February 2, 2020

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 1/28/20

Presentation of the Lord - Fr. Leo

Mosaic tradition called for the first born male to be dedicated to God.  Fulfilling their religious practice Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple to be blessed.  They bring, not a sheep-the offering of the rich, but two birds.  One offered ... Read More »

January 26, 2020

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 1/21/20

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo

As the days get longer this time of year, it is fitting we ponder the great image of “the light,” in our scriptures today.  From the prophet Isaiah we hear these words:

“The people who walked in darkness

have seen a ... Read More »

January 12, 2020

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 1/14/20

Baptism of the Lord - Fr. Leo

We hear of Jesus’ manifestation as the Son of God in Matthew’s gospel.  God’s voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”  From the Acts of the Apostles we hear that, “He went about ... Read More »

January 19, 2020

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 1/14/20

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo

There was a sentence that caught my attention while I was reading the “Parochial and Plain Sermons,” of St. John Newman.  He wrote, “ For us Christ died; on us the Spirit has descended.”  While this is what our creed confesses, ... Read More »

January 5, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

The Epiphany of the Lord - Fr. Leo

One could contemplate many different things in today’s scriptures.  For one, the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are symbolic of Christ’s life and mission. Myrrh signifying his death for us to join that to his resurrection and eternal life.

A ... Read More »

December 29, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

Feast of the Holy Family - Fr. Leo

On YouTube, I’ve been watching clips of military personal surprising their loved ones by returning a bit early from long absences.  Some are only a couple minutes long, but they warm and inspire my heart.  Common to each clip is not ... Read More »

December 22, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

4th Sunday Advent - Fr. Leo

We celebrate many of our Marian feast days with the passage from Luke’s gospel that celebrates Mary’s yes to God’s will, when the angel Gabriel invites her to become the mother of the Son of God.  Today’s gospel passage from Matthew, is a ... Read More »

December 15, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

3rd Sunday Advent - Fr. Leo

"Go and tell John what you hear and see.”

When John’s disciples ask Jesus if he is the “one-to-come,” he doesn’t say, “Yes, I’m the one.”  Rather than proclaim himself, he simply invites them to tell John what they see.  All the miraculous ... Read More »

December 8, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

2nd Advent - Fr. Leo

“Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” Mt

In our preparing the way of the Lord, we begin with conforming our lives to Christ’s. Thus our prayer and devotion in this Advent season is aimed at living all aspects of our lives in ... Read More »

December 1, 2019

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 12/30/19

1st Advent - Fr. Leo

“Come, let us climb the Lord mountain.”

Our first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, chapter two, verses one through five, gives us a great image to guide our Advent journey.  First, the Lord’s mountain is established as the highest mountain.  This ... Read More »