Know - Grow - Go

The Practice of the Presence of God

If we have the presence of God within us, if we bring the presence of God to every situation we encounter, if we're filled with the presence of God so much so that we don't think of ourselves — that's humility. Humility is not thinking less of myself; it's thinking of myself less. It's being filled with the presence of God, so that that presence of God might overflow into every situation that I encounter. And in this world of polarization, as Christians we are called to practice the presence of God: to bring the presence of God with love and understanding to every disagreement and to every situation.   The book Fr. Dominic refers to in his homily is The Practice of the Presence of God [https://www.powells.com/book/the-practice-of-the-presence-of-god-9789373680644?condition=New] by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.   Readings at this Mass: Zep 2:3; 3:12–13 | 1 Cor 1:26–31 | Mt 5:1–12a

Becoming an instrument of God's love

When we allow God to work on us — when we shift the focus from "what do I want God to do in my life/this person's life" to "what does God want to do in my life" — there’s a whole different energy that comes. Less fear, nagging, and anxiety; more trust, joy, acceptance, and a deep sense of peace. And for our loved ones who have no use for the Church in their lives — that’s how we ourselves become church for them, becoming instruments and images of God’s love for them.   Readings at this Mass: Is 8:23—9:3 | 1 Cor 1:10–13, 17 | Mt 4:12–23

Seeking the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Ordinary Time teaches us that holiness is not built on excitement, but on fidelity. God is not just waiting for extraordinary moments to meet us — He meets us in the quiet faithfulness of daily life. And when our restless hearts finally rest in Him, we discover something surprising: the ordinary is no longer boring. It is sacred. It is where joy takes root.   Readings at this Mass: Is 49:3, 5–6 | 1 Cor 1:1–3 | Jn 1:29–34

Baptism by Fire

When we look at the challenges around us, do we feel anger, anxiety, frustration, or depression? Those are natural responses, but we are invited to activate the grace of our baptism to change that. We can choose to limit the negativity we absorb. We can gather in community to support, witness to, and lift one another up. We can actively choose positive alternatives to the world's negativity. This should be our project for the New Year!   Readings at this Mass: Is 42:1–4, 6–7 | Acts 10:34–38 | Mt 3:13–17

Let the will of God be your star

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