Despite the fact that the rest of the world has already moved on, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is what really brings the Christmas season to a close! And Jesus’ Baptism should remind each one of us that we, too, belong to God – that we are chosen and beloved. It should remind us that every baptized person has the Spirit of God dwelling within us… even if we don’t always act that way! So, let’s change how we act! Let’s strive to be righteous, to be a light to the world, to bless the Lord at all times, and to do good. But how do we manage to do all of that?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 3: 13-17
1st Reading – Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7
Psalm 29
2nd Reading – Acts 10: 34-38

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:01:21) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:17:10) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:28:41) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:30:33) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:37:51) - Closing & Credits

Our modern culture has moved on! The Christmas season is over, decorations have been taken down, and stores are full of merchandise for football playoffs, the Olympics, and Valentine’s Day. The Church, however, has a different message. The Christmas season continues with this week’s Gospel which tells us the story of Wise Men from the east who left behind home, family, and security to search for a king led by a star in the night sky. Even though our journey wouldn’t be as difficult as theirs, would we be willing to risk our homes, our safety, and our lives to search diligently for Jesus? And upon finding him, would we allow ourselves to be changed by the experience?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 2: 1-12
1st Reading – Isaiah 60: 1-6
Psalm 72
2nd Reading – Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:01:55) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:21:02) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:31:33) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:35:52) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:44:17) - Closing & Credits

Every year, we are reminded of the perfection of the Holy Family: Jesus is the Son of God, Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a model of faith and obedience… but despite their perfection, even the Holy Family faced adversity. Our families can’t match their holiness, but we can learn from their example! There are plenty of things that will make us better people, better married couples, better parents, and better children. So, what are those things and how do we become better?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23
1st Reading – Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128
2nd Reading – Colossians 3: 12-21

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:01:50) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:16:23) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:31:56) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:34:05) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:54:25) - Closing & Credits