The Baptism of the Lord (A)

Is. 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Mt. 3:13-17

In one of Leo Tolstoy’s short stories, on a cold winter night a poor shoemaker named Martin Avdeitch sits alone in his basement room, reading the Gospel by the light of a small lamp. He is weary with grief and disappointment, yet as he reads the words of Jesus, a quiet hope stirs in his heart. That night he dreams that Christ will come to visit him the next day. Martin waits eagerly. Throughout the day, instead of a glorious vision, he encounters ordinary people: a tired street sweeper, a poor woman with a hungry child, a young boy who has stolen an apple. Martin feeds them, comforts them, forgives them. At the end of the day, he feels disappointed that Jesus never came—until he hears a voice saying, “I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” Martin realizes that Christ had indeed visited him, hidden in the lives of ordinary people. Tolstoy’s story gently reminds us that God’s glory often appears not in spectacle alone, but in humility, obedience, and loving service. This is precisely how the mystery of the Baptism of Jesus unfolds before us today.

The Epiphany of the Lord (A)

 Is. 60:1-6; Eph. 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt. 2:1-12

Today, we are celebrating Epiphany Sunday.  The purpose of the Feast of Epiphany, which had its beginning in the Eastern Church during the 3^rd century, was to commemorate how the glory of Christ was revealed to the Gentiles. The revelation of Jesus took place in many ways: in the visitation of the Magi; in the Baptism of Jesus; in the miracles of Jesus and through every word and action of Jesus.

The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah speaks of a prophecy that was made approximately seven hundred years prior to the birth of Jesus. In those days the Israelites were rejoicing because after years of captivity they were finally allowed to return to the holy city Jerusalem. The prophecy of Isaiah gave them hope that the promised Messiah would soon rise among the people and that His glory would be seen by all. The prophecy of Isaiah concluded with the words, "They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the

Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Num. 6:22-27; Gal. 4:4-7; Lk. 2:16-21

As we stand at the threshold of a brand-new year, it is with heartfelt joy and anticipation that I extend my warmest wishes to you. The turning of the calendar is not merely a mark of time but a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of our dreams, aspirations, and shared experiences.

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and babbling brooks, there stood an ancient oak tree. This wise old oak had weathered countless seasons, witnessed the passing of generations, and silently observed the ebb and flow of life.

As the villagers gathered at the village square one New Year's Eve, the elder of the community, a venerable woman named Elara, invited everyone to sit in the shade of the old oak. She spoke with a voice seasoned by time and wisdom.

Elara began to tell the tale of the Old Oak Tree. She recounted how, in its youth, the tree was a mere sapling, facing storms and droughts that threatened its existence. Yet, with each challenge, the oak grew stronger, its roots burrowing deeper into the earth.