2nd Sunday of Advent: Preparing the Way of the Lord

11-27-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Mt 3:1-12

One responsibility entrusted to me as Associate Pastor at St. Theresa in Phoenix was the Marriage Preparation or Pre-Cana Program. I did it for four (4) years, and in those years, I had at least one couple; when asked to sign up for the program, was hesitant and questioned the rationality of preparing for marriage when they already love each other and had known each other for many years. I explained to them that whether they are aware of it or not, they are being prepared for marriage by the secular world. Mass media, print, and social media often highlight broken relationships, infidelities, divorces, and separations as an expected occurrence - couples are continuously being taught erroneous ideas and values about marriage.

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1st Sunday of Advent: Advent: His Coming

11-20-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Mt 24:37-44

The word ADVENT means coming – the Coming of Christ – but not the coming with His birth on Christmas. Going through the readings reveals His Second Coming. Jesus says that the day of His arrival is a mystery known only to the Father. Seers and self-proclaimed prophets, or safe to say that no human being knows this, no spiritual beings like the angels, even the Son of Man, have to wait on the Father to reveal when this is to take place.

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Solemnity of Christ the King: Jesus Christ is Our King and God

11-13-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

King Saul was the first king of Israel; though the prophet Samuel was not enthusiastic about anointing one for them, he acceded to their clamor. The prophet knew that although this benefited the people, he forewarned them that a king would demand loyalty and service (like God) from his subjects. The warning proved true when the kings of Israel eventually became rivals of Yahweh, more concerned with enriching themselves; of their status and glory than leading people to be God fearing.

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33rd Sunday in Ordinary: The End Times

11-06-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Lk 21:5-19

The historian Josephus agrees with the people during his time about the beauty of the temple. He writes: No one except Herod the Great adorned it better - that made the Jews proud of their temple. The massive white stones made it appear (from a distance) like a mountain covered by snow. Gold covers the façade of the sanctuary, and the entrance – is adorned with golden vines for votive offerings; gifts of golden grape clusters dedicated to God draped it.

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