Do you expect that having God in your life means having no hardships? Today's first reading gives us an example of testing God, while the second reading shows us that Jesus brings the gift of peace for us to trust. This Lent, let us memorize these words to help us grow in our trust of God, "and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5)

Catholic Mass readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, March 8, 2026

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8
Verse Before the Gospel: John 4: 42, 15
Gospel: John 4: 5-42

Other readings cited by Father Chuck in today's homily:

John 16:33

Matthew 6:34

Have you wondered why today's Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent is about the Transfiguration? In this reading, Jesus reveals who He truly is to give us hope and the "strength that comes from God" to persevere. Whatever Lenten journey we have chosen, the hard work is worth doing to make more room for Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Catholic Mass readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2026

First Reading: Genesis 12: 1-4a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Second Reading: Second Timothy 1: 8b-10
Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 17: 5
Gospel: Matthew 17: 1-9

Do you realize that the same three temptations that Eve succumbed to in Eden were again faced by Jesus in the desert? Only this time around, Jesus reverses it and invites us to share in His three victories. We are invited to concentrate on them during Lent, but also share in them the rest of the year and especially during Mass.

Note: This recording is a version of the 11 AM homily which Fr. Chuck has edited, in his words, "for more clarity and less length."

Catholic Mass readings for the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, 2026

First Reading: Genesis 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
Second Reading: Romans 5: 12-19 or 5: 12, 17-19
Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

Did you know there were Isthmian games in ancient Greece along with the Olympics? Father Chuck weaves a little geography and history lesson into today's homily for some background on St. Paul's message to the Corinthians. We have no need to worry about prestige or other human measures when we have Jesus. Let us each shine God's light in the darkness for others from our earthly "jar of clay".

Catholic Mass readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 8, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 112: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: First Corinthians 2: 1-5
Alleluia: John 8: 12
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16

Here is Father Chuck's book recommendation from today's reading: Pray for Us, 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness

Did you know that God has a plan that only you can accomplish? While we strive to line ourselves up with God and keep working to become holy; Jesus our Big Brother rescues us from what distances us from God. Let us lift our hearts up to the Lord and pray for God's grace to find out what God is calling us to do.

Catholic Mass readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 1, 2026

First Reading: Zephaniah 2: 3; Zephaniah 3: 12-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 146: 6-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
Second Reading: First Corinthians 1: 26-31
Alleluia: Matthew 5: 12a
Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12a

Do you think that St. Paul's message to the Corinithians also applies to you? Striving for unity among Christians is just as important today as it was in the first century. That's why every Mass includes prayers for unity, and why there is a special Christian Unity week every year. Let us gather together in courageous and hopeful trust in God for His peace and unity to be restored.

Catholic Mass readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 25, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 8: 23 – 9: 3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 4, 13-14
Second Reading: First Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17
Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23
Gospel: Matthew 4: 12-23 or Matthew 4: 12-17