Maryknoll Sr. Teresa Hougnon reflects on embracing a courageous, honest peace. Our Lenten journey is a time to take a long, loving look at why we follow Christ. With prayer, scripture and reflection time, we go into the deepest part of ourselves where we connect with God. It is in this place where we find…
Maryknoll lay missioner Joanne Blaney in Brazil reflects on power and transformation. As Lent begins, may we renew our commitment to prayer and individual and social transformation. We listen to the cry and moans of our brothers, sisters and planet, sometimes feeling impotent to create change. I believe that today’s Scripture readings speak to our…
As we begin the Season of Lent, Maryknoll Affiliate Marie Dennis explores Jesus’ journey to the cross as a radical commitment to nonviolence. In the coming weeks we will re-enact some of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ journey. His private retreat to the desert led to his entry into Jerusalem, a public liturgy loaded…
Maryknoll Fr. Mike Snyder explores the concept of free will and our calling to choose righteousness, sharing in God’s divinity by living and speaking holy wisdom. When presiding at Mass, the priest mixes water with wine while enunciating these words: “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the…
Eric Searcy remarks on each of today’s Scripture readings. Through Isaiah 58:7-10, he ponders human difference, its implications for how we treat each other, and God’s grace and love for all. He reflects upon Biblical leadership and God-given strength with Corinthians 2:1-5, and the meaning of being the “salt of the earth” and the “light…
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Louise Locke reflects on encountering Jesus in the poor and vulnerable. “If we recognize [Jesus] under the appearance of bread, we will have no difficulty recognizing him in the disguise of the suffering poor”. — Saint Teresa of Calcutta In my 5th year as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner missioned to Bolivia, I…
Sr. Genie Natividad, M.M., reflects on Jesus’s example of outreach to the margins. What strikes me most about the readings for this Sunday’s liturgy — the gospel from Matthew in particular — is the way mission is to be carried out following the example of Jesus. He begins his OUTREACH to the people on the…
Fr. Leo Shea, M.M., connects the proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God with the deep, enduring faith of the Venezuelan people and their suffering under unjust structures. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. These prophetic words of John the Baptist ring so loud and strong in…
Maryknoll Fr. Lo Dam reflects on Epiphany as the start of Jesus’ mission in the world and a call for us to follow in his footsteps. Liturgically speaking, the Christmas season ends with the Epiphany, and the New Year’s Ordinary time starts with this feast of Baptism of Our Lord, since today is also the…
Returned Lay Missioner Debbie Northern reflects the meaning of epiphanies for the Magi and in our lives of faith today. After following a large star for several months, expecting the portentous sight of a newborn King, the Magi discover a recently born child and his parents huddled in a stable surrounded by shepherds and animals….
Susan Gunn, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Director, explores the Christmas story’s implications in our lives and treatment of migrants and refugees. The journey of Christmas continues in the readings today. The family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph must escape an evil ruler and live as refugees in Egypt for a few years. The Gospel of Matthew tells us the…
Maryknoll Fr. John Keegan speaks of holding fast to hope and joy in the midst of suffering and pain during the Christmas season. Celebrating Christmas is a matter of allowing our joy to be touched by painful realization. For the fleeting moments of celebration, our attention is drawn to the saving power of gentleness and…
Maryknoll Affiliates Louis and Janet Tullo reflect on Joseph’s quiet courage. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Last year, the Gospel reading for today focused on Mary’s perspective. This year, we walk with Joseph. Both stories are profiles in…
Maryknoll lay missioner Sarah Bueter reflects on small acts of love and justice. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. In this Sunday’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptist waits in expectation from his prison cell. He…
Maryknoll Sr. Ann Hayden invites us to be hopeful this Advent. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Pope Leo XIV, in his recent Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te, said “Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the…
Maryknoll Fr. James Kroeger invites us to walk with God this Advent. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Our three scripture readings for this first Sunday of Advent overflow with rich imagery that alerts us to be vigilant and…
Maryknoll lay missioner Rick Dixon challenges us to take on the humble qualities of Christ, our king. On this feast day of Christ the King, I rush to read John 6, where Jesus withdraws to the mountain alone after a miracle when he knows the crowd is about to take him by force to make…
Maryknoll Sr. Janet Srebalus in Tanzania offers hope amid suffering. As we approach the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, many of us are looking forward to Advent, and the Christmas Season, Christ’s birth among us, and the hopeful message of “peace on earth, goodwill to all.” However, before we start preparing for a…
