December 2022

Reflection for Christmas 2022 by Taylor

Gospel passage: Lk 2:15-20

Often these days when we think about Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is the commercialized phenomenon that this holiday has transformed into, however within this small passage, the true meaning of Christmas is revealed. We have all seen those Christmas movies where the child is obsessed with presents, and they learn that they should be focused on family instead. I think that is an important message, however I think we really need to reflect on why Christmas is a holiday. Jesus Christ, our savior is born. Specifically, God chose our savior to be not royalty, but a lowly babe. An unexpected king came to power, which allows us to reflect on our desire for the most expensive, popular gift. It is extremely fun to open presents on Christmas morning, I know, but we should not prioritize that event over Christmas Mass. We shouldn’t focus on who is going to get the best presents that cost the most money, because the person we are celebrating had nothing, and in general, we should attempt to emulate his humility. What can you learn from reflecting on Jesus coming into the world as a simple baby?

This week's reflection was written by Taylor, MSJA class of 2024.

Reflection for Sunday December 4, 2022 By James Quinn

Sunday Gospel Mt 3:1-12

In this week’s Gospel, John the Baptist gives his audience a message. John is addressing “Jerusalem, all Judea, the whole region around the Jordan,” as well as “many of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” John compares Pharisees and the Sadducees to a “brood of vipers'' and demands that they produce good fruit as evidence of repentance. John leads into his second analogy that “trees that do not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” By reading this passage of the Gospel, we, too, are in the audience. We are being invited to acknowledge where we are not turning towards God. A tree needs to grow to produce good fruit. Where are we getting too comfortable and not producing the good fruit that leads us to God?

This week's reflection is by James, Class of 2025

Reflection for Sunday December 11, 2022 by Sean P

Gospel Reading: Mt 11:2-11

In this week’s Gospel, John the Baptist is curious after hearing the works of Jesus. He sends his disciples to ask, “Are you the one who is to come? Or should we look for another?” Jesus then in reply tells the disciples to tell John what they hear and see. Jesus continues his preaching and asks a very important question, “What did you go out to the desert to see?”

There are many things in life that can lead us to question the coming of Jesus and what will be known when he does come again. And when these doubts come to mind, we need to trust in Christ. And rather, ask for the courage to accept him, and allow him guide our visions and ideas in the path of his ways.

This week's Reflection is by Sean, STHS class of 2025

Reflection for Sunday December 18, 2022

Gospel Reading: Mt 1:18-24

Our Gospel this week shares Joseph’s perspective and experience regarding the birth of Jesus. We do not know a lot about Joseph from the Gospels other than he was a Jewish carpenter and he was not alive during Jesus’ ministry. He does not have words recorded in the Gospels either. That doesn’t mean that Joseph is a complete enigma. From this Sunday’s Gospel we can learn two important things about Joseph and apply those things to our own lives. The first is that Joseph is able to recognize a message from God in his dreams. I believe God communicates to us often and in various ways. The more in touch we are with God the easier it is to recognize when He is communicating with us. Like a baby that comes to recognize the face and voice of their parents through repeated interactions, the more we connect with God through the Bible, prayer, sacraments, and other people the easier it is to recognize him. We also learn that Joseph is a man of action. We awakes from his dream and he did what the angel commanded him. Joseph teaches me to put my faith into action. I can discern and pray as much as I want but eventually I must act. I don’t think Joseph fully knew what was going to happen. Even with the unknown he trusted and acted. As we enter the last week of Advent, how can you grow in your relationship with God and how can you put your faith into action this week?