Episodios

  • December 20, Advent Weekday - Hail, Full of Grace!

    December 20, Advent Weekday - Hail, Full of Grace!
    Dec 19 2025
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    In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” Luke 1:26–29

    The phrase “full of grace” is a translation of the Greek word kecharitomene. It can be translated more literally as “having been graced” or “you who have been fully graced.” The tense of the word indicates that Mary has been graced by God in a unique and ongoing way, implying that this grace was not a one-time event but something encompassing her entire being and continuing to have effect.

    What was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s response to this amazing greeting? She pondered the archangel’s greeting with humility and initially responded with silence and in awe. Gabriel, aware of Mary’s humility in her silence, says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God…” Gabriel then goes on to tell her she will conceive the Son of God within her womb.

    Given her immaculate nature and the fullness of grace within her soul, Mary immediately obeyed the archangel’s command and did not give into fear. Yet her “greatly troubled” heart led her to ongoing pondering and contemplation of all that was said to her.

    As we draw closer to the Solemnity of Christmas, we are invited to share in the Blessed Mother’s contemplation of the mystery of the Incarnation. We can be certain that as Gabriel departed from her, her prayerful pondering did not cease. The ongoing fullness of grace within her soul led her to the deepest contemplation of this divine mystery that was humanly possible. Her mind would have penetrated the words spoken to her and perceived the mystery of the Incarnation taking place within her womb in ways that even she could not explain. With the fullness of grace came the fullness of infused knowledge, which is beyond human articulation.

    In our lives, we often fail to humbly ponder the profound reality of the Incarnation. We must have a “troubled heart” in the sense of remaining in awe of what God has done for us by taking on our human nature. We must allow Mary’s pondering to become our own so that we enter more deeply into the great mystery we celebrate.

    As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, reflect upon Mary’s pondering mind and heart. Though we will never engage in her depth of contemplative prayer, she is our model. We must accept every divine mystery revealed to us with faith and then grapple with each mystery on a deeper level that can only be accomplished by contemplative prayer. Those who attain this depth of prayer are drawn exceptionally close to God Who uses them to continue the effect of the Incarnation by spiritually giving birth to Christ in their lives.

    Immaculate Mother of God, you were called “full of grace” by the Archangel Gabriel. You humbly listened to all that was spoken to you and accepted it with faith, surrender, and humility. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your pondering Immaculate Heart so that I will be better prepared for the great Solemnity of Christmas Day. Mother Mary, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

    Image: Fra Angelico, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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  • December 19, Advent Weekday - Chastisements of Love

    December 19, Advent Weekday - Chastisements of Love
    Dec 18 2025
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    But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1:13–15

    Unlike Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zechariah doubted the angel of the Lord’s revelation. Our Blessed Mother encountered the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation and responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, and when Joseph awoke, “he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24).

    Today, we are given a similar scene to ponder. Zechariah and Elizabeth are identified as being “righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly” (Luke 1:6). In other words, Zechariah was a holy man of God. While he was standing at the altar of incense located in the Holy Place, just outside the veil of the Holy of Holies, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him to announce that his wife had conceived a child in her old age. Gabriel further reveals, “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:15–16).

    Given Zechariah’s personal holiness and the extraordinary revelation he received from Gabriel, he should have believed what Gabriel said without hesitation. When he failed to do so, Gabriel said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words…” (Luke 1:19–20).

    This chastisement was clearly for Zechariah’s benefit. Despite his lack of faith, God wanted him to participate in His divine plan of salvation. The chastisement was not a punishment in a punitive way. It was meant to instill greater faith in him, and it accomplished its purpose.

    Most of us are more like Zechariah than we are like our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph. Despite our best intentions and attempts to remain faithful to God’s will, we stumble. When that happens, we must see any consequences as a gift of love from God. Chastisements come in many forms. They are meant to wake us up to a greater obedience to God’s will.

    Reflect today on any ways that your sins have resulted in consequences. It takes deep humility to admit our sins and take responsibility for their effects. Though it is easy to be angry, to point the finger elsewhere, and to justify our actions, doing so is a rejection of God’s loving chastisement meant for our good. Strive to imitate Zecharaiah by humbly changing when your sin results in consequences so that God can bring good into your life, even from a lack of faith and obedience to His will.

    Most merciful Lord, You chastise those whom You love so as to redirect them to Your holy will. When I sin, please help me to accept the consequences with humility and as a motivation to turn back to You in fidelity and love. Please make me holy in imitation of Zechariah, Saint Joseph, and our Blessed Mother. Jesus, I trust in You.

    Image: William Blake, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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  • December 18, Advent Weekday - Divine Truth vs. Our Imagination

    December 18, Advent Weekday - Divine Truth vs. Our Imagination
    Dec 17 2025
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    When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Matthew 1:24

    The human person is a fascinating subject of study. Throughout the ages, countless philosophers, theologians, and social scientists have sought to understand the complexities of human nature. Within the Catholic philosophical tradition, Saint Thomas Aquinas stands out as an influential and trustworthy teacher on this topic.

    Aquinas teaches that while a person sleeps, the external senses are inactive. However, sense images within the imagination can still be active to varying degrees, depending on the depth of sleep, leading to the formation of dreams. Human reason is not entirely inactive during sleep, but it operates in a diminished capacity, which often results in dreams being nonsensical. Because the intellect’s judgment is not fully engaged, the content of dreams is generally neither moral nor immoral.

    There is, however, another form of dream that transcends the normal and natural type. This is exemplified in Joseph’s dream. In such divinely inspired dreams, like Joseph’s, human reason is fully active—not because of the natural workings of the imagination—but because the dream is a direct result of divine intervention. In Joseph’s case, his reason and intellect were fully engaged, allowing him to comprehend the divine message delivered by the angel. He was presented with a choice, and with his reason fully operative, he freely chose to say “Yes” to God’s communication, thus embracing his role in the divine plan.

    This “Yes” to the divine plan is clearly illustrated in the passage quoted above. Upon awakening, Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him.” His choice was made during his divinely inspired dream, and his will fully acted upon this decision when he awoke.

    Though divinely inspired dreams like Joseph’s are uncommon, they do happen. We, however, do not need to wait for such a dream to imitate Joseph’s obedience to God’s will. Like Joseph, we have been given divine Truth. For us, that Truth comes primarily through Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church. The writings of the saints also help clarify all that God speaks to us.

    At times, our imaginations can lead us astray, much like in a dream. When we allow irrational thoughts to dictate our actions, we might find ourselves filled with anxiety, worry, and confusion. Imitating Joseph does not mean waiting for a divine dream; rather, it means actively engaging our minds with divine Truth as revealed through the Church and Sacred Scripture. We must then listen to that truth, dismiss irrational thoughts, and use our reason to command our will to act in obedience to God’s will.

    Reflect, today, on whether you tend to dwell on irrational ideas or whether you turn your intellect to divine Truth as the basis for what you believe and how you act. Just as Joseph trusted in the Truth revealed to him by the angel and acted upon it, we too must place our trust in the Truth and act accordingly.

    My trustworthy Lord, You have revealed to us all Truth as is given to us through the Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church. When my imagination leads me astray into obsessive thinking and worrying, please speak to me and help me to hear Your voice. May every decision I make and action I take be in accord with Your Truth. Jesus, I trust in You.

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  • December 17, Advent Weekday - Fidelity to God’s Eternal Plan

    December 17, Advent Weekday - Fidelity to God’s Eternal Plan
    Dec 16 2025
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    The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham… Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.” Matthew 1:1; 17

    This lengthy list of Abraham’s and David’s descendents, leading to Jesus, is much more than a listing of names. It’s an illustration of God’s fidelity to His promises. To Abraham, God promised “All the families of the earth will find blessing in you” (Genesis 12:3). To David, God promised “Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).

    Certain divine qualities are revealed in these passages. Unwavering fidelity, continuity through the ages, and God’s eternal plan to bless all people through the descendants of Abraham and David are among them. These qualities are not only important for Scripture study, enabling scholars to better understand the whole of salvation history, they also are important to each one of our lives today.

    When God makes a promise, He is faithful to that promise. What promises has God made to you? He has promised the gifts of grace, happiness, holiness, and eternal life to all who become members of His Kingdom. This promise of unwavering fidelity should inspire hope within our hearts, especially when life is difficult. Difficulties can tempt us to despair, anxiety, and fear. Confidence in God’s fidelity will keep us firmly grounded in the certainty of hope that God will never let us down when we remain faithful to Him.

    In our fast-paced and ever changing world, continuity and consistency are often absent. Many people change their views based on the latest trends. The barrage of constant news, political and moral opinions, and changing economic and social conditions tempt us to change with the latest ideas. God’s ideas, however, never change. These promises should lead us to establish our lives not on the latest opinions or popular culture, but on the rock-solid principles of faith, as revealed by God.

    We are among those who receive blessings promised to “all the families of the earth” through Abraham. Jesus is that final descendent through Whom every good blessing comes. His mission opens the floodgates of grace to all who turn to Him in their need. Don’t ever doubt that perfect and eternal plan of salvation.

    Reflect today on God’s perfect fidelity, continuity, and promise of eternal salvation to all who become members of His Kingdom. That Kingdom will remain forever while every other kingdom will pass away. Resolve to remain a full citizen of that Kingdom by being unwaveringly faithful to God’s promises, and you will be blessed now and forever to share in the eternal plan of our saving God.

    My faithful God, Your eternal Word never changes. Your perfect plan invites me to share in the salvation promised to all who follow You and become members of Your Kingdom. Grant me the gift of perfect fidelity to You so that I am consistently united to You and always remain a member of Your eternal Kingdom on Earth and in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.

    Image: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro

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  • Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent - Humbly Repent and Obey

    Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent - Humbly Repent and Obey
    Dec 15 2025
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    “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” Matthew 21:28–31

    Jesus addressed this question to the chief priests and elders of the people. As the passage continues, Jesus humbles them by saying, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” He explains that the chief priests and elders of the people were like the second son. They gave lip service to God’s commands but failed to humbly repent and obey.

    The fact that “tax collectors and prostitutes” were entering the Kingdom of God should give us great hope. No one is beyond God’s mercy if they humbly listen to Him, repent, and begin to obey. Though neither son’s response is ideal, hopefully we are more like the first son.

    When we hear God’s Word and understand His continuously deepening call to holiness, we will find it challenging. Often, our first reaction to a deeper revelation of the Gospel is “No!” Our sinful habits are hard to break, and our fallen human nature is difficult to align with God’s will. Don’t be surprised if you find God’s will initially challenging.

    As God’s voice and His will become clearer, our first response must always be repentance. This should not surprise us. We must learn to build a habit of repentance if we want to grow closer to God and live His will. Initially, we often react to repentance in a negative way, but we shouldn’t. Though we might be like the first son and say “no” when God calls us to obedience, if we build a habit of repentance, then we will eventually find great joy in that act. Over time, we will find that our response becomes “Yes, I will go,” and then we go, having discovered the value in obedience.

    Reflect today on whether you often pay lip service to God, pretending to do His will, or if you regularly experience God’s call to repentance on a deepening level. Identify yourself with the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, and imitate their humility when they were confronted with their sins. Know that repentance is the beginning of freedom and is the first step toward greater unity with God. My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love.

    Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

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  • Monday of the Third Week of Advent - Confronting Irrationality

    Monday of the Third Week of Advent - Confronting Irrationality
    Dec 14 2025
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    When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:25–27

    The chief priests and the elders of the people were supposed to shepherd the people into eternal salvation. They were supposed to be instruments of God’s divine will, prophetic voices, and priests who offered holy sacrifices for the atonement of sin. In practice, they were none of those things.

    As this Gospel passage progresses, we see more clearly why Jesus rebuked them so firmly. “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?’” (Matthew 21:24–25). The religious leaders refused to answer the question because neither answer suited their agenda. If they said John’s baptism was of heavenly origin, they feared that Jesus would ask them why they didn’t believe John. If they said of earthly origin, they feared the crowd who believed John to be a prophet. So they took the easy way out and said, “We do not know.” As a result, Jesus did not answer their question.

    Jesus’ response to these religious leaders gives us insight into how to respond to those in our lives who directly challenge our faith. At times, we might encounter criticism that is irrational. We might be tempted to get angry and engage that irrational criticism. This often leads to an unproductive conversation.

    Our Lord’s approach to irrationality in this passage was quite different. Though Jesus judged these religious leaders as God, His human interaction with them was not judgmental or defensive. Instead, He asked a question that forced them to face their irrationality, bringing it into the light. When they refused to admit their irrationality, Jesus remained silent.

    One thing this tells us is that it is rarely beneficial to engage a person on the level of their irrationality. Silently forgiving their judgment does not mean we need to engage them in it. If someone confronts us with humility and sincerity, this opens the door to a healthy conversation. If their questioning of our actions is irrational, it’s often best ignored. This approach is loving because it imitates our Lord and diffuses the irrational criticism, opening the door to a more healthy conversation later.

    Reflect today on whether Jesus’ experience with the irrational religious leaders of His time is something you experience with those in your life. Though some people are blessed to be surrounded by very supportive and faith-filled family and friends, others are not. Ponder the ways God wants you to live your faith openly, even if it draws criticism. When it does, try to imitate the humility and wisdom Jesus manifested so that you are not drawn into unhealthy and irrational conversations.

    Lord of true Wisdom, You always knew how to interact with people with perfect charity and truth. To those who needed Your compassion, You were compassionate. To those who were irrational, You humbly revealed their irrationality. Please give me the gift of wisdom so that I will always relate to those in my life in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.

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  • Third Sunday of Advent (Year A) - Rejoicing in the Cross

    Third Sunday of Advent (Year A) - Rejoicing in the Cross
    Dec 13 2025
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    “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:4–6

    Suppose a priest came to your church to put on a parish mission, and during that mission he miraculously healed the blind, crippled, terminally ill, and deaf. What if he even raised the dead to life? How would you respond? Most likely with amazement! You’d contact everyone close to you and tell them about those miracles, encouraging them to attend the next session.

    Though Jesus’ ministry was filled with miracles, they were far from the most important part of His mission. His miracles healed bodies that would eventually die, but His preaching healed souls that would live forever because His preaching ultimately pointed to His greatest work—to suffer and die for the salvation of souls.

    If you were alive as Jesus walked the earth, performed miracles, preached the Good News, suffered death, and rose again, which of His actions would have had the greatest effect on you? When we consider our Lord’s mission, we must consider it all as one unified whole, not missing the most important aspects. From a faith perspective, Jesus’ suffering, death, and Resurrection are clearly His greatest acts. By freely embracing suffering and death, He transformed the worst into the best: the consequence of sin—which is death—into the instrument of eternal life. When Jesus said, “And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me,” He was identifying those as blessed who discovered the great value of His Cross.

    If we were to ask Jesus’ first followers whether they would prefer to see Jesus perform miracles or suffer and die, most likely they would prefer the miracles. Such a question might have even left them confused. Why would anyone want to see a great prophet suffer and die? Yet, today, from a theological perspective, it is clear that Jesus’ suffering, death, and Resurrection are the greatest acts in human history.

    Imagine being our Blessed Mother who witnessed it all, stood by her Son as He endured His Cross, and rejoiced with Him when He rose. Unquestionably, if we asked our Blessed Mother whether she preferred to see a few miracles from her Son or to witness His perfect sacrifice that brought salvation to the world, her holy and sorrowful heart would choose the latter.

    Reflect today on these questions within the context of your own life. When you pray, do you primarily ask for favors, blessings, or miracles? Or do you primarily pray for the Cross? Do you see greater value in having God remove some suffering from your life or in transforming your suffering by the power of His Cross? Ask for the grace to die with our Lord, to become a living sacrifice of love, and to have the strength to lay down your life for others. By choosing that which has eternal value, you choose the better part and will rejoice in that better part forever.

    My sacrificial Lord, You invite me to take no offense at Your suffering and death; to see beyond the pain, blood, and physical death; and to discover the unfathomable riches of Your Sacrifice. Please give me the eyes of faith to see the value of not only accepting Your Cross, but also to see the value of living Your Passion in my own life by laying down my life with You. Jesus, I trust in You.

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  • Saturday of the Second Week of Advent - Seeking to Understand

    Saturday of the Second Week of Advent - Seeking to Understand
    Dec 12 2025
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    As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17:9a & 10

    The final book of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Malachi around the fifth century BC, contains a prophecy that Elijah would return to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah (see Malachi 3:23–24). The scribes used this prophecy to argue that Jesus could not be the Messiah since Elijah had not yet returned, at least not in the way they expected. This argument caused confusion in the minds of Jesus’ Apostles.

    Just before the event in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, giving them a glimpse of His heavenly glory. This experience strengthened their conviction that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. However, as they descended the mountain, they asked Jesus about Malachi’s prophecy, seeking to understand how Jesus could be the Messiah if Elijah had not yet come. Jesus clarified this for them: “‘I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him…’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12–13).

    As we grow in our faith and become convinced of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, we might also encounter what appear to be contradictions. For example, faith and science sometimes seem to conflict, even though they are ultimately harmonious. The existence of human suffering and injustice can challenge our understanding of an all-powerful, all-loving God. Moral questions can arise when we encounter differing opinions, and various other experiences might seem difficult to reconcile with the Word of God.

    If you find yourself facing such challenges, take inspiration from Peter, James, and John. Allow your faith to deepen through moments of prayer and personal encounters with God. Then, do not shy away from questions that arise in your mind. If something seems contradictory to your faith, seek understanding. Turn to our Lord in prayer, study the teachings of the Church, read the writings of the saints, and trust that God’s Wisdom is perfect. It will clarify every apparent contradiction and dispel all confusion.

    Reflect today on the example of these three Apostles seeking clarity from Jesus. They asked their question with faith, not with skepticism. They did not doubt but sought understanding. Imitate them with every question that arises in your mind so that you may find interior peace and become a beacon of wisdom to others.

    Lord of true Wisdom, You are Truth Itself. As I grow in my faith and as my faith is challenged in daily life, help me never to doubt but to seek You all the more. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so that I may become ever more fervent in following You. Jesus, I trust in You.

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