Today's readings show the special place the poor and the just have in God's heart.

God acts to bring the light of salvation and consolation to God's people.

Isaiah says the servant people of God will become a "light to the nations."

Anointing figures prominently in the readings this week.

In preparing to preach and preside at this celebration of the "manifestation" of the Lord, think of the ways you reveal the mystery of Jesus' presence and the power of his message in your ministry, especially your preaching.

Some families honor their members, and some do not. What kind of family we come from affects how we relate to God, others, and ourselves unless we make deliberate choices against our upbringing.

Righteousness or self-righteousness? That is the question! Lots of us  are tempted to believe in our own moral goodness more than the promises of God.

Are we waiting in joyful hope, or just watching the clock? Patience is one of those virtues that are in short supply in a society in a hurry to get what it wants.

If a shoot can sprout from Jesse's aged stump, then hope sure does spring eternal even in circumstances we've given up for dead.

Advent is our annual season for longing and waiting. Sometimes the thing the parish staff most longs for is the end of the holydays and all that extra work! Let's consider truthfully what it is we are waiting for this year.