Bethlehem, our neighborhood, the world...  

Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord at the Vigil Mass (December 24, 2019): IS 62:1-5; PS 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; ACTS 13:16-17,22-25; MT 1:1-25

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

As we begin to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Old and New Testament readings invite us to recall the great longing that the Jewish people had for the coming of the Messiah.

Rejoice by entrusting yourself to God's will...  

Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 22, 2019): IS 7:10-14; PS 24:1-2,3-4,5-6; ROM 1:1-7; MT 1:18-24

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that Jesus is both God and Man.

Move forward with joy...  

Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (December 15, 2019): IS 35:1-8,10; PS 146:6-7,8-9,9-10; JAS 5:7-10; MT 11:2-11

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

The Entrance Antiphon for this Third Sunday in Advent begins with the phrase “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Thanking God for the gift of His mother to the whole world...  

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12, 2019): ZEC 2:14-17; RV 11:19;12:1-6,10; Judith 13:18,19; LK 1:26-38

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

In the 16^th century, a beautiful young woman appeared to a 57-year-old widower on his way to Mass in what is now part of Mexico City.

We honor our Blessed Mother on this feast of her Immaculate Conception  

Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 9, 2019): GN 3:9-15,20; PS 98:1,2-3,3-4; EPH 1:3-6,11-12; LK 1:26-38

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

Today the Church hails the Blessed Virgin Mary on this feast celebrating her Immaculate Conception.

Remaining open to His grace to share His generous spirit...  

Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (December 8, 2019): IS 11:1-10; PS 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; ROM 15:4-9; MT 3:1-12

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

John the Baptist knew that he was not the Messiah.

Traveling far and wide to introduce the Lord to many... 

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier (December 3, 2019): IS 11:1-10; PS 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; LK 10:21-24

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

On this memorial celebrating the feast of St. Francis Xavier, we honor him as co-patron of missions.

Let’s ‘ready our souls’ to rejoice! 

Reflections on the readings for the First Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2019): IS 2:1-5; PS 122:1-2,3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9; ROM 13:11-14; MT 24:37-44 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

Today we begin the Season of Advent as well as the new liturgical year. It is a wonderful opportunity to take stock of our lives as we look forward to rejoicing at the Nativity of our Lord.

Like St. Andrew, we can follow Jesus and share His love with all we meet 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30, 2019): ROM 10:9-18; PS 19:8,9,10,11; MT 4:18-22 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

On this feast of St. Andrew, we celebrate one of the Twelve, an Apostle committed to following Christ.

Let us thank our loving Lord... 

Reflections on the readings for Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2019): SIR 50:22-24; PS 145:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9,10-11; 1 COR 1:3-9; LK 17:11-19 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days

Thanksgiving has played a significant role in in the life of America. But it has a far longer history stretching from the Old Testament days of gathering to offer prayers and sacrifices in appreciation for God’s great blessings right up to this modern holiday when we take a time from our everyday lives to stop and offer thanks.