At Jesus’ Baptism, we hear that He is the ‘beloved Son’ of our heavenly Father   

Reflections on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord (January 13, 2019): IS 42:1-4,6-7; PS 29:1-2,3-4,9-10; ACTS 10:34-38; LK 3:15-16,21-22 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River marks the beginning of His public ministry. 

The newborn King of the Jews was announced by strangers who followed a star   

Reflections on the readings for the  Epiphany of the Lord (January 6, 2019): 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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

As with Christmas, our thoughts turn to Bethlehem on this feast of the Epiphany.

A 19th-century immigrant to America served other immigrants and all Catholics   

Reflections on the readings for the  Memorial of St. John Neumann (January 5, 2019): 1JN 3:11-21; PS 100:1-2,3,4,5; JN 1:43-51 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

The first bishop in the United States to be canonized left his homeland in what is now the Czech Republic in 1836 to come to America. 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton put herself last as she served her beloved Lord  

Reflections on the readings for the  Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4, 2019): 1JN 3:7-10; PS 98:1,7-8,9; JN 1:35-42 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

Elizabeth Seton, whose feast we celebrate today, accomplished many “firsts” in her life. 

Today we celebrate Mary as the Mother of God and God-bearer!  

Reflections on the readings for the  Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (January 1, 2019): NM 6:22-27; PS 67:2-3,5,6,8; GAL 4:4-7; LK 2:16-21

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

On this first day of the New Year and the Octave Day of Christmas we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. 

Every family develops in heart and soul by imitating the faith, hope and love of the Holy Family 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family (December 30, 2018): SIR 3:2-6,12-14; PS 128:1-2,3,4-5; COL 3:12-21; LK 2:41-52 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

On this Sunday after Christmas we celebrate Jesus, Mary and Joseph as family – the Holy Family.

Evil and violence can cause immense harm – and only God ultimately defeats them 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28, 2018): 1 JN:1:5 – 2:2; PS 124:2-3,4-5,7-8; MT 2:13-18 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

On this day we commemorate the deaths of the Holy Innocents who were sacrificed through the wicked plans of King Herod. 

Like his dear Lord, St. John taught the importance of love to others 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. John (December 27, 2018):  1 JN 1:1-4; PS 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; JN 20:1,2-8 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

On this feast of St. John, we honor the man known as the disciple whom Jesus loved.

St. Stephen expressed his loyalty to Christ with grace and power

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26, 2018): ACTS 6:8-10;7:54-59; PS 31:3-4,6,8,16-17; MT 10:17-22 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

On this day after Christmas, the reading from the Acts of the Apostles introduces us to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. 

Today we meet the Word among us and the Light within us…

Reflections on the readings for Christmas Mass During the Day (December 25, 2018):  IS 52:7-10; PS 98:1, 2-3,3-4,5-6; HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-18

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

This splendid holy day of Christmas shows us the light that came to shine in the earth’s darkness and to illuminate the lives of people in every generation.