John the Baptist’s words are still a vital call to each of us today 

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

This Sunday, as we enter more deeply into the Advent season, we think about our own preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Topics: homily helps, Second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist

Halfway around the world...  

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

Today we honor St. Francis Xavier who, along with St. Ignatius Loyola, was one of the founders of the Society of Jesus.

Topics: homily helps, St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the Missions

During Advent, we prepare to welcome Jesus at Christmas – and at the end of the world 

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 “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 Advent, we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Son of God. 

Topics: homily helps, First Sunday of Advent

St. Andrew willingly left behind his nets... 

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

Today we honor St. Andrew who is honored in the Eastern Church as the Protoclete, or first-called among the Apostles. 

Topics: homily helps, St. Andrew

Thanking God and those generous to us... 

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

On this Thanksgiving Day, we join together with loved ones and all in America in celebrating this beloved national holiday. 

Topics: homily helps, Thanksgiving

Today we praise and adore our Savior and King in a special way 

Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 24, 2019): 2 SM 5:1-3; PS 122:1-2,3-4,4-5; COL 1:12-20; LK 23:35-43 

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

This great feast day that celebrates Jesus Christ as the King of the Universe was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925.

Topics: homily helps

 

Reminding ourselves that God wants each of us to remain devoted to Him in all we are and do   

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (November 21, 2019): ZEC 2:14-17; LK 1:46-47,48-49,50-51,52-53,54-55; MT 12:46-50

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

On this memorial we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on the occasion of her Presentation in the service of God. 

Topics: blessed mother, homily helps, Presentation of the Virgin Mary

 

Living our lives with calm assurance of God's generous mercy...  

Reflections on the readings for the 33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time  (November 17, 2019): MAL 3:19-20, PS 96:5-6,7-8,9; 2 THES 3:7-12; LK 21:5-19

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

As we approach the end of the Liturgical Year, our readings not only call us to look back at the life of Jesus and the early Christians, but also ahead to the end of the world.

Topics: homily helps

 

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini gave herself completely... 

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini  (November 13, 2019): WIS 6:1-11; PS 82:3-4,6-7; LK 17:11-19

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

Today we celebrate the feast day of the first naturalized citizen of the United States: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Topics: homily helps

 

Looking forward to eternal life in His precious company... 

Reflections on the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time  (November 10, 2019): 2 MC 7:1-2,9-14; PS 17:1,5-6,8,15; 2 THES 2:16-3:5; LK 20:27-38 

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

Both the Old Testament and the Gospel readings deal with the idea of eternal life. 

Topics: homily helps