November 30, 2015 - Monday

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:18-19 NABRE)

Peter and Andrew were two brothers who owned a boat and caught fish for a living. One day, as they carried out their daily routine, Jesus approached them and told them to follow him. We are told they immediately did just that.

Peter and Andrew had to leave behind everything they knew in order to follow Jesus. They left family, a stable income, some measure of stability and respect in the community. They left for the unknown and uncomfortable. I wonder if we resist Jesus' call on our lives because we realize he leads us out of our comfort zone and into the unknown.


Today, I will trust Jesus to stay with me and I will remain alert for the promptings of his Spirit during the day.


Saint Andrew, Apostle, brother of Simon Peter, and patron of fishermen, pray for us.

November 29, 2015 - Sunday

The days are coming—oracle of the LORD—when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
In those days, at that time, I will make a just shoot spring up for David; he shall do what is right and just in the land. (Jeremiah 33:14-15 NABRE)

These words are God's, spoken through the prophet Jeremiah about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is the person to whom Jeremiah makes reference, calling him a just shoot produced in the lineage of King David, saying he shall do what is right and just in the land.

Lord God, as the season of Advent begins, I thank you for this time of preparation. It is during this time I turn my heart to the greater reality of your incarnation. It is incomprehensible that you would humble yourself, Lord, and take on the form of a man. But I thank you for doing just that. It is absurd that you would desire a loving relationship with mankind, and with me personally. But I thank you for desiring just that. Your son, Jesus, restored our relationship with you and brought us a path of healing and redemption, so that I, myself, might share in your perfect peace and joy, together with you and all your people. This time of Advent preparation allows me to reflect back on the birth of Jesus and also to reflect forward to his return.


Today, on this First Sunday of Advent, I will look forward to the coming of Jesus.


Saint Clement, third successor of St. Peter, who reigned as pope during the last decade of the first century, pray for us.

From: USCCB Advent page

November 28, 2015 - Saturday

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 NABRE)

There is a worship song titled I Can Only Imagine which describes the overwhelming moment when the singer first meets Jesus. The song is concerned with how the singer might feel in that moment, the lyrics posing questions like, What will my heart feel? / Will I dance for your Jesus or in awe of you be still? / Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall? / Will I sing hallelujah? / Will I be able to speak at all?

By contrast, in today's passage, Jesus speaks about the challenging times just before his return. He speaks in concrete terms about difficulties and how to avoid them. For those who will experience these times of tribulation--and we do not know if it will be us, Jesus gives specific directions:

• Do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life
• Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have strength

Today, I will take Jesus' direction, practicing these while maintaining a spirit of awe in my heart.


Saint James of the Marche, who wanted the word of God to take root in the hearts of you listeners, pray for us.

November 27, 2015 - Friday

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:28 NABRE)

Jesus tells his listeners to look for signs of his return at the end of time. He tells them there will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. He tells them that nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. He goes on to say that people will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world. These cataclysmic scenes refer back to the words of a number of prophets including Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, and others.

In today's verse, Jesus describes how the faithful person should react to the many frightening signs of his return. We are told to stand erect and to raise our heads (practice that now to see how it feels). There is calmness, confidence, courageousness, joy, awe, and satisfied relief reflected in such an act. There is no fear in it.

Let us live every day mindful of Jesus' presence among us in Spirit and anxious for his full return to us in body. Let us live each day in a state of Advent anticipation. Let this change us, our attitudes and our behaviors.


Today, I will center my actions and attitudes on the possibility that Jesus will return today.


Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, who made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, pray for us.

November 26, 2015 - Thursday

Then King Darius wrote to the nations and peoples of every language, wherever they dwell on the earth: “May your peace abound!
I decree that throughout my royal domain the God of Daniel is to be reverenced and feared:
“For he is the living God, enduring forever,
whose kingdom shall not be destroyed,
whose dominion shall be without end. (Daniel 6:27-28 NABRE)

In an unlikely outcome, Daniel survived being thrown into a pit of hungry lions because God intervened directly. God sent angels to close the mouths of the lions. Today's passage takes place the following day, after King Darius, who liked Daniel but was forced to sentence him to this fate, came to see how Daniel had fared. Darius was grateful to have found Daniel alive.

The book of Daniel contains traditional stories which tell of the trials and triumphs of the wise Daniel and his three companions. The moral is that people of faith can resist temptation and conquer adversity. The persecuted Jews of the second century B.C. would quickly see the application of these stories to their own plight.*

Lord God, your power changed king Darius, a man with the authority and visibility to impact others. His decree that everyone throughout his domain shall reverence and fear you is a powerful evangelizing statement! He calls everyone with whom he has influence to recognize your great power, instructing them to show you complete respect. This leader sees that you are the living God who endures forever. Lord, thank you for intervening directly in my life. Please continue to share your Spirit with me so that I might, even in small ways, tell everyone I can about your power and your promise, and encourage all with whom I have influence to be respectful to you who deserves all our reverence.


Today, I will be thankful for the many blessings in my life, especially my faith and my family.


Saint Columban, Irish monk whose concern about chastity, austerity, and discipline challenge us even today, pray for us.

November 25, 2015 - Wednesday

You praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, that neither see nor hear nor have intelligence. But the God in whose hand is your very breath and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify. (Daniel 5:23B NABRE)

What false gods do we have today, and are they any different from those in Daniel's time? There is no doubt that money and power remain as our most desired false god. But don't forget how we praise sports figures and entertainers, how we idolize singers, and how we uplift our hobbies and leisure pursuits to a level of importance and meaning far beyond what is reasonable.

But why? Perhaps it is because we seek an elusive calm or peace, a happiness that seems just out of reach, or a sense of self worth and value we can't quite seem to manage for ourselves. All of our false gods seem to hold the promise to fill a void we experience. But they can never do that. They can only distract us for short spans of time from our pain. And not a single one of them is worth our devotion.

For the believer who trusts in God, false gods quickly lose their luster. Only the one true God sustains us along with all of his creation. Only God offers us real and lasting joy, and peace that surpasses understanding. Only God deserves praise and glory. Stone, wood, iron, bronze, silver, and gold, and all of our false gods of distraction, are merely part of his creation. They are good and beautiful parts of the creation, but they are not worthy of praise. Let us remember this as we give thanks to the one who created all things.


Today, I will praise God, in whose hand is the whole course of my life.


Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patroness of philosophers and students, pray for us.

November 24, 2015 - Tuesday

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise and exalt him above all forever. (Daniel 3:57 NABRE)

As we approach our national holiday of Thanksgiving, today's verse from the book of Daniel serves as a great reminder of how we should approach this holiday which is intended to be about gratitude. We are created by God, we are works of his hands, we are like pottery made for his purpose, and it is good for us to remember this with humility at all times, but especially at Thanksgiving.

May we remember, in each moment of this coming Thanksgiving, the Lord who has provided us with so many blessings. May our hearts be filled with gratitude to the Lord who has made us stewards of his bountiful earth. May our actions reflect the love he has for each of his creations as we care for all those we come in contact with this week. And may we bless the Lord, praising him and exalting him above all forever!


Today, I will humbly and gratefully, give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings in my life.


Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, 117 people martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862, pray for us.

November 23, 2015 - Monday

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (Luke 21:1-4 NABRE)

The widow is an example of the poor ones in Luke's gospel whose detachment from material possessions and dependence on God leads to their blessedness.*

Living in a country of abundance, we face a double challenge: To detach our hearts from money, and at the same time to depend on God for what we need. How grateful we should be when we can give from our surplus!

Our attitude toward money, more than anything else, is what makes the difference. When we are afraid of poverty, or even of falling behind on our bills, we let fear, rather than trust, rule in our hearts. When we desire more money, despite all our needs having already been met, we let greed, rather than gratefulness, rule in our hearts.

Lord Jesus, by your Spirit, allow me to be fully detached from material possessions and fully dependent on God for all I need. Heal my heart, Lord, and replace all fear with trust, replace all greed with gratitude. Keep me always mindful that you own everything, I am a mere steward of what is yours.


Today, I will trust God for all I need and I will be grateful for all he provides.


Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, martyred in Mexico on November 23, 1927, pray for us.

November 22, 2015 - Sunday

But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18, 36B-37 NABRE)

Jesus' time had finally arrived and he would soon fulfill his mission here on earth. In today's passage he stands before Pilate, accused by his own people of claiming to be a king. Jesus admits as much (even if he uses vague terms). He knows his accusers seek his death, yet he doesn't seem at all interested in persuading Pilate to have mercy on him.

Notice instead his clear focus on his mission. He knows why he was born. He is acutely aware of the reason he came into the world. Jesus came to testify to the truth. And he challenges all who hear him to listen to what he has to say.

And so, the King of kings was led away to be crucified. At the time, only he knew that this was how he would complete his mission, that this was how he would atone for all the wrongs of all mankind in a single act. And by taking our sins on his shoulders, he suffered death once for all so that each one of us would have the opportunity of eternal life.

No doubt, we have mysteries as part of our faith. I am grateful for this mysterious gift of our King's holy cross, by which he has redeemed the world.


Today, on this Solemnity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, I will trust in him.


Saint Cecilia, patron of musicians, pray for us.

Saint Cecilia, Artist: Guido Reni

November 21, 2015 - Saturday

I said to myself: ‘Into what tribulation have I come, and in what floods of sorrow am I now! Yet I was kindly and beloved in my rule.’
But I now recall the evils I did in Jerusalem, when I carried away all the vessels of silver and gold that were in it, and for no cause gave orders that the inhabitants of Judah be destroyed.
I know that this is why these evils have overtaken me; and now I am dying, in bitter grief, in a foreign land.” (1 Maccabees 6:11-13 NABRE)

How often are we brutally honest with ourselves?

In today's passage, King Antiochus, lying on his deathbed, is brutally honest with himself. He had always considered himself to be a kind ruler who was loved by his subjects, and therefore he was disturbed and confused to hear news that the Jews had taken back the temple in Jerusalem (which he had taken from them and desecrated). Realizing he was going to die soon, look at his change of heart! His regret is palpable in the scene as he connects his disregard for the people of Judah with his own demise.

Lord, save me from final regret! Change my heart now. Show me the way to love and respect other people, even people who would harm me. Help me to encourage and protect your people, Lord, rather than tear them down. As Mary, your mother who carried you in her womb, was a greater temple than any made by human hands, each of us is also a temple, a home for your Holy Spirit dwelling within us. May I recognize your Spirit in the people I encounter today.


Today, I will pray for a deeper respect for all people, the words to encourage them to conversion, and the wisdom and right timing of the Holy Spirit.


Mary, mother of God and our spiritual mother, whose own presentation in the temple we commemorate today, pray for us.

November 20, 2015 - Friday

Yours, LORD, are greatness and might,
majesty, victory, and splendor.
For all in heaven and on earth is yours;
yours, LORD, is kingship;
you are exalted as head over all.
Riches and glory are from you,
and you have dominion over all.
In your hand are power and might;
it is yours to give greatness and strength to all. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NABRE)

King David makes this beautiful tribute to the Lord at the dedication of the temple built by his son, Solomon. This acknowledgement of God's greatness comes shortly after David announces that he is giving his personal fortune of gold and silver to the temple for use as raw material to overlay the walls and for artisans to create works of art. And he challenges others to do the same.

Lord God, you are the author of creation. There is nothing greater than you. There is no one above you. You alone have no beginning and no end. All that exists finds its source and sustenance in your will. Thank you for my life, Lord, this earthly time of course, but especially for the eternal part of me which reflects you. May I live each day of this life shining your light in this sometimes dark world. May I know with certainty that all I have is really yours, and that I merely borrow from you. And may this inspire me to greater generosity toward those in need.


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, for an increase in compassion and generosity.


Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, who once said: “We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds back nothing for self.... The truest crosses are those we do not choose ourselves.... He who has Jesus has everything.” pray for us.

November 19, 2015 - Thursday

But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: “Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that they forsake the religion of their ancestors and consent to the king’s orders,
yet I and my sons and my kindred will keep to the covenant of our ancestors.
Heaven forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments.
We will not obey the words of the king by departing from our religion in the slightest degree.” (1 Maccabees 2:19-22 NABRE)

Mattathias was the originator of the Maccabean rebellion*  against the Seleucids.* He refused and resisted the pagan worship being required by the occupying Greek king, Antiochus Epiphanes.

Coin of Antiochus IV Epiphanes

There are times when God's people are called to resist those who would put themselves and their word ahead of God. There are times when God's people have to make a choice, even when the stakes in this life are very high and the risk to life is present. There are times when we are called to see beyond this earthly place, to remember where our true citizenship lies, and to remain loyal to him who is the King of kings.

Today, I will remember my first loyalty is to the Lord.


Saint Agnes of Assisi, thirteenth-century Poor Claire nun who was devoted to prayer and penance, pray for us.

November 18, 2015 - Wednesday

I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things. In the same way humankind came into existence. (2 Maccabees 7:28 NABRE)

In a scene that touches a bit too close to scenes that still play out today, a mother whispers in her son's ear just before he is executed for his faith in God. Her words bring courage, boldness in the face of imminent death, because of their certainty.

We always have the chance to relive this moment. Regardless of our current conditions, we can look at the heavens and the earth and see the evidence of the creator in his creation. We can look at other people and see the same. And once we confront the reality that this existence is created, somehow and by someone we can never understand, we strengthen our own faith.

If we have lost our sense of faith, and it does happen to each of us along the way, we can live such a moment and regain what was lost. If we will unlock the door of our heart and open it just a crack--inviting Him in, He will join us. He will confirm our faith. He will provide the evidence we seek. He will provide sight to our blindness.


Today, I will remember who is the Creator and who is the creature, and I will ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that I can act with resolve in the face of challenges to my faith.


Saints Peter and Paul, both martyred in Rome for your witness to Christ, we commemorate today the dedication of churches in your name, pray for us.

November 17, 2015 - Tuesday

When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned, saying: “The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him.” (Maccabees 6:30 NABRE)

"He" was Eleazar, a man described as "one of the foremost scribes, a man advanced in age and of noble appearance." (2 Maccabees 6:18) The story of his martyrdom was written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution.*

As we know all too well these days, living a life of faith has always taken a great deal of courage. In every generation, there have been those who actively seek to do harm to people of faith.

Lord Jesus, show me how to live a courageous life of faith. Grant me the grace I need in moments of trial to maintain my integrity as Eleazar did and as you did. And protect me from such dangers. Lord, I pray for faithfulness and courage for myself, for my family, and for all who trust in you. I pray also for those who would inflict harm on someone else because of their faith in you. We are all your children, Lord God, and we ache for the day when we will see an end to such things.


Today, I will pray for courage and faithfulness, and for forgiveness for those times I let fear rule in my heart.


Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron of bakers, pray for us.

November 16, 2015 - Monday

The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. (Luke 18:39-43 NABRE)

Have you ever closed your eyes and tried to imagine living in this world as a blind person must? It is a humbling thing to do. And so, it is easy to understand how a blind man would in desperation call out to Jesus--Son of David--to have pity on him. He must have heard about what Jesus could do. He had nothing to lose. And so he turned to Jesus asking for pity, asking for a miracle cure, asking for sight.

Jesus does restore his sight, but more importantly, he tells the man that his faith has saved him.


Today, I will seek to give up my own blindness, turn to Jesus in faith, and ask for his pity.


Saint Margaret of Scotland, queen who, with your husband, served orphans and the poor on your knees during Advent and Lent , pray for us.

November 15, 2015 - Sunday

So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man, the man said:

“This one, at last, is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
This one shall be called ‘woman,’
for out of man this one has been taken.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. (Genesis 2:21-24 NABRE)

On this day twenty-nine years ago, two young people left their parents and clung to one another as man and wife. Today, they are still blessed to overflowing by God, united as one. May our marriage be a sign to all of Christ's love for his Church, for all of us, and may the qualities of our marriage reflect the love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and joy Christ shares with all who will trust in him.


Today, I will celebrate the anniversary of my marriage and the overwhelming gift it has been.

Saint Anselm Abbey Church, Manchester, NH

All the saints, whose names echo in our hearts as patrons of the parishes and schools where we grew, pray for us:

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Saint Anselm
Saint Augustine
Saint James
Saint Timothy
Saint Catherine of Sienna
Saint Francis Xavier
Saint Andrew

Saint Albert the Great, who we celebrate today, Doctor of the Church, patron of medical technicians, philosophers, and scientists, pray for us.

November 14, 2015 - Saturday

Sing praise to him, play music;
proclaim all his wondrous deeds!
Glory in his holy name;
let hearts that seek the LORD rejoice! (Psalm 105:2-3 NABRE)

Psalm 105 is a hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people of Israel. In today's passage, Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God. In subsequent verses, Israel is reminded that God had been faithful to the promise of land to their ancestors. In every phase of Israel's national story God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants.*

Lord God, just as you invited the people of Israel to praise you and to seek your holy presence, you invite all your children to do the same. Even after all the time that has passed since the days you first chose Israel to be your people, you have been faithful to those who belong to you. Thank you for your faithfulness and especially for inviting me. I will seek you in each moment of this day. I am filled with joy. I celebrate your greatness today and every day!


Today, I will accept God's invitation to praise him and seek his presence.


Saint Gertrude the Great, thirteenth-century mystic whose life reminds us that prayer is the heart of the Christian life, pray for us.

November 13, 2015 - Friday

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. (Psalm 19:2 NABRE)

The heavenly elements of the world, are evidence of the power and wisdom of their creator.*

The book of Wisdom puts it this way, "For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen." (Wisdom 13:5)


Today, I will deliberately observe God's artistry in all the world around me.


Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, patron of hospital administrators, immigrants, and impossible causes, pray for us.

November 12, 2015 - Thursday

Let my soul live to praise you;
may your judgments give me help.(Psalm 119:175 NABRE)

Psalm 119, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The Psalm is fascinated with God’s word directing and guiding human life.

Each verse contains an English translation of a Hebrew word meaning "instruction.” The nine words for “instruction” used in this translation are: law, statute, commandment, precept, testimony, word, judgment, way, and promise. Today's verse, obviously uses the word judgement.*


Today, I will praise the Lord for the helpful instruction he provides in his Word.


Saint Josaphat, bishop, martyr, and the first saint of the Eastern Church to be canonized by Rome, pray for us.

November 11, 2015 - Wednesday

Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NABRE)

How beautiful to see these directives given side-by-side! In context they are instructions from Saint Paul on how to live together as Church. In the same way, this brief passage reminds us how to live as a community of believers, so others will recognize us by how we treat one another.

Rejoice. Live in a state of joyfulness. And be this way always. Not just some of the time. The implications are clear: Joy does not require happiness, contentment, or comfort. Joy is not limited by emotions or experience. Joy can be chosen. Decide to rejoice right now!

Pray. All the time. Share all your moments with the Lord. Not just some of them. Prayer is the secret key to a strong relationship with God, and it is our only source of true joy, wisdom, and peace. What are you experiencing right now, as you read this? Share it with God. Listen for a whispered response. Don't be surprised by a loud one either (sometimes that happens)! Acknowledge and welcome what comes back, and admire the variety of ways God speaks to you!

Give Thanks. Regardless of your circumstances. Begin now, in this moment, by thanking the Lord for it, for the breath you just took, for the eyes you just used to read this, and for all the other gifts this place in time contains.


Today, I will praise Jesus without ceasing and give thanks in all my circumstances.


Saint Martin of Tours, patron of soldiers, pray for us.

November 10, 2015 - Tuesday

Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. (John 14:23-24 NABRE)

At the Last Supper, while he was still with them, Jesus told his friends about things that would happen in the future, so that when his predictions came true, they would believe.

In today's passage, Jesus tells us about God the Father and also about the Holy Spirit who would come into each believer. Jesus' words tell us something about the triune nature of God, about the three distinct persons in one God. While there is no way for us to truly understand the mystery of the Trinity, we can marvel at and appreciate how fortunate we are to have a creator God who, by his very nature, can be with us at all times.

Jesus tells us that the Spirit of God is within us and remains with us always, that this is the Spirit of Jesus himself, the Spirit of truth. The Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Jesus. It is by the Spirit that we are in union with Jesus, and through him, the Father.

And to be one with our God, we need to love Jesus, which he tells us means to have and to keep his commandments.


Today, I will love Jesus, listen for the teaching of his Spirit, and keep his commandments throughout the day.


Saint Leo the Great, who used your talents in areas where spirit and structure are inseparably combined: doctrine, peace and pastoral care, pray for us.

November 9, 2015 - Monday

God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam
and mountains totter at its surging. (Psalm 46:2-4 NABRE)

Earth shaking, tottering mountains quaking into the sea, ocean waters raging and foaming: These were figurative language used in the ancient Near East to describe social and political upheavals.* And suddenly it makes more sense and feels a bit more relevant.

When we are in the midst of social and political upheaval, we look to God for protection, strength and help. We are confident that he is ever-present. We do not fear.

Lord my God, like the psalmist, I live in a time of frightening and constant social and political upheaval. Now is a time when we, as a global society, too often compromise our humanity, neglecting the dignity of people most in need and forgetting our common bond of interdependence and fragility. Please forgive our failures as we seek to overcome our inability to change. Show us your mercy as we struggle against indifference, cruelty, anger, bitterness, and self-righteousness. 

Lord God, I ask that you help me, by your Spirit, to recognize my own false beliefs, misperceptions, and destructive attitudes. Lead me, by that same Spirit, to replace these evils with wisdom, discernment based on your will, and compassion for each of your creatures.


Today, on this Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, I will lean on God who protects, strengthens, and helps me.


Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, pray for us.

November 8, 2015 - Sunday

Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment,
so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him. (Hebrews 9:27-28 NABRE)

Centuries before Jesus was born, there was a ceremony during which after some time spent in the Temple Holy of Holies, the high priest reappeared on the Day of Atonement. After the people waited, he emerged from the Holy of Holies, which he had entered to take away sin. This dramatic scene is described in Sirach 50:5–11. In a similar way, Jesus, our high priest who has left us for a time will appear a second time at the parousia.*

Lord Jesus, I look forward to your return with great eagerness. As you are now in the presence of God our Father, I desire to share in your divine presence along with the angels and saints who have gone before me. As I wait in joyful hope, thank you for sharing your Spirit so that I might have some share in the first fruits of your Kingdom in this life. 


Today, I will thank the Lord who will bring salvation when he appears again.


Blessed John Duns Scotus, who placed your best thinking at the service of the human family and of the Church, pray for us.

November 7, 2015 - Saturday

The LORD supports all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:14-16 NABRE)

Listen to the joy and hope in today's passage! When we fail, when we are humbled before others, when we hunger for some need, the Lord is always there. He supports us, lifts us up, and satisfies us with all we need. His resources are endless. We are invited to trust him with confidence that he will provide all we need.

God’s mighty acts show his divine kingship, a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. Psalm 145 is a hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The opening verses invite all to praise God.*

Lord God, thank you for the many ways you provide for my family and me. Enliven your Spirit within me so that my trust grows stronger today. Increase my confidence in your endless graces and the love you have for me. Lord, please be with me in times of suffering and struggle so that I might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit myself to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself.* 


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.


Saint Didacus, who used your life to serve God and God’s people, pray for us.

November 6, 2015 - Friday

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God.
For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me. (Romans 15:17-18 NABRE)

After his conversion, Paul became Apostle to all who were not Jewish. He taught people about Jesus Christ all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum (northwest of Greece), and then as far as Rome. On his  three separate missionary journeys, he was a spiritual guide to many believers including the faithful in Rome, to whom he addressed the words in today's passage. His intention was to evangelize the Roman world all the way to Spain.

And with such a strong sense of mission, notice Paul's humility. He was certainly aware of the great impact he was having for God, yet he recognized it was Christ working through him that was noteworthy, it was what pertained to God that gave him reason to boast.

Lord Jesus, thank you for using me as you used Saint Paul. I leave myself open to your Spirit today and I ask that you guide me in word and action as I confront the circumstances of this new day.


Today, I will surrender my will so that God's will may be done.


Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions, Franciscan friars martyred in the Holy Land for preaching openly about Jesus, pray for us.

November 5, 2015 - Thursday

Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. (Romans 14:10 NABRE)

God welcomes all of us, not just people I understand or with whom I agree. He welcomes us all. We each walk a different path to God and it is not for me to have an opinion on anyone else's walk.

Lord God, Saint Paul reminds me to avoid judging others, especially fellow believers. Help me instead to support others, to encourage peace, and to be aware of the joy you place in my heart. Instead of thinking myself better than anyone, let me think of myself as least in any group. Instead of clawing for more, let me renounce the claim that my possessions have on me. I ask so that these changes will turn me toward you, my Lord. May I consider only my own shortcomings and with your patient help change them.


Today, I will consider my thoughts and my words regarding others so that I might not fall into the trap of judging them.


Venerable Solanus Casey, Wisconsin-born priest who lived until 1957 and who knew that pure love of God and one’s fellowmen as children of God are in the final event all that matter, pray for us.

November 4, 2015 - Wednesday

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, [namely] “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8-10 NABRE)

When love directs the Christian’s moral decisions, the interest of law in basic concerns, such as familial relationships, sanctity of life, and security of property, is safeguarded. Love anticipates the purpose of public legislation, namely, to secure the best interests of the citizenry.*

It is said that love is not simply a feeling but a commitment. Today's verse tells us that love is also what motivates right. It precedes our daily choices. In practical terms, love requires us to put the needs and interests of others ahead of our own.


Today, I will pray for awareness of my own choices, so that I will put the needs and interests of others ahead of my own.


Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, catechumens, and seminarians, pray for us.

November 3, 2015 - Tuesday

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. (Romans 12:9-16 NABRE)

The twelfth chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans is a powerful list of ways that we should live as Christians. It is like a multivitamin for our spirits. Today's passage is from a section dedicated to mutual love among Christians. If we want to live for God's pleasure, we can learn a lot from Romans 12. I suggest a quick read of the entire chapter (it's hardly longer than this post) and a few minutes of meditation this morning will yield an insight for you worthy of the day's consideration.


Today, I will meditate on how I show love to other Christians, especially when personalities or opinions differ.


Saint Martin de Porres, patron of African-Americans, barbers, hairdressers, race relations, and social justice, pray for us.

November 2, 2015 - Monday

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if to others, indeed, they seem punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself. (Wisdom 3:1-5 NABRE)

Each person who maintains faith in Christ should seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God. One word used to describe those who work at this is righteous. Perfection is not required, but faith is necessary for righteousness. It motivates and energizes our efforts to live rightly.

Suffering is a roadblock for many, often turning us bitterly from God, either briefly or for a long time. And while we may grow angry with God, confused as to why suffering has to happen, we should never let go of our faith that in the end, God's plan is bigger than our plans, his love never leaves us, and his mercy is greater than any sin we can ever commit.

The author of the book of Wisdom affirms that, for the righteous, sufferings are not punishments but purification and opportunities to show fidelity, whereas for the wicked suffering is truly a punishment.*

Lord God, Father of us all, creator of all things, who sustains me in this very moment, please accept my faith, and use it to shape all my actions--the good ones and the bad ones--to your plan. Conform me to your will, so that I might participate in building your Kingdom during this life and share in your promise for the next, in the company of all the faithful who have gone before me.


Today, on this Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, I will pray for members of my family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and others I've known who have died in faith--standing with them in God's presence, so that they will experience the final purification of God's grace and his eternal company.


All you Faithful Departed, pray for us.

November 1, 2015 - Sunday

Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”
I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:13-14 NABRE)

The writing style of the book of Revelation is a challenge to modern readers, but "like Daniel and other apocalypses, it was composed as resistance literature to meet a crisis. The book itself suggests that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the Roman authorities."*

The message of Revelation is that, "Those who remain steadfast in their faith and confident in the risen Lord need have no fear. Suffering, persecution, even death by martyrdom, though remaining impenetrable mysteries of evil, do not comprise an absurd dead end. No matter what adversity or sacrifice Christians may endure, they will in the end triumph over Satan and his forces because of their fidelity to Christ the victor. This is the enduring message of the book; it is a message of hope and consolation and challenge for all who dare to believe.* 

Today's passage ends with a description of the martyrs of the early Church who did dare to believe, who maintained their faith, and who were made clean, just like we are, by Jesus' merciful sacrifice.


Today, on this Solemnity of All Saints, I will remember all our brothers and sisters in faith who have gone before us.


All you holy men and women who have gone before us, as martyrs and by other paths to sanctity, pray for us.