Jesus heals a leper. Mark provides virtually nothing of what Jesus was preaching to the people.  We hear instead about his healing actions.  These actions seem to constitute his teaching, and most significantly, establish an important aspect of his identity.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 15, 2015.

An important assertion is made in this Gospel. While Jesus' deeds are truly amazing and astonishing, it is his words that also communicate the Good News of the Kingdom of God.  Both Jesus' words and deeds left an impact on those he touched in his public ministry.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on February 7, 2015.

Today's Gospel is John's account of the call of the first disciples.

Recording is of the 10:30 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on January 18, 2015.

The details offered about the boy Jesus suggest that Mary and Joseph, by providing a rich and reverent family life, were instrumental in Jesus' growth and strength.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 27, 2014.

Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus offers us Joseph's perspective on the events that transpired.  Joseph is a "righteous man" who cares for his wife, pregnant without human relations. Through a dream he learns of the conception and is instructed as to the name which will be given. He further learns that this fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah which confirms Jesus' divine identity: "God is with us".

Recording is of the 10:00 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 24, 2014.

Gabriel reveals to Mary how the conception and birth of Jesus fulfills the "prophetic writings".  As the season of Advent draws to a close, "all nations" wait in eager expectation for the celebration of the birth of Christ and remain ever vigilant for his return.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 20, 2014.

John the Baptist clarifies that "he was not the light, but came to testify to the light". His ministry was to "baptize" the people in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In this way, John the Baptist laid the framework for the celebration of Advent to this very day.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 13, 2014.

John points to a clear distinction between hiimself and the coming Messiah. John's baptism merely cleanses one from sin, but Jesus comes to purify us for God's holy presence.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 6, 2014.

Jesus' command to his original Apostles applies to Christians of all ages, since by our baptismal call we are the "servants" and "gatekeepers" of the Lord's house.  We, too, are challenged to remain alert and "Watch!" for the coming of the Lord at the end time.

Recording is of the 4:30 pm Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 29, 2014.

Today's Gospel presents Jesus describing scenes of chaos and calamity that would happen as a precedent to the coming of the Son of Man to redeem the world.  He closes with a positive thought that if we see the coming we should raise our heads in anticipation of our redemption. 

Recording is of the 10:00 am Mass at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on November 27, 2014.