Christ at the Center

January 114, 2024 = The Movement of Christian Discipleship

The Lord Jesus is proclaiming His Gospel and building His Church by making disciples who make disciples. They follow Christ within the fellowship of His Church. The interaction between the Lord Jesus and two new disciples show the steps of our movement of Christian discipleship. Stay with Jesus. See what Jesus does. Serve in union with Jesus. They may seem to be simple steps, but they are significant steps that began with a few disciples to an estimated two billion today.

January 7, 2024 - Gaining Wisdom About Worshipping God

Part 7 and the conclusion of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." Usually when the word, "behold," is used in the Gospel, it is an invitation to recognize what God is doing and to make the appropriate response. The Magi of the East teach us about wroship. Instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ and entrusted to His Church, the greatest act of worship on earth is Holy Mass. We gather in Christ, grow in Christ, give to Christ, and go with Christ. Gather. Grow. Give. Go.

The ”Shining Example” of the Holy Family

Part 6 of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." The word, "behold," in many passages in the Gospels is an invitation to recognize what God is doing and to make the appropriate response. What is the response of Holy Mary and Saint Joseph to the prophecy of Simeon? They continued to be faithful in worshipping God. They continued to be formed by the Word of God. They remained firm in bearing witness to God. We can follow their example during the new year and every year.

December 25, 2024 - Responding to the Faithfulness of God

Part 5 of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." The word, "behold," in many passages in the Gospels is an invitation to recognize what God is doing and to make the appropriate response. The shepherds' response to the angel's declaration is instructive for us. Encounter God, engage with God, and enjoy God.

December 24, 2023 - Offer to God a Prophetic Praise

Part 4 of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God," Prophecy is not fortune telling. It is the faithful testimony about what God has revealed and how this will impact us for good. During the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, she teaches us that offering prophetic praise to God is personal and perpetual.

December 10, 2023 - Penance, Pardon, and Peace

Part 2 of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." Advent is a penitential season in preparation for Christmas. when our "Savior, who is Christ and Lord" was born in Bethlehem. We also need to be ready to encounter God during every hour of life, at the hour of our death, and at the hour when our Lord will come again in glory. Experiencing peace in life is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

December 17, 2023 - Proclaim Your Purpose in Christ

Past 3 of the series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." Saint John the Baptist lived a distinctive lifestyle, joyful that the coming of the Christ was near. He was prepared to explain his purpose. How can we do the same?

December 3, 2023 - The Lord’s Perspective Sets Life’s Priorities

Part 1 of the Advent series, "Behold: The Faithfulness of God." In Sacred Scripture, the word, "behold," is used as an inviation to recognize what God is doing and to respond. In the Gospel reading, the Lord teaches that following HIs teaching and example sets our priorities. What is truly important in life in view of time and eternity? Our lives cannot be so busy that we fail to behold the wonder of God and the gifts hat God is providing for us.

November 26, 2023 - Living with Eternity in View

In each parable in the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord Jesus makes a contrast between the faithful and the foolish.  How do we conduct ourselves in a manner that Christ will ratify and welcome us to eternal life with Him? It involves how we relate to God and others.

November 19, 2023 - Reverence for God is Rewarding

"Blessed are those who fear the Lord" (cf. Psalm 128:1a). To have the fear of the Lord is to have reverence and awe for God. We have confidence in God, who gives us spiritual and natural gifts that enable us to be good stewards of our lives. In contrast, to be fearful of the Lord leads one to question the Lord's motives, doubt our God-given abilities, and to be jealous of others. What a waste of time! To live in reverence and awe of the Lord is rewarding within time and for eternity.