Rewards of Waiting Patiently

Third Sunday of Advent
December 11, 2016 – Year A
Readings: Is 35:1-6A, 10 / Ps 146 / Jas 5:7-10 / Mt 11:2-11
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

One of the priests in the diocese of Columbus, Ohio, by the name of Father Joshua Wagner, once told a story that as a young boy he really wanted a Transformer action figure for Christmas. His parents had a rule that the children couldn’t get out of bed until 5:00 a.m. to wake them up and open gifts on Christmas morning. But at that time he couldn’t stand it, so at 4:00 a.m., he snuck down to have a look at the Christmas tree surrounded with presents. (more…)

The Armor of Light

First Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2016 – Year A
Readings: Is 2:1-5 / Ps 122 / Rom 13:11-14 / Mt 24:37-44
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

About 20 years ago, while I was having a lively dinner conversation with my cousins in New York during my first week in the United States, they gave me the honor of hearing about all they had done – a sort of summary of their lives.  This included not only their achievements but also the mistakes they made and what they should have done.  (more…)

The Merciful King

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 20, 2016 – Year C
Readings: 2 Sm 5:1-3 / Ps 122 / Col 1:12-20 / Lk 23:35-43
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, which is the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar, and this year is also the last day of the Year of Mercy.  It is the hope of our Holy Mother Church that the emphasis on God’s infinite mercy this past year will remain with us to ponder upon and reflect on for the rest of our lives.  (more…)

Prayer Power

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 16, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Ex 17:8-13 / Ps 121 / 2 Tm 3:14-4:2 / Lk 18:1-8
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

Many years ago, a young Catholic lady got married to a man who not only was a pagan, but also had a very bad temper.  But she bore all her sufferings with patience and with fervent prayer. (more…)

Be Aware, Be Grateful

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 9, 2016 – Year C
Readings: 2 Kgs 5:14-17 / Ps 98 / 2 Tm 2:8-13 / Lk 17:11-19
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon 

Be thankful.  We know we’re supposed to do it.  Count your blessings.  I’m sure everybody has heard that.  So why then do we often have so much trouble remembering that?  I’ve asked myself that as I prepared to preach this morning. And the list is long.  We’re busy, one thing after another.  Two things that happen to us are highlighted very well in the readings today. (more…)

The Power of Mustard Seed Faith

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 2, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4 / Ps 95 / 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14 / Lk 17:5-10
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

Praying with all of you, as we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is such a great honor and privilege, for our presence here is an amazing expression of our faith.  Some of our friends or acquaintances may ask why we need to go to church, when we could pray at home or practically anywhere.  As we know and believe, God is everywhere.   

If we say that we are here to listen to God’s words, they may ask, “Can you not just read the Bible at home, or even listen to the sacred scriptures on a CD while you are driving?”  It’s more convenient.  (more…)

Formula for a Tranquil Life

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 18, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Am 8:4-7 / Ps 113 / 1 Tm 2:1-8 / Lk 16:1-13
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

Sometime in the past we may have heard someone ask if it is really possible to experience complete peace and serenity.  Many will say that this could probably only happen in our dreams.  But today’s second reading, which is taken from the First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, tells us otherwise.  The Apostle gave us the formula on how to attain it when he wrote, “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”  (more…)

The Kiss of Jesus

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 4, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Wis 9:13-18B / Ps 90 / Phmn 9-10, 12-17 / Lk 14:25-33
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A few hours ago Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis at the Vatican, and she is now officially Saint Mother Teresa.  It is interesting to note that even a saint like Mother Teresa has her critics.  This should give us encouragement if, while trying to do something good for God and our neighbor, we are also criticized for our actions.  (more…)

Being a Prophet

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 14, 2016 – Year C
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 / Ps 40 / Heb 12:1-4 / Lk 12:49-53
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

The readings today are about being a prophet and what is liable to happen to you if you are a prophet.  We have to be sure that we don’t confuse ‘prophet’ with ‘prophecy’.  A ‘prophecy’ is a prediction about the future.  And while many prophets will prophesy, that’s not their primary function.  (more…)

Being Prepared, Always

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 7, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Wis 18:6-9 / Ps 33 / Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 / Lk 12:32-48
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

My favorite teacher in high school was the one who used to tell us:  “You all study tonight, because tomorrow I am going to give you a surprise quiz.”  We all liked his methods, because with him, there were no surprises.    (more…)