Second Sunday of Advent (Year C) Dec. 10 (Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6)

It is always a struggle to remember the past, for there are so many ways of remembering. We can remember with bitterness, anger, fear or even shame. This was probably the situation of the exiles in Babylon for whom this prophecy was given. The horror of the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation to Babylon was still a vivid memory. And then there was the sense of helplessness and degradation that results from being captives.

First Sunday of Advent (Year C), Dec. 3 (Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

The predictions and prophecies made in our own lifetimes seldom square with what actually comes to pass. Today most of them are very negative and are designed to generate fear (and perhaps wealth and power for those who capitalize on that fear). Often we are surprised as events take unforeseen directions.

Christ the King (Year B) Nov. 26 (Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37)

How does one maintain hope and belief in goodness, justice, freedom and decency in the face of evil and oppression? For many who suffered under the tyranny of Nazism and communism, evil must have seemed supreme and unconquerable. Many must have yearned for a heroic and powerful figure who would put things right.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Nov. 19 (Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32)

Every generation labours under the conceit that the world they have inherited is the worst and its suffering unique. Anguish is very real to those who experience it, but it is also relative.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)  Nov. 12 (1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44)

Visiting a very poor country is often a disturbing experience but it can also be moving and enlightening. Many people who are living in stark poverty practise incredible generosity and hospitality. People share with a visitor or guest what little they have and it is done with a pleasant and joyful attitude.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Nov. 5 (Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 12:28-34)

People go out of their way to make religion a frightfully complicated affair. But it is simple — not easy, but uncomplicated.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Oct. 29 (Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52)

The seventh and sixth centuries BC were at least as violent and uncertain as our own times. Death and devastation came swiftly and mercilessly for nations and cities who failed to submit to the Assyrians. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel ceased to exist, as it was laid waste and its inhabitants dispersed or taken captive.

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Oct. 22 (Isaiah 53:4, 10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45)

Who was the suffering servant of Isaiah? Obviously it referred to an anonymous figure in the prophet’s own time — the sixth century before Christ. He was a figure whom others reckoned as a loser, for he appeared to be suffering needlessly. And yet there was much more than meets the eye, for he was a man on a mission from God of great importance to his people.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Oct. 15 (Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30)

Who are the "wisdom figures" of our culture? Genuine wisdom figures are not those who have all the answers or possess the truth. Rather, wise people are those who have mastered the art of living as an authentic human being.