by Gutenberg in the 15^th century, every Bible was copied by hand. Usually it was copied on to a form of animal skin such as parchment or vellum. Today, we are fortunate to have easy access to the Bible in many formats, yet it often remains untouched in our daily lives. We can even access it on our phones! Imagine the impact of dedicating just 15-20 minutes a day to scripture—perhaps by reading before bed, during a quiet moment in the morning, or even as a family before dinner. These small adjustments can make a significant difference. By engaging with God’s Word consistently, we can deepen our relationship with Him and find renewed direction and purpose in our lives.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, John

Do we appreciate motherhood as just that: a radically important role? Granted some mothers work outside the home by choice or necessity. Some choose to exclusively work in the home; a stay-at-home mom is working hard. Either which way, mothers are counselors, teachers, nurses, cooks, caregivers, etc. Supporting mothers, especially single mothers, and ensuring just wages for families is essential, especially to enable those mothers who choose to be able to work in the home.

Readings for Corpus Christi Sunday: Exodus, Hebrews, Mark

As we celebrate the Eucharist, we participate in this new covenant, becoming one with God in Christ. Just as the Israelites were united with God through the blood of the covenant, we are united with Christ, the God-man, through his body and blood. Let us approach the Eucharist with reverence and awe, recognizing the depth of God’s love for us and the intimacy of our union with Christ.