Sunday Thoughts From Fr. Edward Looney

Why do we hear the gospel of the Annunciation four times this Advent? The Church wants to tell us something about this unforgettable event.

Outsiders to Christianity believe living the Christian life is filled with a lack of joy. When in reality it is embracing a relationship with Christ and following his teachings that brings us ultimate joy. A reflection on the Joy of Being Christian.

One way we can prepare for Christmas is by celebrating the Sacrament of Penance. John the Baptist prepared the way by helping people to acknowledge their sins and repent. We can do the same.

Mary's example of sinless encourages us to live without sin, God's original intention for humankind. Lucky for us, Mary is praying for our conversion.

Fr. Edward Looney addresses the season of waiting and a few simple things we can do as we wait the coming of Christ.

"Your deeds are your monuments." This precept from Mr. Browne's class in the book Wonder speaks volumes in view Matthew 25's criterion for judgement at the end of time. Not only will people remember the good deeds we have done, but so will our God. In this life, build a monument for the King of the Universe.

The fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. But really, every, day, every week should give thanks, especially when we gather around the altar of the Lord.

What is your purpose and mission in life? Discover it. Live it. And you will find it's fulfillment in eternal life.

From the grave we will arise on the last day. Fr. Looney reflects on the parish's recent Cemetery visit devotion.

"Christian, if you loved, maybe I would believe." This bumper sticker I saw this past week confronted me, reminding me I must be an ambassador of Christ and not a hypocrite. Live like a Christian!

People often console others at a time of death with the words, I'm sorry for your loss. This statement is a profound statement of faith. Fr. Edward Looney explains why in his homily for All Souls Day 2017.

Young people who trick or treat often imitate the character whom they have dressed as. As we celebrate All Saints Day we should seek to imitate what wee see in the saints. Fr. Looney cites the examples of St. Maria Goretti, St. Hubert, St. Francis Xavier, St. Francis of Assis, and St. Louis de Montfort.

Who has been a model or a witness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? How are you a model of faith to others? Fr. Edward Looney helps us reflect on these questions in his Sunday homily.

St. Paul tells us today that he has remembered the Thessalonians in prayer. Could you tell someone you have remembered them in prayer? Who have you prayed for this week? To learn more about Fr. Looney's writings visit his website www.edwardlooney.com

The parable Jesus tells in the gospel has the servants inviting others to a banquet. Today, we are those servants, and Jesus wants us to invite others to the banquet of heaven and earth which takes place every Sunday. Who are you going to invite? To learn more about Fr. Looney, visit his website: www.edwardlooney.com.

Fr. Edward Looney proposes how we can live with an attitude like Christ's. What exactly comprised his attitude? Listen and find out!

Who do you need to forgive? Fr. Edward Looney guides his congregation through key questions around forgiveness: Who do I need to forgive? Why do I need to forgive them? Why haven't I forgiven them? What do I do next; How do I know I've forgiven them? Forgiveness is key in the Christian life. Hopefully Fr. Looney's thoughts will help move to a point to be able to forgive. Learn more about Fr. Edward Looney and his many writings by visiting his website: www.fredwardlooney.com

Fr. Edward Looney, popular Catholic author, speaker, and priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, reflects on the life of his mother, during her funeral Mass on September 23, 2017. Nancy Looney, the adopted child of Elizabeth and Thomas Looney, suffered from childhood diabetes and recently experienced circulatory issues and amputations. As Fr. Looney reflects on her life, he finds how God has answered various prayers throughout her life.

Fr. Edward Looney reflects on how he has noticed God at work in his parish at St. Francis and St. Mary, in anticipation of their annual financial campaign. The Lord has been present, is present now, and will be for years to come. How have you sensed the Lord's presence in your life/family this week?

Eternity should be a guiding principle for our lives. Remembering our own death and that we will one day face judgement for our actions should compel us to love in the present moment. How we live our lives really does matters, because Jesus will reward us according to our conduct. Not only does it matter for eternity, but also here and now.