Ordinary Time

Gnostic thinking can creep into all of us, but the answer is simple — trust Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He sanctified both body and soul, and when we sin, our salvation isn't dependent upon some hidden, secret knowledge. We have something far greater — the Sacraments, where God's grace makes us new.
 
Readings at this Mass: Jer 17:5–8  |  1 Cor 15:12, 16–20  |  Lk 6:17, 20–26

This covenantal way of being requires us to see salvation as more than just reaching the end goal, heaven, but as new way of being, in which we see Christ in ourselves and in others. This week, in everything that you do and in every interaction that you have with others, see if you can identify whether it is transactional or covenantal. If it is transactional, ask God to help you transform your mind and move toward seeing Christ in you and in others.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 6:1–2a, 3–8 | 1 Cor 15:1–11 | Lk 5:1–11

The wholeness, the peace, the fullness of life for which we all long only comes from being connected to God. Communion with Jesus is the key to our salvation; He unites in Himself both humanity and divinity. The more deeply we enter into relationship with Him, the more He can draw us into the Father’s embrace. 
 
Readings at this Mass: Mal 3:1–4 | Heb 2:14–18 | Lk 2:22–40

It's easy to praise God when things are good and going our way. I want to encourage you to also do it when things are hard. Don't forget that the Lord can take anything  and use it for good. And when we turn to our loving God, He will help guide us and give us strength to endure.
 
Readings at this Mass: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 | 1 Cor 12:12-30 | Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Jesus wants to to make things better for us, to bless you and me in abundance, but we must invite Him in to do so. How short sighted are we to only ask for his help when we are desperate and not to invite him in all things! Whatever you are willing to bring to Him, however unimportant or mundane, He will transform. So make a “new year resolution” to bring Jesus into it, whatever you do in your daily lives.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 62:1–5 | 1 Cor 12:4–11 | Jn 2:1–11 

When it comes to preparing for anything, often we think of stocking up or loading up on things. The process of preparation often gives us anxiety, taking away our peace due to the unknowns. But as people of faith, being prepared is to not be in fear, to not let the idea of the end times frighten us. Being prepared is to let go of our sins, vices, unhealthy habits, and the things we do not need to gain peace and to be free of anxiety.
 
Readings at this Mass: Dn 12:1–3 | Heb 10:11–14, 18 | Mk 13:24–32 

Right now, it’s far more helpful – emotionally, psychologically, relationally – to be proactive and focus on the things over which we have some influence, rather than to send ourselves into tailspins reacting to what we can’t control. Think about God’s initiative in your own life. Today, concretely, what can you influence? Who can you help?
 
Readings at this Mass: 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44

When we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, we become more like Him. As we grow close to God, we gain His peace and can extend His love to those around us. Because God is in control, unshaken by the world's troubles, we can be too, for the love of God calms our fears. Loving our neighbors, even those we disagree with, creates bonds that build unity. When we love as God loves, our neighbors stop being enemies and become brothers and sisters. 
 
Readings at this Mass 1 Kgs 17:10–16 | Heb 9:24–28 | Mk 12:38–44