Adult Initiation & Sacrament Preparation

“Blessed are the poor…”  When we Christians hear this phrase we immediately think of the Beatitudes as Jesus taught them to us from his Sermon on the Mount.  But while we may easily recognize these words, what do they really mean?  Perhaps a deeper study of our readings for this week will help us understand: The Word for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 Psalm 146:67, 8-9, 9-10 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Mathew 5:1-12a Our first reading comes from the book of the prophet Zephaniah.  If you’re looking for hope in the scriptures, I would avoid Zephaniah.  Although Zephaniah’s prophecy takes place during a time of great reform under King Josiah, his message is a dire warning to the people of Judah.  The Lord is angry and there will be fierce retribution for the people of Judah.  Does Zephaniah offer any hope?  Today’s passage offers only this:  for “all you humble of the earth, who have followed his law… perhaps you may be shelte...

Discernment.  It’s a word we use when we need to carefully and prayerfully come to a life-altering decision.  Often this term is used by those contemplating a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life, but the truth is that we as the laity are faced with all kinds of discernments of our own.  We are regularly faced with decisions about schools, majors, job opportunities and relationships that can alter the course of our lives.  This week’s readings focus on our need for discernment, especially when it comes to whom we follow: The Word for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah 8:23-9:3-1 Psalm 27-1, 4, 13-14 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 Mathew 4:12-23 Our first reading comes from early Isaiah.  The Northern Kingdom of Israel has fallen to the Assyrians, and the people of the Southern Kingdom of Judah fear they are next.  But over some time a new regime has taken has hold in the former lands of Israel, and Isaiah sees this as a useful example of God’s me...

With the Christmas season now behind us we enter a period of Ordinary Time.  Ordinary Time gets its name from the fact that we are counting the days (Latin: ordinals ) between the major Liturgical Seasons.  The white and gold vestments and décor are put away as green now becomes the color of the season.  Throughout Advent and Christmas we’ve heard the prophecy of the Messiah, witnessed his birth, and have come to recognize him as the chosen one.  As we enter this first period of Ordinary Time, we start our journey following Jesus step by step through his ministry. The Word for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 John 1:29-34 Our first reading comes from the book of the prophet Isaiah.  This passage from second or “deutero” Isaiah comes to us from a time toward the end of the Babylonian Exile.  During this time we learn of God’s plan for Israel’s redemption by sending us his “servant” – someone ded...

With this Sunday’s celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Church brings the Christmas Season to a close and transitions to a period of Ordinary Time.  Baptism marks a new beginning – a rebirth.  For Jesus, this marks the beginning of his ministry and serves as an excellent transition from the infancy narratives of the Christmas Season to the story of his life and ministry which we hear during Ordinary Time.  So this week we begin the journey of Jesus’ ministry anew with his baptism: The Word for the Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17 Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah tells us about “the servant of the Lord.”  This comes from one of the “servant songs” common in 2nd Isaiah.  In this passage we are told this servant will be chosen by God to save Israel – a prophecy that predicts the coming glory for Israel.  Not only will God raise it up in gleaming splendor but through his...

The celebration of the Epiphany varies greatly among the many different Christian traditions and cultures.  Originating from the Eastern Church in the fourth century, the celebration of the Epiphany ranks third in importance, behind Easter and Pentecost.  While the celebration was accepted by the Western Church in the fifth century, its celebration has varied over history, but still remains an important part of our Christmas season - important enough that the Roman Calendar has placed its celebration on the first Sunday of January instead of the traditional date of January 6th. The Word for the Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Our first reading comes from the later chapters of Isaiah, referred to as Trito-Isaiah or "third" Isaiah.  As with the other post Babylonian Exile prophecies, we see a vision of Jerusalem as a shining beacon to all the nations.  These nations both near and far, will bring th...

The first Sunday of the Christmas season is always dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  Having just celebrated the birth of Jesus, nothing could be more fitting than to give special recognition to the family this moment created.   The Word for The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Mathew 2:13-15, 19-23 Our first reading comes from the Wisdom of Ben Sira, which we also know as the Book of Sirach.  This ancient catechism comes from a Jewish sage from Jerusalem at about 175 BCE (and later translated into Greek by his son around 117 BCE).  Our passage fittingly comes from the chapter reflecting on our responsibilities to our parents.  Our 4th Commandment reminds us to “honor your father and your mother.”  This Commandment, along with other requirements under the Mosaic Law code, provides for special consideration for one’s parents.  Family wa...