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Once again, I am happy to welcome all of you to our Eucharistic celebration on this Fourth Sunday of Lent. Every Sunday is our weekly Easter, but today’s own is special. We call it “Laetare Sunday,” and the Church uses this beautiful pink color to explain to us why it is special. It invites us […]

Those who claimed in today’s Gospel (Luke 11:14-23) that Jesus was acting “by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons” leave us with an important lesson. We live in a world where many people struggle to acknowledge their limitations or recognize what they themselves cannot accomplish. Sadly, when individuals refuse to acknowledge the good

During Lent, and indeed at all times, we speak often about repentance and even more about forgiveness. In Christ Jesus, God reconciled us to Himself and entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation with one another. In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:21-35), Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive, and Jesus’ response becomes

All living things, especially humans, need water to survive. We drink water when we need hydration. Even in our bodies, most of what flows in our blood is water, with research showing that human blood is almost 85% water. When we think about this, we realize how essential water truly is. That said, many of

One of the primary ways the Church guides us in discernment and decision-making is through the Sacred Scriptures. Two other essential parts of the tripod are the Sacred Traditions of the Church and the Magisterium. The Scripture provides moral instruction but is also the theological foundation upon which we anchor our existence. In today’s first

Essentially, we are all called to ultimate transfiguration. Matthew’s gospel today says: “and he was transfigured before them” (Matthew 17:1-9), a destiny that flows from a holy life rooted in authentic humanity. As St. Paul would reiterate in the second reading, God “has saved us and called us to a holy life” just as we

I do not know if you have reflected on this point before, but I often wonder why many breakthroughs emerge only after a season of trial. Consider the story of Joseph and his brothers before he rose to greatness and was appointed prime minister in Egypt. He was hated by his siblings (Genesis 37:23-28), falsely

I was grateful last Wednesday when Fr. Ricky returned from his trip to attend Bishop Ramon’s consecration in Monterey and celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass with me for all of you. I would have done it regardless, but his presence brought a deep sense of relief, especially as I continue to strive to communicate meaningfully in

The ability to choose lies at the heart of human autonomy. When Moses declares that he has “set before you life and prosperity, death and doom” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20), he presents us with a decisive invitation to choose. Likewise, when Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his

I was reading a post about a few days ago attributed to “The Catholic Dailies” about Ash Wednesday, which made a powerful impression on me. After reading the piece and the strong instructions it contains, I reframed it to capture all the essential aspects I will share with you at this Mass. To start with,

Today is “Fat Tuesday,” a traditional observance in many places that marks the close of the extended Christmas and New Year festivities and invites us to prepare intentionally for the season of Lent.  Historically, people would empty their pantries of rich foods, meat, milk, and other indulgences, as a symbolic transition toward prayer, sacrifice, and

The human search for happiness touches every aspect of life, pointing toward areas such as health, stability, meaningful relationships, and the freedom to live with purpose and joy. Today’s readings remind us that true happiness is not merely a product of external success but the fruit of wise and faithful living. In the first reading