Deni asks us to see ourselves into this week's readings and imagine the ordeals that Mary and Joseph went through as a family with their young son Jesus! Can we maintain their faith and assurance in our own family crises? Do we know that God loves our families, too?
Luke 2:15-20 describes how the shepherds spread the news of our Savior's birth. The Good News sometimes comes from unexpected sources. Are we ready to hear it?
In this Sunday's second reading, from 1 Thessalonians, we are encouraged to "Rejoice always" and to "pray without ceasing." Deni reflects on how can we do that in today's world.
This Sunday's Gospel is Mark 1:1-8. What would it have been like to hear about the Jesus from from John the Baptist? How would we respond to his call for repentance and announcement that the Messiah was coming?