We like the idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but we seldom like the idea of being sheep—people who blindly follow anyone or anything. However, that’s not what sheep and shepherds are like in real life.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus in today’s reading came to know the Lord in the “breaking of the bread”—the Eucharist. We can see that their encounter with Jesus that day parallels the way Jesus comes to meet us in every Mass.

The second Sunday after Easter is designated Divine Mercy Sunday. It’s a recent feast in the Church, instituted in 2000 by Pope St. John Paul II. He felt that immediately after Easter, while the Paschal mysteries were fresh in our hearts, we needed an opportunity to reflect more deeply on God’s great mercy manifested in the Resurrection.

Though the mysteries of the Faith are not readily understood, we should ask for the grace to believe—to grow in the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. With these gifts, we have the power to recognize the importance of the Resurrection, and how it can transform our lives. Alleluia, he is risen. He is risen indeed.

Today is a beautiful and important feast in the life of the Church. Our focus today isn't on starting the new year—although that is certainly reason for celebration, and what better way is there to start out the new year than by going to Mass? Our focus today is on Mary and her motherhood. There is no Christmas without Christ, but there is no Christ without his mother.

It's easy to lose sight of the real story of the Magi amidst the figurines, the television renditions, and the carols about the three "oriental kings." This study looks at the biblical account and gives a proper context for a truly meaningful celebration of joy through sacrificial giving. Presented by Dr. Tim Gray.

With the many distractions that bombard us daily, how can we stay focused and watch for Christ during Advent? This study explores the Nativity narrative in Luke’s Gospel that serves as a vivid example of how to prepare our hearts with true humility so that "watching" for Jesus is an active reality. Presented by Dr. Edward Sri.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” or, at least that’s the assumption based on that familiar holiday song.

What are you willing to give up to follow Jesus? That’s the question in today’s Gospel. Jesus proclaims that no one is worthy to be called His disciple unless he “hates” those people dearest to him, or renounces his possessions, takes up his cross and follows Jesus to wherever He leads (and if one is carrying a cross, then that led to only one place). We may try to qualify Jesus’ words, but they proclaim a great truth: there are no half-measures when following Jesus. He requires everything of us. Are we willing to say yes to that?

Today’s Gospel reading may surprise us. Jesus’ words don’t seem to fit the peaceful forgive-your-enemies-and-turn-the-other-cheek image of Jesus we might have. In fact, he says quite explicitly that he didn’t come to establish peace, but rather, division. What do you think Jesus means by this?

Are annulments just a Catholic version of divorce? Nothing could be further from the truth. The differences are profound and much of the confusion comes from marriage itself. Bishop Perry explains the key principles of the Sacrament of Marriage and applies them to divorce and annulments. This presentation answers the most commonly asked questions on this topic.

“For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.” These words of Jesus challenges us to ask ourselves about our real priorities in life. What is most important? One look at how we use our time or spend our money will tells us what is truly important. Then comes the bigger question: do our priorities line up with God’s?

The Old Testament reading reminds us that we can spend our whole lives acquiring things but, in the end, all of our possessions will go to those who haven’t worked for them. This sets us up for the Gospel reading, as Jesus addresses a man who wants him to settle a dispute about an inheritance. As always, Jesus turns the immediate issue into a lesson about a greater truth.

Though we often take the “Our Father” for granted, it is good to remember how remarkable and radical it was for Jesus to begin the prayer not with “Almighty God” or “Mighty King” but with the most personal and intimate name: our Father. Through those words we are invited into a relationship as one of a beloved child coming to ask a loving parent for the things we need.

The Gospel reading challenges us to remember that being busy for the Lord is not the same as being with him, to sit at his feet and hear him in our hearts. Truly that is the “better part.”

Jesus parable of the Good Samaritan is well-known and often quoted. Yet we often miss how Jesus uses the question “Who is my neighbor?” to upend a rigid and impersonal view of the “Law” of the Jewish people. Through an unlikely hero — a member of the Samaritans, who were disdained by the Jews – we see an exemplary and sacrificial love. (Click to read more)