June 2026 “[W]hoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Gospel for June 28, Mt 10:38) Our fallen human condition involves a measure of suffering and trials. Our commitment as disciples of Jesus, Scripture tells us, necessarily means taking up our own crosses willingly. God will grant us the strength to endure all trials if we remain faithful, and our suffering can prove redemptive if we accept it and unite it to the passion of Christ. This d

[Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (Gospel for May 24, Jn 20:21) Jesus sends us into the world, just as the Father sent him. Jesus had a sacred, divine mission — to proclaim the Good News of salvation and build the kingdom of God — and we are commissioned to do likewise. As his faithful disciples, we continue his saving mission on earth, consistent with our state of life. We are not just “receivers” of the Gospel; our mi

Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Gospel for April 19, Lk 24:35) The disciples on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until the breaking of the bread. Jesus promised he would be with us always, and the Eucharist is his fulfillment of that promise. We encounter his presence most profoundly in the Eucharist, where he is truly present — body, blood, soul, and divinity — under the appeara

March 2026 So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go to die with him.” (Gospel for March 22, Jn 11:16) Look at the bravery of Thomas! Jesus had just announced his intention to travel to Judea, where he had narrowly escaped getting stoned to death. Given the potential danger ahead, Thomas seems prepared for martyrdom. Later, of course, he and the other disciples would flee as Jesus was arrested, and Thomas would doubt reports of Jesus’ resurrecti

“Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Gospel for Dec. 7, Mt 3:10) In these reflections over the past year, we have meditated on the importance of our faith bearing fruit in good works. In a way, this Gospel passage, quoting St. John the Baptist, might seem out of place during Advent. But throughout this season, we reflect not only on Christ’s coming in the incarnation, b

NOVEMBER 2025 “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Gospel for Nov. 16, Lk 21:17-19) Jesus promised his faithful disciples many things — that he will always be with us, that we will receive if we ask, and that he would give us rest. He also promised that we would be hated and that we would be persecuted for the sake of his name. We must persevere and remain faithful despi

“But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be...

SEPTEMBER 2025 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Gospel for Sept. 7, Lk 14:27) Suffering...

AUGUST 2025 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Gospel for Aug. 31, Lk...