How do we answer our Lord when He calls us?  

Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 17, 2021): 1 SM 3:3-10,19; PS 40:2,4,7-8,8-9,10; 1 COR 6:13-15,17-20; JN 1:35-42 

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 allow our Lord to use us to point the way of Christ to those around us.  

‘Let us love one another’ 

Reflections on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord (January 10, 2021): IS 42:1-4,6-7; PS 29:1-2,3-4,9-10; ACTS 10:34:38; MK 1:7-11 

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.

Today as we celebrate this day venerating the Baptism of the Lord, we need to see that the unfathomable love of God stretches through time and eternity.  

‘Let us love one another’ 

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. John Neumann (January 5, 2021): 1 JN 4:7-10; PS 72:1-2,3-4,7-8; MK 6:34-44 

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.

Bishop Neumann did a great deal to support his people while working for peace...He was an excellent linguist and had outstanding administrative skills that he put to work in building new parishes including schools as part of his plans for the growth of his diocese.  

Honoring the patron saint of Catholic schools   

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4, 2021): 1 JN 3:22-4:6; PS 1:7-8,1-12; MT 4:12-17,23-25  

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.

Mother Seton experienced many sufferings during her life includingpersonal sickness and the deaths of her husband and two children. But she gave herself totally to Christ, particularly in the Blessed Sacrament.  

We join with the wise men from the east to worship the Baby Jesus and recognize in Him our Lord and King  

Reflections on the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord (January 3, 2021): IS 60:1-6; PS 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13; EPH 3:2-3,5-6; MT 2:1-12  

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.

The magi, possibly astrologers from the east, follow a star in order to revere him. And then these men show just wise they are. When they find the Holy Child with His mother in a stable, lying in a trough usually used to hold the food of animals, they kneel to worship Him.  

Honoring the Blessed Mother, praying for peace... 

Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God   (January 1, 2021): NM 6:22-27; PS 67:2-3,5,6,8; GAL 4:4-7; LK 2:16-21 

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 start a new year, we pause to offer our gratitude His mother and ours. We enter this year with profound hope even as we acknowledge the suffering of brothers and sisters around the globe, perhaps including those near and dear to us.  

“A voice was heard in Ramah, …Rachel weeping for her children…since they were no more.” (Matthew 2:17) 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28, 2020): 1 JN 1:5–2:2; PS 124:2-3,4-5,7-8; MT 2:13-18  

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.

Change means the unknown and it can make us afraid and angry. But in this profoundly imperfect world of ours, Christ’s call to change is utterly essential.  

The Holy Family is a model for every family’s love of God and neighbor

Reflections on the readings for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph  (December 27, 2020): SIR 3:2-6,12-14; PS 128:1-2,3,4-5; COL 3:12-21; LK 2:22-40 

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 Holy Family’s home was more than simply a place to live. Like happy, healthy, and holy households today, it was a place of worship, of learning, of service to God and His people.  

‘Lord, save me in Your kindness...’    

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26, 2020): ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59; PS 31:3-4,6,8,16,17; MT 10:17-22 

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.

Today’s Psalm reminds us that, like Jesus, Stephen entrusted himself to the Lord’s mercy. “Into Your hands I commend my spirit: you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.… Let Your face shine upon Your servant; save me in Your kindness” (Psalm 31:6,8,17).  

Share Christmas joy with others   

Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) – Mass during the Day (December 25, 2020): IS 52:7-10; PS 98:1,2-3,3-4,5-6; HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-1825

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.