Catholic Cardinal Reflections

September 12, 2021 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

March 8, 2020 - Fr. Xavier's message- In times of trouble, we can sometimes let panic overtake us. Trust in God's mercy to calm our fears. Teresa explores the transfiguration of Jesus as foundational for mankind- his divinity as the Son of God vs. his humanity at Calgary- climbing two different mountains.

March 8, 2020 - Presenting the Mass celebrated at 4:30 in the Stanford Memorial Church by Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, with homilists Fr. Xavier and Chaplain Teresa Pleins.

February 2, 2020 - Fr. Dominic reminds us that candles are a symbol of the light of Christ, while Teresa describes Jesus as a child who changed the world, as unveiled by Simeon in Christ's presentation in the temple.

January 26, 2020 - When Jesus called his disciples, they were not chosen from the most beautiful, intelligent, wealthy or popular; they mirrored His propensity for associating with the lowly people, who in His and his Father's eys were actually the beautiful people that he loves intensely. We need to see others with God's eyes.

January 19, 2019 - As humans we sin over and over again, but baptism give us the power to repent and be God's light in the world as His sons and daughters. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

January 12, 2020 - John protests that he is not worthy to baptise Jesus, but He assures John it is the "righteous" thing to do, paving the way for all of us to understand, with Jesus, that we are beloved sons and daughters of God. God's favor on us is a game changer, and that could be our "lightbulb" moment.

January 5, 2020 - The Magi searched for the infant Jesus. They were considered sinful sorcerers, but when they found Him, honored Him with expensive gifts. The epiphany is the showing, the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi. We are called to show to others the same kind of love that God has for us.

December 22, 2019 - Fr. Bob muses on what Joseph might have been thinking, when he heard that Mary was pregnant. Joseph realizes that God's plan is much better than theirs.

December 8, 2019 - The Advent Greeting includes four admonishments, as we await the coming of the Christ-child: 1. Stay awake! 2. Prepare! 3. Rejoice! 4. Don't be afraid! God is already here.

November 24, 2019 - Christ's power enables our salvation through His death on the cross. He died to save us; we have only to ask forgiveness for our sins.

November 17, 2019 - The world is torn by war and strife, human suffering everywhere. Are these the end times that will signify the Second Coming? Most of the apocalypse had already happend when it was prophesized in scriptures. Live each day in the knowledge tha God loves you and forgives your sins.

November 10, 2019 - Christ's victory over death makes Him the God of the living, thus there is no death in heaven and things such as marriage pass away in the redemption.

November 3, 2019 - Even your enemies were created by God, and he loves them, as we must. Christ set the example, by eating and living amonst the sinners.

October 27, 2019 - It is often hard to be humble, yet that is the parable for today. Your gifts are part of the fabric that we live in; no more or less important than others.

October 20, 2019 - Dean of Religious life Tiffany Steinwert preaches on the persistent widow and the need to pray always: "Ypu are bright, brilliant, beautiful and beloved in the eyes of God. Your neighbor is also."

September 29, 2019 - The parable of Lazarus reminds us how easy it is to ignore the beggars and those who serve. Riches and power can get in the way of living in the spirit of Christ.

September 22, 2019 - Christ's message is simple: One cannot serve two masters- God and money- at the same time.

September 15, 2019 - The story of the prodigal son ends with the message "You are always with me and all I have is yours", a reminder that God always loves us, despite our sins. We have only to come to our senses.

September 8, 2019 - Jesus often used exageration to express his wishes, including today's exhortation to abandon your families to follow him. He wants his disciples to give up their false possessions, worldly values of little real consequence. The benefits of doing so are many, the closer connection with God can be had little by little.