Living your Faith

The nets were breaking. The boats were sinking. The fish just kept coming.

Peter wasn’t expecting this. Just a few moments earlier, he was wrapping up a long, frustrating night with nothing to show for it. No fish. No success. Just exhaustion. Then Jesus shows up, tells him to go back out, and suddenly—more than he could handle.

And his response? He falls to his knees. Go away from me, Lord. I’m not worthy.

It’s a strange reaction, isn’t it? You’d think he’d be celebrating. Laughing. High-fiving his crew. Instead, he’s overwhelmed—not by the fish, but by the realization of who just did this miracle.

And that he doesn’t feel deserving. 

But Jesus doesn’t leave. He doesn’t scold Peter for doubting or tell him to get over his unworthiness. He simply calls him forward. Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching people.

Peter thought his life was about fish. Jesus showed him it was about so much more.

And that’s where this story meets us.

We spend so much time thinking we know how things are supposed to go. We assume that if something didn’t work before, it won’t work now. We let past failures define our future choices. 

But what if we’re wrong? 

What if God is standing right in front of us, inviting us to trust Him again?

Maybe you’ve been praying for reconciliation with someone, but the hurt feels too deep. 

Maybe you’ve been avoiding confession because you think your sins are too big. 

Maybe you’ve given up on serving at church because the last time didn’t go how you hoped. 

Maybe you’re afraid to try anything new because you’re convinced you’ll just fail again.

We must trust when God is clearly calling us to move. Recognizing that when Jesus asks us to cast the net again, it’s not because He wants us to struggle—it’s because He’s preparing to fill it.

So, what’s the “net” in your life? What’s the thing you’ve given up on because it didn’t work before? What if Jesus is asking you to try one more time—with His strength instead of just your own?

And when He does, will you push Him away like Peter almost did? Or will you drop to your knees, overwhelmed by grace, and follow Him into something greater?

God bless.
FF

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We’ve all had those seasons of waiting—waiting for answers, for direction, for something to make sense. Maybe you’re in one right now.

Simeon and Anna knew what it was to wait. They spent years trusting that God would fulfill His promises. They didn’t know when or how, but they remained faithful. 

And then, on what seemed like an ordinary day, everything changed.

It can happen just like that. 

Simeon was led to the temple, not because he had figured out God’s plan, but because he had surrendered to it. He showed up, open and willing, and in doing so, he encountered Christ. Anna, too, lived a life of quiet devotion. She didn’t demand signs or timelines—she simply made herself available to God. And because of that, she was there when Jesus arrived.

Neither of them forced the moment, nor rush God’s timing or insist on their own way. 

They trusted. 

And when the time was right, God placed them exactly where they needed to be.

How often do we try to control the process instead of surrendering to it? 

How often do we assume that if things aren’t happening on our schedule, something must be wrong?

But what if, instead of fighting the waiting, we leaned into it? What if we trusted that God is moving even when we can’t see it?

My invitation to you today is to simply show up. 

To keep praying, to keep trusting, to keep offering ourselves to God’s work—even when we don’t have all the answers. Because the truth is, we don’t have to figure out His plan. We just have to be faithful. 

And when the time is right, He will take care of the rest.

God bless!
FF

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You ever hear a story so many times that you start wondering if it’s actually true?

Like how we only use 10% of our brains? (Not true.)
Or that lightning never strikes the same place twice? (It absolutely does.)

Now, when it comes to Jesus, that question—is He real?—has been asked for over 2,000 years. Even Luke, the Gospel writer we hear from this week, had to investigate it for himself.

Luke wasn’t one of Jesus’ disciples. He didn’t see the miracles firsthand. But he was so drawn to Jesus that he researched, listened, and asked the hard questions. And what he found became the Gospel of Luke—his way of saying, Yes, this is true. Jesus is who He says He is.

But the bigger question for us isn’t just “was Jesus real?”

It’s “is He real in my life?”

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Jesus is personally involved in our daily lives. We believe in Him enough to come to Mass, to pray when we remember, to try our best.

But do we believe He is with us in the stress of our job?
In the decisions that keep us up at night?
In the loneliness that creeps in when no one’s looking?

And what about the Eucharist?

Most Catholics today struggle to believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We hear This is my Body, This is my Blood every Sunday, but it’s easy to think of Communion as a symbol rather than a miracle happening before our eyes.

But Jesus didn’t say, This represents my Body. He said, This IS my Body.

This Week

Faith isn’t about having every answer—it’s about making space for Jesus to reveal Himself.

So this week, here’s a simple invitation:

• When you receive the Eucharist, pause for just two seconds—be fully present.
• As you receive, pray from your heart: Jesus, I trust in You.

A quiet moment between you and Him.

Because if the Eucharist is truly Jesus, then receiving Him isn’t just a ritual—it’s an encounter.

And in that moment, He is near.

Closer than you realize.

God Bless.
-FF

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You’re hosting a dinner party. The table is set, the food is a hit, and everyone’s in good spirits. Then you realize: you’re out of drinks. You wanted this night to feel special, but now you’re wondering if it’ll be remembered for the wrong reasons.

That’s where we find ourselves in this week’s Gospel. When the wine runs out at a wedding in Cana, in that culture, it wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a humiliation. Mary notices before anyone else, and instead of panicking, she turns to Jesus. Her words are simple: They have no wine. And when He seems reluctant, she quietly tells the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

The result? Not just wine, but the best wine.

This miracle might feel distant from life in 2025, but it speaks to something we all face.

We run out.

Maybe it’s energy to tackle the demands of work and family. Maybe it’s patience in a difficult season or hope for something that feels stuck. Like the empty wine jars at Cana, we sometimes feel there’s nothing left to give.

Mary’s response is worth noticing–she doesn’t fix the problem herself or stew over it. She simply brings it to Jesus and trusts Him to act. That trust isn’t easy, especially in a culture that tells us to figure it out on our own.

And it’s worth noting that Mary notices. She sees the need before anyone else. How many of us miss the signs—both in our lives and in the lives of others—because we’re moving too fast, juggling too much, or distracted by what’s next?

Maybe this week is a chance to pause and reflect.

What’s running low in your life?

Where do you feel stretched thin or stuck? Like Mary, take those needs to Jesus, even if you don’t have all the answers or know how He might respond.

And remember her advice to the servants: Do whatever He tells you. Maybe that means reconnecting with someone you’ve drifted from, forgiving when it’s hard, or simply stepping back to notice the blessings you already have.

This Gospel’s bigger message is how God works in the places where we feel empty. He doesn’t just refill the jars—He transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.

And who knows? The best in your story may not be behind you. It could be just ahead, waiting to surprise you when you least expect it.

God Bless.
-FF

Something surprising if you think on it for a few minutes: Jesus, the Son of God, was baptized.

Surprising because if He’s perfect and sinless, why did He need it? Was He just checking a box, like, “This is what good people do”?

Well, no. There’s more to it, and it’s directly connected to your life.

When Jesus stepped into the Jordan River, John the Baptist was stunned. He was likely thinking, “You want ME to baptize YOU? Shouldn’t this be flipped?” But Jesus doesn’t argue, and instead He steps into the water.

Why?

Because He’s setting the tone. He’s saying, “I’m in this with you. I’m not above you, even though I could be. I’m here to walk the road you’re walking.”

He’s literally walking the walk.

He didn’t just preach from a distance; He showed up, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, to show us what real leadership and love look like.

What’s This Have to Do With You?

Baptism is more than a religious tradition. As a collective, we’ve downplayed the role of Baptism in our faith over the years. But remembering that Baptism is about identity and transformation might help us realign the importance of this sacrament:

• We’re not just washing away sins (though it does that). We’re saying, “I belong to something bigger than myself.” You’re not just you anymore; you’re part of God’s family.
• It’s not just a ritual; it’s a commitment. It’s the moment you’re saying, “I’m all in.”

And something pretty nifty is that the same symbols we see at a baptism show up at the end of life, too. When someone passes, the priest sprinkles holy water over the casket—calling back to baptism. The white garment placed on a baby is echoed by the pall draped over the casket. The Paschal candle that lit the baptismal candle burns again, symbolizing the light of Christ leading them home.

Not just for babies or churchgoers, your marking your life—start to finish—with purpose and connection.

What’s the Big Takeaway?

Jesus didn’t need baptism. We did. And He got in the water to show us that:

1. You’re not alone in your struggles.
2. You’re part of something way bigger.
3. Your life—every messy, amazing, chaotic part of it—matters.

So, What Does This Mean for You?

Baptism isn’t just a one-time moment. It’s the beginning of something that shapes your whole life. So, how is that playing out for you?

If you’re baptized, are you living like someone who’s been claimed by God? Not in a perfect, got-it-all-together way, but in a way that’s open to growth, connection, and purpose. If it feels like you’ve drifted, maybe it’s time to reconnect—whether that’s through prayer, getting involved in your parish, or simply being intentional about where God fits into your life right now.

If you’re not baptized or you’re not sure where you stand, this might be your moment to think about it. What’s stopping you from taking that step? And what might your life look like if you did?

Jesus didn’t just get baptized to check a box—He did it to lead the way for us. His baptism was a reminder that change, belonging, and a fresh start are always possible.

The question is: what’s your next step?

God Bless.
-FF

A few months ago, I was driving to a friend’s house in the middle of nowhere.

The directions seemed simple enough—follow this highway, turn left at a landmark, and I’m there. But somewhere along the way, I missed the turn. My phone had no service, so the GPS wasn’t helping. I started second-guessing myself, wondering if I should backtrack or just keep driving and hope for the best.

After 20 minutes of mild panic, I finally spotted a weathered sign pointing to their road.

Relief.

I knew I’d get there eventually, but not having the exact path in front of me was tough. Gave me a bit of a start.

And isn’t that just like life? You set out with a plan, but somewhere along the way, the directions aren’t as clear as you’d like.

The story of the Magi is one of those “missed turn” moments. They followed a star—not a GPS. No maps, no recalculating routes—just faith that this light in the sky was guiding them to something incredible. They took detours, asked for help, even got mixed up with Herod’s schemes.

But they kept going. And in the end? They found Jesus.

We’re all looking for something: direction, clarity, purpose. And, like the Magi, we’ll face distractions, doubts, and maybe a little fear along the way.

But their story reminds us of three simple truths for navigating our own journeys of faith.

Take the Next Step. The Magi didn’t stop when the path got unclear. They didn’t have a full itinerary—they had a star. And they trusted it enough to take the next step.

How often do we get stuck because we’re waiting for all the answers? Faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust. It’s about saying, “God, I don’t know exactly where this is going, but I’ll take the next step anyway.”

Beware of Detours: When the Magi stopped in Jerusalem, they got caught up with Herod. Sound familiar? We start strong—following God, trusting Him—and then life throws distractions in our path. Fear, comparison, overthinking, or chasing the wrong priorities can derail us.

But here’s the good news: when we realize we’ve taken a detour, we can get back on track. God’s guidance doesn’t stop because we’ve wandered.

I ask you: What’s pulling you off course right now? Is it stress, busyness, or maybe just trying to control everything? Take a moment to pause, pray, and refocus.

Trust When You Arrive: How did the Magi know Jesus was the One? It wasn’t the setting—Bethlehem wasn’t exactly a palace. They knew because their hearts were ready to recognize Him.

Sometimes, we overanalyze everything, waiting for some grand sign that we’re doing the right thing. But God doesn’t always work like that. Often, He shows up in the ordinary: a small nudge, a conversation, or an unexpected moment of peace.

Look for Him this week. Where might God be showing up in your life? Trust that He’s closer than you think.

The Magi gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh. You don’t need to buy expensive gifts to give something meaningful. God wants you. Your time, your trust, your willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord.”

So, here’s my invitation to you: This week, think about one thing you can offer God. Maybe it’s your time—five minutes of quiet prayer. Maybe it’s your patience—with your kids, your spouse, or even yourself. Or maybe it’s your trust—taking that next step, even if you’re not sure where it leads.

God Bless!
-FF

When was the last time you celebrated someone’s birthday and got all the presents?

That’s what makes Christmas so unexpected. It’s Jesus’ birthday, but instead of Him getting the spotlight, we’re the ones piling up joy, love, and second chances like gifts under the tree.

And related: December 25th isn’t the end—it’s the beginning.

Christmas day is when it all starts. God didn’t come to Bethlehem just to make history or give us a holiday. He came to step into our lives—to bring hope to the hopeless, peace to the restless, and love to every single one of us.

So, as the wrapping paper settles and life starts creeping back to normal, think on this: What do we give back?

Here are a few ideas to carry Christmas forward:

• Take a quiet moment. Once the day settles down, pause to say thank you. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus—yes, even if it feels a little silly.
• Bring Him into your celebrations. If you’re with family or friends, take a second to name one thing you’re grateful for this year, and let it start with Him.
• Give Him something personal.
  • Maybe it’s a promise to pray more or show up to Mass with an open heart.
  • Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you’ve been avoiding or offering kindness to someone who’s hard to love.
  • Or maybe it’s simply showing up—giving God your time, your worries, and your love.

Here’s the beautiful thing: God’s not looking for perfect. He treasures whatever we give Him, like a parent who loves a child’s crayon drawing. It’s not about being impressive—it’s about being genuine.

So as the world starts packing up Christmas, let’s hold onto it. The love that started in Bethlehem isn’t going anywhere.

God bless you!
-Fr. Francisco

You know that feeling when the Wi-Fi crashes, the dog won’t stop barking, and your to-do list is a mile long? And you think, “If one more thing happens, I’m going to lose it”?

We all have.

But peace isn’t about fixing all that. Peace doesn’t come by making your life perfect or crossing everything off your Christmas to-do list. Peace is what happens when you trust that even in the middle of the chaos, you’re not on your own.

This week of Advent, we focus on peace—not the cheesy, Norman Rockwell kind that comes with a cup of cocoa and a snow-covered porch.

Real peace.

The kind that says, “God’s got this.” Peace that lets you breathe, knowing He’s working even when life feels upside-down.

John the Baptist reminds us this week that salvation is already in motion. God’s plan is happening.

So here’s the question: What’s stealing your peace right now? Is it gift shopping, family tension, or just feeling like you’re not enough? What if you let God take that off your plate, even for a moment?

This week, try giving yourself a small gift. Maybe it’s five minutes of quiet with God. Or asking Him, “What do You want me to let go of?” Or maybe it’s the brave step of handing Him your messiest, most stressful situation and saying, “Help me see this the way You do.”
Peace isn’t about perfect circumstances; it’s about leaning into a perfect God who’s already with you.

You’ve got this, because He’s got you.

God bless.
FF

Have you ever been in the middle of a mess you couldn’t fix, waiting for something—or someone—to step in and make it right? Maybe it was a problem at work, a tough conversation you kept putting off, or just that feeling of being stuck. You didn’t know how it would end, but you hoped it wouldn’t stay this way forever.

That kind of waiting can feel endless. It’s frustrating and uncomfortable because we’re wired to want quick fixes and clear solutions. But sometimes, the only thing we can do is wait and trust that help is on the way. That’s the tension of Advent—the mess isn’t gone yet, but we light the first candle and hold on to the promise that it will be.

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, and the theme for this first week is hope. It’s not the “cross your fingers and wish” kind of hope. It’s not tied to whether life gets easier or the world gets quieter. Christian hope is deeper. It’s knowing that even when things feel shaky, God’s promises hold firm.

Jesus paints a vivid picture in the Gospel this week: signs in the sky, roaring seas, people overwhelmed with fear. It sounds heavy, but then Jesus says, “Stand up. Look up. Your redemption is near.”

The hope He offers isn’t about avoiding the hard stuff. It’s about facing it with confidence because we know how the story ends. God is coming through—He always has, and He always will.

The challenge is that hope isn’t automatic. Jesus warns us to stay awake, not to let our hearts get weighed down by distractions or anxieties. That hit me this week. How often do we check out—scrolling through our phones, stressing about things we can’t control, or just numbing things because life feels overwhelming?

Hope asks something different from us. It asks us to stay engaged, to keep showing up, to live each day like we believe God is working—even if we can’t see it yet.

Advent is like building a tower, one layer at a time. This week’s layer–and foundation– is hope. Without it, the rest—peace, joy, love—won’t stand. But with hope as our foundation, we can handle whatever comes.

So, let me ask you: Where’s your hope right now? This week, light the first candle and let that be your reminder: God is faithful. He’s working in the mess, in the waiting, and in your life. And He’s not done yet.

God bless you!
-Fr. Francisco

I recently caught up with an old friend who had just retired early, something he’d dreamed of for years. Over lunch, he said, “Finally—I made it.” But after a pause, he added, “Now that I’m here, I’m not sure what it even means. I thought this would be… everything.” His whole plan, years in the making, had come together, but it didn’t feel as solid as he’d hoped. And I realized: we all do this, don’t we? We build our lives around goals, people, and plans that feel like “everything” at the time. But when we reach them, they’re often not as steady as we’d imagined.

This week’s Gospel reminds us of a truth we need to hear: “I came into the world to testify to the truth.” Jesus is talking about the kind of truth that doesn’t fade, disappoint, or make us feel uncertain—He’s talking about God Himself.

In a world that constantly shifts around us, God remains unchanging. We invest so much in things that never stay the same. You buy a brand-new car, and it’s not “new” by the time you park it in your driveway. Our own lives are constantly in flux; today we’re young, tomorrow we’re older. But God alone remains the same. When Jesus calls Himself “I Am,” He’s saying that He’s the one unchanging reality we can trust. He is, was, and always will be the only truth that endures.

So the question is: how are we making God the center of our lives?

Here are three simple ways to keep God at the center this week:

Pause Before Major Decisions: Life moves fast, and it’s easy to make decisions based on convenience or habit. When you face a choice, pause and ask, Is this helping me center my life on God? Even a brief pause can change our perspective and bring us closer to what really matters.

Let God Define Your Worth: The world constantly pulls us to prove ourselves through success, appearance, or possessions. But our value doesn’t come from what we own or achieve. Take a moment each day to remember that your worth comes from being a beloved child of God—who is, who was, and who always will be.

Start and End with God: Begin your day with a small prayer, inviting God into everything ahead. At the end of the day, take a minute to reflect and thank Him. This simple habit can help us see each day as a gift from the One who is always present.

The theme here is intention—taking a moment to ask ourselves, “Do my actions reflect a life centered on God?”

This week, try to let go of anything pulling you away from what’s lasting. Recenter yourself on the One who never change. When we live from this place of truth, anchored in God, we begin to see ourselves and others as He does. And that changes everything.

God Bless You!
-Fr. Francisco