Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us (00:17:14)
Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us
Today’s Homily centers on the profound pairing of Christmas Day and the Feast of St. Stephen, . . .
. . . highlighting the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation alongside the Church’s first martyr. Christ humbles Himself, laying aside heavenly glory to enter human fragility, while Stephen, in turn, lays aside earthly life to be clothed in heavenly glory. This contrast reveals a single pattern: humble self-giving leads to exaltation.
Stephen’s Martyrdom
Stephen’s martyrdom mirrors Christ’s own Passion . . . not only in rejection and death outside the city, but most strikingly in his prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors. His final words reveal the true mark of life in the Holy Spirit: not power or eloquence, but radical love and trust.
The Gospel’s warning about persecution is fulfilled in Stephen, who does not rely on rehearsed words or self-control, but allows the Spirit to speak through him.
The Homily emphasizes that martyrdom is not primarily suffering or death, but testimony . . . a witness forged through ordinary, daily faithfulness. Saints are not made by extraordinary moments alone, but by perseverance in fidelity.
In Stephen, the Church sees not only the first martyr, but the pattern for all believers: faithfulness today prepares us for whatever witness tomorrow may demand.
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Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us
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A Quote from the Homily
This is Jesus Christ, In his Incarnation, He leaves heavenly glory and veils the light of His being in fragile human flesh. And on this day, Stephen, the martyr, rudely stoned, and put to death, lays aside the fragility of his body that he might be vested and robed in the glory of the victorious realm . . .
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Art Work
The Martyrdom of St Stephen: Italian Painter: Annibale Carracci: 1603
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Why was this image selected:
Carracci’s painting shows Stephen at the moment of violent death, yet spiritually lifted beyond it. The painting embodies the Homily ’s central contrast: Christ born into time, Stephen born into eternity . . . two “birthdays” revealing the same divine victory.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 17-22
First Reading: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59
The Meaning of Christmas: Sharing Our Humanity, Sharing His Divinity (00:15:35)
The Meaning of Christmas: Sharing Our Humanity, Sharing His Divinity
The Homily reflects on the Prologue of the Gospel of John, . . .
. . . proclaiming Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and is God, through whom all things were made. This Word, existing from the beginning, did not come into being but became flesh in the Incarnation. The Homily links this mystery to the liturgical gesture of mixing water and wine at Mass, symbolizing humanity being united with divinity through Christ, who humbled Himself to share fully in our human condition.
This mystery of the Word becoming flesh is presented as the heart of Christmas and of Christian life itself: God became human so that we may become Divine.
Christianity is Participation in Divine Life
The Homily challenges us to apply this truth practically . . . by humility, self-giving, and a willingness to “become less” for the sake of love and relationship. Through a story about two outsiders responding differently to villagers’ fear of a rabbit, the message illustrates that transformation happens only through solidarity and shared experience.
Ultimately, Christianity is described not merely as morality or spirituality, but as participation in divine life made possible by God’s radical act of love in the Incarnation.
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The Meaning of Christmas: Sharing Our Humanity, Sharing His Divinity
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Art Work
The Adoration of the Shepherds (cropped): German Painter: Anton Raphael Mengs: 1765
The Hidden Moment That Changed the World (00:26:56)
The Hidden Moment That Changed the World
The Homily centers on the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38) as the hidden . . .
. . . yet decisive turning point of human history.
Though proclaimed quietly to a single listener . . . Mary . . . it is an announcement of universal significance: the Word takes flesh. The Homily emphasizes how God’s greatest act enters the world not through spectacle, but through humility, attentiveness, and consent.
An Event Hidden from the World Yet Thunderous with Eternity
Mary is portrayed as the one who is already listening when heaven speaks. Gabriel’s greeting . . . “Hail, full of grace” . . . reveals her true identity, known fully only by God. Troubled but attentive, Mary questions not from doubt but from reverent understanding. When she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,” her obedience allows the ineffable, eternal Word to become incarnate within her.
The Homily also highlights the paradox of the Annunciation: an event hidden from the world yet thunderous with eternity, a public salvation accomplished in private obedience.
Mary becomes the living “book” in whom the unspeakable Word is written. The Church, contemplating this mystery especially in Advent as it prepares for Christmas, and asks for the grace to imitate her humility, attentiveness, and surrender to God’s will.
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The Hidden Moment That Changed the World
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A Quote from the Homily
As the angel completes his message to her, Our Lady says to the angel, behold. Note how remarkable this is!!!
Now this is Our Lady speaking to heaven . . . She says, behold and now Our Lady speaks her own truth, her understanding of the truth that heaven has given her.
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Art Work
The Annunciation.: Netherland Painter: Robert Campin: 1422
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Why was this image selected:
This work places the Annunciation within the texture of daily life, emphasizing the “fullness of time” arriving quietly in a domestic setting. It visually expresses the theological claim that God enters history not through power, but through grace-filled obedience.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 26-38
First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14
Emmanuel: God With Us: Let the King of Glory Enter (00:11:48)
Emmanuel: God With Us: Let the King of Glory Enter
Today’s Homily centers on the Advent call to welcome the King of Glory . . .
. . . Emmanuel, God with us . . . through obedience and trust, rather than self-reliance. Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel and the Psalm proclamation, the homily presents three figures as models of response to God’s invitation.
King Ahaz represents the human tendency to solve problems independently, refusing God’s offer of guidance and ultimately falling into bondage. Saint Paul embodies humble submission, identifying himself as a servant whose mission flows entirely from God’s grace. Saint Joseph stands as the ultimate model of obedient faith, listening to God’s word and allowing divine will to direct his life.
The Homily culminates in the affirmation that Emmanuel is not distant: Christ remains present among the faithful, especially in the poor, the suffering, and the gathered community. As Advent concludes, believers are invited to examine their attitude . . . self-sufficiency or obedient trust . . . and to welcome God who desires to dwell in their midst.
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Emmanuel: God With Us: Let the King of Glory Enter
The Adoration of the Shepherds: Italian Painter: Giorgione: 1510
Why was this image selected:
The intimate presence of God among ordinary people reflects Emmanuel’s nearness. The painting’s quiet reverence aligns with the homily’s emphasis on God dwelling with us in daily life.
Our Lady’s Promise: I Remain With You (00:31:56)
Our Lady’s Promise: I Remain With You
This Homily weaves together . . .
. . . the Visitation (Luke 1:39–45), the mystery of Advent, and the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, revealing a single, unifying truth: the Lord is always on the way to His people.
God does not arrive once and withdraw; He continually comes, drawing near in mercy, joy, and life. This dynamic is first revealed when Mary, bearing Christ within her, hastens to Elizabeth. Though unseen, Christ Himself arrives, and His presence awakens joy, life, and praise. The leap of John the Baptist becomes the first fruit of salvation’s nearness.
He Continually Comes
That same pattern unfolds across history, most vividly at Tepeyac in 1531, where Our Lady visits a wounded people and a struggling Church. Through Juan Diego, Mary brings Christ’s joy into barrenness, transforming despair into life. The miracles . . . healing, roses blooming from stone, and the enduring image on the tilma . . . unfold in sequence, culminating in a sign that abides, just as Mary remained with Elizabeth and Christ remains with His Church.
Throughout, Mary is revealed as the one through whom Christ comes, not only once, but always . . . into hearts, cultures, and history itself. Where He arrives, life stirs, joy breaks forth, and meaning is restored.
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Our Lady’s Promise: I Remain With You
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A Quote from the Homily
Imagine a greeting so powerful that its words don’t matter. . . The voice of the woman with the joy of salvation growing in her womb speaks in such a tonality that that joy penetrates the life of another.
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Art Work
The Virgin of Mercy or Madonna della Misericordia.: Italian Painter: Piero della Francesca: 1462
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Why was this image selected:
Mary stands sheltering the faithful beneath her mantle, a powerful visual expression of abiding presence. Like the tilma that endures and Mary’s three-month stay with Elizabeth, the painting reflects the promise: I am not going anywhere.
Preparing for the Coming Messiah in Advent: The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (00:07:05)
Preparing for the Coming Messiah in Advent: The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
Today’s Gospel reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, . . .
. . . though he was not recognized and was rejected, just as Jesus Himself will be.
John fulfills Elijah’s mission: preparing hearts for the coming of the Messiah through repentance and reconciliation. Advent, therefore, is not merely waiting, but an active turning of hearts . . . first toward God and then toward one another, especially within families where division and hurt often arise.
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan revealed through the Law and the Prophets. Like St. Lucy, believers are called to make a decisive choice for God, rejecting spiritual complacency and committing fully to Christ as they prepare for His coming.
Listen to Elijah’s mission. Listen to
Preparing for the Coming Messiah in Advent: The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
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Art Work
Transfiguration: Danish Painter: Carl Bloch: 1872
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Why was this image selected:
This masterpiece unites Moses and Elijah with Christ, visually proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It directly mirrors the Gospel context, which follows the Transfiguration and explains Elijah’s true role.
The Sign Humanity Could Not Ask For (00:19:52)
The Sign Humanity Could Not Ask For
Today’s Homily unpacks the Gospel’s declaration . . .
. . . that Christ’s birth fulfills ancient prophecy, urging believers to move beyond a narrow, sentimental view of the Nativity into its vast theological depth.
Isaiah’s prophecy to King Ahaz reveals humanity’s reluctance to hope when confronted with God’s generosity: though invited to ask for a sign, the faithless king refuses. God responds by giving the sign anyway . . . one beyond human imagination . . . the Virgin conceiving Emmanuel, “God with us.”
This Promise Fulfilled
St. Matthew presents this promise fulfilled not in royal splendor, but in the humble home of Joseph, a carpenter of David’s line. Faced with shattered expectations and personal disappointment, Joseph chooses mercy over judgment, becoming a living sign of God’s way. By welcoming Mary and the child, Joseph receives the divine sign that kings once rejected and becomes the first guardian of salvation’s mystery.
The meditation concludes by placing us within the drama of Advent: God still asks the same question . . . What do you hope for? The challenge is not merely to believe, but to hope boldly, trusting that God is present and invites us to ask for great things.
What does that really mean and what is God really asking? What do you hope for?
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The Sign Humanity Could Not Ask For
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Art Work
The Holy Family: Spanish Painter: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: 1661
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25
First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8
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Why was this image selected: Murillo’s intimate depiction of the Holy Family emphasizes domestic humility rather than grandeur. It visually reflects the Homily’s insight that the throne of David has become a carpenter’s house . . . and that this humble dwelling is where God chooses to be “with us.”
When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart (00:24:52)
When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart
Today’s Advent readings warn against proud self-sufficiency and complacency . . .
. . . believing life is secure without ongoing conversion. The Prophet’s image of a proud city brought low echoes Jesus’ teaching that merely calling on the Lord isn’t enough; discipleship requires acting on Christ’s words.
Life’s Storms Reveal the True Foundation of Our Hearts
Jesus’ parable of houses built on rock versus sand shows that life’s storms reveal the true foundation of our hearts: hearing alone is insufficient . . . obedience matters. True spiritual stability comes from living God’s will, not self-reliance or superficial faith.
The life of St. John of Damascus illustrates this: in the greatest trial . . . false accusations, loss of reputation, and even loss of his hand . . . he remained faithful and his faith was vindicated. Ultimately, true discipleship, like Mary’s, means surrender to God’s will, building a life on the solid rock of obedience to Christ’s word.
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When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart
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Art Work
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633
Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 7: 21, 24-27
First Reading: Isaiah 26: 1-6
Let it be Done For You According to Your Faith: Seeing Through the Light of Christ (00:27:54)
Let it be Done For You According to Your Faith: Seeing Through the Light of Christ
Today’s Homily draws on the day’s readings . . . Isaiah’s prophecy, . . .
. . . the psalm “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” and Matthew’s account of Jesus healing two blind men . . . to explore the deep spiritual meaning of sight, hearing, and faith.
Physical blindness and deafness point to humanity’s deeper moral and spiritual inability to see and hear God. Isaiah shows that the coming of the Lord heals not only physical affliction, but the blindness and deafness of a world clouded by injustice, darkness, and moral confusion.
In the Gospel, the two blind men follow Jesus not by sight but by attentive listening. Jesus does not stop for them immediately; instead, they must follow Him into “the house,” symbolizing both the Church on earth and the Father’s house in heaven. Only there does Jesus question their faith and open their eyes. Why that way? Hear more within the Homily.
The Homily emphasizes that discipleship begins not with seeing but with hearing, and that true healing requires not only need, but faith in Christ’s goodness and power. Ultimately, in the Church . . . where Christ is present . . . we behold His face and receive the light that dispels our spiritual darkness.
Listen to:
Let it be Done For You According to Your Faith: Seeing Through the Light of Christ
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Art Work
The Healing of the Blind Man: French Painter: Nicolas Poussin: 1650
Another piece of art from this painter may be found on this website here and here.
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Why was this art work selected: The painting depicts Christ giving sight to the blind . . . a perfect visual parallel to the Gospel and the title’s focus on faith-enabled vision.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 27-31
First Reading: Isaiah 29: 17-24
Into the Inner Desert: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God During Advent (00:13:58)
Into the Inner Desert: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God During Advent
Today’s Gospel reading centers on John the Baptist’s call to repent and be fruitful.
John preaches in the desert . . . a place free of distractions . . . where people must face the fundamental question: What is my relationship with God? Advent invites all Christians into this same interior desert, prompting honest self-examination and the courage to change.
True repentance requires more than words or ritual; it demands inward transformation and the willingness to leave comfort zones. John challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees by insisting that repentance must bear fruit . . . justice, peace, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Merely acknowledging sins is not enough; one must produce spiritual fruit that reflects a renewed relationship with God.
The Homily also encourages believers during Advent to make a sincere confession, focus on personal conversion rather than others’ faults, and open their hearts to God so they may live more lovingly and be prepared for Christ who is already in their midst.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand …
What does that really mean?
Listen to this Meditation Media.
Listen to …
Into the Inner Desert: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God During Advent
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Art Work
Christ (Fasting) in the Dessert: Russian Painter: Ivan Kramskoi: 1872
The painting is sometimes called, Christ in the Wilderness.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1-12
First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Show Us Your Face, O Lord (00:25:12)
Show Us Your Face, O Lord
Today’s Gospel and Homily reflect on Christ’s compassion and mission during Advent.
Jesus travels through villages teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing every disease. Seeing the crowds “like sheep without a shepherd,” He sends His disciples to proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom and to heal freely, just as they have freely received.
Lord, Show Us Your Face
The Homily then explores Advent’s longing: “Lord, show us your face and we shall be saved.” This desire runs through Scripture and finds its fulfillment in the nativity, when God literally shows His face in Christ.
Isaiah’s prophecies reveal the coming Savior as both shoot from the stump of Jesse and root of Jesse . . . the One who appears in time yet is the eternal source of all life. Only such a divine Savior can heal humanity’s deepest wound: separation from God.
Christ’s ministry continues this revelation . . . He shows God’s face through mercy, healing, and compassion. The disciples, having been generously formed and blessed, are sent to extend that same generosity to the world.
Advent, therefore, is not passive waiting but active mission: receiving Christ, becoming Christlike, and bringing His healing and hope to those who are lost.
Listen to:
Show Us Your Face, O Lord
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Art Work
Adoration of the Shepherds: Dutch Painter: Gerard van Honthorst: 1622
Notice the use of light in the painting. He was known as a painter that utilized light in his paintings. Another piece of art from this painter may be found on the QoAH website .
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Why was this art work selected: The newborn Christ’s face radiates light, echoing the longing to “see His face” and be saved.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 35–10: 1, 5-8
First Reading: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26
Reading the Signs of the Kingdom (00:07:03)
Reading the Signs of the Kingdom
Today's Gospel passage uses the fig tree’s budding branches . . .
. . . as a sign that summer is near, just as unfolding events reveal the nearness of God’s Kingdom. The reflection connects this to Daniel chapter 7, where turbulent waters . . . symbols of chaotic evil . . . give rise to four beasts representing earthly kingdoms that rise and fall.
In contrast, the “Ancient One” and the “Son of Man” receive everlasting dominion. The Homily challenges us to recognize which kingdom they give their loyalty to: the passing kingdoms of wealth, honor, or worldly power, or the eternal Kingdom of Christ.
Just as we discern signs in nature, we are called to discern the signs of the times, especially as Advent begins, focusing our lives on the coming reign of Christ. Mary is invoked to help us read these signs and remain faithful to the eternal Kingdom.
Hear more within this Meditation.
Reading the Signs of the Kingdom
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Art Work
The Angelus or The Praying Farmers: French Painter: Jean-François Millet: c. 1857
The painting depicts two farmers bowing in a field over a basket of potatoes to say a prayer, the Angelus.
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Why was this art work selected: A quiet moment of prayer in the fields suggests attentiveness to divine signs in daily life.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 29-33
First Reading: Daniel 7: 2-14
The Road to Mount Zion: Walking Toward God’s Peace (00:14:21)
The Road to Mount Zion: Walking Toward God’s Peace
The Gospel recounts Jesus’ warning that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden, . . .
. . . just as the flood came unexpectedly in the days of Noah. Therefore, believers must remain spiritually awake and prepared at all times.
The Homily connects this vigilance to the Advent call for peace and reconciliation. Reflecting on the United Nations monument inspired by Isaiah’s prophecy . . . “They shall beat their swords into plowshares” . . . the Homily notes that true peace does not come from political power or military strength but from turning toward God, the God of Jacob.
Despite global efforts, . . .
. . . wars persist, reminding us that peace must begin within each person.
During Advent, Christians are invited to “beat their swords into plowshares” by reconciling with those who have hurt them. The greatness of a Christian lies in seeking peace, healing relationships, and living each day as though the Lord is coming in every moment.
Paul’s call to “wake from sleep” emphasizes living daily life in holiness, attentiveness, and readiness. Advent begins not with the beginning of time but with the end in view . . . the ultimate fulfillment when God will be all in all and peace will reign. The Church becomes the place where this peace begins as believers set aside hostility and walk together toward God.
Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to:
The Road to Mount Zion: Walking Toward God’s Peace
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Art Work
The Journey of the Magi: French Painter: James Tissot: 1894
Part of the online collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Why was this panting selected for this post: A visual metaphor for pilgrimage toward God, paralleling Isaiah’s call to “go up to the mountain of the Lord.”
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 24: 37-44
First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Second Reading: Romans 13: 11-14
The Quiet Lord Who Comes to Save, Not to Seize (00:25:51)
The Quiet Lord Who Comes to Save, Not to Seize
Today’s Homily reflects on the Gospel warning to remain spiritually alert, . . .
. . . not numbed by excess or overwhelmed by daily anxieties. It connects Jesus’ teaching to the apocalyptic visions in Daniel, where chaotic “beasts” rise from storm-tossed seas . . . symbols of destructive powers, hardships, and the unruly forces of history and human life.
The preacher emphasizes that these images are not abstract: evil is real, suffering is real, and overwhelming pressures . . . whether political, cultural, personal, or emotional . . . threaten faith and hope. Yet above the chaos stands God, who alone grants true kingship and whose rule is not seized through force but given through goodness. Daniel’s vision climaxes with “one like a Son of Man,” revealing true humanity and God’s definitive victory over evil.
Jesus Warns the Final Day Will Come Upon Everyone
Jesus warns His disciples that the final day will come upon everyone, so they must stay vigilant . . . not only against persecution, but also against the drowning flood of ordinary worries. Prayer strengthens believers to stand courageously before the Son of Man. In the Eucharist, Christ gives Himself gently . . . not as a dominating power, but as a saving Lord whose goodness endures when all evil passes away.
The Homily concludes by urging confidence, hope, and fidelity: goodness matters, evil will not last, and Christ prepares His people even now to meet Him in glory.
Listen to:
The Quiet Lord Who Comes to Save, Not to Seize
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Art Work
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb: Dutch Painter: Jan Van Eyck: 1432
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Why was this art work selected: The Lamb symbolizes Christ who saves through self-giving rather than domination, perfectly matching the Homily’s contrast between the world’s beasts and Christ’s gentle reign.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 34-36
First Reading: Daniel 7: 15-27
The King We Did Not Expect, but the King We Need (00:11:32)
The King We Did Not Expect, but the King We Need
The Gospel recounts Jesus on the cross being mocked . . .
. . . by rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals, while the other criminal acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and asks to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus responds with the promise of paradise.
Christ the King
The Homily reflects on the Feast of Christ the King, instituted in 1925 to counter rising secularism and remind the world that true authority belongs to God. While earthly kings are associated with power and honor, Christ’s kingship is revealed paradoxically through His suffering on the cross. Unlike Adam, who misused his authority through disobedience under a tree, Jesus restores humanity through obedience on the cross, offering His life for His subjects.
The message emphasizes that if Christ is truly King of our lives, He must influence every part of us . . . our decisions, actions, words, and daily living . . . not just selective areas or limited moments like Sundays. As the liturgical year ends, the faithful are invited to reflect on whether they have allowed Christ to reign fully in their hearts, lives, and families, asking God for the grace to let Christ transform and lead them completely.
Listen to this Meditation Media: Listen to:
The King We Did Not Expect, but the King We Need
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Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 35-43
First Reading: 2 Samuel 5: 1-3
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20
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Art Work
Christ the King: American Artist: Charles Willson Peale: between 1920s and 1950s
No Mold for Holiness: The Unique Path of Every Saint (00:13:52)
No Mold for Holiness: The Unique Path of Every Saint
Today’s Gospel reflection, centered on the Beatitudes, . . .
. . . highlights the universal call to holiness and the unity of the three “churches”: the Church Militant (pilgrim believers on earth), the Church Penitent (souls being purified), and the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven).
The Homily emphasizes that sainthood is not something we wait for after death, but something we are called to pursue now through our daily lives. Each person reflects Christ uniquely . . . there is no single “mold” for holiness. Using examples like St. André Bessette, who served humbly as a doorkeeper, and Blessed Carlo Acutis, who used technology to evangelize, the message encourages the faithful to mirror Christ in their own circumstances.
Holiness is expressed through living the Beatitudes, displaying the fruits of the Spirit, and manifesting God’s love, peace, mercy, and goodness in ordinary life. The faithful are invited to see themselves already on the journey toward the communion enjoyed by the saints, and to ask: How am I reflecting Christ today?
Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to:
No Mold for Holiness: The Unique Path of Every Saint
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12
First Reading: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
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Art Work
L’Innocence,: French Artist and Painter: William-Adolphe Bouguereau: 1893
Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints (00:21:21)
Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints
I was hungry. You fed me thirsty. You gave me to drink. I was alone, and you were with me. I was naked and you clothed me. This marvelously simple description of the greatness of Christian life.
That ability, not so much to see Jesus in each other as to see others as Jesus sees them.
Today’s Gospel draws from Matthew’s teaching on the Final Judgment, . . .
. . . where Jesus separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, praising those who cared for “the least of His brothers.”
The Homily then focuses on Saint Martin of Tours, a soldier-turned-bishop whose famous act of charity . . . cutting his cloak to clothe a beggar . . . reveals the heart of the Gospel: seeing others as Christ sees them and responding with compassion. Martin’s life of disciplined holiness, service, and unwavering focus on Christ is presented as a model of Christian discipleship.
Seeing Others as Christ Sees Them
The Homily also highlights two American military chaplains whose causes for sainthood are advancing: Father Vincent Capodanno, a Marine chaplain killed in Vietnam after repeatedly risking his life to save wounded soldiers, and Father Emil Kapaun, a Korean War chaplain known for heroic sacrifice, spiritual strength, and care for fellow prisoners of war. Each embodies Christlike service . . . feeding the hungry, comforting the suffering, and valuing every human life.
On Veterans Day, the Homily emphasizes that the vocation of a soldier, when lived with compassion and courage, mirrors the Gospel call to serve others. As Christ nourishes and strengthens us in the Eucharist, we are sent forth to care for the hungry, the thirsty, and the vulnerable in our own lives, following the example of these remarkable witnesses.
Listen to:
Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints
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Art Work
Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints : AI and Queen of All Hearts’ Digital Team: 2025
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary: Glorious Mysteries (01:01:54)
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary: Glorious Mysteries
One Who Descended So All Might Ascend: A Theology of the Glorious Mysteries
This conference initially explores the deep unity and movement . . .
. . . within the original fifteen mysteries of the Rosary . . . Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious . . . and shows how they mirror the central pattern of the Creed: Incarnation → Passion → Resurrection and Glory.
The conference highlights how only one . . . Christ . . . descends from heaven, taking on our humanity, and then ascends again carrying that humanity into glory. Mary’s Assumption confirms that where Christ has gone, we are meant to follow.
The Time Scale of the Mysteries
The meditation considers the time scale of the mysteries:
• The Joyful Mysteries span about twelve years;
• The Glorious Mysteries unfold across roughly 50 days followed by many years;
• And, The Sorrowful Mysteries, in stark contrast, take place within a single intense day.
The conference also gives attention to the public versus private character of the mysteries: Christ’s passion is witnessed by thousands, whereas the resurrection and ascension are revealed only to a small circle of disciples. Jesus does not showcase His triumph; instead, He entrusts the proclamation of His resurrection to a handful who did not even witness the moment itself.
The reflection then expands the First Glorious Mystery, urging a broader meditation on the many appearances of the risen Christ . . . from Mary Magdalene to the disciples on the road to Emmaus—emphasizing how His glorified humanity is the true pattern for our own.
The Glorious Mysteries
The Ascension is presented as Christ’s heavenly enthronement, witnessed only by His disciples. It is inseparable from the Great Commission, in which Jesus commands this small, fragile group to evangelize the nations, promising His abiding presence and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Third Glorious Mystery, Pentecost, reveals the Church’s true beginning. The Holy Spirit descends not randomly, but upon the Church gathered on a Sunday, in prayer, in the place of the Eucharist, with Mary. Pentecost mirrors the Incarnation: as the Spirit once formed Christ’s physical body in Mary, He now forms Christ’s mystical body, the Church.
The disciples step out into the world . . . and the world is already waiting, drawn by the Spirit. Peter’s preaching leads to the conversion of more than three thousand, marking the start of the Church’s mission to the nations.
Overall, the conference shows how the Glorious Mysteries reveal Christ’s victory, the exaltation of our humanity, the birth of the Church, and the continuation of the same divine movement from Incarnation to Redemption to Glory.
Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary: Glorious Mysteries
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Art Work
Madonna of the Rosary: Spanish artist: Esteban Murillo: 1650
As in the Days of Noah: Living Prepared in Ordinary Times (00:13:44)
As in the Days of Noah: Living Prepared in Ordinary Times
Jesus warns his disciples that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected, . . .
. . . just as in the days of Noah and Lot, when people were absorbed in ordinary activities and unprepared for God’s intervention. Jesus urges readiness, detachment from worldly attachments, and a willingness to surrender one’s life to God.
As the liturgical year nears its end, the Church’s readings focus on the end times . . . not to inspire fear, but to remind believers that life is a journey toward God. The Homily explains that preparing for Christ’s coming involves two essential steps: acknowledging the existence of God and allowing God to influence one’s life.
The first reading from Wisdom warns against admiring creation without recognizing the Creator. True wisdom is to see beauty in the world and let it lead us to God.
What Does Being Ready Mean
The Gospel adds that being ready means letting God shape our daily lives, rather than resisting His influence. Ordinary activities become spiritually empty when God is excluded from them. Preparation involves letting God’s will challenge and transform us, trusting Him even in moments of doubt or suffering. Genuine trust requires a full surrender of the heart . . . not holding back parts of our lives from God.
The Homily concludes with an invitation to affirm love for Jesus from the heart and to let this love guide all actions and decisions.
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As in the Days of Noah: Living Prepared in Ordinary Times
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Art Work
Noah and His Ark: American Artist: Charles Willson Peale: 1819
Noah kneels in the foreground surrounded by family and creatures.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 17: 26-37
First Reading: Wisdom 13: 1-9
Mary’s Prayer and Ours: How the Dawn of Salvation Breaks Into the World (00:30:32)
Mary’s Prayer and Ours: How the Dawn of Salvation Breaks Into the World
The Gospel presents Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge . . .
. . . as a lesson on the necessity of persevering in prayer. Even a corrupt judge responds to persistence . . . so how much more will God, who loves His people, answer those who cry out to Him with faith. Jesus warns that many give up too quickly, mistaking God’s “not yet” for “no,” when persistent prayer actually purifies the heart and prepares the soul to receive what God desires to give.
When the Night was Half Spent
The Homily then turns to the First Reading from the Book of Wisdom, a text the Church connects to the mystery of Christmas. It describes the moment “when the night was half spent” and the “all-powerful Word leaped down from heaven,” imagery the Church recognizes as a prophetic anticipation of the Incarnation. This dramatic vision portrays Christ as a mighty Redeemer who breaks the darkness of sin and restores creation.
The Homily also reflects on humanity’s long night of spiritual darkness from Adam and Eve onward, during which the world groaned for salvation. Throughout history God’s people cried out like the widow seeking justice. Their prayers . . . Abraham’s, David’s, the prophets’ . . . reach their fullness when Mary, conceived without sin, adds her own pure prayer. Her plea becomes the hinge of history, and in response, God sends His Son, quietly and humbly, in her womb.
The Homily further emphasizes that Mary continues to pray with and for the faithful. In this shrine dedicated to her, no one prays alone; her intercession elevates and perfects our petitions. Just as the Word once leapt from heaven in the Incarnation, He continues to do so at every Mass . . . descending upon the altar in the Eucharist for our salvation. In this mystery we recognize that we are no longer dwellers of a doomed land but witnesses of the dawn brought by Christ, the light of the world.
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Mary’s Prayer and Ours: How the Dawn of Salvation Breaks Into the World
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View of the Sun from Long Island, NY, not too far from the Shrine.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 18: 1-8
First Reading: Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9
The Kingdom Is Already Here: Responding to God’s Presence Today (00:20:21)
The Kingdom Is Already Here: Responding to God’s Presence Today
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not something that arrives with visible signs . . .
. . . because it is already present among us. The Gospel warns against chasing dramatic predictions about the end times or following voices that claim secret knowledge about God’s plans. Christ emphasizes that His final coming will be unmistakable and needs no advance decoding, but before that He Himself must be rejected by the present generation.
The Homily reflects on how people today, like in every era, are tempted to run after loud, strident voices . . . political, cultural, or spiritual . . . that promise clarity or insight yet draw them away from the Gospel. True wisdom, the preacher notes, is quiet, penetrating, rooted in charity, and grounded in the Church’s authentic teaching.
The Kingdom of God Demands a Response Now
The Kingdom of God demands a response now, not later. Christ is already present . . . especially in the Eucharist . . . even when His presence is not visible to the human eye. The real question is not when the Kingdom will come, but how each person responds to God’s presence today. If Christians seek first the Kingdom, everything else will fall into its proper place; but if they focus on lesser things first, they risk missing the Kingdom altogether.
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The Kingdom Is Already Here: Responding to God’s Presence Today
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Art Work
The Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s Departure: AI and Queen of All Hearts’ Digital Team: 2025
This website showcases masterpieces from centuries of art. Occasionally; the Queen of All Hearts’ Digital Team enhances the collection with Artificial Intelligence Art . . . a modern approach to creating art using AI technology. This particular piece portrays the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s departure. In the scene, the Sun rises in the East, symbolizing God’s continued guidance for humanity.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 17: 20-25
First Reading: Wisdom 7: 22–8:1 ...
Settle Accounts While There’s Time: St. Paul’s Honesty and Christ’s Deliverance (00:25:23)
Settle Accounts While There’s Time: St. Paul’s Honesty and Christ’s Deliverance
Today’s Homily reflects on two Scripture passages . . .
. . . St. Paul’s candid confession of his inner struggle (Romans) and Jesus’ call to read the signs of the times (Luke).
St. Paul admits that although he desires to do good, he often fails, revealing the inner conflict between grace and the lingering effects of sin. His honesty shows that even the greatest saints struggle internally, reminding us that the Christian life is not a self-improvement project but a reliance on Christ, who alone delivers us from our divided selves.
The Homily then helps us to connect this with Jesus’ teaching about interpreting signs. People easily read the weather or social cues yet fail to recognize God’s movements in their own lives. Jesus urges His listeners to discern the spiritual signs around them and respond.
Discern the Spiritual Signs
Jesus warns that our lives are moving toward a final judgment, likening it to walking with an adversary toward a magistrate. Therefore, we must “settle accounts” now through repentance, charity, and works of mercy.
The Homily also touches on the Church’s understanding of purgatory . . . where remaining spiritual debts are purified . . . and highlights the importance of praying for the dead.
Ultimately, both readings invite believers to face their own struggles honestly, remain attentive to God’s grace, and live now in a way that prepares them for their final meeting with the Lord.
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Settle Accounts While There’s Time: St. Paul’s Honesty and Christ’s Deliverance
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Art Work
The Tribute Money: Flemish Artist and Painter: Anthony van Dyck: 1623
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Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 54-59
First Reading: Romans 7: 18-25
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary Sorrowful Mysteries (00:52:17)
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Where Wisdom Dwells: Suffering, Redemption, and the Sorrowful Mysteries
This conference explores the deep meaning of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, . . .
. . . emphasizing that the heart of these mysteries is The Cross of Christ, the fullest revelation of God’s unconditional, unmerited love for humanity. The conference explains that while the Rosary traditionally seemed to bypass the public ministry of Jesus, the early Church understood His ministry as presupposed in the proclamation of His passion, death, and resurrection . . . the core of apostolic preaching.
The Cross of Christ
The conference highlights that the cross exposes both the radical depth of human sin (understood as love rejected) and the redemptive power of suffering when united with Christ. Drawing on St. Louis de Montfort and Scripture, the conference shows that suffering without Christ is destructive, but suffering with Christ becomes a path to holiness, hope, and resurrection.
Each of the five Sorrowful Mysteries is then examined:
1. Agony in the Garden: Jesus’ anguish reveals the weight of His mission and perfect obedience. The disciples’ betrayal and abandonment invite us to stay spiritually awake, embrace suffering with Christ, and cultivate contrition.
2. Scourging at the Pillar: This mystery summarizes the rejection of Jesus—by His people, His closest followers, the crowds, and His executioners—mirroring humanity’s own tendency to refuse God’s love.
3. Crowning with Thorns: The mock coronation exposes our inclination to choose worldly “kings” over Christ. Mary’s presence urges repentance and conversion.
4. Carrying of the Cross: Our attitude toward our personal crosses reveals our discipleship. With Christ, the cross becomes a treasure, a sign of victory, and our lifelong standard.
5. Crucifixion: At the foot of the cross, Mary stands united with Jesus, witnessing the reversal of the Fall . . . where Adam grasped the fruit of a tree, Christ now gives Himself as the true fruit that brings life.
The conference concludes by reaffirming that the Sorrowful Mysteries draw us into the heart of God’s love and the mystery of redemption accomplished through the cross.
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Where Wisdom Dwells: Suffering, Redemption, and the Sorrowful Mysteries
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Art Work
Madonna of the Rosary: Spanish artist: Esteban Murillo: 1650
No More Excuses: Accepting God’s Invitation to the Eternal Banquet (00:13:44)
No More Excuses: Accepting God’s Invitation to the Eternal Banquet
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet, . . .
where invited guests offer excuses . . . work, property, and relationships . . . to avoid attending the feast. Their refusal represents how worldly concerns can distract us from God’s invitation to eternal life. The master then opens his banquet to the poor and outcast, symbolizing God’s inclusive call to all who are willing to respond.
The Homily connects this Gospel to St. Paul’s teaching on the Body of Christ: every member has a unique gift meant to serve and build the unity of the Church, not for personal pride or division. When we neglect our role or elevate worldly pursuits . . . success, possessions, or relationships . . . above God, we disrupt both community and communion with Him.
We are reminded that at every Mass, we are invited to the Lord’s banquet. The question is whether we will accept His invitation to eternal life or let passing concerns keep us away. The faithful are urged to use their gifts in love, serve one another, and prioritize the eternal over the temporary.
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No More Excuses: Accepting God’s Invitation to the Eternal Banquet
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Art Work
Restored mural painting by the Italian Renaissance Artist Leonardo da Vinci, dated to c. 1495–1498.
The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as it is told in the Gospel of John.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 15-24
First Reading: Romans 12: 5-16
Jesus Carrying the Fallen Home: Recovering the Divine Image Within (00:21:46)
Jesus Carrying the Fallen Home: Recovering the Divine Image Within
Today’s Homily examines Luke’s parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, . . .
. . . traditionally understood as images of God’s mercy toward individual sinners. However, the Homily recalls the early Church Fathers’ broader view: that these parables describe God’s saving action toward all humanity . . . the whole human race as the “lost sheep” and “lost coin.”
Christ, the Good Shepherd, leaves heaven to rescue fallen humanity, lifting it upon His shoulders through the Cross and carrying it home in the Resurrection. Yet salvation is not passive . . . grace strengthens sinners to repent and cooperate with redemption. Those who respond actively to grace and strive to restore the divine image within themselves bring great joy to heaven.
Humanity made in God’s Image but Disfigured by Sin
The parable of the woman and the lost coin deepens this image: the coin bears the image of the King, symbolizing humanity made in God’s image but disfigured by sin. The woman’s lamp represents Christ, the light of the Incarnation, illuminating and searching the “house” of the human soul. True repentance, then, is an interior cleansing—overturning what hides God’s image until it shines again.
Finally, as November continues . . . the Church’s month of prayer for the departed . . . the Homily connects this teaching to the work of mercy in praying for souls in purgatory. Just as Christ carries fallen humanity, we carry our departed loved ones by prayer, helping them journey toward full union with God. This act renews the divine image in us as well, joining us to Christ’s redemptive mission and the joy of heaven.
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Jesus Carrying the Fallen Home: Recovering the Divine Image Within
The Parable of the Lost Sheep: William George Rich: late 1800s
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Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10
First Reading: Romans 14:7-12
