Liturgy of the Word Archive: Dec 11, 2023 to May 7, 2023
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” 1 Peter 2:7
Every person has been given gifts from the Holy Spirit. These are
called “charisms” and they are used to build God’s kingdom on earth. While many people are able to recognize their natural talents and abilities, they may be unsure of their charisms. If you know someone who is struggling for a direction in life, give them a little encouragement.
Help them discern their charisms and how God is calling them to use them. Remember – no gift is too small or insignificant in God’s salvation plan.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Acts 2:14-41, Ps 23, 1 Pt 2:20-25, Jn 10:1-10
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ…’” Acts 2:38
The word “repent” means to turn from sin – to change our thoughts, words and actions. Change that is permanent comes from within – a transformation or conversion of heart. This requires prayer, discipline and perseverance. Change is hard. The first step is recognizing that we are broken & that we need God’s help.
The good news – we are not alone in our journey. Ask Jesus daily for guidance & patiently listen for His response.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Acts 2:14-33, Ps 16, 1 Pt 1:17-21, Lk 24:13-35
in the Breaking of the Bread
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?’” Luke 24:32
How often do you take the time to discern what Jesus is calling you to do with your life? Are your prayers always petitions, asking Jesus to do things for you? If so, that’s a one-sided relationship. Living our faith means developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Just like any friendship,
there is give & take, each side listening to each other and helping each other out. Take time, in silence, to listen to what Jesus is asking of you today.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Acts 2:42-47, Ps 118, 1 Pt 1:3-9, Jn 20:19-31
Jesus speaks to us despite our fear and doubts
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” John 20:19
Are you good at making people feel welcome? When you meet someone new, like a new neighbor, a new work colleague or a new parishioner, do you make them feel at home? When we make people feel welcome, we make them feel like they are included instead of being excluded. We are made for relationships– with God and each other. When you see yourself as a beloved son or daughter of God, you tend to see others the same way, too – just as God, Our Father, sees us.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Be transformed by your personal encounter with the risen Christ
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
We have journeyed with Jesus through the sorrow of Holy Week,
in whatever way was possible for us. Now, let us pray for the grace to know gladness & the glory and joy of our Risen Lord in this Easter season.
The Easter readings tell of the ways in which the first disciples came to realise the power of Jesus’s resurrection.
Peter (First Reading) gives personal witness to Cornelius of the life & death of Jesus; he has eaten with him after his resurrection!
Peter proclaims that the forgiveness of the Risen Jesus is for all.
In the Second Reading, Paul stresses that to live the life of a believer is to try to be free from sin, to live in sincerity and truth.
The Psalm celebrates the triumph of God over death in a love that has no end. We rejoice and are glad!
Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper
Serving with Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Good Friday - Service of the Passion of Our Lord
Christ’s love for humankind is His perfect gift to us on this Good Friday
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, S.J.
Easter Vigil
(Gn 1:1—2:2, Ps 104; Gn 22:1-18, Ps 16, Ex 14:15—15:1, Is 54:5-14, Ps 30, Is 55:1-11, Is 12, Bar 3:9-15, 32–4:4, Ps 19, Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28, Ps 42); Rom 6:3-11; Mt 28:1-10
May our souls sing joyfully as we encounter the risen Christ
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Reflection
“As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.’” Matthew 27:32
The Lord calls us to love God & to love our neighbor. Every day we are presented with opportunities to love our neighbor & help him “carry his cross.” These opportunities aren’t usually big events, they are usually ordinary occurrences like helping someone carry their groceries or holding the door open for them. The key is putting the other person’s needs before our own and not expecting anything in return.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Living into the Resurrection
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Reflection
Today’s readings are a reminder of how God wishes to release us
from all that holds us back from him, whether it be sin, despair or the grave itself.
In the First Reading, the prophet Ezekiel tells how God will call us, even from the very grave, to offer us the Spirit of life.
The Psalm shows this same upward movement, from the depths of despair & guilt, to the joy and the fullness of life brought about through redemption.
The Second Reading reveals how this new life is possible – only by Christ living in us. We, ourselves, will be home to the Spirit of God.
The Gospel recalls the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus is Resurrection and life & we will see God’s glory when we have faith in him.
Let us be called to renew our belief in the one who is Resurrection and fullness of life, and to ponder anew the gifts of life, freedom and joy which the Lord freely offers. What might life in his Spirit look like in the coming week?
1 Sm 16:1-13, Ps 23, Eph 5:8-14, Jn 9:1-41
Embrace the blessings that come from unexpected miracles
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Reflection
Before we enter the darker days of Holy Week, we celebrate Laetare (‘Rejoice!’) Sunday. Today we are reminded of the joy of the presence of Jesus, the light of our world, and of the love of God shining through our lives. Both the First Reading and the Psalm speak of the shepherd caring for the flock. The Psalm speaks of the certainty that I can rely on the Lord as my shepherd, keeping me safe from harm whatever happens in my life. In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) that God’s light in us shines out for others when In the Gospel, the blind man’s sight is restored and he comes into the light. In contrast, those around him remain in the darkness of un-belief, trapped by their unwillingness to see Jesus as he really is. This week, we pray for those who have yet to allow the light of Christ into their lives. We pray that we will carry Christ’s light to others as we walk beside them, sharing their hardships and sorrows. |
Ex 17:3-7, Ps 95, Rm 5:1-8, Jn 4:5-42
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘The water that I shall give will turn into a spring inside you, welling up to eternal life’
The readings for this Sunday centre around the themes of water and life, helping us to reflect on our true desires.
The ‘living water’ promised in the Gospel is God’s love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us at our baptism. Our faith in Jesus quenches our thirst and brings us hope.
During Lent, let’s pray that in listening and responding with open hands and hearts to Jesus’s invitation to draw and drink deeply from his well of ‘living water’, we may see ourselves and each other through eyes of love.
We pray too that all those preparing to be baptised at Easter may find that life-enriching faith for their lives.
Gn 12:1-4, Ps 33, 2 Tm 1:8-10, Mt 17:1-9
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1
God calls all of us to leave behind our old ways and to follow Him, placing our complete trust in Him. Some of the old ways that we struggle to leave behind might be materialism, selfishness and greed. Yet, God promises to show us a new land and a better way to live. Remember what St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “God does not call us
to be successful, God calls us to be faithful.”
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7, Ps 51, Rm 5:12-19, Mt 4:1-11
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
This week we begin our annual observance of Lent.
We may want to consider: ‘How am I to celebrate this season in 2023?’
Through our Lent, we ask for the grace to become more and more aware of God’s compassion and love for us, ready to journey with
Jesus to his death on the cross and to celebrate his resurrection.
An Itinerary for Lent: Sunday Gospels
A desert, a mountain, a well, a pool, a tomb, a place of execution: these are the settings for the six gospel stories we hear on the Sundays of Lent in Year A. They form a catechesis, primarily for those who are to be baptised on Easter night at the Vigil service, but also for the rest of us who will be invited to renew our own baptismal promises at the same liturgy. If we make these gospel texts our own through personal reading, prayer and meditation, they can be a means to help us renew these promises with understanding, enthusiasm and conviction. They offer an itinerary which we can travel in our annual Lenten pilgrimage.
Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Lv 19:1-18, Ps 103, 1 Cor 3:16-23, Mt 5:38-48
Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”Matthew 5:44
Love your enemies, easier said than done. But, remember, the foundation of stewardship is prayer. When we are in close communication with God, it opens our heart and it turns our attention away from “me” and moves it towards God and others. It changes my heart and actions, allowing for a little more empathy for “my enemy.” When we pray for others, even our enemies, it may soften their hearts as well.
Sir 15:15-20, Ps 119, 1 Cor 2:6-10, Mt 5:17-37
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20
The Pharisees lived according to the letter of the law and they used this to elevate themselves above the other people. Jesus is clear – it’s the love that you have in your heart, for God & others, that will get you to heaven. Simply following church rules to the letter & not out of love, does not necessarily put you on the path to heaven. Attending Sunday Mass & then gossiping about a fellow
parishioner on the parking lot is an example of being a modern day Pharisee.
Is 58:7-10, Ps 112, 1 Cor 2:1-5, Mt 5:13-16
You Are the Light of the World
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Or watch it here:
Stewardship Reflection
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
The generosity of being a good steward of your gifts has a positive effect on people and it is contagious! Good works encourages more good works. Generosity is a by-product of a grateful lifestyle. The more we recognize God’s gifts, the more we want to share them. Good stewards recognize that God is working through them and they don’t put themselves above the people they have been called to help
Zep 2:3; 3:12-13, Ps 146, 1 Cor 1:26-31, Mt 5:1-12
Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Today’s readings invite us to follow Christ and to become more like him. Getting our priorities right in God’s eyes may not be easy, nor the way of the world, but it will bring happiness in God’s kingdom.
In his Sermon on the Mount (Gospel), Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, qualities he expects of his disciples. They are not ‘rules’ like the commandments, but more of a road map for discipleship, laying out the way to follow him.
The Beatitudes echo the values mentioned in the First Reading.
The Lord will protect those living honest and just lives: people of integrity and humility.
St Paul reminds the Corinthians (Second Reading) why they have been chosen by God. Their gift of faith is entirely due to God’s generosity: in God they have found wisdom, holiness and freedom.
This week, we may pray to recognize all the blessings the Lord has given us, so that we might walk more closely with Jesus in his work, just as he walks with us in our lives.
We continue to remember those suffering in war and conflict in Ukraine and beyond.
Is 8:23–9:3, Ps 27, 1 Cor 1:10-17, Mt 4:12-23
Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Jesus, Light of the World
Today’s readings proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, the light of the world: a beacon who draws all peoples to himself. When the old tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were being deported to Assyria, Isaiah promised that their land, then deeply overshadowed by turmoil and war, would one day witness a great light in their midst (First Reading).
In the Gospel, St Matthew sees the fulfilment of this prophecy. Jesus was, and is, that light. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus settles in Galilee, a region that corresponds to the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. After proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, it is striking that his first action is to call his first disciples. The task of witnessing to the kingdom is not something to be done by Jesus alone. Rather he calls followers to share in and continue this work.
If we are to walk in the light of Jesus, Paul warns against tribalism, differences and division. Jesus alone is our light, not any of his followers. Paul’s own role is to be a preacher to the humble and to proclaim the counter-cultural message of the cross (Second Reading).
The Psalm is an eloquent prayer of trust, where the psalmist calls on the Lord as his light and his help. This week, we may like to ask the Lord for that light and help in our own lives, and in the lives of all humanity.
We pray that we might find ways of sharing his light and compassion with all whom we meet in our suffering world.
Is 49:3-6, Ps 40, 1 Cor 1:1-3, Jn 1:29-34
Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb…”
Isaiah 49:5
God have given each of us different gifts. In order for God’s plan to work, you have to do what God is calling you to do and I have to do what
God is calling me to do. And guess what? God has given each of us a different plan! So, stop comparing yourself to others. Don’t let envy and jealousy enter your life. Be thankful for the gifts God has given you and become the saint that God is calling you to be.
Is 60:1-6, Ps 72, Eph 3:2-6, Mt 2:1-12
God’s many graces are manifest in our everyday Epiphanies
Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
What Mary pondered in her heart, mothers of the world can relate to.
Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
(Same readings for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Is 9:1-6, Ps 96, Ti 2:11-14, Lk 2:1-14
Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ. (5pm Liturgy)
“What is Christmas” with Fr. Bill and the children of St. Mark’s Parish
Fr. Rob Allore, SJ. (9pm Liturgy)
“God With Us” – An Extraordinary God among our ordinary lives.
Stewardship Reflection December 25, 2022 The Nativity of the Lord
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”John 1:14
God made us to be in relationship with Him. He loves each of us individually. Through sin, our relationship with God was broken. He gave us Jesus to restore our relationship. Being a disciple of Jesus we are given the model to obtain eternal life in Heaven. Christmas isn’t about the material gifts we receive, it’s about the love that God, Our Father, gave us by giving us His Son, Jesus – the best gift we could ever receive.
Copyright © 2022 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 7:10-14, Ps 24, Rom 1:1-7, Mt 1:18-24
Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Let the Lord enter! He is the King of Glory
Arriving at the 4th Sunday of Advent, today’s readings show God asking for our love and our trust. They also demonstrate God’s faithfulness to us, sending Jesus to save us.
Isaiah is sent to comfort King Ahaz (First Reading), who has turned away from God. Isaiah sees through the false humility of Ahaz, but still gives him a sign: a maiden will give birth to a son, Emmanuel – ‘God-is-with-us’.
This same prophesy is echoed in the Gospel. Joseph faces a difficult situation, but God speaks
through an angel in Joseph’s dreams, reassuring him that his son is a gift of the Holy Spirit destined to be the Saviour. Joseph follows the angel’s command, placing his whole trust in God.
For us, Jesus is the King of Glory in today’s Psalm. The earth and all within it belong to the Lord, and all who follow God’s ways shall receive a blessing.
St Paul emphasises both the human and divine aspect of Jesus, who is both a descendant of David and the Son of God. It is Jesus alone who can bring us grace and peace. (Second Reading)
As we continue our Christmas preparations and wait in expectant hope for the Lord’s coming, let’s pray for the grace that, like Joseph, we might listen with the ear of faith, and respond obediently to the Lord’s call.
We pray especially for peace throughout the world. Just as we welcome Jesus into our own hearts, we ask the Lord to help us embrace and welcome all those whom we encounter.
Copyright © 2022 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Third Sunday of Advent - Dec 11, 2022
Is 35:1-10, Ps 146, Jas 5:7-10, Mt 11:2-12
Proclaiming the Good News to the Poor
Fr. Rob, Allore, SJ.
Third Sunday of Advent, ‘Gaudete’ Sunday, 11th December 2022
Rejoice, the Lord is near!
On this ‘Gaudete’ Sunday, the liturgy begins with an invitation to ‘rejoice!’ Today the Scriptures encourage us to listen & to see the prophetic voices and signs of our times.
In the First Reading, Isaiah acclaims a joyful vision of Christ’s coming. Dimmed eyes will be opened; the lame will leap for joy; and we can have courage because the Lord is near.
The Psalmist shares a vision of the Lord overcoming our human hardship, bringing justice and healing to the world.
The Second Reading is a letter of encouragement, counselling us to be watchful and patient. The Lord is close at hand.
The Gospel describes a meeting between Jesus & the followers of the imprisoned John. Jesus answers their questions by referencing both the prophecies of Isaiah & today’s Psalm. John is a prophet of their time, and Jesus encourages John’s disciples not to lose faith. Jesus himself is the one of whom the ancient prophets spoke.
As followers of Christ, let us take courage, and prayerfully support one another to be patient and faithful to the liberating message of the Good News. We belong to a loving community that longs for, and trusts in, the light of Christ, even in the midst of long winter nights and during these challenging times.