We remember 2 Saints today: Vincent,Deacon/Martyr in the early Church; St. Marianne Cope (d.1918), a religious who left New York to become a missionary among those suffering from Hansen’s Disease(leprosy)on Molokai. She helped St./Fr. Damian as he was dying. May they pray for us.

Jesus asks a question that should have an obvious answer:“Is a lamp to be placed under a bushel basket…and not on a lamp stand?”(Mk.4:21-25) On a lamp stand so it can serve its purpose. What about Faith?The answer should also be obvious; our faith must be put into action. Do we?

As we conclude the Annual Catholic Schools Week, I look forward to celebrating Mass this morning with 4 of our 21 Catholic Schools. I ask God’s blessings upon all our 2,400 students & their parents,our dedicated teachers/administrators,sponsoring parishes, & generous benefactors.

Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden,surrounded by the beautiful world God had created, were living a truly amazing life. God gave them only one restriction:“Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good & evil”(Gen.2:4-17). Sin is refusing to obey God,Who knows what is for our good.

Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of 4,000 very hungry people, multiplying “7 loaves & a few fish”.(Mk.8:1-10). Jesus is concerned about our spiritual hunger as well;without His Word and Holy Eucharist, we will spiritually starve & die. Come to Jesus to be spiritually fed/nourished.

On this Valentines’ Day, we remember the tradition of St. Valentine who,after being arrested for preaching about Jesus’ Love for all, from his prison cell wrote notes of encouragement to his followers to keep them strong in their faith.Let us lovingly encourage one another today.

Jesus’ Transfiguration shows us Who Jesus is: Human and Divine. Jesus’ Divinity shone forth with the Glory of God & the Father spoke:“This is my beloved Son-Listen to Him.”(Mk.9:2-13) We must“listen”to Jesus’ Word and“see”Him in the Eucharist,in one another, and within ourselves.

The distressed father asking Jesus to heal his possessed son utters one of the most fervent prayers recorded when Jesus challenges his faith:“I do believe,Lord;help my unbelief.”(Mk.9:14-29) May that be our prayer: Jesus,strengthen the faith I have,& help me even when it’s hard.

In meeting the Samaritan Woman at the well in today’s Gospel (Jn4:5-42)Jesus expresses a basic need:“Give Me a drink”. He goes on to reveal His profound desire to give this woman, & all of us, eternal life to quench her/our spiritual thirst. Jesus, quench my thirst for Your Love.

Today is sometimes known as “Spy Wednesday”. In today’s Gospel (Mt.26:14-25), Judas becomes a “secret agent” of the chief priests to plan a way to betray Jesus and hand Him over to them. Let us repent of the ways we too have betrayed Jesus thru sins. Lord Jesus, have mercy on us.

Jesus’ critics could not accept that He is “the Christ”, even though as Jesus said “I told you and you do not believe”. Their minds were closed. Jesus told us how to believe: “My sheep hear My voice…and they follow Me.”(Jn.10:22-30) Are we among Jesus’ “sheep”? Do we follow Him?

As Jesus promises“whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you”(Jn.16:23-28), I ask the Father for blessings on our Diocese. May the HolySpirit fill Andrew Schmidt whom I will ordain a Deacon with all the graces He needs to be a good, holy Deacon, & next year a Priest.

Pope Francis names new bishop for the Diocese of Kalamazoo diokzoo.org/bishop-elect

Jesus tells us that His Father will reveal all things to us. Sadly, those who are“wise & learned”may think they know all they need to know & not be open. God’s revelation is for “the childlike”, those “simple”enough to be taught.(Mt.11:25-27) May we be simple/childlike of heart.

The seed of God’s Word is extravagantly spoken to all people just as the Sower extravagantly sowed seed everywhere; he wasn’t “skimpy” or selective. Some seed took root & grew; other seed withered & died. (Mt.13: 18-23) God wants ALL people to hear His Word & bear fruit. Are we?

On this Labor Day we thank God for blessing us with our gifts and talents that enable us to sustain ourselves and those for whom we are responsible. Let us work and pray for justice for all people as they provide for themselves and their families.

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Bradley Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Steubenville diokzoo.org/bishop-bradley

At the disciples’ request,Jesus teaches them/us the Our Father,the“perfect prayer”. May we prayerfully express those words that come to us from the Heart of the Father’s Son,so that we can grow into more faithful sons/daughters of God, & brothers/sisters to each other.(Lk.11:1-4)

Looking for some great Advent resources and a list of local Penance Services? Check out our Insider: diokzoo.flocknote.com/Insiderweeklye…

The Insider - News and updates from the Diocese of Kalamazoo: December 18, 2023  Check your Parish for Fourth Sunday and Advent Mass Schedules as they may be different.  Office of Schools releases annual report The Office of School... fn2.co/Rez5OOR