What is the Good News? Could you tell me what it is? It starts with the words from one of my favorite Christmas songs.

HAPPY FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY! There is something about the start of a new year that inspires us to a new perfection. Why is that? Let me suggest one possibility.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A song, yes, but the Catholic meaning is so much more. The 12 days are the days between the two major Christmas feasts: the Nativity of the Lord on December 25th and Epiphany on January 6th.

Mary, did you know? Did you know what your yes to the message of an angel would mean, for you, for the human race? You made that "yes" seem so easy,

It’s GAUDETE SUNDAY—We are halfway through Advent, and Gaudete Sunday marks the midway point. Gaudete means REJOICE! What Shall We Do To Prepare?

The Proclamation of John the Baptist: The second Sunday always features St. John, this year from the gospel of Luke. Historically anchored to a real time and place by the people the Gospel names, St. John, and therefore Jesus, are real, and not part of a fairytale. It’s real, historical (corrupt) leaders in charge as St. John, “a voice crying out in the Wilderness”, proclaims Jesus’ arrival.

The Twofold Meaning of Advent:  We think we know the stories of Advent, but do we? Sunday Advent readings prepare us in two ways, in this order: the 2nd coming of Jesus at the end of time, and the 1st coming in the Incarnation on Christmas.

PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE BY READING WITH THE CHURCH.  Today our church year ends on the Feast of Christ the King. Next weekend, our new church year begins with the First Sunday of Advent.  The Sunday cycle of readings shift to Year C, which features the Gospel of Luke, so I thought I would inspire you to finish Mark’s gospel so we can switch to St. Luke.

As we approach Thanksgiving we can give thanks for all that we have to be grateful for. Even when things are difficult, perspective, especially when it’s God’s point of view, can give new meaning to the difficulties and trials in our life. Since we have been praying with scripture, let’s continue doing so, but let’s pray using the Gospel from the Mass on Thanksgiving.

I am writing this on Election Day and I am wearied by what we have had to live through leading up to this election. It has given new meaning to the word “vitriol” (noun: cruel and bitter criticism).

How long does it take to make a habit? First, a habit comes from something we do recurrently so we just do it. This can be true of anything. Since last weekend, I have been thinking of my Jewish friends. Let’s use them as an example.

Do you ever wish God would speak to you? One major way for God to do that is the Bible. Those questions we used last week to pray, help lead us to hearing God speak directly to us. Intentionally, we have started reading the Gospels together. These stories best communicate the life and wisdom of Jesus, helping us to better know Him, so KEEP READING.

Are you reading the Gospel of Mark? I am! Let’s use Fr. Dave’s method of praying with scripture with a passage from Mark 4:35-41 —Jesus Calms the Storm at Sea.