Giving An Offering To God Enables Growth

Recognize the Voice of Love

People Felt and Recognized the Love of Jesus

When have you seen and felt Jesus?

Join Me In Walking With Jesus

Sunday I worked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. then came home, got in warm fleece pants and a sweat shirt, and under a blanket on my couch. I was cold and tired. I thought I’d fall right asleep even though it was so early. Nope.My mind would not quiet down. I am a person who battles stress daily – always have been this way.Today, as I stress that I didn’t get this written earlier and out to you yesterday, I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings. Look at the sentence the Second Reading from Saint Paul starts with: Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. 1 Corinthians 7:32 Saint Paul is wanting us to be free of anxieties and stress, free to grow in God’s love.Free.Being free from stress and anxiety sounds so good to me!I will keep this as a prayer for me and each of you every day this week.   Blessings of freedom to you!

Yesterday we celebrated an amazing man of faith and courage, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Some had a day off work and all kids had a day off school. But did we take a minute to reflect? My thoughts kept floating to those infamous words that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream…”I have experienced racism as a Mexican American.Like you, I have seen on the news the devastating harm racism has done and is doing to people. Because those words, “I have a dream…” kept coming to my mind, I Googled the transcript of that speech and read it. Wow.Look at this part of it: I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Does that sound familiar? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a strong relationship with Jesus. This part of His speech is inspired by the prophet Isaiah who is describing Jesus. In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives an invitation: Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of people."Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-18 He is giving us the same invitation today to come, get to know Him, learn of the mercy, love, and peace of God, and help others get to know Him too. Let go of things that waste your time and grow in your relationship with Him. He is inviting us. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. grew in deep faith and courage to stand up for what is right because of his relationship with Jesus.I wonder…what will happen within me and you if we hear Jesus’ invitation to us and grow in our relationship with Him.   Blessings of faith and courage!

I hope you can take some time to reflect on your Christmas Season. It can be such a busy time of preparation before Christmas, gatherings with family and friends, or trips. Today, take some time to reflect on it all. Talk about it with your family or go have a coffee with friends and talk about it. What were the blessings? Last Sunday was Epiphany Sunday. We celebrated the star guiding the wise men to Jesus and the way they honored Him. They gave Him gold to symbolize He is a King. They gave Him frankincense to symbolize His divinity. And they gave Him myrrh to symbolize the sacrifice He would make. When we give Christmas gifts to each other, we are honoring Jesus as well. What gifts did you give? What gifts did you receive? What led you to Christ this Christmas Season? For me, it was the music. Prayerfully singing at the Advent Evening of Prayer, listening to Christmas music in the car driving to and from work, singing the songs at Christmas Masses, and even having instrumental Christmas music here at my desk as I work. This Christmas Season the music led me to thoughts of Christ and to feeling His love. What led you to Christ these days of Christmas? On Monday we celebrated Jesus’ Baptism. From the heavens came the voice of God which was heard saying Jesus is His Son in whom He is well pleased. So, it begins. Jesus is born and baptized. In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading He starts His ministry. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" John 1:38a Our Christmas Season comes to an end. We have been led to the Christ Child.A new year has begun.Jesus is asking you, “What are you looking for?” Something to reflect on as the Christmas Season ends and 2024 begins. Blessings as you reflect! 

From January 1, 2024 Family…yesterday was the day we celebrate the Holy Family. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. It’s also a time to celebrate your holy family – yes, your family is holy, with all the ups and downs.There is no such thing as a perfect family, but all families are called to be holy.How? Do the will of God in your lives and serve others – that is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says. We can complicate that, but it simply means growing in your relationship with God as a family. Care for each other and those in need around you as a family. Tell the stories of God to your children. Start with a Children’s Bible.Come to Mass and talk in the car about what you saw and heard on the way home.Pray together at home, just talk with God together, and help your kids learn prayers.Help each other out at home without being asked. Help those in need around you by doing things like enabling your kids to collect all the gently used toys and clothes they don’t use anymore, then together take them to donate to those in need. …they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:22 Jesus’ parents brought Him to the Temple to present Him to the Lord. Do the same. Bring your family to the Lord and grow in holiness together. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect family, but your family is holy, with all the ups and downs. I am grateful for this family of Saint Peter Claver – grateful for each of you, and to be able to grow in my relationship with God with all of you. Christmas Love and Peace to You!