SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A): As We Prepare for the Coming of Christ, Let Us Practice Peace and Offer Justice to Situations That Harm Us in So Many Ways! by Deacon Jim Merle

Connected through the ages of time, we still prepare during Advent for the coming of Christ in our lives beginning with His birth, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension and return. Both readings and St. Matthew’s Gospel illustrate how God’s plan was meant for us whether we were known as an Israelite or Gentile prior to or after implementation of Christianity. Our preparation is for acceptance of who Jesus is as told to us through the scriptures and to find ways we can be repentant, have a personal change of heart and a transformation or conversion as we help to bring peace and justice as Jesus did.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A): PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD! IN REMEMBRANCE OF JESUS’ BIRTH, DEATH AND RESURRECTION; IN PREPARATION OF HIS SECOND COMING; AND FOR EACH DAY WE INTERACT WITH HIM IN THOUGHT, WORD, DEED AND SACRAMENTALLY! by Deacon Jim Merle

If truth is known, I am more of a procrastinator than one who has properly prepared for every contingency. My wife will tell you that it is due to my lack of organization because I like to touch papers more than once and, therefore, fall behind. In my defense, it is not that I purposefully wait, it is that I need to winnow down what I am doing to make sure I have all the bases covered that I understand and want to share with others. Having an active mind with a multitude of matter running through it causes more angst in my planning to provide a finished product. Or my standard excuse: I was ordained to say yes, and my wife supports me by helping me to balance what I need to do versus what I think I should do.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (C): THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE IF WE ACCEPT GOD’S CALL TO BE ONE WITH HIM! by Deacon Jim Merle

Benevolent monarchies without a spiritual force behind it rarely exist to offer the fullness of what Jesus, a Christian King, provides for us through His love of all that exists in His realm with His Father and the Holy Spirit. If that were not enough of a challenge, outside influences based on fulfilling one’s personal needs of wealth, fame and power all but destroy human decency, morals and integrity so that nothing can exist without negativity in all facets available for peaceful co-existence.

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): Practicing Patient Endurance Focuses Us to Live Each Day Fully In the Company of Jesus! by Deacon Jim

It is interesting that as one ages, patience takes on a different meaning than when we were young. Things had to happen quicker in our early years because there was so much of life that needed to be experienced. Waiting slowed our pace and caused us to miss something which might be helpful to get ahead in our lives. Consideration for taking time to learn what we wanted or needed to know was less important because we could pick it up on the fly; or so we thought.

The Ecumenical Movement: A Journey Toward Christian Unity by Father Glenn Baaten

I have been excited to write this three-part article series on the Ecumenical Movement within Christian churches worldwide. In the first article, we explored Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in the seventeenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, focusing on His call for complete unity within the Church. In the second article, we examined the history of schism and division within the Church, beginning with the split between the Eastern and Western Churches, and then the Protestant-Catholic divide in the West.

DEDICATION OF SAINT JOHN LATERAN ARCHBASILICA (C): As Shared in a Homily by St. Caesarius of Arles, 6th Century Theologian Known for Promotion of St. Benedict’s Monasticism and Pastoral Care

Dear Subscribers –

Today, November 9, 2025, is the anniversary of the dedication of Saint John Lateran Archbasilica, the highest-ranking and oldest among the great papal basilicas of Rome as well as the oldest public church in Rome, having been consecrated in 324 AD by Pope Sylvester I. Despite being bested in architectural terms by St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran remains the cathedral church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the pope as bishop of Rome. The importance of this feast day is that the basilica was designated due to its historical significance and value to the faith unlike a cathedral which is the home and seat of the bishop (and archbishop) in a diocese or archdiocese. Basilicas and cathedrals are both integral and important components of strengthening and deepening our faith, but today’s celebration highlights the Catholic connection throughout the world.

Because of that, rather than write my own blog, I decided to print a homily given by St. Caesarius of Arles, a 6^th century theologian known for promotion of St. Benedict’s monasticism and pastoral care, at the archbasilica to show that even our local parish churches are related in unity with the Papal See and God’s love for us no matter where we worship.

God Bless,

Deacon Jim Merle    

ALL SOULS’ DAY (C): THE SOULS OF THE JUST ARE IN GOD’s HANDS. LET US REMEMBER IN OUR DAILY PRAYER TO GOD TO REMIND OURSELVES TO STAY IN A STATE OF GRACE AND HOW IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT TO THOSE IN NEED. by Deacon Jim Merle

Death is inevitable in that scripture tells those of us who are Christian that we must die to this earthly life of sin if we are to live in heaven for all eternity in happiness, joy and peace. Even purgatory, for those who died in a state of grace but still need to purify their soul of venial sins, offers an indeterminate stay with temporal punishment before entering heaven. Hell, on the other hand with its torment of fire and brimstone and absence from God also is forever with no hope of entering heaven. Therefore, the meaning and related questions about death and time thereafter leads us to think about what type of life must we lead while on earth to avoid hell and to reach the ultimate resting place of heaven?

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): O GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME! O LORD, OPEN MY LIPS AND MY MOUTH SHALL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE! MY SACRIFICE...A HUMBLED, CONTRITE HEART YOU WILL NOT SPURN! (From Psalm 51 - The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance - of King David) by Deacon Jim Merle

Each day I start my morning prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours with an examination of conscience in the following way: 

"Lord, forgive my inequities, cleanse me from my sin, help me to be one with You in all that I am and in all that I do in thought, word and deed as well as Faith, Hope and Love. Give me courage, strength, wisdom, understanding, peace, joy and grace to be obedient to your will. For all those for whom I pray, may they receive your care, comfort and healing."

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): FAITH REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE IN ALL FACETS OF OUR LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYER by Deacon Jim Merle

A religious visitor from Europe active in missionary work in Zambia at a hospital and orphanage and more recently in the Ukraine, recently shared at Mass about a four-day ordeal he had in a basement of an apartment building in which 13 children were hiding after being wounded by a Russian missile. Though he was able to help because of his work in Zambia, it was through perseverance in prayer that helped him and the children to cope with what happened and how they will be able to face an uncertain future. This incident brings our Gospel and readings this weekend to life and hopefully us in how we live as practicing Catholics. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): GOD, WHO CREATED US OUT OF LOVE, IS ALWAYS HERE FOR US, NO MATTER WHO WE ARE AS LONG AS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT HE DOES. by Deacon Jim Merle

It is interesting to note how people react to illnesses and accidents, especially when they are either a part of it or have avoided it. In the latter instance, most people express how lucky they were. It was a narrow escape, but they beat the odds. Those who experienced a setback due to being affected either are upset because they have a problem which may be life-changing or are grateful because it was something minor.