First Sunday of Advent (Year A) sermon titled “Waking Up to the Sacred ‘Now’.”

Awaken my heart to Your presence, Lord Jesus, and deepen my desire for You.

The parish surpassed last year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive record, collecting 1,690 lbs. of food, including 24 turkeys, for the Father English Food Pantry.

As the Church’s liturgical year ends, readings focus on the end of time, Christ’s return, and eternal life. These themes, though dramatic, offer hope, reminding us of God’s unfolding plan and His faithfulness amidst uncertainty. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to reflect on God’s presence throughout the year, cultivate gratitude, and trust in His unwavering promises.

The Gospel story of Jesus cleansing the temple is often interpreted as a condemnation of commercialism, but it also highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with God. Jesus’ anger was directed at the transactional nature of worship, emphasizing that God desires our hearts, not just our offerings. This story invites us to examine our own lives, identifying distractions and habits that hinder our connection with God, and to allow Jesus to cleanse and renew our hearts.

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica celebrates the Church as a living connection with God and His people. The Basilica, the cathedral of the Pope, symbolizes unity for Catholics worldwide. The readings emphasize the Church as God’s dwelling, with each person being a temple of the Holy Spirit, and call for reverence and care for sacred spaces and communities.

All Souls’ Day is a time to remember and pray for the souls of the departed, affirming that love transcends death. The readings emphasize God’s care for the souls of the just and the hope of resurrection through Christ. Praying for the dead is an act of love and participation in God’s mercy, helping souls in purgatory reach heaven.

All Saints Day celebrates the saints in heaven, reminding us that they were real people who loved God despite their imperfections. The saints are a diverse group, including well-known figures and everyday individuals who let the light of Christ shine through their lives. Holiness is not about perfection but about turning back to God, living out the Beatitudes, and growing in love through ordinary acts of kindness and faithfulness.