“Even Jesus needed recognition (‘You are my Son’), affection (‘My beloved’), and affirmation (‘I am pleased’). It is too easy to focus on irritating behaviors in our family and take for granted all the positives. In this New Year, take a lesson from Our Father and be an affirmer, not a blamer.”

“The Magi in today’s Gospel were led to Jesus by a star. Who are the stars your children follow? Don’t let it be the tabloid stars. Resolve in this New Year to be the guiding star in the life of your children.”

“The Gospel today shows Mary and Joseph were not ‘perfect’ parents. If you have ever been ‘amazed’ and ‘astonished’ at what came out of your child’s mouth, then you are in good company. If there were times you ‘didn’t understand’ your children or felt ‘anxious’ about their behavior, so did Mary and Joseph. Parenting is tough, but it is also the stuff of holiness.”

“This Christmas, remember your task as a parent is the same as Mary’s: we must not let our doubts, fears, and unfulfilled expectations get in the way of our loving acceptance of our children.”

“Question: What do you call a family, which began with an unmarried pregnant teen, and had a twelve-year-old son who ran away from home and was eventually executed as a criminal? Answer: Holy! Two lessons in today’s Gospel: No matter what is happening in your family, ‘The Lord is with you,’ and ‘Do not be afraid,’ for ‘nothing is impossible with God.’ “

December 17, 2023 – Third Sunday of Advent (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

“Today’s Gospel reports, ‘There is one among you whom you do not recognize.’ It is hard to believe Christ is present in a family with crazy schedules, suppers that start too late and end too early, cars that do not start, misunderstandings, frustrations, piles of laundry, unmatched socks, and stretched food budgets. The list is endless. The words spoken at Mass, ‘The Lord is with you,’ are not a hope, they are a fact.”

December 10, 2023 – Second Sunday of Advent (Mark 1:1-8)

“Why is it so hard to forgive, yet so easy to get even? Listen to John the Baptist in today’s Gospel and repent of the anger and ugly feelings, which block your ability to forgive. This Christmas, give a gift which makes a difference. Give forgiveness.”

December 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Advent (Mark 13:33-37)

“Today’s Gospel tells us to ‘Be watchful.’ This comes natural to families. Parents are watchful of their children’s health, grades, and friends. Children are watchful of parental moods. Today’s Gospel encourages us to use this ability to see God acting in the innocence, tenderness, love, and forgiveness of your family. ‘Be watchful,’ the Lord is already with you.”

November 26, 2023 – Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Matthew 25:31-46)

“Families feed the hungry, give drinks to thirsty toddlers, and welcome strangers and even estranged relatives into our homes. We clothe children and visit family members who are sick and imprisoned. The routine actions of family life are religious and priestly for we make Christ present in what we do. Family life is Beatitude life.”

November 19, 2023 – Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 25:14-30)

“As the man in today’s Gospel entrusted his servants with his money, so God has ‘entrusted’ our family to us. Like the good servants we are expected, not to play it safe, but to invest ourselves selflessly and totally invest ourselves in each other.”

November 12, 2023 – Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 25:1-13)

“The bridesmaids in today’s Gospel were considered ‘foolish’ because they let their lamps go out. Don’t be foolish. Pay attention to the small acts necessary to keep the flame alive in all your relationships.”

November 5, 2023 – Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 23:1-12)

“In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes the vocation of parents: ‘The greatest among you will be your servant.’ Children take our blood, genes, strength, name, patience, and resources. A parent’s servitude begins at the moment of conception. The Lord is present in each of our acts of selfless service.”

October 29, 2023 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 23:34-40)

“In today’s Gospel, the Pharisee was talking about commandments (something we are forced to obey by external pressure) and Jesus was talking about love (an internal exhortation to give our heart, soul, and mind to another). One demands allegiance, the other requires personal commitment. In our families, we daily lay down our lives for each other not because we ‘gotta’ but because love compels us.”

October 22, 2023 – Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 15-21)

“Jesus was exasperated when he scolded: ‘Why do you put me to the test?’ It is natural for children to test parents; this is how they learn and how we teach limits, rules, and values. Be like Jesus in today’s Gospel; He was firm, honest, and direct.”

October 15, 2023 – Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 22:1-14)

“Today’s Gospel speaks about ‘unworthy wedding guests.’ What makes a ‘worthy’ guest? Presence and presents are not enough. The greatest gift we can give is support to the couple as they voyage through life together because marriage naturally contains within it the fields of disappointment. Think of the weddings you have attended. Have you been a ‘worthy guest?’ “

October 8, 2023 – Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:33-43)

“Every family is visited by difficult times which can unite or divide. These hardships, which we would quickly reject, hold the potential to be the unifying ‘cornerstone’ where we drop our pettiness and defenses and pull together, linked by a common bond and love for one another.”

October 1, 2023 – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:28-32)

“In today’s Gospel, Jesus asked, ‘What is your opinion?’ Why do we think our opinion is dogma or fact? An opinion is only how we perceive a situation or how we feel comfortable doing something. Don’t argue over or become divided by ‘your opinion.’ “

September 24, 2023 – Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 20:1-16a)

“Today, Jesus is saying to us: ‘Why are you idle? Go into my vineyard.’ Family, where ‘the last will be first’ is the vineyard entrusted to us in today’s Gospel. Successful families are constructed by ‘laborers’ who work hard on family relationships, and not by couch potatoes.”

September 17, 2023 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 18:21-35)

“Unable to forgive another means we are holding onto a past wrong and hoping for a better past. That is not going to happen. We must move on with our life by accepting we were unjustly treated and it will not be corrected. We aren’t condoning the injustice. We don’t let it control our lives any longer. Forgiveness is critical to living a healthy life in the present.”

September 10, 2023 – Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 18:15-20)

“The key word in today’s Gospel is ‘listen.’ We cannot change another person; not alone, not with others, and not with a whole Church. All we can do is state our position and ‘if he listens to you’ then they can take the steps necessary to change themselves. Change comes from within.”

September 3, 2023 – Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:21-27)

“Relationships live in a careful balance. If a person changes, the balance is altered, requiring a shift in the relationship. In today’s Gospel, Jesus announced a change and Peter resisted. Sometimes, those we count on for support may actually get in the way. Jesus told Peter: ‘You are an obstacle to me.’ “

August 27, 2023 – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:13-20)

“Like Jesus in today’s Gospel, we are seen by others in different ways. Perhaps the name our family gives us is closest to our true identity. They know us best. Who do they say you are?”

August 20, 2023 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21-28)

“The mother in today’s Gospel persisted, even when she was ignored and insulted. She would do whatever was necessary to bring relief to her child. Parenting is more than bringing life into the world; it is also about sacrificing daily for your children.”

August 13, 2023 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:22-33)

“The demands of family can be so overwhelming we feel walking on water would be easier. When Jesus was pressured, He dismissed everyone, so He could be ‘by himself and pray.’ When overwhelmed and stressed, go to a quiet place and surrender your pressured feelings to the Lord using Peter’s prayer in today’s Gospel: ‘Lord, save me.’ “

August 6, 2023 – Transfiguration of the Lord (Matthew 17:1-9)

“At the Transfiguration, the disciples saw a different side of Jesus. All of us have ‘another side’ which we reveal only to those we trust. A family is the sacred place where we can be transfigured to be our truest self.”

July 30, 2023 – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:44-52)

“The man in today’s Gospel ‘sold all he had’ for the treasure he found. ” Family relationships are ‘treasures’ and demand our total personal investment. Invest yourself in the ‘treasure’ of your family.”

July 23, 2023 – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:24-43)

“Parents plant values in their children anticipating the tiny seeds of honesty, respect, commitment, and fidelity will grow with their child and one day become ‘a safe haven’ to many.”

July 16, 2023 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:1-23)

“The stress and anxieties of family life are like ‘thorns which choke off’ any opportunity to reflect on God’s presence in our lives. Notice in today’s Gospel, Jesus ‘left the house’ so He could connect with His Father. Grasp five minutes each day to appreciate God walking with you.”

July 9, 2023 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 11:25-30)

“Just as Jesus received a mission today, parents accept the mission of raising a family. Parents are not alone on this exhausting and difficult mission. Today, Jesus tells us, ‘Come to me and I will give you rest.’ “

July 4, 2023 – Independence Day

“Our nation is blessed with so many opportunities, our lives are often frenzied as we try to take advantage of all the possibilities. As we celebrate our independence this weekend, perhaps we need to be aware of our dependence on fashion, fad, and cultural pressure to consume.”

July 2, 2023 – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 10:37-42)

“Today’s Gospel challenges us to resist the individualism of our culture. Everything we are and have is pure gift which we are expected to share, especially to the ‘lowly ones.’ What has been freely given needs to be shared freely. No strings attached.”

May 28, 2023 – Pentecost Sunday (John 20:19-23)

“Like the disciples in today’s Gospel, there are times we shut the doors of our hearts to people or events. It’s how we create emotional distance. Permanent distancing is lethal and prevents the peace Jesus offers you today.”

May 21, 2023 – Seventh Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday (John 17:1-11)

“As Jesus appointed apostles, He also appoints parents to represent Him in the family; ‘Make disciples of your children, baptizing and teaching them all I have taught you. Don’t worry, I am with you always.’ “

May 14, 2023 – Sixth Sunday of Easter/Mother’s Day (John 14:15-21)

“In today’s Gospel, Jesus prepared His disciples for his departure. Family life is a series of departures. As we mature and grow older we constantly transition from the familiar to the new unknown. Today, Jesus assures us we are not alone in these transitions. ‘I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.’ “

“Mothers are instruments of Christ’s presence in the home. A mother’s love reveals the attentive, thoughtful, serving, forgiving, and concerned side of God’s love. Thanks to all mothers for showing us the tender and loving face of God.”

May 7, 2023 – Fifth Sunday of Easter

“Jesus tells us in the Gospel: ‘I am in the Father and the Father is in me.’ The point is: God is in each one of us, in our relationships and in our homes. The vocation of the Christian family is to live the divine gift which is already in and around us.”

April 30, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:1-10)

“In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us He is the way and warns anyone who offers ‘another way’ to happiness is ‘a thief and a bandit.’ Strong words! Don’t listen to the sales pitch of society for happiness. Look to yourself where God is present and ‘calls you by name and leads you to abundant life.’ “

April 23, 2023 – Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:13-35)

“In today’s Gospel, the disciples were returning home so ‘downcast’ they did not recognize Jesus walking with them. In our homes, we can be so overwhelmed with responsibilities we don’t see God with us. Today’s Gospel tells us to stop and open our eyes to the blessings we are to one another.”

April 16, 2023 – Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday (John 20:19-31)

“‘Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven’ means the grudges we carry only make us miserable. The Kingdom of God begins in your home where children learn the paths to peace promised in today’s Gospel through merciful and forgiving demonstrations by their parents.”

April 9, 2023 – Easter Sunday (John 20:1-9)

“Today’s Gospel instructs us Jesus ‘had to rise from the dead.’ The dying we experience with unmet expectations in marriage and parenting is normal to family life. Families must rise above disappointments and be Easter people all year long.”

April 2, 2023 – Passion/Palm Sunday (Matthew 26:14-27:66)

“The cruel death of Jesus tells us bad things can and do happen to very good people. It also tells us God is present during the suffering. Bad things happen but God does not abandon us!”

March 26, 2023 – Fifth Sunday of Lent (John 11:1-45)

“Our families can become wrapped up chasing things we perceive will make us happy. Jesus’ words to Lazarus, He says to us: ‘Come out’ from what entombs you. In this fifth week of Lent, ‘untie’ yourself and be free from unnecessary possessions.”

March 19, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Lent (John 9:1-41)

“Failure to forgive blinds us to another’s goodness. Lent provides an opportunity to wash away our blind-spots in the pool of forgiveness. Listen to Jesus in today’s Gospel: ‘Go wash and see.’ “

March 12, 2023 – Third Sunday of Lent (John 4:5-42)

“Our children are like the Samaritan woman in today’s Gospel. They need more than material things. They need the ‘living water’ only the adults can give. It will teach them how to make decisions, take responsibility, respect themselves and others, and live their commitments. With this ‘living water’, they will ‘never thirst.’ “

March 5, 2023 – Second Sunday of Lent (Matthew 17:1-9)

“Transfiguration is a common occurrence in families. When we commit to another, such as a spouse in marriage or a child in parenting, we are not committing to them only as they are today, but to the person they are becoming.”

February 26, 2023 – First Sunday of Lent (Matthew 4:1-11)

“In today’s Gospel, Jesus cautions it is not enough to provide food for our children; ‘one does not live on bread alone.’ Let Lent 2023 be a time when you are ‘led by the Spirit’ to explore new ways to be a moral guide to your children.”

February 19, 2023 – Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

“Giving the shirt off your back, turning the other cheek, or walking/driving the extra mile is normal stuff in families. We do that for one another. Today’s Gospel reminds us all people, even those we don’t like, are our brothers and sisters. Our family should prepare us to be family to others.”

February 12, 2023 – Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 5:17-37)

“To experience the peace which Christ promises we must shed our grudges, jealousy, and feelings of being misunderstood, unappreciated, or ignored. Peace and anger don’t mix. Today’s Gospel warns, if you want peace in your heart and home, get rid of your anger. Anger is too costly.”

February 5, 2023 – Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 5:13-16)

“Today’s Gospel challenges us to be a ‘light’ to our family. Parents shine their guiding light, not in front but behind them, inviting their children to follow their ‘good deeds.”

January 29, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 5:1-12)

“It is in our family where we learn to be merciful and comforting to others. The Beatitudes of the Kingdom of God begin at home and depend on you. Parents lead the way.”

January 22, 2023 – Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 4:12-17)

“When Jesus called his disciples, they came ‘immediately.’ Parents wish their children would respond as quickly, but they don’t. Children grow slowly into responsibility. It is a process like walking, not done ‘immediately’, but in small steps. Parenting demands patient encouragement.”

February 15, 2023 – Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (John 1:29-34)

“Can you say, ‘I have testified Jesus is the Son of God?’ If you aren’t talking about Jesus in your family, you aren’t testifying. If you are not walking your talk, your children will see your words as meaningless.”

January 9, 2023 – Baptism of the Lord/First Sunday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 3:13-17)

“The words in today’s Gospel, ‘This is my beloved, with Him I am pleased,’ are words every child needs to hear often. Affirmation is important to raise happy and confident children.”

January 8, 2023 – The Epiphany of the Lord (Matthew 2:1-12)

“Today’s Gospel tells us ‘all Jerusalem” was upset because ‘King Herod was deeply troubled.’ A similar ripple effect happens in families; one person’s negative attitude can affect the whole family. If you want a peaceful and joyful home, it must start with you. Be peaceful and joyful!”

January 1, 2023 – Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God / World Day of Peace (Luke 2:16-21)

“The Gospel tells us ‘Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.’ We would do well to imitate Mary in our New Year’s resolution. Instead of criticizing, let’s ‘keep it in our hearts.’ Criticism isn’t productive or well-received, anyway!”