At the baptism of Jesus, St Luke describes the power of prayer. Truly prayer makes God open heaven and gives us not merely answers to our prayer but His own Spirit Himself. In prayer and through the Spirit God claims us as His beloved children.

More than the petitions for health, new toys, and gratitude for family and friends, may the child Jesus grant us the same grace of child-like smile—friendly, sincere, and innocent—the kind of smile that makes of us faithful bearers of the light of faith to one another and to the world.

With this Spirit, we can carry out our mission with courage and love; it will lift us up when we are down and discouraged; it will counsel and guide us when we are lost; it will enflame and inspire us when we begin to get cold.

In Christ, the promises of ancient times are fulfilled: of a Messiah that will set God’s people free, of a King who will rule with justice and constancy, of God Himself dwelling among His people, of Gentiles also recognizing God’s salvation through Israel.

It is easy to sacrifice, share or serve for a day. It is easy to love or be friends with a person for a time. But to continue to be available to a person to the end, this is the most difficult challenge!

The Gospel reminds parents to bring children to Church and, if affordable, on pilgrimage! And it should comfort parents who have trouble understanding children and where they’re coming from. 

God works, so that the impossible become possible, that selfishness and avarice be overcome, that social justice be done in the common good, and that those who have life, may “have life in abundance, life to the full” (Jn:10:10). But not without seeking the consent of those with whom he…

Perhaps, this is why gift-giving is much easier to do at this time of year. We are less stingy, as we are reminded of who we are at heart – images of a God whose very essence is to give. The more we genuinely give, the less we hold on…

Everything will move again according to God’s peace and rest. We pray that all our hearts, like Mary’s become good bearers of God’s seed, so that when our own annunciations come, we also receive God’s Word with pondering and docile obedience.

If you’re exhausted fighting your enemies outside, pause for a while and pray. Strategize and prioritize. Return to the basics. Go home and confront your enemies inside you. It might drive away many of your enemies outside.