Ite Missa Est

02/09/2026

A SIX-WEEK SERIES FOR LENT 2026
The “Our Father” is more than just a prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. The prayer is also an insight into the thought, life, prayer, theology and spirituality of Jesus. You're invited to learn more about this prayer in the six-week series, "More Than a Prayer" in which reflections, group discussions, communal dinners, and prayers will lead us not only to a deeper understanding of the Lord’s prayer but also give us deeper insights into the heart of Jesus. This has implications for Christian discipleship today. More Than a Prayer will be Fridays during Lent at 6:30 pm in Immaculate Conception Church's basement. To register, go to https://www.icparishdayton.org/events.

01/26/2025

Sunday Homily - "A Year Acceptable to the Lord"
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year. Let's make it a year when we “bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18-19).

What does “proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” signify? The themes in that passage - “bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, and r...

01/19/2025

Sunday Homily - "Do Whatever He Tells You"
If we do whatever Jesus tells us, then every person will be treated with dignity, every war can end, no person will be hungry, and our earth will be like heaven. Dare we?

What shall we make of John’s story? I am choosing to focus on the characters in the story to find inspiration. First, there is the mother of Jesus, then ther...

01/12/2025

Sunday Homily - "Baptism: Identity, Mission, Destiny"
When we are baptized, we are baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Christ. By our baptism Jesus identity becomes our identity; his mission becomes our mission; his destiny becomes our destiny.

We bring the Christmas season to an end with the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. Especially since Jesus was baptized as an adult, the celebration of the bapti...

01/06/2025

Sunday Homily - "An Epiphany Perspective
In God’s reign everyone is a friend and every person is valued. It is a reign where spears are transformed into pruning hooks, the lion dwells with the lamb, where love is the only law and peace is the only goal. Jesus truly is the "light of the nations".

No matter which tradition we ultimately go with – the feast of the Epiphany has implications for us.1) Nations Shall Walk by Your Light2) Epiphany tells us t...

12/25/2024

Wednesday, December 25th | Christmas Day: The Nativity of our Lord

IS 9:1-6; TIM 2:11-14; LK 2:1-14

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ
and Lord.” — LUKE 2:11

The good news of the birth of Jesus was announced by the angels to the
poor shepherds in the above words. Indeed, a Savior has been born! He is Christ,
the Lord! On this Christmas day, amidst the festivities, the gifts, the celebrations,
take a few minutes to welcome the Christ child into your heart. Make room and
make it the warmest welcome. Also bring the fruits of this Advent discipleship
challenge and offer it to him as a gift. May this moment become for you a
moment of the salvation Christ came to bring to the world.

12/24/2024

Tuesday, December 24th

2Sam 7:1-5, 8bb-12, 14a, 16; PS:89:2-3,4-5,27,29-19; Lk 1:67=79

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel: for he has come to his people and
set them free.” — LUKE 1:67

The above verse comes from the canticle of Zechariah. In this canticle,
Zechariah praises and thanks God for His faithfulness and the fulfillment of
God’s promise of salvation. As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth
tomorrow, take five minutes from this busy day to gratefully remember that
Jesus’ incarnation is God’s way of fulfilling His promise. Like Zechariah, praise
and thank God for his faithfulness by praying his canticle (Luke 1:67-79).

12/23/2024

Monday, December 23rd

IS 7:10-14; PS 23:1-6; LK 1:26-38

“His name is John.” — LUKE 1:60

No one thought that Elizabeth and Zechariah were going to name their
child John. But they did the unexpected in obedience to God’s command.
Discipleship often leads us to unexpected places. God is a God of surprises. In
a few moments of prayer, commit yourself to remaining open to how God might
reveal Himself to you in the unexpected experiences, and events of your life.
Pray for the grace to recognize Him in them.

12/22/2024

Sunday, December 22nd

MIC 5:1-4; PS 79:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; HEB 10:5-10; LK 1:39-45

“Behold, I come to do your will, O God.” — HEBREWS 10:7

Jesus came into the world in obedience to God’s will. Even though it was
difficult, Jesus made sacrifices to accomplish God’s will. Are there particular
areas in your life that you struggle to accomplish God’s will? For example,
being selfless, being humble, being generous, being forgiving, being patient, or
being gentle and kind. In prayer, ask God’s help to do His will in one area of
your life.

12/21/2024

Saturday, December 21st

JER 23:5-8; PS 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; MT 1:18-24

“Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, for in him
our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.” — PSALM 33:20-21

There is power in the name of Jesus. The name Jesus literally translates
to “God saves.” When we call upon His holy name with faith and trust, we tap
into a wellspring of grace. It gives strength in times of weakness and solace
in times of despair. Jesus goes by many other names and titles including:
“Emmanuel”, “Prince of Peace”, “Light of the World”, “Savior”, and “Good
Shepherd” to name just a few. What name or title resonates most with your heart
right now? Take five minutes to meditate on that title and reflect on the peace
and comfort it brings to you.

12/20/2024

Friday, December 20th

GN 49:2-8, 8-10; PS 71:1-4, 7-8, 17; MT 1:1-17

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” — LUKE 1:30

Fear is an instinctive reaction to the unknown. Mary felt afraid when the
angel appeared to her. Are there unknowns in your life that make you experience
fear? Sit with this for a few minutes and ask God to reveal the root of your
fear. Entrust your fear into God’s hands, and trust that, like Mary, God will
accompany you beyond fear. And, like Mary, may you respond, “May it be done
according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).