When we look at the challenges around us, do we feel anger, anxiety, frustration, or depression? Those are natural responses, but we are invited to activate the grace of our baptism to change that. We can choose to limit the negativity we absorb. We can gather in community to support, witness to, and lift one another up. We can actively choose positive alternatives to the world's negativity. This should be our project for the New Year!

Readings at this Mass: Is 42:1–4, 6–7 | Acts 10:34–38 | Mt 3:13–17

To live fully and freely is not to circle the wagons against every potential threat to our safe and comfortable little worlds. Some of the freest people ever were the martyrs, who laid down their lives — their actual, physical lives — freely, entrusting their well-being to God. That’s how we want to live, too: in the immense freedom of the Divine Will. God knows our needs, even better than we do. Look for the will of God in the events of your daily life and ask Him to be present there. Let that be your star.

Readings at this Mass: Is 60:1–6 | Eph 3:2–3a, 5–6 | Ma 2:1–12

As we move into 2026, let's make a resolution to increase our prayer life. Say 'yes' to having Mary in your "bucket of saints" that you go to for prayer and intercession, the closest and first disciple of Jesus.

Readings at this Mass: Nm 6:22–27 | Gal 4:4–7 | Lk 2:16–21

There is no such thing as a perfect family. But holy families do exist. It's not because there are no issues, but because they remain faithful to God through their imperfections and suffering. They have a joy that goes beyond their circumstances. Holiness is a function of faithfulness, not freedom from frustration, fragility, or failure.

Readings at this Mass: Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 | Col 3:12–21 | Mt 2:13–15, 19–23

Whatever darkness we carry, Christ wants to meet us there. He wants to transform our darkness into light, our despair into hope. He wants to enter our lives again and drive out that darkness with his grace and mercy. So how do we make room for him? That's your homework this Christmas season: give of yourselves. Not just material gifts. Give you. Offer small acts of forgiveness, generosity, patience, kindness, and compassion. Because in God’s hands, even the smallest gifts can change everything.

Christmas is supposed to be a season of hope — a season of joy and gladness, when everyone seems to be celebrating — and yet, sometimes in our own hearts, there is darkness. The Lord wants to give each one of us hope, especially at Christmas, but it requires openness and trust. We must be open to Him entering our lives. We must listen to His word in Scripture. We must spend time in His presence. We must allow Him to speak to our hearts. And if we do that — if we invite Him into the brokenness, the hopelessness, the darkness within us — He can cast out that darkness and give us light.

Readings at this Mass: Is 7:10–14 | Rom 1:1–7 | Mt 1:18–24

John and his disciples in today's gospel are confused because Jesus comes bringing not retribution, but restoration. Thankfully, God doesn’t think like we do. The world’s retribution may still come for those who reject Jesus, but for those who trust him, there is healing; hope; restoration. God’s intention is that we not walk alone; that we not wander, lost in the darkness. He comes to meet us, making a path for us to restore our well-being and our wholeness. All you have to do is make some room, open your heart to God, and see what He does.

Readings at this Mass: Is 35:1–6a, 10 | Jas 5:7–10 | Mt 11:2–11

With God, grace is eternal; it's not linear. And we, too, can become "full of grace" when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38