“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about...”   

Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) – at the Vigil Mass (December 24, 2020): 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

We may have to remind ourselves what lies at the heart honoring our Redeemer, born so long ago and so far away.

We have been rescued from death… 

Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 20, 2020): 2 SM 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; PS 89:2-3,4-5,27,29; ROM 16:25-27; 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

During these days of Advent we have had the opportunity to think about how much He loves us, not as some great mass of beings that He created, but as His children whom He made, one by one.

May we find joy in journeying along the way of Christ during Advent 

Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (December 13, 2020): IS 61:1-2,10-11; LK 1:46-48,49-50,53-54; 1 THES 5:16-24; JN 1:6-8,19-28 

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

St. Paul reminds the early members of the Church that, despite their trials and afflictions, they have every reason to live with joy and to remain faithful to the message of Christ.

A reminder of God’s unfathomable love for each and every one of His people  

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12, 2020): ZEC 2:14-17; JDT 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

The story of the Annunciation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ that we hear in the Gospel speaks of the intimate union between God and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the history of salvation...

We venerate our Blessed Mother on this Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception 

Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8, 2020): GN 3:9-15,20; PS 98:1,2-3,4; 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

The original sin that brought death and destruction among God’s people would never touch the Blessed Virgin.

Trust His mercy, and live in His love 

Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (December 6, 2020): IS 40:1-5,9-11; PS 35:9-12,13-14; 2 PT 3:8-14; MK 1:1-8 

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

This message was heralded by St. John the Baptist. We also listen to passages that point us forward to the Second Coming of Christ, or parousia, at the end of the world, as we know it.

Remembering the life and work of the great missionary St. Francis Xavier   

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier (December 3, 2020): IS 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; MT 7:21,24-27

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

St. Francis Xavier and St. Thérèse of Lisieux were both named patrons of the Church’s missions.  

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!”   

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30, 2020): ROM 10:9-18; PS 19:8,910,11; 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

St. Andrew was crucified on an “X”-shaped cross about the year 60 A.D. In addition to being the patron of a number of countries, St. Andrew is also patron of fishermen.  

We can celebrate this Advent season by hearing God’s word and keeping it in our hearts 

Reflections on the readings for the First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2020): IS 63:16-17,19;64:2-7; PS 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; 1 COR 1:3-9; MK 13:33-37  

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 people of God, we have the privilege of serving Him and contributing to His Kingdom. When we put Him first in our lives and do all that His Son, our Savior, tells us to do, we will know peace. 

Let us thank those who help us – and help those who need us   

Reflections on the readings for Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020): 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

We must recognize our dependence on Almighty God, as well as acknowledging how much we owe to each other.