Videos

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the first Sunday of Lent where we hear of Jesus's temptation in the desert, where he was tempted to give up up on God. That is the basic temptation, and Jesus refused to let go of God. Can we hold on to our own faith as well, whatever hardships and challenges come our way?

When Jesus's disciples were criticized for not following the Mosaic law, he challenged people to seek God with their hearts rather than through the law. Seeking God with our whole hearts will lead us to a much deeper faith than following any prescription of the law.

People came to Jesus and were healed by simply touching the tassel of his cloak. This need is still with us today, so may we be channels of Jesus' healing for all we encounter.

Jesus regularly ate with tax collectors and sinners to bring them forgiveness. Can we see ourselves as sinners, equally in need of this forgiveness, so that we might dine with him?

When a man was lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus, he did not interrogate the paralytic to see if he was worthy of a healing—he healed him. May we also be moved by compassion rather than judgement.

Fr. Jim Marchionda, OP brings out the radical nature of the story of the magi coming from the East and finding the baby Jesus, foreigners in a foreign land, foreshadowing the gentiles being accepted into the faith as equals to the Jews, so that we can all become lights to the nations, welcoming everyone into the grace of God.

As we approach Christmas, the Gospel today reminds us of Jesus' death, underscoring that his birth is connected to his death in the great circle of God's plan. May we see arc of our own lives, birth to death, circumscribed into this story as well.

Jesus revealed new insights into God's plan for the world, but many in his day were not open to hearing anything new, believing they already had the complete truth. Are we open to hearing God today, and learning something new?

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the word for this great Solemnity, assuring us that God has invited us to participate in his work of bringing about the Reign of God. Our part, if we choose to accept it, it is care for the poor, feed the hungry, and serve those who are in need. Are you on board?

When a blind man heard that Jesus was coming, he started calling out. People told him to stop, but Jesus called him over and healed him. Do we let ourselves be bothered by the cry of the poor?

In the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches that whatever faith or talents God has given us is meant to be used, not hidden away or kept to ourselves.

Jesus refused to be pulled into an argument between two brothers and instead, challenged them to guard against greed. God has given us all that we need, so we should not complain nor get drawn into the greedy arguments of others.