Three Kings
Today’s solemnity is popularly known as “Three Kings.” The gospel speaks of wise men, sometimes called magi. It does not speak of kings; it does not say there were three. These details were added over the centuries by popular stories.
Pastor Message
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem was more than 100 kilometers. Mary and Joseph had a ready excuse not to go because of the distance. The law itself exempted them because Nazareth was too far.
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The Encounter of Mary and Elizabeth
The Gospel presents to us the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth who are closely linked to Jesus’ birth. Mary learned of the pregnancy of Elizabeth, her relative, through the angel. It was big news, for Elizabeth was advanced in age and considered barren. The gospel says Mary traveled in haste to Juda, a journey of at least three days.
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What Must We Do
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The Gospel focuses on John the Baptist who had been teaching the people that it was not enough to have Abraham as father, which means, they are God’s chosen people. He confronted them with their daily life. One must be a tree that bears good fruits.
Prepare the way of the Lord
John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord in his first coming in history. He
proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. His times might have
been like ours. He met a world which did not live up to God’s plan.
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Live by Hope
We start once again a new liturgical year, the season of Advent, remembering the great
events of our history of salvation. The four weeks of preparation for Christmas is an
invitation for us to live by hope because believers live with a promise.
The Kingdom of God is Not Built on Power
The kingdom of God is not built on power. Jesus never pushed anybody inside. He is very accommodating and compassionate to the weak and little ones. Those who believe in their own power cannot push their way in; they first have to become like children.
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His Light Guides Us
The Scribe had an honest and a friendly question to Jesus. He just wanted to know which
was the all-important commandment. And Jesus provided a simple and clear answer that
can serve as a reliable rule of life.
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Love for God Love for Neighbor
The Scribe had an honest and a friendly question to Jesus. He just wanted to know which
was the all-important commandment. And Jesus provided a simple and clear answer that
can serve as a reliable rule of life.
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Those who Respond
The gospel according to St Mark this weekend is the last miracle that Jesus
performed before entering Jerusalem. It is about Bartimaeus, a blind man, a man of
no significance. He cannot see Jesus. His blindness cripples his mobility. He can only
sit at the side of the road.