https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122422.cfm From Blindness to Sight Zechariah can be a great companion in our journey with the Lord through life. He doubted his wife could bear a son in her old age. Because Zechariah couldn’t surrender to the way of the Lord, he couldn’t speak a word to anyone. Look what happened when he surrendered to

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122323.cfm The Doorway to God’s Reign Awe is the response of a humble servant ready to do the bidding of the Lord. Here is Zechariah, still unable to speak after encountering the Presence of the Lord in the sanctuary. Fear overwhelmed him, unlike the awe that filled Mother Mary.When God intervenes in our lives, our

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122223.cfm Proclaim the Greatness of God Mary had no power or authority to bring about change in the world, but her “yes” changed everything for her and the world. Mother Mary teaches us in her song “Magnificat” that God can change everything instantly. And it always starts within. Within her heart, she trusted that the

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122123.cfm Say Yes to God and Keep saying Yes In the meeting between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, we see how our words can stir the grace of God working in the one we greet. Like Mary, disciples are bearers of God’s word, and He is the one who fills another with the Holy Spirit.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm  “I Am a Voice. Who are You?  “Hi, I’m Father Rick. Who are you?” That is pretty much how we introduce ourselves to each other. We might give some more detail if we stick around and say, “I am a priest.” Well, they probably know that already because of my collar. Then, if the

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121423.cfm VIOLENCE – IS THERE ANOTHER WAY? Wouldn’t you say that most people in America wonder when the violence will end? Or, at least, slow down a bit. The news is full of it. Jesus even says, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence.” (Matthew 11:12) That violence came

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121123.cfm It is God’s mercy that moves a person to acts of compassion. Anthropologist Margaret Mead asked a student, “What is the earliest sign of civilization in any given culture? She did not respond with a tool, a weapon, or a piece of pottery. She answered, “A healed femur. (How Civilization Began – www.treatsforthesoul.org. https://www.treatsforthesoul.org/how-civilization-began/)

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120723.cfm NEVER SATISFIED.  That is Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is never satisfied. If you listen to his news conferences after a win, he will acknowledge different players and plays that went well. But at the end, he always says in one way or another, “We can play better.” That

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120423.cfm Amaze Jesus? Really. Oscar Rodriguez is a fan of the Rock, Dwayne Johnson, actor and former professional wrestler. Taking care of his 75-year-old mother, Oscar, among other things, has a passion for taking care of domestic violence victims. Cut to the chase: Dwayne Johnson gave Oscar his custom-made truck, and it caught Oscar so