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Browsing the 2018 archive of Weekly Reflections

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/30/18

The Holy Family  

Family life can bring out the best and worst in us.

Our families and our communities, Parishes, religious communities’ schools are not perfect

But Jesus was human, He suffered and died.

And He rose again.

So can families. 

This week, we come to the end ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/24/18

And yet it often feels elusive

 I think it’s because we focus on ourselves first.

 I feel joy comes when our heart is connected God and others.

 Christmas is a great time to remember.  J Jesus O Others Y Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqTa8rdklEo Peter Mayer - Sing Joy This has become a favorite Christmas ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/22/18

Jesus DNA  

   

As a cradle Catholic, I was very surprised when I heard about the Jesse Tree. Actually, I heard the name from Rose Bell. I had never heard of it before.  

So, I am assuming there ae others out there like me, uninformed about Jesus’ ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/20/18

Do you know about Antiphons? I didn't ; not antonyms, that’s grammar.

Antiphons are not, strictly speaking, Prayers, but sentences applied to the particular purpose of meditation, thanksgiving & …” So an antiphon is a verse that gives emphasis to what follows, such as a prayer, psalm, Scripture or ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/18/18

Father Valentine looks good in pink, don’t you think?

Advent is the same liturgical color as Lent, but the environment is so different. Advent is filled with hope. We know someone is coming     and it is not Santa.

Last Sunday’s Gaudate Sunday, liturgical color was pink. You ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/17/18

The crowds asked John the Baptist,“What should we do?”

So, the crowds are faced with a decision; accept the directive of John the Baptist or resume the wait for another King?

Today when we are faced with delusion making, we likely turn to GOOGLE.  Rather than taking the time for ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/14/18

God places people in our lives who challenge us to grow and be the best version of ourselves. They are people who see greater potential in us than we even see in ourselves. They call out the best in us. Often, they are coaches or teachers, but they can ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/13/18

Steep" essentially means soak. In the most basic sense, to steep something means to soak it, which is what we do when we prepare tea.  So, when someone says to steep your tea, all you are doing is preparing a cup of tea.

To steep ourselves in his love, we need to allow ourselves to share it fully with others. We need to ... Read More »

It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/10/18

The words of Baruch and Luke this second week of Advent reminds me of Christmas Masses, certainly true at St. Pius X, but probably at Christmas Masses everywhere.

For many years now, my family has attended Christmas Eve Mass 3:30 in the St. Pius X gym. (best gym in ... Read More »

God Has a Plan

Posted by Fr. Valentine Rebello on 12/09/18

"Do not be afraid, Mary,for you have found favor with God.

 

My memory of Immaculate Conception, a holy day,

Many years ago, my mother was doing God’s work and was driving the nuns from St Ignatius to a retreat house. My brother and I were home alone and ... Read More »