The Epiphany 2020

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

My Dear People,

The word magi originally described members of the Median and Persian priestly caste who advised the king and interpreted dreams. The term later was used more broadly to denote those who possessed mystical knowledge as priests, astrologers, soothsayers, or sages. Their popular association with kings today ... Read More »

Holy Family 2020

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

Joseph was a righteous man, like the Joseph, son of Jacob, who could interpret dreams and was sold as a slave to the Ishmaelites who were going to Egypt. So Joseph, spouse of Mary. is also able to interpret his dream, and similar to the other Joseph he flees ... Read More »

4th Sunday of Advent

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

My Dear People,

Matthew sets up this scene by linking Jesus’ personal name with his royal title: Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ once again draws attention to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah-king, and it connects this story with the conclusion of the genealogy, which in the previous verse ... Read More »

3rd Sunday of Advent

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

My Dear People,

At last mention, John the Baptist was taken into custody (4:2). This event prompted Jesus to begin his kingdom ministry (4:17). How much time had elapsed between then and the present episode is uncertain, but it was long enough for uncertainty to take hold of the ... Read More »

2nd Sunday of Advent

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

My Dear People,

John the Baptist’s ministry was based at the Jordan River, probably on the southern stretch of the river that flows by the Judean desert, just before emptying into the Dead Sea. To get there, the crowds from Jerusalem would travel about twenty miles through rugged terrain ... Read More »

1st Sunday of Advent

Posted by Christy .. on 1/30/20

My Dear People,

Today we begin (liturgical) year A. This means that for Sundays, we will read from the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus asserts that the day of his arrival is a mystery known only to the Father. To illustrate this point, Jesus turns to the story of Noah. ... Read More »