Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace,

Today’s Gospel presents one of the most powerful parables of Jesus—the story of the Prodigal Son. It is a story of mercy, repentance, and the boundless love of God the Father.

Dear Fellow disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about repentance using two powerful images: the tragedies that befell certain people and the parable of the barren fig tree. When people inform Jesus about the tragic deaths of some Galileans, He warns them, “Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did” (Luke 13:3). He then shares a parable about a fig tree that has not borne fruit for three years. The owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener pleads for one more year to care for it, hoping it will bear fruit.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace.

I'm writing this reflection from a kind of mountaintop, the Monastery of the Father of Mercy in Auburn, KY, where I'm spending some days in retreat.

Today’s Gospel takes us to the mountain where Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, speaking with Him, and the voice of the Father declares, “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”

Athletic Field

The Army Corps of Engineers and TDEC have reviewed our updated wetland delineation and concur with our consultant’s findings that the wetlands on the property are significantly less extensive than initially anticipated. This positive development provides greater flexibility in site planning. As a result, we have directed our consultant to reassess the orientation of the football/soccer and baseball fields to enhance their functionality.

Additionally, Leslee Dodd and Ben Garretson from the Nature Sanctuary Committee assisted in identifying and inventorying key trees on the site. These have been incorporated into the revised Master Plan. We should receive an updated Plan within the next few weeks.

Dear Fellow disciples, peace.

As we begin our Lenten journey, today’s Gospel presents Jesus facing temptation in the desert. After fasting for forty days, He is tempted by the devil with food, power, and security. Yet, Jesus does not give in. Instead, He responds with the Word of God, showing us that true strength comes not from earthly desires but from trust in God.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses simple but profound images to teach us about discipleship and integrity. He warns against hypocrisy, asking, “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” and urging us to first remove the “beam” from our own eye before judging others. Jesus reminds us that our words and actions flow from our hearts.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us one of the most challenging teachings of the Christian life: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). At first, this may seem impossible. How can we love those who hurt us? Yet, Jesus does not just ask us to do this—He shows us how. On the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This is the radical love to which we are called.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, teaching us a radical truth: true happiness is not found in wealth, power, or human praise, but in God. He says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who hunger, for you will be satisfied.” These words challenge us because they turn worldly values upside down.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, we witness Simon Peter’s life-changing encounter with Jesus. After a long, frustrating night of fishing without success, Jesus tells him to cast his nets again. Despite his doubt, Peter obeys—and the result is an overwhelming catch. Realizing he is in the presence of the Lord, Peter falls to his knees in humility. But Jesus reassures him, calling him to a greater mission: to become a fisher of people.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, marking when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to present Him to God, as prescribed by Jewish law. This moment is rich in meaning and filled with light and hope.

In the Gospel, we hear about two faithful servants of God, Simeon and Anna. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the “light to the nations” and the salvation God has promised. Anna, a prophetess, praises God and shares the good news with everyone waiting for redemption. Their faith and perseverance remind us of the importance of recognizing God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace,

We understand that many of you are eager to see visible progress in our Capital Campaign, and we appreciate your patience and support as we work diligently behind the scenes. We want to assure you that significant efforts are being made to ensure the success of our project, and we are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21), we witness Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth. He declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim good news to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus announces that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace

Today's Gospel (John 2:1-11) recounts the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana, where He turned water into wine. This moment reveals both the compassion of Jesus and the role of Mary in leading us to Him.

The story begins with a crisis—there is no more wine, a situation that would have been deeply embarrassing for the host. Mary, with her motherly heart, notices the need and turns to Jesus, saying, “They have no wine.” Even when Jesus seems hesitant, Mary responds with deep faith and instructs the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.”

This is my beloved son! You are my beloved child!

Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, a moment that marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As Jesus humbly steps into the waters of the Jordan, He aligns Himself with sinners, not because He needed repentance, but to show solidarity with humanity and to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. In this moment, the heavens open, and the Father proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, affirming Jesus’ identity and mission. This powerful scene reveals the fullness of the Trinity and reminds us of our own baptism, where we, too, are claimed as beloved children of God.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace

Today, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of Jesus to the nations. The visit of the Magi reminds us that Jesus came not just for Israel but for all humanity. The star that guided the wise men symbolizes the light of Christ that reaches every corner of the world.