Third Sunday of Advent.

As though John the Baptist preached much of the same actions as Jesus, some people questioned whether John was the messiah.  John let them know of the coming of Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 12, 2021.

Lessons and Carols.

The children of 14 Holy Helpers present a selection of readings and carols relevan for the holiday season. 

Recording is of a service held at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 11, 2021.

Second Sunday of Advent.

John's mission models how we ought to prepare for the coming reign of God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 5, 2021.

First Sunday of Advent.

Today's reading describes "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" to rescue the believers. And what should a believer do? Stand tall with your heads high, Jesus says, because your redemption is at hand.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 7:30 am on November 28, 2021.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual one that exists in people of every nation who have a personal relationship with him and thus with each other. The primary mission of this global community is to bear witness to the truth for which Jesus died, namely that God loves all peoples, seeks their common good and desires to live with them forever.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 7:30 am on November 21, 2021.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus reminds his followers that their mission is to watch constantly for his coming, that is, to live like he will come back this evening, or this midnight, or dawn tomorrow, or tomorrow morning ...

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on November14, 2021.

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' linking of the two commandments leads the scribe to realize that love of God, which entails incarnating God's concern for people, is more important than the correct performance of long-standing liturgical rituals.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on October 31, 2021.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As they travel, Jesus tries to open the eyes of his disciples to "see' what discipleship entails.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on October 24, 2021.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' humble deference to the will of others trained him for his final act of service on the cross. His entire life of voluntary servitude is the ransom that he paid to humankind from captivity to sin.  Disciples who seek greatness will make themselves the servant of others because that is what he did.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on October 17, 2021.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus teaches about the danger of earthly riches. He declares that wealth "is" ... he does not say "can be," but "is" ... an enormous obstacle to entry into God's kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 9, 2021.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus is indignant or angry that his followers keep the children from him, that they decide whom he should welcome. Jesus declares that children, who depend on others for life's necessities and simply accept what is given to them, are models for how to receive and experience life in God's kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 2, 2021.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There is a tendency among some of Jesus' followers to make God's kingdom an exclusive club, limited to like minded people. They think that they can control how and when the Spirit acts ... an arrogant presumption which Jesus rejects.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on September 26, 2021.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

One evening the disciples discuss who among them is the greatest, who is the most important? Jesus exploits the discussion to deepen their understanding of gospel greatness.  He tells them that if any of them want to be first, they shall be the last of all and the servant of all.  No exceptions ... in every situation.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on September 19, 2021.

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' disciples must aim to lose their life in his risen life, so that he can continue him mission on earth through them. Disciples "give" their bodies over to all that is "ruining" it so that the risen Lord can work through them.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 12, 2021.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus orders those that witness the event to not tell anyone.  . Some scholars suggest that Jesus' command to silence shows that he is not one among other healers in the biblical world. The secret is that there is more to him than people see, more that can only be understood after he is raised from the dead.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on September 5, 2021.

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus tells the crowds that nothing from the world around them can make them unworthy of God's service. Only what comes from within them can do this.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 29, 2021.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comprehension of Jesus' real presence in daily life begins with a decision to believe in him.  Like Peter, they "come to" believe and be convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 22, 2021.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Divine power works through the humble who trust that God is in control and defer to his will ... like Mary and Elizabeth. All who hunger for good things are filled with divine gifts.  But those who hunger for what money and machination can procure, God sends away empty-handed.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 15, 2021.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time with Polka Style Music

The people challenge Jesus' authority and claim that he came down from heaven. Jesus counters back about the need to listen to the Father. They are totally clueless about the bigger truth. ... that everything has its origin in God even the desire to believe in Jesus, and that one cannot hear the word of God except through Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 8, 2021.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The crowd was pressing Jesus to perform more miracles.  They asked earthly bread for their stomachs.  Jesus said that they should focus on the food that endures for eternal life.   

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 1, 2021.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel presents the miracles of the loaves and fishes where Jesus takes a very small amount of food ... 5 loaves of bread and two fish ... and has his disciples distribute it to five thousand people. After they complete eating, the leftovers were collected and they totaled more than was available in the first place.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on July 25, 2021.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The narrator identifies Jesus as the compassionate shepherd of the lost sheep.  But Mark's inner story reminds us that this shepherd's compassion will reach its fullness when he lays down his life for the sheep.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on July 18, 2021.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel focuses on what it means to be chosen. In this case, the apostles were chosen to do what Jesus was doing ... teaching and healing.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on July 11, 2021.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus recites a proverb that we still hear today. Further, we are told that Jesus could do no miracles there, not because his power was diminished, but because of the crowd's lack of faith.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on July 4, 2021.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Two stories are presented that relate two miracles that Jesus performed. The message from both of these stories is that despite one's fear, faith ... trust in Jesus ... can save you and make you whole.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on June 27, 2021.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The disciples witness a manifestation of the divine as he controlled the wind and the waves.  Despite all that Jesus has been teaching them, they respond poorly.  Yet, despite their ignorance, Jesus does not abandon them, nor will he abandon us.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on June 20, 2021.

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The smallest of seeds will grow into the greatest of shrubs. Such is the magnificent reign of God coming to fullness in our midst.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on June 13, 2021.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

When we gather for Eucharist we celebrate the newness of life in God's coming kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on June 6, 2021.

The Most Holy Trinity

The risen Christ commissions the eleven to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching all that Jesus had taught them.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on May 30, 2021.

Pentecost Sunday

Jesus breathes on his disciples and sends the Holy Spirit upon themjust as he promised.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on May 23, 2021.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Jesus petitions the Father to keep the disciples in his name as Jesus had done.  This suggests a time when Jesus will no longer be with them in the flesh.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on May 16, 2021.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

In this metaphor, God the Father is the vine grower, Jesus is the vine that was grown from God's specially chose rootstock, and we are the branches.  We need to remain with the vine if we want to bear fruit as disciples of Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on May 2, 2021.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

The noble or ideal shepherd is so committed that he will freely give his life to protect the community.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on April 25, 2021.

Second Sunday of Easter

Reflect for yourself. Are you willing to respond to the breath of the Holy Spirit and share in Christ's ministry of peace and reconciliation in a broken world? 

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on April 11, 2021.

Easter Sunday

While Peter is the first to "see", it is every faithful and loving Christian who is called to "believe".  

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on April 4, 2021.

Palm Sunday

Mark's Gospel notes that not one of the disciples nor even one of the Jews among whom Jesus ministered revealed the mystery of his identity. Instead, the one who makes the profound profession of faith is the Roman centurion.  

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on March 28, 2021.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Some Greeks come during Passover and ask to meet with Jesus.  He introduces himself by foretelling of his coming sacrifice.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on March 21, 2021.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

When the man who now sees professes his belief in Jesus ... "I do believe, Lord"... Jesus is given the opportunity to once again define his mission as the light of the world.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on March 14, 2021.

Second Sunday of Lent

From all that they have heard, Peter, James, and John should have no doubt that Jesus is God's Son, a relationship of unbreakable intimacy. What remains for them to understand is how Jesus' Transfiguration in glory is tied to his future death and Resurrection.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on February 28, 2021.

First Sunday of Lent

The brief story of Jesus in the desert  suggests that God's power is more than ready to be revealed.  Rather than a future forecast, the kingdom of God is now.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on February 21, 2021.

Ash Wednesday

Jesus instructs the disciples that good deeds, prayer, and fasts should be done with expectation of praise and honor here on earth.  God sees all that we do and will reward us accordingly in heaven.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on February 17, 2021.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus heals a man suffering from leprosy.  The man broadcasts his healing far and wide.  That broadcast may have had a missionary purpose. Not only did it serve to draw more and more people to Jesus, but it demonstrated that there was much work to be done in restoring creation to its original sinless beauty.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on February 14, 2021.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus heals a man possessed with an unclean spirit.  By his actions, Jesus teaches the fundamentals of God's Kingdom.  The people may not understand precisely who Jesus is, but they see for themselves that the coming of the Kingdom is at hand.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on January 31, 2021.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Like the fish they hope to catch, Simon, Andrew, James, and John are lured by Jesus. Their reaction is radical and requires complete faith. Not a question is asked as they leave their nets to follow him.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on January 24, 2021.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Gospel of John relies upon the testimony of the Baptist to reveal Jesus' true nature.  After Jesus was baptized, John spots him walking by the Jordan and makes his identity know again: "Behold the Lamb of God".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on January 17, 2021.

The Baptism of the Lord

This moment in Jesus' life reassures him that  everything he does from this point forward in making God's kingdom a reality, he does not do alone.  This is what makes John's prophetic words about Jesus baptizing with the Spirit so true; the mission of Jesus is not simply to convert hearts but to establish a relationship in which his followers believe themselves to be beloved by God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on January 10, 2021.

The Epiphany of the Lord

It is the Gentiles from the far east who pay homage to the baby king. Far removed from Bethlehem of Judea, these seekers surely continued to testify to God's wondrous deeds.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:00 am on January 3, 2021.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Mary selflessly follows the word of God, surrenders her own will, and makes way for the one who "will be great and will be called Son of the Most High".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on January 1, 2021.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Simeon and Anna, both wise and aged, both trustworthy representatives of the Temple establishment, leave no doubt that the child Jesus is to be "light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on December 27, 2020.