Spirituality
On Cusp of Christmas, Allow Yourself the Joy of Expectation
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent heighten our anticipation and joy as we await the celebration of Jesus' first coming at Christmas, and his return as the saving Lord.
This Sunday, It’s Time to Rejoice in Jesus’ Gift of Eternal Life
As Christmas nears, sadness and anxiety rise for many people. But Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the reason for joy on the Third Sunday of Advent, when we refocus on how Jesus has delivered us from death and given us life.
Eagerly Anticipating Jesus’ Return, Make a ‘Change of Mind’ Now
The joy of reunions at Thanksgiving is still fresh, so Msgr. Joseph Prior suggests Advent is a good time to prepare in the same spirit for the second coming of the Lord when we look at our patterns of thought and life in a new way.
Advent Calls Us to Encounter Jesus Now, and Get Ready for His Return
The season invites Christians to see something about God and his love that we may have not noticed before, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. The journey will take us deeper into the reality of God’s abiding love that is always present.
This Sunday, We Pledge Allegiance to Christ the King
Just as soldiers prove their dedication to our country through courageous service, so we renew our commitment to Jesus as the King of our lives, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Persevere Through Struggles with Evil to Victory, Jesus Urges
"Apocalyptic" struggles such as in the Ukraine war echo through Scripture and its stories of injustice. Jesus enters into all our battles and remains with us, Msgr. Joseph Prior writes.
Reliance on God’s Care, Not Ourselves, is Currency of Love
Our coins and dollars boldly remind us: In God We Trust. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how this Sunday's readings present stories of trust in God's providential care, and how God sustains us in our greatest need.
To Lay Groundwork for Vocations, Live in Humility
During Vocations Awareness Week, Father David O’Brien calls on Catholics to nurture the response of young people to follow God’s call to priesthood and religious life.
When We Love God and Neighbor as Ourself, We Enter the Kingdom
In this Sunday's Gospel Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is near. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains Jesus' model of loving self-sacrifice as the way to manifest God's reign today.
In Time of Stress and Fatigue, Jesus Calls Us to Joy
Worry and anxiety can weigh us down and lead to blindness, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. Like the blind man in this Sunday's Gospel, we cry out to Jesus. He hears us and heals us.