tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69207532723942324622024-03-26T23:37:52.679-07:00Deus Caritas EstThe Blog of Fr. Nick MeislFr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-11042177750212236012024-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:002024-03-24T15:06:11.916-07:00Why wave palms on Palm Sunday?<p>Palm Sunday, year B</p><p>As we hold palms this Palm Sunday, we are connected to those who waved palms when Christ entered Jerusalem. Why did these people wave palms in the first place? Who did they think Jesus was? As we wave our palms this Sunday, let it be an opportunity to reflect of the kind of Saviour we think Jesus and the consequences this has for our life of discipleship.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Palm Sunday - Wikipedia" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="364" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Assisi-frescoes-entry-into-jerusalem-pietro_lorenzetti.jpg" style="height: 484px; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 1000px; width: 559px;" width="420" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Listen to homily here: </p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yexij-15bf38d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Why wave palms on Palm Sunday?" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-5196174792602746322024-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:002024-03-17T08:30:43.644-07:00A software update for the heart<p>5 Sunday Lent, year B</p><p>Every so often, our phones need a software update to repair some critical issue in the program. Perhaps this can be an image of what Jesus does for us. After we were created in God's image, something within us became broke. A virus entered our system. Jeremiah 31 looked forward to a time when God would heal our heart in a definitive way. God promised to make a new covenant, writing the law on our hearts. Christ brings about this new covenant. By His death and resurrection, He saves us and makes us new, ensuring we will never again need any kind of update to our hearts. Lent is a time for us to participate more and more in this transformation Christ is working, providing the ultimate "software update" for the human heart.</p><p><img alt="This painting of Jesus knocking at a door is the most traveled work of art in history" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://wp.en.aleteia.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/02/web3-jesus-painting-hunt_light_of_the_world-wikipedia.jpg?w=620&h=348&crop=1" style="height: 234px; margin: 0px; max-width: 620px; width: 417px;" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x482x-15b06b4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="A software update for the heart" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-37998240302616218862024-03-09T18:25:00.000-08:002024-03-09T18:25:28.021-08:00Multiplying love<p>4 Sunday Lent, year B</p><p>Nicodemus undergoes an incredible transformation in John's Gospel. Nicodemus moves from someone who is afraid to be seen with Jesus, to having the courage to be one of the few to bury Jesus. The message of today's Gospel, Jn 3:14-21, is what transforms Nicodemus. He learns of the generous love of God and how when we give love, God multiples it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Henry_Ossawa_Tanner_-_Jesus_and_nicodemus.jpg/270px-Henry_Ossawa_Tanner_-_Jesus_and_nicodemus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="270" height="231" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Henry_Ossawa_Tanner_-_Jesus_and_nicodemus.jpg/270px-Henry_Ossawa_Tanner_-_Jesus_and_nicodemus.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily: </p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fk4nv-15a5bba-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Multiplying love" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-4750795441483670632024-03-03T13:35:00.000-08:002024-03-03T13:35:38.456-08:00How you can overcome procrastination<p>2 Sunday Lent, year B</p><p>We often procrastinate when we come up against a task that we know will be difficult: filing our taxes, forgiving someone, having a difficult conversation, or getting healthier. The story of Jesus cleansing the Temple (Jn 2) gives us some helpful pointers for how we can overcome procrastination and live a fuller life.</p><p><img alt="Cleansing of the Temple - Wikipedia" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="350" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/El_Greco_13.jpg/1200px-El_Greco_13.jpg" style="height: 481px; margin: 0px; max-width: 1200px; width: 619px;" width="450" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p> </p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6efib-159c0da-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="How you can overcome procrastination" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-88554154071186884292024-02-25T08:21:00.000-08:002024-02-25T08:21:44.776-08:00The power of generosity<div class="separator"></div><p> 2 Sunday Lent, year B</p><p>The story of Abraham in the first reading (Gen 22) as well as the Gospel (Mk 9:2-10), show us how God can take our generosity and sacrifices and transform them into something remarkable.</p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Feast of the Transfiguration - Wikipedia" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Transfiguration_by_Feofan_Grek_from_Spaso-Preobrazhensky_Cathedral_in_Pereslavl-Zalessky_%2815th_c%2C_Tretyakov_gallery%29.jpeg" style="height: 398px; margin: 0px; max-width: 1400px; width: 287px;" /></p><p></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ewcz4-1590ebf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The power of generosity" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-53720640536801063032024-02-18T15:12:00.000-08:002024-02-18T15:12:15.151-08:00We are being made new<p>1 Sunday Lent (year B)</p><p>Since sin entered the world, God has been planning to make all things new. The flood was a part of this plan (Gen 9:8-15). With Christ, humanity is created afresh, given new hearts to love and serve God (Mk 1:12-15). Lent is a time to remember that we are being made new. This project begun at baptism and continues with God's grace and our cooperation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Christ in the Desert - Wikipedia" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="351" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Christ_in_the_Wilderness_-_Ivan_Kramskoy_-_Google_Cultural_Institute.jpg" style="height: 543px; margin: 0px; max-width: 4000px; width: 619px;" width="400" /></p><p>Listen to homily here</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pmcii-1585f9b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="We are being made new" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-12361039720796223272024-02-14T20:41:00.000-08:002024-02-14T20:41:11.770-08:00Lion King and Ash Wednesday<p>Ash Wednesday 2024</p><p>In the Lion King, Simba needed to relearn his deepest identity in order to follow his mission. Lent, likewise, is a time for us to reconsider our core identity as God's children, sinners and yet redeemed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="undefined" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" crossorigin="anonymous" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/B_Escorial_18.jpg/800px-B_Escorial_18.jpg" width="213" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8b6tw-1580b73-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Lion King and Ash Wednesday" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-25521610312760121212024-02-11T08:15:00.000-08:002024-02-11T08:15:56.038-08:00Jesus heals (6 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)<p>6 Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B</p><p>The Gospel today shows Jesus healing a leper in a holistic way: physically, socially, and spiritually (Mk 1:40-45). Many Christians, such as St. Damian, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Theresa, have been inspired to imitate this story literally. In different ways, all of Christ's followers are called to continue Jesus' mission of healing, caring and praying for the sick, and seeking to integrate those on the margins into our community.</p><p><img alt="Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)--Aleteia" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://wp.en.aleteia.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/02/web3_christ_cleans_the_leper_man_public_domain.jpg" style="height: 280px; margin: 0px; max-width: 689px; width: 559px;" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3a4pf-157a3b6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Jesus heals (6 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-14096954917684817292024-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:002024-02-04T08:10:09.058-08:00Why do good people suffer?<p> 5 Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B</p><p>The book of Job grapples with some of life's most difficult questions. Why do we suffer when we have done nothing wrong? Why does God feel absent at times? In the Gospel today (Mk 1:29-39) Jesus confronts these challenges. He shows us that, in the end, all suffering will be destroyed. In the meantime, Jesus is very close to those who suffer. This care is expressed in a special way in the Sacraments of healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.godwhospeaks.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Brooklyn-Museum-The-Healing-of-Peters-Mother-in-law1200-800.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.godwhospeaks.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Brooklyn-Museum-The-Healing-of-Peters-Mother-in-law1200-800.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1" width="320" /></a></div><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yreby-156e6dc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Why do good people suffer? (5 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-1062752063563548302024-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:002024-01-28T10:45:40.606-08:00Who has authority over you?<p> 4 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B</p><p>In one way or another, we are under someone's authority. Human authority tends to oppress and fails to lead us to the fulness of life. In the Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) we learn that Jesus has absolute authority, yet uses this authority to serve and give new life. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages us all to put ourselves under Christ's loving lordship.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, c.1305 - Giotto - WikiArt.org" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="193" jsaction="VQAsE" jsname="kn3ccd" src="https://uploads2.wikiart.org/images/giotto/christ-washing-the-disciples-feet.jpg!Large.jpg" style="height: 470px; margin: 0px; max-width: 620px; width: 486px;" width="200" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pyzpt-1563575-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Who has authority over you? (4 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-33874052126594541702024-01-21T07:51:00.000-08:002024-01-21T07:51:25.534-08:00Mission gives life purpose<p>3 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B</p><p>Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20</p><p>When we lack a mission our purpose, we can lack joy and a sense of person. The readings today show us that Jesus has called each of us to be part of a community, loving God, serving our neighbour and building a more just world. We should never think we are not good enough. We all have talents God wants us to use for mission.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Calling_of_Peter_and_Andrew_-_WGA06774.jpg/640px-Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Calling_of_Peter_and_Andrew_-_WGA06774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="640" height="307" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Calling_of_Peter_and_Andrew_-_WGA06774.jpg/640px-Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Calling_of_Peter_and_Andrew_-_WGA06774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=txm7j-1558147-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Mission gives life purpose (3 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)" width="100%"></iframe></p>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-63966343413558311692024-01-14T08:21:00.000-08:002024-01-14T08:21:02.293-08:00What does God’s voice sound like? (2 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)<p>The First Reading (1 Sam 3) and the Gospel today (Jn 1:35-42) encourage us to reflect on how we can hear the word of God in our lives. We can perhaps think that God will call us in a clear way as he did for Samuel. However, John's Gospel shows us that we often hear the voice of God through other people, and can have trouble understanding what God is calling us to, and learn more about God's plans for us as we journey with Jesus and participate in His mission.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_(J%C3%A9sus_s'entretient_avec_ses_disciples)_-_James_Tissot.jpg/640px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_(J%C3%A9sus_s'entretient_avec_ses_disciples)_-_James_Tissot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="640" height="186" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_(J%C3%A9sus_s'entretient_avec_ses_disciples)_-_James_Tissot.jpg/640px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_(J%C3%A9sus_s'entretient_avec_ses_disciples)_-_James_Tissot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tfah7-154bc55-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="What does God’s voice sound like? (2 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)" width="100%"></iframe></p>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-60935513263445729792024-01-07T09:53:00.000-08:002024-01-07T09:53:06.754-08:00The Fourth Wise Man<p>Epiphany, year B</p><p>On this celebration of the Epiphany, the magi are presented to us as models of faith to imitate. They are humble seekers who show incredible generosity. Among the various traditions that have developed surrounding the magi, this is illustrated by the story of the fourth wise man.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Magi_(1).jpg/1024px-Magi_(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Magi_(1).jpg/1024px-Magi_(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vfas8-1542c85-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The fourth wise man" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-45193135037289098952024-01-01T12:34:00.000-08:002024-01-01T12:34:44.346-08:00We are blessed!<p>Mary Mother of God, year B</p><p>Names have a meaning. The name Jesus, which we hear proclaimed in today's Gospel means the "Lord saves". Through Jesus, God saves, rescues, heals and blesses us. Like Mary, let us learn to recognize the many ways we are blessed by Jesus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxw_T1-iLM0pGXlAtSWkqc-M6i_RS9Ly7ktpDwtR78T8TjBBafRjU2tIRKvSNhVW1JHD6zWEbQ5iYU8PFHzzqvRhDzl9xmzm_HN5Mvj0EaoA_gSE13zQD85CckSZGC1wI2D-Y4sPrnaU3hsKlS_dUsj7ve2EkyqAeOmrlin-Bxk4KodU3TdWp-G9oVazo/s4030/IMG_4402.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="4030" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxw_T1-iLM0pGXlAtSWkqc-M6i_RS9Ly7ktpDwtR78T8TjBBafRjU2tIRKvSNhVW1JHD6zWEbQ5iYU8PFHzzqvRhDzl9xmzm_HN5Mvj0EaoA_gSE13zQD85CckSZGC1wI2D-Y4sPrnaU3hsKlS_dUsj7ve2EkyqAeOmrlin-Bxk4KodU3TdWp-G9oVazo/s320/IMG_4402.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m2vx8-153b61c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="We are blessed!" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-12472194093742452432023-12-31T12:47:00.000-08:002023-12-31T12:47:14.050-08:00Loving our imperfect families<p>Holy Family, year B</p><p>Although their are so many blessings and much goodness in our families, no one has a perfect family. The Holy Family also struggled and suffered. We learn from the Holy Family that our own families - as imperfect as they are - can be schools in which we grow in love of God and neighbour.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkGNgGWQVKNKLDTMfUiIAp1lsc5WW9q98zcJytTYQZlVa-ZlzO10Jo_FZMhuMLkqtI8Y0pBgcRfQY0eKJiKzmwKB8wjCmLWl7EEDA2GUTGQJgou1lzeT2XLG7Y7tc_Qmt1vWZn7L7SrWK/s1600/download.jpg" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v53he-153a9b1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Loving our imperfect families" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-50473952941199007072023-12-25T08:17:00.000-08:002023-12-25T08:17:18.610-08:00Christmas - the unexpected gift<p> Christmas, year B</p><p>On Christmas Day, the shepherds received an unexpected gift. When they visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in Bethlehem, they encountered a Saviour who defied all expectations: Immanuel, God with us. We rejoice in having such a Saviour, who is always close to us, whatever we are going through, saving us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w1XJ3amFV8UxlRNcu10s_pWSxn06XPglCA2iMFAT3f0zbOH6Tf8riYWSsY53_U29QjaU4xeBDw8XHBBAqxuGo6Z-ZYHL32AkhTD40hYFvYGKCL5K4yAnWhRaVE6Y3DpDQ9RDYiCx24GaeRzfEk9C9QpnNbXAddZrFpgALiDPniu6NiubCM2r8c30gt9x/s4032/nativity%20scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w1XJ3amFV8UxlRNcu10s_pWSxn06XPglCA2iMFAT3f0zbOH6Tf8riYWSsY53_U29QjaU4xeBDw8XHBBAqxuGo6Z-ZYHL32AkhTD40hYFvYGKCL5K4yAnWhRaVE6Y3DpDQ9RDYiCx24GaeRzfEk9C9QpnNbXAddZrFpgALiDPniu6NiubCM2r8c30gt9x/s320/nativity%20scene.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7643x-153403c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Christmas - the unexpected gift" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-28311988429537300042023-12-23T19:38:00.000-08:002023-12-23T19:38:33.958-08:00The gingerbread house, the house of David, and Bethlehem<p>4th Sunday of Advent, year B</p><p>Today's readings are all about houses. In the first reading (2 Sam 7), David wants to build God a house, a Temple. Instead of David building God a Temple, God promises He will build David a dynastic house. Jesus, son of David and son of God, fulfills this promise when He is born at Bethlehem, the "house of bread".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/NathanandDavid.JPG?20091127213637" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="420" height="479" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/NathanandDavid.JPG?20091127213637" width="420" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=exazf-1532d26-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The gingerbread house, the house of David, and Bethlehem" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-90692476557509835362023-12-17T07:21:00.000-08:002023-12-17T07:21:27.143-08:00Joy is a choice<p>3 Sunday of Advent, year B | John 1</p><p>John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the light of the world (Jn 1). Jesus came to bring salvation and joy. Just as some recognized His light for what it was while some failed to see it, so we must choose to see the goodness Jesus brings into our daily lives. The light always shines in the darkness. Seeing the light and embracing joy is a choice.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="undefined" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" crossorigin="anonymous" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Ottavio_vannini%2C_san_giovanni_che_indica_il_Cristo_a_Sant%27Andrea.jpg/800px-Ottavio_vannini%2C_san_giovanni_che_indica_il_Cristo_a_Sant%27Andrea.jpg" width="250" /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ub4a5-1529c76-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Joy is a choice" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-12379036433643025162023-12-10T14:24:00.000-08:002023-12-10T14:24:08.154-08:00Hope in the desert (2 Sunday Advent, year B)<p>Second Sunday of Advent, year B | Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8</p><p>The wilderness or desert is a rich image in the Bible. At different times, God's people found themselves in a literal or figurative desert. These were times of suffering, confusion and disruption. At the same time, the desert is also a place of hope. God cares for his people in the desert and send help and salvation. On this second Sunday of Advent, the readings call us to rekindle our hope. Whatever desert we find ourselves in, God will come to rescue us through Christ!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://publisher-ncreg.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pb-ncregister/swp/hv9hms/media/20211205171224_de887608fca63b48b21bf86d202dce0fac946a207780edcdb58e9ea5cb97594b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="760" height="213" src="https://publisher-ncreg.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pb-ncregister/swp/hv9hms/media/20211205171224_de887608fca63b48b21bf86d202dce0fac946a207780edcdb58e9ea5cb97594b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ewjrk-151fcd1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Hope in the desert (2 Sunday Advent, year B)" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-7460863610599941552023-12-03T15:07:00.000-08:002023-12-03T15:07:10.044-08:00With Jesus, expect the unexpected<p>1 Sunday of Advent, year B | Mark, 13:33-37</p><p>Waiting for God to act in our lives can be difficult, especially when God seems distant. In the parable from today's Gospel, we learn that although Jesus will always enter our lives, the timing of his arrival and means by which He works is often unexpected.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Last_Judgement_(Michelangelo).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Last_Judgement_(Michelangelo).jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=49aqq-1515c31-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Expect the unexpected" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-25535604745771656252023-11-26T08:26:00.000-08:002023-11-26T08:26:56.684-08:00The Cross always goes with Christ's Crown<p>Christ the King, year A </p><p>Although the Solemnity of Christ the King is relatively new (established in 1925), the theme of kingship is an important one in the Old Testament. After exile, expectation grew that God would send an ultimate King would would establish the Kingdom of God in a definitive way. As we hear in the Gospel today (Matthew 25), Jesus fulfills this expectation in an unexpected way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Christ_The_King.jpg/407px-Christ_The_King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Christ_The_King.jpg/407px-Christ_The_King.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c4zie-150b484-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The cross always goes with Christ’s crown" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-21915120856879870082023-11-19T11:32:00.000-08:002023-11-19T11:32:18.183-08:00The value of a talent<p>33 Sunday Ordinary Time (Matthew 25:14-30)</p><p>The parable of the talents from today's Gospel (Matt 25:14-30) can almost sound like a clique. However, when we know more about the value of a talent at Jesus time, we learn that each of us has been incredible blessed by God with gifts we are called to use at service of other.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Parable_of_the_Talents._Mironov.jpg/800px-Parable_of_the_Talents._Mironov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Parable_of_the_Talents._Mironov.jpg/800px-Parable_of_the_Talents._Mironov.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9ffg2-1501b08-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The value of a talent" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-65730212300342697302023-11-12T08:39:00.000-08:002023-11-12T08:39:46.605-08:00The waiting game<p>32 Sunday of Ordinary time</p><p>Waiting is a difficult thing to do, it can create tension, anxiety and anticipation. Christians are people who live in a constant state of waiting until the return of Christ. In today's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus teaches us how to wait well, by waiting with hope and by keeping our lamps full of the oil of charity and service.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Blake_Wise_And_Foolish_Virgins_1826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Blake_Wise_And_Foolish_Virgins_1826.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Listen to homily here:</p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gvrv7-14f797c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The waiting game" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-53558019972929364942023-11-05T14:05:00.002-08:002023-11-05T14:05:35.516-08:00Being a servant leader<p>31 Sunday OT, year A</p><p>At times, those in leadership - whether inside or outside the Church - can use their authority for their own gain. In the Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shows us that true leadership involves service and practicing what we preach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Jesus_washing_Peter's_feet.jpg/800px-Jesus_washing_Peter's_feet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="800" height="282" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Jesus_washing_Peter's_feet.jpg/800px-Jesus_washing_Peter's_feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Listen to homily here:</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=58bvx-14ee571-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Being a servant leader" width="100%"></iframe></p>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920753272394232462.post-72649198211215646132023-10-29T09:54:00.002-07:002023-10-29T09:54:12.509-07:00Love and do what you will<p>30 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Droid Sans"; font-size: 14.85px;">When asked, "what is the greatest commandment?" it is significant that Jesus answers with more than one commandment (Mt 22:34-40). We need to love God... but... we can't really love God unless we love our neighbour... but... we can't really love our neighbour unless we love ourselves. To love God, then, we need to love others (especially the difficult ones) in a way that shows we actually like them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img.youtube.com/vi/uRsjaBTphVM/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/uRsjaBTphVM/0.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Droid Sans"; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Droid Sans"; font-size: 14.85px;">Listen to homily here:</span></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5sxc6-14e3f15-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" style="border: none; height: 150px; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Love and do what you will" width="100%"></iframe>Fr. Nick Meislhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881174054361391407noreply@blogger.com