Christ at the Center

January 2, 2023 - The Whole Gospel for the Whole World

Part 3 and the conclusion of the series, “The Gospel of Christmas.” The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is another celebration of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. It reaffirms the angel’s message to the shepherds on Christmas night. The whole Gospel for the whole world invites a wholehearted response from us. The whole Gospel is the entirety of the teaching and example of Christ, which comforts, consoles, challenges, and corrects. Everyone in the whole world can receive this Gospel because God gives us the capacity to do so. Offering ourselves in love and trust in God is our wholehearted response. 

January 1, 2023 - A Joyful Christian Life

Part 2 of the series, “The Gospel of Christmas.” To state that Mary is the Holy Mother of God is a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is fully divine and fully human. God the Son came to share in our humanity so that we can share in divine life as children of God. This is the Gospel of Christmas. It is good news of great joy. The Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, and the shepherds who visited the manager show us the marks of a joyful Christian life. Responding positively and promptly to the Word of God. Rendering worship to God. Reflecting on the wonders of God in our lives. Resolving to be witnesses of God.

December 25, 2022 - The Gospel of Christmas

Part 1 of the series, "The Gospel of Christmas." The beginning of the angelic proclamation to the shepherds has three messages from God. There is good news for humanity. Receiving it will bring great joy. God wants everyone to experience it (cf. Luke 2:10). The Gospel is God the Son sharing in our humanity so that we can share in divine life. The Lord Jesus is rescuing us from iniquity, reclaiming our identity, and restoring our inheritance.

December 18, 2022 -The Power of Presence

Part 4 of the series, "Reclaim: Believing in Christ & Belonging.to His Church." God is with us. We are with God and each other. The power of God’s presence through the incarnation of Christ. The power of being present to God through our cooperation with God. The power of being present to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

December 11, 2022 - The Perspective of Praising God

Part 3 of the series, "Reclaim: Believing in Christ & Belonging.to His Church." Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday celebrates that Christmas is near. God is with us during every season of life. Joy is a result of having a vital relationship with God. This abiding confidence in God transcends the situational experiences of being happy or sad. That is why the Gospel reading, which begins with a strange question from John the Baptist, is appropriate for today (cf. Matthew 11:2-11). Even when life gets difficult, joy motivates us to offer praise and thanks to God. This includes the greatest offering, which is the Holy Mass.  It is not a mere obligation to fulfill. It is a magnificent opportunity to worship that is fulfilling. 

December 4, 2022 - The Purpose of Penance

Part 2 of the Advent series, "Reclaim: Believing in Christ and Belonging to His Church." What is the purpose of penance in the Christian life? It is a part of the continuing process of conversion. We want to wholeheartedly live according to the teaching and example of Christ as members of His Church. The purpose of penance is to cooperate with God to remove anything that prevents that from happening. It is an expression of love for God, ourselves, and others. We do not engage in penitential practices to wallow in guilt. We want to become freer in engaging in the opportunities that God wants us to enjoy. We serve as witnesses to the healing and reconciliating power of God in a world wounded by sin and division. 

November 27, 2022 - Overcoming the Perils of Procrastination

Part 1 of the Advent series, “Reclaim: Believing in Christ and Belonging to His Church.” The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His Church to make disciples (cf. Mathew 28:16-20). HFC's mission is, "to help people to believe in Christ, belong to His Church, and bless our communities." Believing and belonging set the foundation for blessing our communities through prayer and action. The greatest blessing is to make Christ-like disciples. In the Gospel reading, the Lord warns us to be ready for His coming again in glory (cf. Matthew 24:37-44).  Jesus helps us to be faithfully prepared. He empowers us to overcome the causes of procrastination, such as iniquity, indecision, and intimidation. We experience growth as His beloved disciples and engage in our parish mission.

November 6, 2022 - Eternal Life: A Promise Fulfilled

Thinking about death can make one scared due to the grave nature of the subject. It can cause sadness due to grief over the death of a loved one. It is a sobering thought. Our lives on earth are just a moment in view of eternity. The Sadducees tried to draw the Lord Jesus into a controversy, but His response gives us comfort (cf. Luke 20:27-38). The promise of eternal life is offered by a faithful God who desires it to be fulfilled in us.

October 23, 2022 - The Benefits of a Spiritual Check-up

"Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else" (Luke 18:9). In this parable, the Lord Jesus Christ tells us about the benefits of undergoing a regular spiritual check-up. It requires humility and honesty. There is no need to fear what changes may happen when we give God permission to enter the wounded areas of our lives. God desires for us to become whole persons who share in the His life and love, and are willing to be a sign of that to others.   

September 25, 2022 - Enriched by God to Be a Blessing

At the time of this Gospel reading, some people believed that enjoying prosperity was a sign of righteousness and divine favor in contrast to those who were enduring poverty. The Lord Jesus rejects this notion. Regardless of one's economic status, we cannot have divided loyalties between God and anyone or anything. Our loyalty to God informs how we will treat others, including those who are in need. What are some things to consider as we strive to help others in need? When we are enriched by God dwelling within us, we want to be a blessing to others.