To live fully and freely is not to circle the wagons against every potential threat to our safe and comfortable little worlds. Some of the freest people ever were the martyrs, who laid down their lives — their actual, physical lives — freely, entrusting their well-being to God. That’s how we want to live, too: in the immense freedom of the Divine Will. God knows our needs, even better than we do. Look for the will of God in the events of your daily life and ask Him to be present there. Let that be your star.

Readings at this Mass: Is 60:1–6 | Eph 3:2–3a, 5–6 | Ma 2:1–12

As we move into 2026, let's make a resolution to increase our prayer life. Say 'yes' to having Mary in your "bucket of saints" that you go to for prayer and intercession, the closest and first disciple of Jesus.

Readings at this Mass: Nm 6:22–27 | Gal 4:4–7 | Lk 2:16–21

There is no such thing as a perfect family. But holy families do exist. It's not because there are no issues, but because they remain faithful to God through their imperfections and suffering. They have a joy that goes beyond their circumstances. Holiness is a function of faithfulness, not freedom from frustration, fragility, or failure.

Readings at this Mass: Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 | Col 3:12–21 | Mt 2:13–15, 19–23