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    Christianity

    Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz – Ascension

    Every week, Catholic priest Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers powerful homilies based on the Sunday Mass Scripture readings, inviting you to live more fully as the person God created you to be. Engaging and motivating, these 20-30 minute homilies will help ground your faith, fortify your heart, and transform your life. Fr. Mike Schmitz preaches from Duluth Minnesota, where he serves as the Newman chaplain for University Minnesota Duluth’s Bulldog Catholic campus ministry.

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    Copyright: © 2024 Ascension

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    Latest Episodes:
    10/27/24 Made for Worship: Presence and Sacrifice Oct 26, 2024

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The heart of worship is sacrifice.

    We know that the sacrifice of Jesus once-for-all is the moment that saves us. It is possible to be present to this moment and offer that one sacrifice now.

    Mass Readings from October 27, 2024:
    Jeremiah 31:7-9
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Hebrews 5:1-6

    Mark 10:46-52

    10/20/24 Made for Worship: Worth-ship Oct 19, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    A thing is worth what someone is willing to sacrifice for it.

    How do we know what a thing is worth? When it comes to God, do we know how to worship Him?

    Mass Readings from October 20, 2024:
    Isaiah 53:10-11
    Psalms 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
    Hebrews 4:14-16

    Mark 10:35-45

    10/13/24 The Word of God Oct 12, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God's Word is living and active.

    In order to understand our lives clearly, we need to know The Story. In order to know The Story, we need to become familiar with the Bible.

    Mass Readings from October 13, 2024:
    Wisdom 7:7-11
    Psalms 90:12-17
    Hebrews 4:12-13

    Mark 10:17-30

    10/06/24 Marriage: A Catholic Vision Oct 05, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God has called us here. God is with us here. God will not leave us here.

    Marriage will always be a challenge. But there is a way to move forward in this challenge that brings greater peace and joy. There are no guarantees other than "I will not leave" and "God will not leave".

    Mass Readings from October 6, 2024:
    Genesis 2:18-24
    Psalms 128:1-6
    Hebrews 2:9-11

    Mark 10:2-16

    09/29/24 Desperate for Freedom Sep 28, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Restriction is the first step towards freedom.

    God is good. God wants all of us to have the fullness of life and of joy. God wants all of us to have HIM. But there are things that suffocate joy. There are things in our lives that rob us of God. There are things that we choose to keep in our lives that strip us of freedom. And Jesus calls us to be ruthless in how we approach those things.

    Mass Readings from September 29, 2024:
    Nehemiah 11:25-29
    Psalms 19:8, 10, 12-14
    James 5:1-6

    Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

    09/22/24 Ordinary Great Things Sep 21, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Not all ambition is bad.

    Every good thing that we have in our lives we most likely have because an individual (or group of individuals) wanted to do something great. Jesus warns us of the dangers of wanting to be first. James warns us about selfish ambition. But is every desire to be great or to do great things wrong?

    Mass Readings from September 22, 2024:
    Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
    Psalms 54:3-6 and 8
    James 3:16—4:3

    Mark 9:30-37

    09/15/24 The Most Important Question Sep 14, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Our answer makes a difference.

    We are presented today with the single most important question any of us will be asked and all of us will have to answer: who do you say that Jesus is?

    Mass Readings from September 15, 2024:
    Isaiah 50:5-9
    Psalms 116:1-9
    James 2:14-18

    Mark 8:27-35

    09/08/24 Nothing to Offer Sep 07, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Love the person in front of you.

    It is easy to walk through life and feel invisible. Like you don't matter. Like you have nothing to offer. But when we are seen by Christ, all of that has the potential to change. And then we can begin to see that we are called to love the person in front of us who has nothing to offer.

    Mass Readings from September 8, 2024:
    Isaiah 35:4-7
    Psalms 146:6-10
    James 2:1-5

    Mark 7:31-37

    09/01/24 The Floor Aug 31, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    It's the least you can do.

    We are made to strive. We are made to pursue the ideal. But we also need to know what the minimum is. We also need to know: What is the least I can do? (And still give the Lord access to my heart!)

    Mass Readings from September 1, 2024:
    Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
    Psalms 15:2-5
    James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

    Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

    08/25/24 Your Turn Aug 24, 2024

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do not miss your turn.

    There are times in our lives when we have the opportunity and the ability to make a decision that will change the direction of our lives. Joshua issued this invitation to the people of Israel as they entered the Promised Land and we are issued the same invitation. We must decide for ourselves whom we will serve.

    Mass Readings from August 25, 2024:
    Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
    Psalms 34:2-3, 16-21
    Ephesians 5:21-32

    John 6:60-69

    08/18/24 Praise First...and Last Aug 17, 2024

    Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Let praise go up first.

    There is something that every Christian can do at every moment and in every situation...that most of us forget to do. Or we fail to do it. God has called us to offer praise at all times.

    Mass Readings from August 18, 2024:
    Proverbs 9:1-6
    Psalms 34:2-7
    Ephesians 5:15-20

    John 6:51-58

    08/15/24 Assumed Into Heaven Aug 15, 2024

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    Body and soul in Heaven.

    The fact of the Assumption is the greatest reminder that all those who have died in Christ are meant to rise with Christ. All of us will get our bodies back and we will rise on the Last Day; some to the Resurrection of Glory and others to the Resurrection of Shame.

    Mass Readings from August 15, 2024:
    Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
    Psalms 45:10, 11, 12, 16
    1 Corinthians 15:20-27

    Luke 1:39-56

    08/11/24 Winning? Aug 10, 2024

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What does a"win" look like?

    There are times when we accomplish our goals...and then we still feel that there ought to be something more. There are times when "winning" is just as empty as "losing". In those moments, we have the opportunity to step back and ask what we are shooting for. These are the moments we can ask "what does a 'win' look like?"

    Mass Readings from August 11, 2024:
    1 Kings 19:4-8
    Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
    Ephesians 4:30—5:2

    John 6:41-51

    08/04/24 The Most Important Sight Aug 03, 2024

    Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    There are four kinds of vision...one is the most helpful.

    We all want to see the world accurately. But most often, we fall into the blindness of being shortsighted. Then we want foresight so that we can know what will happen. Or hindsight so that we know what we've lived through. But God calls us to a newer sight. One that helps us get out of the desert by going through the desert.

    Mass Readings from August 4, 2024:
    Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
    Psalms 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54
    Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

    John 6:24-35

    07/28/24 Give and Gather Jul 27, 2024

    Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Give the first fruits and gather the fragments.

    We are given two commands in this weekend's readings: to give the first fruits and gather the fragments. Our temptation, however, is to do the opposite; to give the fragments and gather the first fruits. In order to have a heart like Christ, we must become givers.

    Mass Readings from July 28, 2024:
    2 Kings 4:42-44
    Psalms 145:10-11, 15-18
    Ephesians 4:1-6

    John 6:1-15

    07/21/24 Rest a While Jul 20, 2024

    Homily from the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    A person cannot be excellent without rest.

    Human beings are made in God's image. We are also made for love, for labor, and for leisure. Since the Fall, these gifts have become distorted in our hearts and we have to fight for the ability to love well, to labor well, and even to leisure well. But we must strive to rest well if we are going to be the people God has made and redeemed us to be.

    Mass Readings from July 21, 2024:
    Jeremiah 23:1-6
    Psalms 23:1-6
    Ephesians 2:13-18

    Mark 6:30-34

    07/14/24 Borrowed Time Jul 13, 2024

    Homily from the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Does God have permission to say "I want it back?"

    We are all living on borrowed time. And borrowed gifts...and borrowed strengths... Everything we have has been loaned to us from God. At some point, God will interrupt our lives and will ask for His gifts back. He will interrupt our lives and ask for us to return all that has been entrusted to us. Will we be free enough to say "Here it is. I hope that the way I used it glorified You."?

    Mass Readings from July 14, 2024:
    Amos 7:12-15
    Psalms 85:9-14
    Ephesians 1:3-14

    Mark 6:7-13

    07/07/24 A Thorn in the Side Jul 06, 2024

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God can be glorified through our wounds, not merely in spite of them.

    We all experience brokenness. We all experience God's love through a broken lens. And yet we do encounter them in this way.

    Mass Readings from July 7, 2024:
    Ezekiel 2:2-5
    Psalms 123:1-4
    2 Corinthians 12:7-10

    Mark 6:1-6

    06/30/24 Raincoats and Umbrellas Jun 29, 2024

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The Sacraments are God's presence and power...do we let them change us?

    We continually come into contact with the living God in the Sacraments. But we often leave our encounter with the Sacraments the same as when we arrived. If we are open to what God wants, we are surrendering to His will.

    Mass Readings from June 30, 2024:
    Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
    Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-13
    2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

    Mark 5:21-43

    06/23/24 True Surrender Jun 22, 2024

    Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Rebellion, Resentment, or Rejoicing.

    We are called to surrender to God's will. But how do we surrender? Is it a matter of feeling or is it a matter of something else? Surrender is an active, dynamic thing. And it is the opposite of rebellion and resentment.

    Mass Readings from June 23, 2024:
    Job 38:1, 8-11
    Psalms 107:23-26, 28-31
    2 Corinthians 5:14-17

    Mark 4:35-41

    06/16/24 Always Courageous Jun 15, 2024

    Homily from the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Courage is the willingness to do God's will on your own accord.

    We find ourselves in a place where we face uncertainty and difficulty. And yet, we are called to nonetheless move forward with courage. We walk by faith and not by sight. We choose to trust in God's Word more than our fears.

    Mass Readings from June 16, 2024:
    Ezekiel 17:22-24
    Psalms 92:2-3, 13--16
    2 Corinthians 5:6-10

    Mark 4:26-34

    06/09/24 Becoming Like Him Jun 08, 2024

    Homily from the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God can even use a broken world to accomplish His will.

    What is the point of life? Is it to be happy? To get what you want? Or is the point of life to become like God? And this world is specifically designed to help you become that kind of person.

    Mass Readings from June 9, 2024:
    Genesis 3:9-15
    Psalms 130:1-8
    2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

    Mark 3:20-35

    06/02/24 Gift and Mystery: His Very Self Jun 01, 2024

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

    Do I not know? Or do I not care?

    The Eucharist is truly the Body, and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Beyond all of God's other gifts, this gift stands alone. Because it is the gift of His very Self. And yet, too often our hearts are cold and indifferent to this Greatest of Gifts.

    Mass Readings from June 2, 2024:
    Exodus 24:3-8
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    Hebrews 9:11-15

    Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

    5/26/24 Gift and Mystery: The Spirit of Adoption May 25, 2024

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

    God wants to spend time with you.

    The Mystery of the Holy Trinity is the Mystery of God's identity. The tri-Personal God is more than an abstract concept, yet the Trinity can often remain in our minds as a vague "idea". And yet, in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God has claimed us, brought us into a new relationship with Him, and made us a new creation.

    Mass Readings from May 26, 2024:
    Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
    Psalms 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22
    Romans 8:14-17

    Matthew 28:16-20

    5/19/24 Gift and Mystery: Use the Gift May 18, 2024

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday.

    The best way to thank the Giver is to use the gift.

    At Pentecost, the Lord poured out His Holy Spirit upon the disciples and blessed them with His gifts. Immediately, they used those gifts. These gifts were given to be used. And so are all of the gifts God continues to give.

    Mass Readings from May 19, 2024:
    Acts 2:1-11
    Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
    1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

    05/12/24 Gift and Mystery: Build Up the Body May 11, 2024

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Ascension.

    Who am I building up?

    God has given us His promise of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and makes us holy, but the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us so that we can participate in the work of God in the world. At His Ascension, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit so that we could continue His work here on earth.

    Mass Readings from May 12, 2024:
    Acts 1:1-11
    Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9
    Ephesians 1:17-23

    Mark 16:15-20

    05/05/24 Nunc Coepi: Begin Again May 04, 2024

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

    The strength that got you here is not the strength needed to get you there.

    As we continue to grow and age and mature, we also continue to experience the reality of decline. Each of us will come to know what it is to have less youthful strength. Rather than lament this fact, we can learn to adapt and choose a different strength. We can choose a new definition of what it is to "win" at life.

    Mass Readings from May 5, 2024:
    Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
    Psalms 98:1-4
    1 John 4:7-10

    John 15:9-17

    04/28/24 Nunc Coepi: Time to Start Apr 27, 2024

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

    You got to wake up today.

    We don't know if we will have enough time to finish, but we do know that we have time to start. We have a tendency to delay, but the only time that we have is now; and since we got to wake up today, we have the chance to say "Now, I begin".

    Mass Readings from April 28, 2024:
    Acts 9:26-31
    Psalms 22:26-28, 30-32
    1 John 3:18-24

    John 15:1-8

    04/21/24 Nunc Coepi: Season of Discouragement Apr 20, 2024

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

    Stand in the truth and do the next right thing.

    Life can easily overwhelm us, leaving us in a place where we feel beaten and in a season of discouragement. But choosing humility and hope...choosing to live the truth and to do the next right thing...is the key to living courageously.

    Mass Readings from April 21, 2024:
    Acts 4:8-12
    Psalms 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
    1 John 3:1-2

    John 10:11-18

    04/14/24 Nunc Coepi: Breaking Agreements Apr 13, 2024

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter.

    The first step is to stop.

    Once we realize that we have to repent...that we are called to "change our minds"...the first step is to stop. To examine what it is that we are thinking and to which thoughts, sins, and false images of God we have made agreements with. And then to break those agreements in order to say "Now I begin".

    Mass Readings from April 14, 2024:
    Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
    Psalms 4:2, 4, 7-9
    1 John 2:1-5a

    Luke 24:35-48

    04/07/24 Justice or Mercy? Apr 06, 2024

    Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday.

    Mercy is the love we need the most and deserve the least.

    We all want to get what we deserve. We want justice, and God is Just. But there are times when we need something more than justice...there are times when we might deserve justice, but need mercy.

    Mass Readings from April 7, 2024:
    Acts 4:32-35
    Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
    1 John 5:1-6

    John 20:19-31

    03/31/24 Necessary or Accessory Mar 30, 2024

    Homily from Easter Sunday.

    Are Jesus and the Mass merely optional...or essential?

    We have such full lives and such small hearts that we are relieved when things get cancelled. But, for the things that are neccesary, we would be devasted if we missed them. Who Jesus is to us will determine our response when we are not able to get to Mass or receive the Eucharist.

    Mass Readings from March 31, 2024:
    Acts 10:34a, 37-43
    Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
    Colossians 3:1-4

    John 20:1-9

    03/29/24 The Man of Sorrows Mar 29, 2024

    Homily from Good Friday.

    Jesus won the world in His weakness.

    We would like for our Lord to be triumphant in His conquering of sin and death. But the people around Him as He saved the world were largely ignorant, indifferent, or antagonistic. Yet, Jesus won the world through His wounds.

    Mass Readings from March 29, 2024:
    Isaiah 52:13—53:12
    Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
    Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

    John 18:1—19:42

    03/28/24 Three Sadnesses of Holy Thursday Mar 28, 2024

    Homily from Holy Thursday, the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

    We all have unique sadnesses. Jesus enters into all of them.

    Holy Thursday is a day that marks the gift of the Priesthood, the Eucharist, Christ's humble service, and the beginning of the Triduum. Today, we reflect on Peter, Judas, and Jesus in their unique sadnesses.

    Mass Readings from March 28, 2024:
    Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    John 13:1-15

    03/24/24 He Leadeth Me: Enter the Story Mar 23, 2024

    Homily from Palm Sunday.

    You are meant to be a part of the story.

    As Christians, we know the Story and we believe the Story. We know how God has saved the world by entering into suffering and death. But we are called to more; we are called to participate in the Story. Our apostolate is marked by Acceptance, Access, and Action.

    Mass Readings from March 24, 2024:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalms 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
    Philippians 2:6-11

    Mark 14:1—15:47

    03/17/24 He Leadeth Me: The Simple Secret Mar 16, 2024

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    You don't have to find God's will in this moment and these circumstances...this moment and these circumstances are God's will for you.

    The greatest lesson that anyone of us can learn is simple, but it is not always easy: you can trust God in every moment and all circumstances.

    Mass Readings from March 17, 2024:
    Jeremiah 31:31-34
    Psalms 51:3-4, 12-15
    Hebrews 5:7-9

    John 12:20-33

    03/10/24 He Leadeth Me: Owned By the Past Mar 09, 2024

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    We often feel owned by the past or powerless in the present.

    Once something is broken, is it really lost forever?

    Mass Readings from March 10, 2024:
    2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
    Psalms 137:1-6
    Ephesians 2:4-10

    John 3:14-21

    03/03/24 He Leadeth Me: The Greatest Grace Mar 02, 2024

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    The greatest grace is to know the depth of our brokenness and to know the depth of His love.

    Father Walter wanted to be like his heroes. We all want to think that we will be strong in the moment of truth. But the actual moment of truth comes after our weakness has been revealed.

    Mass Readings from March 3, 2024:
    Exodus 20:1-17
    Psalms 19:8-11
    1 Corinthians 1:22-25

    John 2:13-25

    02/25/24 He Leadeth Me: As Long As... Feb 24, 2024

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Lent.

    If I know Who, then I can say yes without knowing why.

    Do I have any conditions on my response to God? Will I pray or serve or say yes to Him as long as I understand why He is asking?

    Mass Readings from February 25, 2024:
    Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
    Psalms 116:10, 15-19
    Romans 8:31-34

    Mark 9:2-10

    02/18/24 He Leadeth Me: Great Expectations Feb 17, 2024

    Homily from the First Sunday of Lent.

    When expectation meets reality, we have a choice.

    All of our lives are marked by a certain degree of expectation. But what do we do when we encounter the reality of life? We can choose to either avoid reality or accept reality.

    Mass Readings from February 18, 2024:
    Genesis 9:8-15
    Psalms 25:4-9
    1 Peter 3:18-22

    Mark 1:12-15

    02/14/24 Ash Wednesday: Hope, Faith, Love in Lent Feb 14, 2024

    Homily from Ash Wednesday.

    We hope He sees. We have faith it matters to Him. We do it because He said so.

    During Lent, we have the chance to make our lives an act of hope, faith, and love. More than growing in discipline or self-improvement, Lent is a chance to live what we believe by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

    Mass Readings from February 14, 2024:
    Joel 2:12-18
    Psalms 51:3--6, 12-14 and 17
    2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

    Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

    02/11/24 Holy Moments: His Moments Feb 10, 2024

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The moments are holy when the moments are His...and the moments are His when the motive is Him.

    When something is dedicated, it is transformed. It is elevated and becomes something more. When a moment is dedicated to God, it becomes a holy moment.

    Mass Readings from February 11, 2024:
    Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
    Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11
    1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1

    Mark 1:40-45

    02/04/24 Holy Moments: Shared Moments Feb 03, 2024

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You can only share what you have.

    Holy moments are shared moments. We share like Jesus (and make moments holy) when we are generous and honest.

    Mass Readings from February 4, 2024::
    Job 7:1-4, 6-7
    Psalms 147:1-6
    1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

    Mark 1:29-39

    01/28/24 Holy Moments: Present Moment Jan 27, 2024

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The Holy Moment is the present moment.

    When we live lives of distraction we cannot live lives of wonder or joy or holiness. Distraction steals life away because it takes us away from the present moment. And the present moment is the only moment that has the potential to be a holy moment.

    Mass Readings from January 28, 2024:
    Deuteronomy 18:15-20
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9
    1 Corinthians 7:32-35

    Mark 1:21-28

    01/21/24 Holy Moments: Ordinary Moments Jan 20, 2024

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Holy moments are ordinary moments reconsidered.

    An ordinary life is not an obstacle to a holy life. In fact, every extraordinary life is made up of ordinary moments that we choose to make into holy moments.

    Mass Readings from January 21, 2024:
    Jonah 3:1-5, 10
    Psalms 25:4-9
    1 Corinthians 7:29-31

    Mark 1:14-20

    01/14/24 Claimed and Called Jan 13, 2024

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God has a claim on your life...and God has a call for your life.

    We can often be hesitant to make decisions in life. Not only because we do not want to make the wrong decision, but also because we want to make the best decision. But the point of life is not merely to optimize our happiness. We experience a new freedom and meaning when we realize that our lives are not our own...and we live to respond to God's call.

    Mass Readings from January 14, 2024:
    1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19
    Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20

    John 1:35-42

    01/07/24 Worship is the Only Proper Response Jan 06, 2024

    Homily from the Epiphany of the Lord.

    We give God our best, our heart, and what He has asked for.

    As we know, the heart of religion is worship. But we need to put our hearts into worship. We give God our best, our heart, and what God has asked for. Not because He needs anything, but because it is right and just.

    Mass Readings from January 7, 2024:
    Isaiah 60:1-6
    Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
    Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

    Matthew 2:1-12

    12/31/23 Family Life Dec 30, 2023

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

    The Holy Family was holy, but not without struggles.

    Jesus entered into this broken world by entering into the reality that all of us have experienced: family life. He did not insulate Himself from the harsh realities of life by embracing a life of wealth. Rather, all He had was borrowed.

    Mass Readings from December 31, 2023:
    Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
    Psalms 128:1-5
    Colossians 3:12-21

    Luke

    12/25/23 The Amateur Dec 24, 2023

    Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas).

    The reality is that God is not a professional. He is an amateur.

    There are many things in life where we merely like the "idea" of that thing. The reality is another story, because the reality makes demands on us. Christmas is a reminder that we not only cannot love the "idea" of God, but that He does not merely love the idea of us.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2023:
    Isaiah 52:7-10
    Psalms 98:1-6.
    Hebrews 1:1-6

    John 1:1-18

    12/24/23 Main Character: No Small Parts Dec 23, 2023

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

    Whatever You ask of me, the answer is yes.

    One of the more challenging reminders of this series is that God is the point of all of this. He is not only the Main Character, but this is also His Story. Nonetheless, we have been given a role; we have been created and redeemed in order to play our part.

    Mass Readings from December 24, 2023:
    2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
    Psalms 89:2-5, 27, 29
    Romans 16:25-27

    Luke 1:26-38

    12/17/23 Main Character: Don't Wait Dec 16, 2023

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Advent.

    We won't be able to rejoice, pray, or give thanks always unless we rejoice, pray, and give thanks now.

    Main Character syndrome can lead us to believe that we are in control. But there are many circumstances that are out of our control. We can often only control how we respond to our circumstances. As Christians, we choose to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.

    Mass Readings from December 17, 2023:
    Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
    Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
    1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

    John 1:6-8, 19-28

    12/10/23 Main Character: Perfect Dec 09, 2023

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    Perfectionism can move us from caring to quitting.

    Spiritual perfectionism can lead people who care about the Faith and who love God to a place of harshness and hurry so much that they just want to give up. But the Gospel reminds us that God is gentle and patient.

    Mass Readings from December 10, 2023:
    Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
    Psalms 85:9-14
    2 Peter 3:8-14

    Mark 1:1-8

    12/8/23 The New Eve Dec 08, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    Mary was preserved from sin by the merits of her Son's life, death, and resurrection.

    The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a testament to God's goodness. He gives what we need for the mission to which we have been called. And He calls all of us to enter into deeper relationship with the Family of God by cultivating a relationship with Mary, the Mother of God.

    Mass Readings from December 8, 2023:
    Genesis 3:9-15, 20
    Psalms 98:1-4
    Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

    Luke 1:26-38

    12/3/23 Main Character: An Average Star Dec 02, 2023

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    You are God. I am not.

    When we encounter the true and living God, there is only one response...it involves six little words, but makes a world of difference.

    Mass Readings from December 3, 2023:
    Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7
    Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
    1 Corinthians 1:3-9

    Mark 13:33-37

    11/26/23 Based On a True Story: Unwritten Nov 25, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

    Your part of the story (Act IV) remains unwritten.

    Jesus has bridged the unbridgable gap between God and humanity. We can believe that and remain unchanged. But if we are willing to respond, we can write the final act of the story. We can place ourselves under the Lordship of Christ and live an entirely new life.

    Mass Readings from November 26, 2023:
    Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
    Psalms 23:1-3, 5-6
    1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

    Matthew 25:31-46

    11/19/23 Based On a True Story: Otherwise Nov 18, 2023

    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    It could have been otherwise.

    We have been created good by the good God. But we have been captured by sin, death, and slavery. In Jesus, God has rescued us and transferred us into His Kingdom…His family.

    Mass Readings from November 19, 2023:
    Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
    Psalms 128:1-5
    1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

    Matthew 25:14-30

    11/12/23 Based On a True Story: Kakangelion Nov 11, 2023

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    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    There's good news and there's bad news.

    We have heard the first part (Act One) of the Good News. But before we can move forward, we need to be aware of and understand why things are so broken. Before anything else, we need the bad news.

    Mass Readings from November 12, 2023:
    Wisdom 6:12-16
    Psalms 63:2-8
    1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

    Matthew 25:1-13

    11/5/23 Based On a True Story: The Gospel of God Nov 04, 2023

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    Homily from the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Am I basing my life on the gospel of the world or the Gospel of God?

    We are surrounded by stories. Stories that try to make sense of the world. But not every story is true. In fact, there are many stories that are false. We are called to base our lives on the true story… The story of the Gospel of God.

    Mass Readings from November 5, 2023:
    Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10
    Psalms 131:1-3
    1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13

    Matthew 23:1-12

    11/1/23 "All of the Saints" Nov 01, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of All Saints.

    One day, this day could be your feast day.

    The Feast of All Saints is offered to us as a day to praise God for all of the unnamed and unknown saints who have run the race well and have entered into the glorious and unadulterated Presence of the true and living God.

    Mass Readings from November 1, 2023}:
    Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
    Psalms 24:1-6
    1 John 3:1-3

    Matthew 5:1-12

    10/29/23 Lost: Love Is the Way Oct 28, 2023

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You are called to be love.

    When a person is lost, they need to know where they are. We know: you are here. But we also need to know where we are going and how to get there. We know that as well: we are called to be saints and the way is love.

    Mass Readings from October 29, 2023:
    Exodus 22:20-26
    Psalms 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
    1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

    Matthew 22:34-40

    10/22/23 Lost: Every Step Oct 21, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Between the Promise and the Promised Land.

    When a person is lost, it can feel like every step is taking them further and further away from where they need to be. But with Christ, we trust in the promise that we are not lost, but led...and that every step is taking us closer to where and who we need to be.

    Mass Readings from October 22, 2023:
    Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
    Psalms 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
    1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

    Matthew 22:15-21

    10/15/23 Lost: You Are Here Oct 14, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    This is life.

    We need to understand that life is not waiting for us to start. This is life. This is your life. You are here. But we do have to ask the questions: should I be here? And is what God wants for me enough for me?

    Mass Readings from October 15, 2023:
    Isaiah 25:6-10
    Psalms 23:1-6
    Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

    Matthew 22:1-14

    10/8/23 Lost: Have No Anxiety At All Oct 07, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What if? Or What is?

    Not knowing where we are, where we are going, or how to get there can be incredibly daunting. It can bring us to a place of worry and anxiety. We can be tempted to avoid the uncertainty and discomfort of the journey. By focusing on God's presence and blessings, we can have the courage to move.

    Mass Readings from October 8, 2023:
    Isaiah 5:1-7
    Psalms 80:9, 12-16, 19-20
    Philippians 4:6-9

    Matthew 21:33-43

    10/1/23 Tough Love: Because He Asked Me To Sep 30, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The freedom to love when you no longer feel like it.

    The precondition for love is freedom. Both the freedom to say no and the freedom to say yes, regardless of passing moods or circumstances. Tough love is willing to choose the good because God asked us to and because we said we would.

    Mass Readings from October 1, 2023:
    Ezekiel 18:25-28
    Psalms 25:4-9
    Phillipians 2:1-11

    Matthew 21:28-32

    09/24/23 Tough Love: Receive and Rejoice Sep 23, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We choose our rivals.

    We are all confronted with the temptation towards resentment, when we see the blessings or gifts that others have. This temptation towards envy can be overcome when we choose to receive the gifts we’ve been given with gratitude, and choose to rejoice in the gift of others.

    Mass Readings from September 24, 2023:
    Isaiah 55:6-9
    Psalms 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
    Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a

    Matthew 20:1-16a

    09/17/23 Tough Love: As We Forgive Sep 16, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Forgiveness is a decision.

    One of the most difficult commands that Jesus has called us to is that we must forgive those who have hurt us and who have hurt those we love. Loving like this is difficult. It is truly tough love that is willing to weigh up the hurt and release the offender from the debt that they owe.

    Mass Readings from September 17, 2023:
    Sirach 27:30—28:7
    Psalms 103:1-4, 9-12
    Romans 14:7-9

    Matthew 18:21-35

    9/10/23 Tough Love: Only the Good Things Sep 09, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Do I love enough to listen? Do I love enough to speak?

    In loving the people around us well, one thing we have to contend with is loving them well in our words. We avoid all unnecessary negatives, love enough to listen, and love enough to speak.

    Mass Readings from September 10, 2023:
    Ezekiel 33:7-9
    Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
    Romans 13:8-10

    Matthew 18:15-20

    9/3/23 Deny Yourself Sep 02, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

    "No" paves the way for "yes".

    Jesus gives us the conditions for discipleship. We must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. But what does it really mean to deny ourself? And how can this giant "no" pave the way for an even greater "yes"?

    Mass Readings from September 3, 2023:
    Jeremiah 20:7-9
    Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
    Romans 12:1-2

    Matthew 16:21-27

    8/27/23 The Question Aug 26, 2023

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

    There are some questions that only you can answer.

    In the Gospel today, Jesus asks two questions. But there is a third unspoken question that needs to be asked and answered first: Who does Jesus say that He is? This question (and answer) will determine everything for the rest of our lives.

    Mass Readings from August 27, 2023:
    Isaiah 22:19-23
    Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
    Romans 11:33-36

    Matthew 16:13-20

    8/20/23 More Knowledge or More Courage Aug 19, 2023

    Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Knowledge without action is useless.

    Too often, our problem as followers of Christ is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of courage. In order for us to live the lives Jesus has made possible by his grace, we do not need to know more. We need to be brave enough to act on what we know.

    Mass Readings from August 20, 2023:
    Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
    Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
    Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

    Matthew 15:21-28

    8/15/23 The Assumption Aug 15, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    Mary is the New Ark of the New Covenant.

    It is fitting that Mary was assumed into Heaven since she is the fulfillment of the Ark in the Old Covenant.

    Mass Readings from August 15, 2023:
    Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB
    Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
    1 Corinthians 15:20-27

    Luke 1:39-56

    8/13/23 The Enemy of Focus Aug 12, 2023

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    A distraction issue or a decision issue?

    In order to achieve any worthwhile goal, we need to focus. Yet, distractions abound in our world and in ourselves. A distraction is anything that takes our focus away from what we need to be doing. But in order to know what a distraction is, we first have to know what it is we need to be doing.

    Mass Readings from August 13, 2023:
    1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
    Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
    Romans 9:1-5

    Matthew 14:22-33

    8/6/23 Identity Precedes Mission Aug 05, 2023

    Homily from the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

    Claimed. Respected. Trusted.

    Jesus Transfigured on the top of Mount Tabor precedes His journey to Mount Calvary. On Tabor, He is not merely transfigured...He is Claimed, Respected, and Trusted as the beloved Son. We too need the Father's voice to voice His claim over us, His respecting us, and His entrusting a mission to us.

    Mass Readings from August 6, 2023:
    Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
    Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
    2 Peter 1:16-19

    Matthew 17:1-9

    7/30/23 Parabellum: This Battle Jul 29, 2023

    Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.

    When we are faced with the challenges and obstacles of following Christ, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But we do not have to solve all of the potential issues. We are simply called to face this problem and take the next step.

    Mass Readings from July 30, 2023:
    1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
    Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
    Romans 8:28-30

    Matthew 13:44-52

    7/23/23 Parabellum: An Enemy Jul 22, 2023

    Homily from the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    The enemy can't win, he just wants you to lose.

    The Church has been established by Jesus Christ Himself. And yet, the Church has sinners and sin within Her ranks. The enemy of God and humanity has done this. We need to be aware of sin in the Church and sin in our own hearts. If we stay awake and alert, we can guard against sin in the Church and in our lives.

    Mass Readings from July 23, 2023:
    Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
    Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
    Romans 8:26-27

    Matthew 13:24-43

    7/16/23 Parabellum: Five Attacks Jul 15, 2023

    Homily from the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    We may want to run, but things get in the way.

    God provides the grace that we need to be able to grow as fully and freely as possible. But life is full of obstacles that make this growth a challenge. With God's grace, we can be prepared for these battles.

    Mass Readings from July 16, 2023:
    Isaiah 55:10-11
    Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
    Romans 8:18-23

    Matthew 13:1-23

    7/9/23 Hurry and Worry Jul 08, 2023

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    "Hurry is the greatest threat to the spiritual life and the way of Jesus."

    We constantly experience the temptation to "max out" our lives by racing from event to event, task to task. The goal of life is union with God and anything that takes us away from this goal is a major threat to this goal...including hurry.

    Mass Readings from July 9, 2023:
    Zechariah 9:9-10
    Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
    Romans 8:9, 11-13

    Matthew 11:25-30

    7/2/23 Gift and Grief Jul 01, 2023

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Just one more thing that could go wrong.

    To protect one's heart is the safest way to live. But since we are made in God's image and likeness, we are made for love. Without love, we remain safe...but we remain incomprehensible to ourselves. To love is to be vulnerable...it is to risk. To receive the gift means we must be open to grief.

    Mass Readings from July 2, 2023:
    2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
    Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
    Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

    Matthew 10:37-42

    6/25/23 The Fear of the Lord Jun 24, 2023

    Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

    We must cultivate the fear of the Lord in our lives. If we do not, then we will have only a partial vision of who God truly is. If we do not cultivate the fear of the Lord, then we will never have the proper relationship with God that we are made for.

    Mass Readings from June 25, 2023:
    Jeremiah 20:10-13
    Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
    Romans 5:12-15

    Matthew 10:26-33

    6/18/23 The Need for Fathers Jun 17, 2023

    Homily from the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Competent generosity is the key for healthy masculinity.

    Jesus prays that His Church is never without shepherds. This world and His Church is in need of leaders, of shepherds, and of fathers. While we will always need women and mothers, we stand in particular need of fathers at this moment in history. We need both: strong and generous men and women to place their strength at the service of the people around them.

    Mass Readings from June 18, 2023:
    Exodus 19:2-6a
    Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
    Romans 5:6-11

    Matthew 9:36—10:8

    6/11/23 The Heart of the Matter Jun 10, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Feast of Corpus Christi)

    Love is the best thing in this world.

    We are made for love. God is love. We are therefore made for God. And God comes to us in love in the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Christ at every Mass.

    Mass Readings from June 11, 2023:
    Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
    Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
    1 Corinthians 10:16-17

    John 6:51-58

    6/4/23 Blank Tablets Jun 03, 2023

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

    God, you get to tell me who You are.

    We have been made in the image of God. The common temptation that we all face is to re-make God in our own image. We can be drawn to the idea that we can simply worship the God whom we prefer rather than the God who has revealed Himself.

    Mass Readings from June 4, 2023:
    Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
    Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
    2 Corinthians 13:11-13

    John 3:16-18

    5/28/23 Come, Holy Spirit! May 27, 2023

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday

    I do not want what Jesus has done in me to stop with me.

    Jesus has accomplished the Father's will in offering Himself on the Cross. He has further sent the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the world. God has done something incredible in the life of each Christian. And He sends us out into the world so that what He has done in us continues to be done in those close to us.

    Mass Readings from May 28, 2023:
    Acts 2:1-11
    Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
    1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

    5/21/23 They Doubted May 20, 2023

    Homily from the The Ascension of the Lord

    Approach the Lord with open hearts.

    It has been said that "10,000 difficulties do not make one single doubt". When we approach God, we can be tempted to hesitate. We need to be able to ask the questions that need to be answered. This asking is not the same thing as doubting.

    Mass Readings from May 21, 2023
    Acts 1:1-11
    Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
    Ephesians 1:17-23

    Matthew 28:16-20

    5/14/23 A Reason for Your Hope May 13, 2023

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter

    Jesus is the Lord. Is He my Lord?

    Saint Peter tells us to be prepared to give a reason for our hope. We need to be ready to give an explanation for the truth that Jesus is the source of hope. We also need to be ready to give a reason for our personal hope in Jesus.

    Mass Readings from May 14, 2023:
    Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
    Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
    1 Peter 3:15-18

    John 14:15-21

    5/7/23 Spiritual Houses May 06, 2023

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter

    The Temple is the place of sacrifice.

    Peter notes that we are built into a spiritual house. We know what kind of building it is based on the purpose of the building. And the purpose of the Temple is to be the Presence of God and the place of worship and sacrifice. If we are temples of the Holy Spirit, then this is true for us as well.

    Mass Readings from May 7, 2023:
    Acts 6:1-7
    Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
    1 Peter 2:4-9

    John 14:1-12

    4/30/23 Homestretch: Love Apr 29, 2023

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter

    Sometimes love is just showing up.

    At the twilight of our lives, we will be judged on love alone. And to love is to give. Love almost always involves sacrifice. Because there is no present like the time.

    Mass Readings from April 30, 2023:
    Acts 2:14a, 36-41
    Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6
    1 Peter 2:20b-25

    John 10:1-10

    4/23/23 Homestretch: Hope Apr 22, 2023

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter

    Christian hope does not trust that all will be well if I get what I want, but that all will be well even when I don't.

    Sometimes the hardest part of the race is the last lap...and sometimes the hardest part of the race is the second to last lap. When the finish line is so far off that you can't see the end. In those moments, when all seems lost, hope declares that God can bring life out of death.

    Mass Readings from April 23, 2023:
    Acts 2:14, 22-33
    Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
    1 Peter 1:17-21

    Luke 24:13-35

    4/16/23 Homestretch: Faith Apr 15, 2023

    Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday

    It is of no use to say "I believe in Jesus" and then go back to life as usual.

    Faith is at the heart of our relationship with God. But our faith cannot simply be what we agree with or a mere belief. Our faith must move, act, and work. Like the early disciples, we must devote our lives to a "life of faith".

    Mass Readings from April 16, 2023:
    Acts 2:42-47
    Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
    1 Peter 1:3-9

    John 20:19-31

    4/9/23 The Body Apr 08, 2023

    Homily from The Resurrection of the Lord

    I believe in the resurrection of the flesh.

    Just as Jesus Christ conquered death by dying and gave us life by rising from the dead, every person will get their body back. Those who are lost will have the bodies in Hell, and those who are saved will have their glorified bodies in Heaven. What will those bodies be like?

    Mass Readings from April 9, 2023:
    Acts 10:34a, 37-43
    Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
    Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

    John 20:1-9

    4/7/23 Guilty Apr 07, 2023

    Homily from Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

    I am guilty. And I am loved.

    When we are falsely accused, we can often be tempted to defend ourselves or justify ourselves. This makes sense, since we want the truth to be known. But we must not fool ourselves into convincing ourselves that we are innocent. Christ came to save sinners. That means, if I am not a sinner—if I am not guilty—then Christ did not come to save me. But I am guilty...and He did come for me. And for you.

    Readings from April 7, 2023:
    Isaiah 52:13—53:12
    Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
    Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

    John 18:1—19:42

    4/6/23 Priesthood Apr 06, 2023

    Homily from Holy Thursday

    The only gifts the first priests had to offer the world was what God had given them.

    Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the final stages of Christ's Passion. But it also marks the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood.

    Mass Readings from April 6, 2023:
    Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
    Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    John 13:1-15

    4/2/23 Prototype: Acceptance Apr 01, 2023

    Homily from Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

    Jesus' secret is voluntary and radical acceptance.

    In His final moments on earth, our Rabbi teaches us one of the greatest lessons of Bet Midrash: how do we face the worst possible realities of life? Do we resist reality? Do we avoid addressing what scares us? Or do we do what Jesus did? Do we choose voluntary and radical acceptance?

    Mass Readings from April 2, 2023:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
    Philemon 2:6-11

    Matthew 26:14—27:66

    3/26/23 Prototype: Tears Mar 25, 2023

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    Why does Jesus weep?

    Jesus wept. Why does Jesus weep in the face of the death of Lazarus? He weeps to silence the Great Lie. He weeps because He loves. He weeps in order to teach us to weep.

    Mass Readings from March 26, 2023:
    Ezra 37:12-14
    Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
    Romans 8:8-11

    John 11:1-45

    3/19/23 Prototype: Fault Mar 18, 2023

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    We need to stop asking "who is to blame?" and start asking "What can God do with this?"

    The disciples ask Jesus whose fault it is that the man was born blind. So many of us have a tendency to ask the same question: "Whose fault is this?" While that is a natural question, it is not always a helpful question. There is a better question that we can ask.

    Mass Readings from March 19, 2023 :
    1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
    Psalms 23
    Ephesians 5:8-14

    John 9:1-41

    3/12/23 Prototype: Vision Mar 11, 2023

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    Jesus taught the world how to see the person.

    We are constantly facing the temptation to define people by their group or by their shame. Jesus reveals that, while He knows the group or by their shame, He sees the person...the individual...and calls them by their name.

    Mass Readings from March 12, 2023:
    Exodus 17:3-7
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9
    Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

    John 4:5-42

    3/5/23 Prototype: Prayer Mar 04, 2023

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Lent.

    In teaching about prayer, Jesus offered something no other rabbi could give.

    Jesus, the Prototype, reveals His prayer to the Apostles. Every rabbi would teach his disciples how to pray, but Jesus is able to give His disciples something that no other rabbi could offer. Jesus prays as the Beloved Son...Jesus teaches His disciples to pray as beloved children who have been claimed by their Father.

    Mass Readings from March 5, 2023:
    Genesis 12:1-4
    Psalms 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22.
    2 Timothy 1:8-10

    Matthew 17:1-9

    2/26/23 Prototype: Temptation Feb 25, 2023

    Homily from the First Sunday of Lent.

    Expect the Trial. Eliminate the Option. Re-Write the Script. Focus on the Word.

    We will face trials and temptations throughout our lives. When we follow and study Jesus our rabbi, we learn how to face temptations the way he did.

    Mass Readings from February 26, 2023:
    Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
    Psalms 51:3-6, 12-14 and 17
    Romans 5:12-19

    Matthew 4:1-11

    2/22/23 Prototype: Jesus is the Model Feb 22, 2023

    Homily from Ash Wednesday.

    The goal of the Christian life is to become like Christ.

    As we begin Lent, we often mistakenly choose arbitrary things to give up or arbitrary ways to pray. But the goal of Lent is more than "doing something difficult" or "getting better". The goal of lent is the imitation of Christ.

    Mass Readings from February 22, 2023:
    Joel 2:12-18
    Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-14 and 17
    2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

    Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

    2/19/23 Homeless: Give Up or Surrender Feb 18, 2023

    Homily from the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The difference between giving up and surrender is one word: trust.

    There are so many circumstances in life that are beyond our control. We can easily feel powerless as we realize that we cannot control all outcomes. Christ's words in the Gospel might look like giving up, but they are something vastly different...and far more hopeful.

    Mass Readings from February 19, 2023:
    Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
    Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
    1 Corinthians 3:16-23

    Matthew 5:38-48

    2/12/23 Homeless: Freedom Feb 11, 2023

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Our hearts are enslaved...exile can be the cure.

    There are so many circumstances that are beyond our control. But no matter the situation, one thing that cannot be taken away from a person made in God's image is the freedom to choose how one responds to those circumstances. Our hearts can be enslaved in any situation, but they can also be free in any situation.

    Mass Readings from February 12, 2023:
    Sirach 15:15-20
    Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
    1 Corinthians 2:6-10

    Matthew 5:17-37

    2/5/23 Homeless: Different Feb 04, 2023

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do what you would do even if no one is watching.

    So many of us have a fear of being different. We would prefer to be like everyone else. But we cannot afford to be the same as everyone else. Not because we are better, but because the world needs what Christians have: Jesus Christ.

    Mass Readings from February 5, 2023:
    Isaiah 58:7-10
    Psalms 112:4-9
    1 Corinthians 2:1-5

    Matthew 5:13-16

    1/29/23 Homeless: Perspective Jan 28, 2023

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do not wait to live. God is using this here and now.

    There is real suffering. There is real good and evil. But sometimes, the difference between something that is worthless and something that is worthwhile is a matter of perspective. God can use even our flaws...in fact, he will use everything if we let him.

    Mass Readings from January 29, 2023:
    Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
    Psalms 146:6-10
    1 Corinthians 1:26-31

    Matthew 5:1-12

    1/22/23 Homeless: Resolution Jan 21, 2023

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Our identity is at the heart of our resolution.

    One of the greatest things that is lost while in exile is a true sense of identity. Too quickly, we forget who we are and settle for something too small to be enough. But if we keep identity at the heart of our resolutions, we will be able to live homeless and Holy.

    Mass Readings from January 22, 2023:
    Isaiah 8:23-9:3
    Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14
    1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

    Matthew 4:12-23

    1/15/23 Homeless: Homeless But Holy Jan 14, 2023

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What is the difference between a "good person" and a "saint"?

    "A good society is one that makes it easy to be good." But what if you don't live in a good society? Is "being good" the only goal? Is it possible to be more than good...to be holy...even when you are living in exile?

    Mass Readings from January 15, 2023:
    Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
    Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 1:1-3

    John 1:29-34

    1/8/23 Here to Give Jan 07, 2023

    Homily from the Mass of the Epiphany of the Lord.

    The best thing we can do.

    While we are certainly human "beings", we are also meant to "do". The most important thing we can do is LOVE. And the most important One we can love is God. We love God in a number of ways, the principle of which is through worship.

    Mass Readings from January 8, 2023:
    Isaiah 60:1-6
    Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
    Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

    Matthew 2:1-12

    1/1/23 Hold, Reflect, and Remember Dec 31, 2022

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

    Mary, the Mother of God is the model for how to live well.

    Mary is the Mother of God because the baby in her womb was the Second Person of the Trinity. She also shows us how to leave last year in the past and step into the New Year wisely.

    Mass Readings from January 1, 2023:
    Numbers 6:22-27
    Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
    Galatians 4:4-7

    Luke 2:16-21

    12/25/22 Closer Than You Think: Small Enough to Ignore Dec 24, 2022

    Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Mass).

    At Christmas, in our lives, and in the Mass...God becomes small enough to ignore.

    God is closer than we think. But the ways that He draws close to us is that He comes so close that we can miss Him and He becomes so small that we can ignore Him.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2022:
    Isaiah 62:1-5
    Psalms 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
    Acts 13:16-17, 22-25

    Matthew 1:1-25

    12/18/22 Closer Than You Think: When He Reveals Himself Dec 17, 2022

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

    What is our response when God does reveal Himself?

    We've been showing up and placing ourselves in God's Presence for the past 22 days. Sometimes we merely expect God to be silent and still. But what if God revealed Himself in a dramatic way? What would be our response?

    Mass Readings from December 18, 2022:
    Isaiah 7:10-14
    Psalms 24:1-6.
    Romans 1:1-7

    Matthew 1:18-24

    12/11/22 Closer Than You Think: Be Patient Dec 10, 2022

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Advent.

    Be patient with the Lord, the process, and yourself.

    We often find it difficult to wait for things to come to us. During this season of Advent, we can also struggle with the feeling that "nothing is happening". During this time, we need to be reminded that God is closer than we think; He is in each moment and in each step...and remember to be patient.

    Mass Readings from December 11, 2022:
    Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
    Psalms 146:6-10
    James 5:7-10

    Matthew 11:2-11

    12/8/22 Immaculate Conception: Receptivity Dec 08, 2022

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    God always gives what we need to accomplish His will.

    Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin at the moment of her conception by the merits of her Son's future life, death, and resurrection.

    Mass Readings from December 8, 2022:
    Genesis 3:9-15, 20
    Psalms 98:1-4
    Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

    Luke 1:26-38

    12/4/22 Closer Than You Think: One Step Dec 03, 2022

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    "One day" could become "Day One".

    So often, there are things that we would like to do "one day". Sometimes those dreams pass us by and we lose nothing. But other times, we must take action otherwise "one day" becomes "never". As Christians, we either Begin or we Begin Again.

    11/27/22 Closer Than You Think: 29 Days Nov 26, 2022

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    You are made for more than a secondhand relationship with God.

    We have 29 days until Christmas. And so much can change in that time. If we are willing to commit to spending 29 minutes every day for the next 29 days...if we are willing to beg the Lord to reveal Himself to us...everything could be different in just 29 days.

    Mass Readings from November 27, 2022:
    Isaiah 2:1-5
    Psalms 122: 1-9
    Romans 13:11-14

    Matthew 24:37-44

    11/20/22 A God You Cannot Control Nov 19, 2022

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    Homily from the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

    What do you do when you encounter a God you cannot control?

    We all have fears. Often, those fears lead us to either seize control or to cede control. But when we fear God and His call in our lives, we are called to choose trust over fear. We are called to choose obedience over control.

    Mass Readings from November 20, 2022t:
    2 Samuel 5:1-3
    Psalms 122:1-5
    Colossians 1:12-20

    Luke 23:35-43

    11/13/22 Something Other Than God Nov 12, 2022

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    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We get what we've chosen.

    The ending of a story reveals what kind of story it is. Regardless of how we start and how we proceed, we can choose to have a tragic story...or we can choose to have a love story. The determining factor is not the amount of sorrow or loss in our lives, but whether we choose God...or choose something other than God.

    Mass Readings from November 13, 2022:
    Malachi 3:19-20
    Psalms 98:5-9
    2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

    Luke 21:5-19

    11/6/22 Carry the Fire Nov 05, 2022

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    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The things one needs to die well are the same things one needs to live well.

    As we walk through life, we will all walk into darkness and sufferng and pain. We can still walk in hope, courage, and perseverance. We can be the kind of people who can carry the fire into the darkness.

    Mass Readings from November 6, 2022:
    2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
    Psalms 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
    2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

    Luke 20:27-38

    11/01/22 All Saints Nov 01, 2022

    Homily from the Solemnity of All Saints.

    Live so that this day will one day be your feast day.

    The Feast of All Saints is the day when all of those who are in Heaven are remembered and we ask them to intercede for us. They are the great "cloud of witnesses" that surrounds us and cheers us on.

    Mass Readings from November 1, 2022:
    Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
    Psalms 24:1-6
    1 John 3:1-3

    Matthew 5:1-12

    10/30/22 Alteration or Transformation? Oct 29, 2022

    Homily from the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Zacchaeus knew that he was a bad man. What he didn't know was if he could be different.

    Too many of us come to Jesus with the idea that He is willing to change us and change our lives. But what happens when we want Him to merely offer cosmetic changes and He wants to make structural changes?

    Mass Readings from October 30, 2022:
    Wisdom 11:22-12:2
    Psalms 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14
    2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

    Luke 19:1-10

    10/23/22 Growing Through the Motions: Busy or Productive? Oct 22, 2022

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    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Nothing is so worthless as working hard on the wrong things.

    We can all be so busy, but are we productive? Are we doing things right or are we doing the right things? When it comes to growing through the motions, we need to make sure that the right thing we do is present ourselves before God with humility and not self-reliance.

    Mass Readings from October 23, 2022:
    Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
    Psalms 34:2-3, 17-19, 23
    2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

    Luke 18:9-14

    10/16/22 Growing Through the Motions: Full Range of Motion Oct 15, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The only way to be able to pray in all seasons is to pray in all seasons.

    Growing through the motions involves commitment, consistency, and companions. It means being willing to go through the motions no matter the season and no matter the circumstances. It is only by doing this that we can have full range of motion in our relationship with the Lord.

    Mass Readings from October 16, 2022:
    Exodus 17:8-13
    Psalms 121:1-8
    2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

    Luke 18:1-8

    10/9/22 Growing Through the Motions: Start With Why Oct 08, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Our Why is a Who.

    We can know exactly what to do and how to do it. So much of our lives can be spent doing more and more, but never knowing exactly why. But if the reason behind our actions is Jesus, then we can truly be free to love every time we say "yes" to our Who.

    Mass Readings from October 9, 2022:
    2 Kings 5:14-17
    Psalms 98:1-4
    2 Timothy 2:8-13

    Luke 17:11-19

    10/2/22 Growing Through the Motions: Passion or Duty? Oct 01, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Duty is not the enemy.

    So much of life is doing our duty. Doing what we are supposed to do. And yet, there are times when this means that we only “go through the motions”. There is a chance for us to do more however…we can choose to grow.

    Mass Readings from October 2, 2022:
    Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9
    2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

    Luke 17:5-10

    09/25/22 Comfort Breeds Complacency Sep 24, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Complacency is being satisfied with how things are and not being willing to change them.

    We are insulated from discomfort in many ways. And our lives of comfort can lead to complacency. But encountering Christ can lead to compassion.

    Mass Readings from September 25, 2022:
    Amos 6:1, 4-7
    Psalms 146:7-10
    1 Timothy 6:11-16

    Luke 16:19-31

    09/18/22 Eulogy Virtues: Integrity Sep 17, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The connection between our values and our virtues.

    We are nothing without the virtue of integrity. As one pastor noted, "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. And if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." Integrity is the bridge between our desires and our decisions. Without integrity, our lives remain mere piles without purpose.

    Mass Readings from September 18, 2022:
    Amos 8:4-7
    Psalms 113:1-2, 4-8
    1 Timothy 2:1-8

    Luke 16:1-13

    09/11/22 Eulogy Virtues: Joy Sep 10, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Who you are now is who you are.

    Joy is the abiding sense of well-being. It is a feeling, but it is also a choice. But we do not choose joy itself. We must choose the source of joy. Love is the source of joy.

    Mass Readings from September 11, 2022
    Exodus 32:7-11
    Psalms 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
    1 Timothy 1:12-17

    Luke 15:1-32

    09/04/22 Eulogy Virtues: Loyalty Sep 03, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Loyalty is a force that conquers time.

    The essence of a eulogy virtue is character. Not merely who people think you are, but who you actually are. A person of character does what they said they would do…despite changing feelings or circumstances. This is loyalty.

    Mass Readings from September 4, 2022:
    Wisdom 9:13-18
    Psalms 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
    Philemon 9-10, 12-17

    Luke 14:25-33

    08/28/22 Eulogy Virtues: Pay Attention Aug 29, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.

    The Book of Sirach makes the claim that the humble person is loved more than a giver of gifts. But what does it mean to be humble? Does it mean what most of us automatically think of? Or does it mean something deeper...something freer? True humility gives a person the ability to pay attention.

    Mass Readings from August 28, 2022:
    Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
    Psalms 68:4-7, 10-11
    Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24

    Luke 14:1, 7-14

    08/21/22 You, Strive Aug 22, 2022

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    How are you fighting for Heaven?

    Jesus makes it very clear that our call is to make our pursuit of Heaven exactly that: a pursuit. He is personal and practical when He tells us that each and every one of us must strive for Heaven.

    Mass Readings from August 21, 2022:
    Isaiah 66:18-21
    Psalms 117:1, 2
    Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

    Luke 13:22-30

    08/14/22 Finish the Race Aug 15, 2022

    Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Sometimes God gives the victory and sometimes God gives what we need to finish the race.

    Every one of us is in the middle of the race of our lives. God has called us and brought us here, even when there is no victory in sight and even when victory is not possible. But God will always give whatever we need to finish the race.

    Mass Readings from August 14, 2022:
    Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
    Psalms 40:2-4, 18
    Hebrews 12:1-4

    Luke 12:49-53

    08/07/22 Loosen the Roots Aug 08, 2022

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We sacrifice because we love and we love because we sacrifice.

    The roots in our lives can be so beneficial. Family and friends, home and homeland. But roots can also become traps. Good things can become Ultimate Things. When we say "I need this" and are willing to sacrifice anything to get or to hold on to it, we become trapped. In this, God loosens the roots and calls us to walk by faith.

    Mass Readings from August 7, 2022:
    Wisdom 18:6-9
    Psalms 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
    Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

    Luke 12:32-48

    07/31/22 Then What? Aug 01, 2022

    Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Time and Death make most of what we live for hevel.

    We are preoccupied with "done", but we are simultaneously addicted to asking "then what?". The wisdom of Ecclesiastes notes that so much of what we live for is impermanent, passing, or meaningless. Yet Jesus reveals that there is a real meaning and a real hope.

    Mass Readings from July 31, 2022:
    Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
    Psalms 90:3-6, 12-14 and 17
    Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

    Luke 12:13-21

    07/24/22 Teach Us How Jul 25, 2022

    Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The Who determines the How.

    The disciples did not merely want Jesus to help them have a "better spiritual life" or a deeper prayer life; they wanted to pray how He prayed. And Jesus taught them. He taught them that Who we pray to determines how we pray.

    Mass Readings from July 24, 2022:
    Genesis 18:20-32
    Psalms 138:1-3, 6-8
    Colossians 2:12-14

    Luke 11:1-13

    07/17/22 The Question Jul 18, 2022

    Homily from the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Feeling anxious, worried, or sorry for yourself is normal. It is also completely unhelpful.

    We have a problem. And the problem is that we can do the right thing in the wrong way. We can choose to serve...while feeding our worry and self-pity. We can carry our cross...while feeling anxious and sorry for ourselves. Everything comes down to one question; it is not a matter of being tough, it is a matter of trust.

    Mass Readings from July 17, 2022:
    Genesis 18:1-10
    Psalms 15:2-5
    Colossians 1:24-28

    Luke 10:38-42

    07/10/22 Simple Things First Jul 11, 2022

    Homily from the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    I can know all I need to know and still not do all I need to do.

    There are so many things that we know that we ought to do. There are even things that we know that we want to do. And yet...we just can't seem to act on what we know. How do we start? How do we become people who do what we know we ought to do?

    Mass Readings from July 10, 2022:
    Deuteronomy 30:10-14
    Psalms 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37
    Colossians 1:15-20

    Luke 10:25-37

    07/03/22 Be A Saint Jul 04, 2022

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    What else is there?

    Many of us want to grow spiritually. But what does that really mean? What is it that we really want? What is the actual goal of life? Put in the words of Jesus, what should we truly rejoice in? Christ's answer is nothing less than having our names written in Heaven.

    Mass Readings from July 3, 2022:
    Isaiah 66:10-14
    Psalms 66:1-7, 16, 20
    Galatians 6:14-18

    Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

    06/26/22 The Call Jun 27, 2022

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Deliberate. Decisive. Definitive.

    God continues to call. God calls us to follow Him, making it clear that being a disciple is challenging...that it costs something. Therefore, we need to weigh out our response, we need to avoid hesitation, and we need to choose to follow Jesus in such a way that it actually changes something in our lives.

    Mass Readings from June 26, 2022:
    1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
    Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
    Galatians 5:1, 13-18

    Luke 9:51-62

    06/19/22 Corpus Christi Jun 20, 2022

    Homily from The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

    This is everything.

    The Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most underappreciated gifts God has ever given. In the Scriptures, God gives us His Word. In the Sacraments, God gives us His work. But in the Eucharist, God gives us Himself.

    Mass Readings from June 19, 2022:
    Genesis 14:18-20
    Psalms 110:1-4
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    Luke 9:11-17

    06/12/22 We Need Each Other Jun 13, 2022

    Homily from The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

    It is not good for the person to be alone.

    The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity reminds us of the innermost secret of God: He is Love. It also reveals the innermost secret of humans made in God's image and likeness: we are made for love.

    Mass Readings from June 12, 2022:
    Proverbs 8:22-31
    Psalms 8:4-9
    Romans 5:1-5

    John 16:12-15

    06/05/22 Given For Some Benefit Jun 06, 2022

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday.

    The greatest gift is to make yourself available.

    The Holy Spirit, poured out on the apostles (and the entire Church) at Pentecost would have gone to waste without the most important reality: the disciples made themselves available to be used by God for the service of the people around them.

    Mass Readings from June 5, 2022:
    Acts 2:1-11
    Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
    1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

    05/29/22 Ascension Gives Access May 30, 2022

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord.

    What am I going to do with the gifts I've been given?

    In the Ascension, Jesus completes the work of redemption. He has taken His once for all sacrifice, bound to time and place, and brought it before the Father. Because of this, we have access to all of God's graces in every time and every place.

    Mass Readings from May 29, 2022:
    Acts 1:1-11
    Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9
    Ephesians 1:17-23

    Luke 24:46-53

    05/22/22 The Gift of the Church May 23, 2022

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

    The great temptation to stay in our own "version" of the Church.

    God has given us the gift of the Church. The Church is His Body...the Church is His Bride. And we cannot have Jesus without His Church.

    Mass Readings from May 22, 2022:
    Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
    Psalms 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
    Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

    John 14:23-29

    05/15/22 Do Not Be Shocked May 15, 2022

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

    The best you on the worst day of your life.

    There are a few things that we ought to never be surprised by. One of them is suffering. God does not abandon us in our suffering, he leads us through them.

    Mass Readings from May 15, 2022:
    Acts 14:21-27
    Psalms 145:8-13
    Revelation 21:1-5
    John 13:31-35
    05/08/22 The Time of Great Distress May 09, 2022

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

    You are not abandoned. You are not alone. You are not afraid.

    Our lives are marked by stress. Not only is stress unavoidable, it is necessary. The main question is: what is our response to stress?

    Mass Readings from May 8, 2022:
    Acts 13:14, 43-52
    Psalms 100:1-3, 5
    Revelation 7:9, 14-17

    John 10:27-30

    05/01/22 Wasted Potential May 02, 2022

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter.

    Use your potential.

    Jesus called Peter to sacrifice his potential so that his life and his death might glorify God. You are I are called to pick our spot, to pour ourselves out in such a way that God would be known, loved, and glorified.

    Mass Readings from May 1, 2022:
    Acts 5:27-32, 40-41
    Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-13
    Revelation 5:11-14

    John 21:1-19

    04/24/22 Be Mercy Apr 25, 2022

    Homily from the Sunday of Divine Mercy.

    Mercy is the love that we deserve the least when we need it the most.

    The fact of the Resurrection of Jesus has introduced something new into this world of misery. The Cross and Resurrection introduced the possibility of mercy. Not only have we encountered the mercy of God, but we have been commissioned to be mercy in the midst of a world filled with misery.

    Mass Readings from April 4, 2022:
    Acts 5:12-16
    Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
    Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19

    John 20:19-31

    04/17/22 Nothing Apr 17, 2022

    Homily from the Mass of Easter Day.

    What did he see?

    John ran to the tomb and looked in. He saw and believed. What did he see?

    Mass Readings from April 17, 2022:
    Acts 10:34, 37-43
    Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
    Colossians 3:1-4

    John 20:1-9

    04/15/22 The Crown of Thorns Apr 15, 2022

    Homily from Good Friday of the Lord's Passion.

    The heart of envy.

    The crown of thorns reveals the darkness of the human heart. This darkness is in each one of us in the form of envy.

    Mass Readings from April 15, 2022:
    Isaiah 52:13—53:12
    Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
    Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

    John 18:1—19:42

    04/14/22 Last Words: The Final Last Word Apr 14, 2022

    Homily from the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

    All of Jesus’ words are summed up in one word.

    On the cross, Jesus’ life ends with the same perspective He has had from the beginning: He trusts His Father.

    Mass Readings from April 14, 2022:
    Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    John 13:1-15

    04/10/22 Last Words: Tetelestai Apr 10, 2022

    Homily from Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

    This one word connects and transforms the entire story.

    There is a last word that does not merely disclose the Heart...it completes The Story.

    Mass Readings from April 10, 2022:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalms 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
    Philippians 2:6-11

    Luke 22:14—23:56

    04/03/22 Last Words: Use This. Apr 03, 2022

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    Some last words have the power to define a person's life.

    From the Cross, Jesus utters His last words. He thirsts for us to allow Him to forgive us.

    Mass Readings from April 3, 2022:
    Isaiah 43:16-21
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Philippians 3:8-14

    John 8:1-11

    03/27/22 Last Words: The Central Last Word Mar 28, 2022

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

    This central Last Word of Jesus from the Cross is possibly the most important. He not only expresses the depths to which He enters into the consequences of sin, but the depth of His trust in the Father and the power of His sacrifice.

    Mass Readings from March 27, 2022:
    Joshua 5:9, 10-12
    Psalms 34:2-7
    2 Corinthians 5:17-21

    Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

    03/20/22 Last Words: Behold, Your Mother Mar 21, 2022

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    The best gifts can be given in the worst of circumstances.

    When He had virtually nothing left to give, Jesus still gave. He gave His own mother to be our mother. The one person who knew Him most and loved Him best, Jesus entrusted to all of His beloved disciples.

    Mass Readings from March 20, 2022:
    Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
    Psalm 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11
    1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

    Luke 13:1-9

    03/13/22 Last Words: The Missing Last Word Mar 14, 2022

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Lent.

    Both men were loved. They weren't both saved.

    The second Last Word of Jesus from the Cross is missing something. Jesus has begged for mercy for all...including the two criminals who were crucified with Him. But they did not both receive mercy. One received mercy and one rejected mercy.

    Mass Readings from March 13, 2022:
    Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
    Psalms 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
    Philippians 3:17—4:1

    Luke 9:28-36

    03/06/22 Last Words: The First Last Words Mar 07, 2022

    Homily from the First Sunday of Lent.

    Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

    The first last words of Jesus reveal not just what, but Who was on His mind in the last moments of His life.

    Mass Readings from March 06, 2022:
    Deuteronomy 26:4-10
    Psalms 91:1-2, 10-15
    Romans 10:8-13

    Luke 4:1-13

    02/27/22 Words Disclose Feb 28, 2022

    Homily from the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Our words disclose, disguise, and direct our hearts.

    The words we use are powerful. They can build up and they can destroy. But they can also reveal our character.

    Mass Readings from February 27, 2022:
    Sirach 27:4-7
    Psalms 92:2-3, 13-16
    1 Corinthians 15:54-58

    Luke 6:39-45

    02/20/22 Nothing to Fear: Vulnerability Feb 21, 2022

    Homily from the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Vulnerability is having enough courage and self-possession to let life in.

    All of our fears stem from the fact that we are woundable. We care about rejection, inadequacy, and the future because we know that all of those things have the potential to hurt us, But the fear of being vulnerable does not have to define our lives.

    Mass Readings from February 20, 2022:
    1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
    Psalms 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
    1 Corinthians 15:45-49

    Luke 6:27-38

    02/13/22 Nothing to Fear: The Future Feb 14, 2022

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We are called to do today what prepares us for the challenge of tomorrow.

    We have become more comfortable with the "completed" past than the unknown future. Rather than desiring to launch into the challenge of the future, many of us have become paralyzed by fear of the future. When we are rooted in the Word of God each day, we become more rooted in God Himself each day. When we are rooted in the Lord, there is no room for fear of the future.

    Mass Readings from February 13, 2022:
    Jeremiah 17:5-8
    Psalms 1:1-4, 6
    1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

    Luke 6:17, 20-26

    02/06/22 Nothing to Fear: Inadequacy Feb 07, 2022

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The fear of being inadequate is the fear that I won't be able to rise to the challenge.

    Fear is a gift. It is meant to keep us alive. But it can also keep us from living. There are two sources of fear are our biology and the stories we tell ourselves. We may not be able to change our biology, but we can change the stories we tell.

    Mass Readings from February 6, 2022:
    Isaiah 6:1-8
    Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8
    1 Corinthians 15:1-11

    Luke 5:1-11

    01/30/22 Nothing to Fear: Rejection Jan 31, 2022

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do not sacrifice your identity and integrity on the altar of approval.

    We all need acceptance. It is a basic human requirement. But we also must have the courage and freedom to know who we are and what we are about independent of the accepting group.

    Mass Readings from January 30, 2022:
    Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
    Psalms 71:1-6, 15-17
    1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13

    Luke 4:21-30

    01/23/22 Know Why Jan 24, 2022

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Imagine living your entire life and not knowing why.

    The return of the exiled Jews from Babylon was a great gift. But it also highlighted the reality that many of them did not know why they were Jewish. Do Catholics know why they are Catholic? Or do we lose our way precisely because we have lost our why?

    Mass Readings from January 23, 2022
    Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10
    Psalms 19:8-10, 15
    1 Corinthians 12:12-30

    Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

    01/16/22 Jesus Changes Things Jan 17, 2022

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Jesus changes shame into joy.

    There are certain things, certain failures, embarrassments, and shames, that could define our lives. There are certain events that could define our lives in a negative way unless something changes. Jesus can change those things.

    Mass Readings from January 16, 2022:
    Isaiah 62:1-5
    Psalms 96:1-3, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 12:4-11

    John 2:1-11

    01/09/22 Children of the Father Jan 09, 2022

    Homily from the Baptism of the Lord.

    Jesus changed the water. Now the water changes you.

    Why was Jesus baptized? Not because He needed it, but because we need it. We need baptism to be saved, to be children of God, and to be in a new and real relationship with God.

    Mass Readings from January 9, 2022:
    Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
    Psalms 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
    Acts 10:34-38

    Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

    01/02/22 It's Not About You Jan 02, 2022

    Homily from the Epiphany of the Lord.

    Worship can help us escape the trap that life is about us.

    When life is about us, it is not food for the human heart. When we realize that life is about Someone other than us, we are allowed to have a heart that is larger…a heart that is large enough to give.

    Mass Readings from January 2, 2022:
    Isaiah 60:1-6
    Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
    Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

    Matthew 2:1-12

    12/26/21 Be Careful Dec 26, 2021

    Homily from the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

    Family is the School of Love.

    Everyone is part of a family in some way. Be careful with each other.

    Mass Readings from December 26, 2021:
    Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
    Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
    Colossians 3:12-21

    Luke 2:41-52

    12/25/21 Look Up Dec 25, 2021

    Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Mass).

    God is with you on the bathroom floor.

    We are so distracted by so many things that we need to look up. But sometimes we need to look lower in order to see where God is in our lives.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2021:
    Isaiah 62:11-12
    Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12
    Titus 3:4-7

    Luke 2:14

    12/19/21 Abounding Love: Love Commits Dec 20, 2021

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

    Love without a commitment remains an illusion.

    In order to truly grow in love, there needs to be the willingness to make a commitment. And there needs to be the ability to keep a commitment.

    Mass Readings from December 19, 2021:
    Micah 5:1-4
    Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
    Hebrews 10:5-10

    Luke 1:39-45

    12/12/21 Abounding Love: Large Hearted Dec 13, 2021

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Advent.

    Be Where Your Feet Are.

    Too often, what keeps our heart small is the fact that we do the minimum minimally. What we are called to do, we put the least amount of our heart into it. But to be magnanimous, we do even the minimum excellently. Which is often nothing more than simply doing one thing at a time. Abounding love is focused love.

    Mass Readings from December 12, 2021:
    Zephaniah 3:14-18
    Isaiah 12:2-6
    Philippians 4:4-7

    Luke 3:10-18

    12/08/21 Immaculate Conception Dec 08, 2021

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    God gives exactly what is needed for whatever He has called us to.

    The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of our Lady affirms the fact that Mary was preserved from all stain of Original Sin through the merits of her Son’s future life, death, and resurrection.

    Mass Readings from December 8, 2021:
    Genesis 3:9-15, 20
    Psalms 98:1, 2-4
    Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

    Luke 1:26-38

    12/05/21 Abounding Love: What is Worth Your Heart? Dec 06, 2021

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    Abounding love is focused love.

    Too often, we do not love well because we do not discern what is worth loving; we don't pay attention to the value of things. Because of this, our love becomes diluted. But when we truly appreciate the value of the moment or the value of the person, we develop an attitude of abundance coupled with an awareness of scarcity. And while we love with our hearts, we discern what is worth loving with our heads.

    Mass Readings from December 5, 2021:
    Baruch 5:1-9
    Psalm 126:1-3, 4-6
    Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

    Luke 3:1-6

    11/28/21 Abounding Love: No Room Nov 29, 2021

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    Two things are clear about the inn at Bethlehem: Love Incarnate showed up and there was no room for Him.

    Too often, we want to love the way we have been created to love. But we find ourselves incapable of loving this way. Not because we aren't willing or because we don't want to...but because our lives are simply too full. We have no room to love.

    Mass Readings from November 28th, 2021:
    Jeremiah 33:14-16
    Psalms 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
    1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

    Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

    11/21/21 All Over the Place Nov 22, 2021

    Homily from the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

    When torn asunder, we are held together by worship of the King of Kings.

    The end of the year offers us the chance to recognize the little lords and tingy tyrants in our lives; those things we love and those things that attack us. And we have the chance to allow Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe to be the true King over all of those fragments by offering Him true worship.

    Mass Readings from November 21st, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 7:13-14
    Psalms 93:1-2, 5
    Revelation 1:5-88

    John 18:33-37

    11/14/21 Always Forward. Never Back. Nov 15, 2021

    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The struggle doesn't change the destination. The struggle is the way.

    When we are in the middle of a journey...or the middle of life...we will encounter obstacles. In that encounter with obstacles, we will be tempted to go back. But it is necessary to ask “what is God asking of me right now?”

    Mass Readings from November 14th, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 12:1-3
    Psalms 16:5, 8-11
    Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

    Mark 13:24-32

    11/07/21 Learning to Lose: Practice Dying Nov 08, 2021

    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Death is unavoidable.

    We will all lose everything. We will all lose everything...even to the point of our very lives. Rather than avoid death, we can practice dying by actively giving away our claims to our materials, time, and our abilities.

    Mass Readings from November 7th, 2021:
    1 Kings 17:10-16
    Psalms 146:7-10
    Hebrews 9:24-28

    Mark 12:38-44

    11/01/21 Your Feast Day Nov 01, 2021

    Homily from the Solemnity of All Saints.

    One day, this will be your feast day.
    The Solemnity of All Saints is the day the Church has given us to celebrate and honor what God has done in the lives of the countless people He has redeemed and sanctified.
    Mass Readings from November 1st, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 6:2-6
    Psalms 18:2-4, 47, 51
    Hebrews 7:23-28
    Mark 12:28-34
    10/31/21 Learning to Lose: All is Lost Nov 01, 2021

    Homily from the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    When all is lost, love God with all that's left.

    We are called to love God with everything. It is easier to love when we are winning, but are we able to love when we've lost? What if we have lost everything? When we've lost, we are most tempted to become bitter, resentful, and take back our love. But we are made to love God and we can trust God even in the midst of losing it all.

    Mass Readings from October 31st, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 6:2-6
    Psalms 18:2-4, 47, 51
    Hebrews 7:23-28

    Mark 12:28-34

    10/24/21 Learning to Lose: Get Up Oct 25, 2021

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Life is about losing. It is not about quitting.

    It is one thing to lose. It is another thing when those losses begin to stack up and we get to the point where we haven't just lost...we've been beaten. We can wind up feeling defeated. Into this place of defeat, God Himself speaks into our loss and our shame, telling us what is needed.

    Mass Readings from October 24th, 2021:
    Jeremiah 31:7-9
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Hebrews 5:1-6

    Mark 10:46-52

    10/17/21 Learning to Lose: Winner or Witness? Oct 18, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Life isn't about power, it is about being poured out.

    The world sees life as being about winning. And to win is to gain power and influence. If a person wins they get power, and with that power they can re-shape the world as they see fit. But a Christian view of winning is different. Life is not about power, it is about being poured out. Life isn't about winning, it is about witnessing.

    Mass Readings from October 17th, 2021:
    Isaiah 53:10-11
    Psalms 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
    Hebrews 4:14-16

    Mark 10:35-45

    10/10/21 Holding On: Holding On to You Oct 11, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What you've been holding on to ends up holding on to you.

    Anything can keep us from Heaven. Anything that we prefer over and over (and anything that we defer putting down over and over) can end up holding on to us. There are times when we've chosen so often that we no longer have a choice. And there are times when we have put off letting go so often that we can't put it down. And we find ourselves stuck. What do we hold on to then?

    Mass Readings from October 10th, 2021:
    Wisdom 7:7-11
    Psalms 90:12-17
    Hebrews 4:12-13

    Mark 10:17-30

    10/03/21 Holding On: The Power of a Promise Oct 04, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    "Because I said I would."

    We are not yet who we are called to be. Sometimes, in order to become the person we are called to be, we need to stop holding on to what is holding us back. Other times, we need to keep holding on. The ability to make and keep a promise is one of the ways we are called to become who we are created and redeemed to be.

    Mass Readings from October 3rd, 2021:
    Genesis 2:18-24
    Psalms 128:1-6
    Hebrews 2:9-11

    Mark 10:2-16

    09/26/21 Holding On: Patient and Ruthless Sep 27, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What if the biggest obstacle to being the person you were created to be is the person you are currently choosing to be?

    There are things that we need to stop holding on to if we are going to allow Christ to change our lives. Often, we know exactly what those things are. The things that our hands reach for, our eyes look at, and our feet lead us to can the exact things that are keeping us from God.

    Mass Readings from September 26, 2021:
    Numbers 11:25-29
    Psalms 19:8, 10, 12-14
    James 5:1-6

    Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

    09/19/21 Desperate Sep 20, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Edit, Convince, and Worry. Or Honesty, Trust, and Thanking God ahead of time.

    The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation." We do not merely desire, we have inordinate desire driven by fear. We do not merely have ambition, we have selfish ambition in which we can only envision one possible outcome. To escape this trap, we must lean into honesty, trust and thanking God ahead of time.

    Mass Readings from September 19, 2021:
    Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
    Psalms 54:3-6 and 8
    James 3:16—4:3

    Mark 9:30-37

    09/12/21 Not Mine Sep 13, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Faith must be lived, not merely believed.

    It is wise to take responsibility for one’s own time, resources, and family. And yet, we must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. This demands faith. Real faith is more than belief, but involves renunciation of any claim we might have on our lives in favor of the absolute claim Jesus has on every aspect of our lives.

    Mass Readings from September 12, 2021:
    Isaiah 50:5-9
    Psalms 116:1-6, 8-9
    James 2:14-18

    Mark 8:27-35

    09/05/21 Seen. Known. Loved. Sep 06, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Transition always involves destruction.

    Jesus heals the man who was deaf and mute. In doing this, He was destroying something in the man’s life…his identity. Jesus has to take away the false identity in order to tell us who we truly are.

    Mass Readings from September 5, 2021:
    Isaiah 35:4-7
    Psalms 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
    James 2:1-5

    Mark 7:31-37

    08/29/21 Living in Later? Aug 30, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Am I doing “everything but”?

    Often we avoid doing what is essential by filling our lives with many things that are optional.

    Mass Readings from August 29, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
    Psalms 15:2-5
    James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27

    Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

    08/22/21 Consumer Catholic: The Church of Me Aug 23, 2021

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Everything I like and nothing that I don't.

    The temptation to create a God in our own image and have a church in our own image is strong. But God has revealed Himself to us, which means we either choose Him…or we choose “not Him.” We don’t get to create our own personally curated version.

    Mass Readings from August 22, 2021:
    Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18
    Psalms 34:2-3, 16-21
    Ephesians 5:21-32

    John 6:60-69

    08/15/21 Consumer Catholic: The Body Aug 16, 2021

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    You are your body.

    The Assumption of Mary reveals many things. One of the things it reveals is that our destiny is to be reunited with our resurrected bodies forever. Our bodies are good, and an essential part of what it is to be human.

    Mass Readings from August 15, 2021:
    Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
    Psalms 45:10-12, 16
    1 Corinthians 15:20-27

    Luke 1:39-56

    08/08/21 Consumer Catholic: Farther to Go Aug 09, 2021

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The best of your life is ahead of you...you will need food for the journey.

    The worst days of our life often come after the best days of our life. But even in those "worst days", you are not done yet. God has more for you to do and further for you to go. He wants to feed you with what you are going to need to have enough strength for the journey.

    Mass Readings from August 8, 2021:
    1 Kings 19:4-85
    Psalms 34:2-9
    Ephesians 4:30—5:2

    John 6:41-51

    08/01/21 Consumer Catholic: Choose God. Aug 02, 2021

    Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Choose God over the works of God.

    The signs point to Jesus and Jesus is the point of the signs. When we are challenged to merely consume… When we are challenged to want the gifts more than the Giver of the gift, we must allow ourselves to be trained in a trust in God. To be trained in freedom.

    Mass Readings from August 1, 2021:
    Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
    Psalms 78:3-4, 23-25, 54
    Ephesians 4:17, 20-24

    John 6:24-35

    07/25/21 Consumer Catholic: Everything Given. Nothing Wasted. Jul 26, 2021

    Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Nothing given to God is wasted.

    The Apostles asked the question, "What good are these for so many?" Yet, Jesus invited them to give what they had and to trust Him with all of it. Jesus invites us to do the same: Give everything and know that nothing will be wasted.

    Mass Readings from July 25, 2021:
    2 Kings 4:42-44
    Psalms 145:10-11, 15-18
    Ephesians 4:1-6

    John 6:1-15

    07/18/21 The Poison of Indifference Jul 19, 2021

    Homily from the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Indifference does not mean you don’t care; it just means you don’t care enough to move.

    There are many opportunities to waste one’s life. One of those ways is to allow one’s circle of interest to outstrip one’s circle of influence.

    Mass Readings from July 18, 2021:
    Jeremiah 23:1-6
    Psalms 23:1-6
    Ephesians 2:13-18

    Mark 6:30-34

    07/11/21 Chosen and Consecrated Jul 12, 2021

    Homily from the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You are wanted and set apart.

    You are special. We’ve heard that for so much of our lives that we’ve either grown numb to it or no longer believe it. But what if it is true?

    Mass Readings from July 11, 2021:
    Amos 7:12-15
    Psalms 85:9-14
    Ephesians 1:3-14

    Mark 6:7-13

    07/04/21 "Ruined" Jul 05, 2021

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The beauty is in the broken.

    Too often, when we encounter our own brokenness and woundedness, we either pretend it isn’t there or we just want it to be taken away. But surrendered to God, our weakness is more than replaced and more than erased, they are redeemed.

    Mass Readings from July 4, 2021:
    Ezekiel 2:2-5
    Psalms 123:1-4
    2 Corinthians 12:7-10

    Mark 6:1-6

    06/27/21 Everyday Courage: Plan B Jun 28, 2021

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Love requires risk. Risk requires courage.

    Many of us make plans. And many of those plans don’t end up working out the way that we had expected. Fortunately, God calls us to be courageous even when things don’t work out as we had expected.

    Mass Readings from June 27, 2021:
    Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
    Psalms 30:2, 4-6, 11, 12, 13
    2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

    Mark 5:21-43

    06/20/21 Everyday Courage: Into the Storm Jun 21, 2021

    Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God is in the storm.

    There are times when we do everything God has asked us to do…and we still find ourselves in the midst of a storm. In those moments, we are called to resist resentment and embrace courage. In those moments, we are called to run into the storm, confident that God is in the storm.

    Mass Readings from June 20, 2021:
    Ezekiel 17:22-24
    Psalms 92:2-3, 13-16
    2 Corinthians 5:6-10

    Mark 4:26-34

    06/13/21 Everyday Courage Jun 14, 2021

    Homily from the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Everyday courage simply does what is necessary.

    Courage is not merely needed for the big moments of life, but is required for each moment of a life well-lived. Courage is all of the other virtues the moment they are needed the most.

    Mass Readings from June 13, 2021:
    Ezekiel 17:22-24
    Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16
    2 Corinthians 5:6-10

    Mark 4:26-34

    06/06/21 The Crisis of Love Jun 07, 2021

    Homily from The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

    Do we lack faith? Or do we lack love?

    Most people who call themselves Catholic do not believe one of the most central and most powerful teaching in the Church. Is it because they lack hearing? Do they lack the opportunity to know about this teaching? Do they lack faith? Or is something else missing?

    Mass Readings from June 6, 2021:
    Exodus 24:3-8
    Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
    Hebrews 9:11-15

    Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

    05/30/21 Secret Identity May 31, 2021

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

    What is God's deepest secret? What is yours?

    What we are is shaped and revealed by what we choose. Who we are is established by relationships.

    Mass Readings from May 30, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
    Psalms 33:4-6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22
    Romans 8:14-17

    Matthew 28:16-20

    05/23/21 Kingdom Gifts May 23, 2021

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday.

    Am I willing to use the gifts that God has already given?

    At Pentecost, the disciples received the Holy Spirit and the subsequent gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts glorify the Father and have changed the world. If we were given these gifts, we could also glorify the Father and change the world…but would we?

    Mass Readings from May 23, 2021:
    Acts 2:1-11
    Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
    1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

    05/16/21 You Will Be Martyrs May 17, 2021

    Homily from the Mass of the Ascension of the Lord.

    Nice is different than good.

    Jesus doesn't call us to simply be "nice people." Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit so that we can be more than we are now...so that we can do more than we can do now. Jesus sends His Holy Spirit so that we can have the strength to be the kind of people who can bear witness to Him and His love in this world. He gives His Spirit so that people can be saved and God can be glorified.

    Mass Readings from May 16, 2021:
    Acts 1:1-11
    Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9
    Ephesians 1:17-23

    Mark 16:15-20

    05/09/21 Spark Joy May 10, 2021

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

    Joy is rooted in confidence and comes as a consequence.

    We can choose joy only insofar as we can choose the source of our joy. Joy comes as a consequence; it is a fruit. And the depth and permanence of our joy is only going to be as deep and long lasting as what we place our confidence in. Only when we surrender to the love of God can we have a joy that is deeper and more permanent than any amount of suffering that comes from life.

    Mass Readings from May 9, 2021:
    Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
    Psalms 98:1-4
    1 John 4:7-10

    John 15:9-17

    05/02/21 Love Limits You May 03, 2021

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

    Practice making the promise.

    We find ourselves always moving and never done. We have so many options that we experience decision paralysis and subsequent decision dissatisfaction. But we are made for a full life. A full life is only possible when we intentionally limit ourselves by making the decision to love this person or to root ourselves in this place. Ultimately, unless we truly decide to remain in Christ, we will never experience the life we have been made for.

    Mass Readings from May 2, 2021:
    Acts 4:8-12
    Psalms 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
    1 John 3:1-2

    John 10:11-18

    04/25/21 Inclusive Love/Exclusive Claim Apr 26, 2021

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

    Inclusive means neither passive nor permissive.

    To be included is an incredible gift. To be inclusive is powerful. It means more than being “welcome”, it means being radically open and desperately fighting to bring people in. The Church is as inclusive as God’s love. And yet, Jesus is also exclusive in His claim. Jesus has made an exclusive claim about Himself. And if this is true, Jesus has an exclusive claim on us.

    Mass Readings from April 25, 2021:
    Acts 4:8-12
    Psalms 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
    1 John 3:1-2

    John 10:11-18

    04/18/21 To Be A Witness Apr 19, 2021

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter.

    It is possible to see the miracle and to not be a witness.

    It is possible to encounter God and go back to the same life. It is possible to live as if the miracle had never happened. It is possible to say "I believe" and not be a witness. But it is also possible to not see a miracle and still bear witness to Christ by how we live, what we choose, and what we love.

    Mass Readings from April 18, 2021:
    Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
    Psalms 4:2, 4, 7-9
    1 John 2:1-5

    Luke 24:35-48

    04/11/21 Scar Stories Apr 12, 2021

    Homily from the Sunday of Divine Mercy.

    Every scar has a story.

    Virtually everyone has scars. And every scar has a story. Scars are reminders of our past...they are reminders that won’t go away. And Jesus has kept His wounds in order to help us to never forget His story.

    Mass Readings from April 11, 2021:
    Acts 4:32-35
    1 John 5:1-6
    Colossians 3:1-4

    John 20:19-31

    04/04/21 Ellipsis Apr 04, 2021

    Homily from the Mass of the Resurrection of Our Lord.

    It means that something more is coming.

    Death is final. The death of Christ was thought to be final. But it wasn't the end...it was just the beginning.

    Mass Readings from April 4, 2021:
    Acts 10:34, 37-43
    Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
    Colossians 3:1-4

    John 20:1-9

    04/02/21 Gallicantu Apr 02, 2021

    Homily from Good Friday of the Lord's Passion.

    Peter expected to fight in the Garden, not in the courtyard.

    Peter told Jesus that he would die for Him. And he meant it. He just wasn’t ready at the right time.

    Mass Readings from April 2, 2021:
    Isaiah 52:13—53:12
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

    John 18:1—19:42

    04/01/21 Context Matters Apr 02, 2021

    Homily from the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

    On the night He was betrayed…He gave.

    Everything in the Bible leads to the moment of the Last Supper…and leads to every time we are at the Mass.

    Mass Readings from April 1, 2021:
    Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    John 13:1-15

    03/28/21 The Truth and the Choice Mar 29, 2021

    Homily from Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

    Christianity doesn’t offer comfort. It offers something else.

    In our culture today, we are able to avoid thinking of death. But death is the inevitable reality of living. Still, the fact that we will all die is not the problem. The problem is that we pretend that we won’t.

    Mass Readings from March 28, 2021:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalms 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
    Phillipians 2:6-11

    Mark 14:1—15:47

    03/21/21 To The Heart: Vulnerable and Able Mar 22, 2021

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    A heart that is too soft has to be protected. A heart that is too tough can’t be touched.

    What good is it to have a heart that can be hurt by this world? Many choose to numb themselves rather than feel the pain of life. But becoming numb leaves us with a heart that is unable. Unable to feel pain but also unable to feel joy. As Christians, we are called to have a heart like the heart of Jesus: vulnerable and able.

    Mass Readings from March 21, 2021:
    Jeremiah 31:31-34
    Psalms 51:3-4, 12-15
    Hebrews 5:7-9

    John 12:20-33

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    03/14/21 To The Heart: Hidden Heart Mar 15, 2021

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    A hidden heart is a homeless heart.

    The people of Israel were brought into exile. It was imposed from the outside. But after King Cyrus game them a way home, many of them chose to live in self-imposed exile. The same is true for all of us who have been exiled by our sin and slavery to death. Jesus has made it possible to step into the light and come home, but many choose to live outside the light...many of us live in self-imposed exile.

    Mass Readings from March 14, 2021:
    2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
    Psalms 137:6
    Ephesians 2:4-10

    John 3:14-21

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    03/07/21 To The Heart: My Treacherous Heart Mar 08, 2021

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    Is the question, “Can I trust God?” Or is the better question, “Can God trust me?"

    There is something that all of us discover about ourselves the moment we have a minute of self-reflection: we have the capacity to do the things we hate. In spite of our best efforts and sincere desires to be consistently good, we have this thing in our chests that ought not to be trusted. We have treacherous hearts. And yet, Jesus entrusts His Heart to ours at every Mass.

    Mass Readings from March 07, 2021:
    Exodus 20:1-17
    Psalms 19:8-11
    1 Corinthians 1:22-25

    John 2:13-25

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    02/28/21 To The Heart: The Adventure of Obedience Mar 01, 2021

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Lent.

    Obedience precedes understanding.

    We are made for adventure. But adventure means mystery and uncertainty. Often, what holds us back from action is a lack of knowing why. But what if there is a better question than “why?”? What if the adventure of obedience means asking “how?”?

    Mass Readings from February 28, 2021:
    Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
    Psalms 116:10, 15-17, 18-19
    Romans 8:31-34

    Mark 9:2-10

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    02/21/21 To The Heart: Untamed and Untamable Feb 22, 2021

    Homily from the First Sunday of Lent.

    God is not safe, but He is good.

    Trust is a challenge for all of us. Trust in God is a battle that every person faces at some point in their lives. Often, we might find is easier to trust God if He were a “tame god”, but He is not. This Lent, our invitation is to not only trust in God’s mercy, but also in His justice.

    Mass Readings from February 21, 2021:
    Genesis 9:8-15
    Psalms 25:4-9
    1 Peter 3:18-22

    Mark 1:12-15

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    02/17/21 To The Heart: Escape or Embrace Feb 18, 2021

    Homily from Ash Wednesday.

    Return to the Lord with your whole heart.

    We are often tempted to run away from God and from difficult moments in life. We might even be tempted to escape from all that has been taken from us over the past year. But to choose to embrace this moment is to choose to embrace the Lord and His Providence.

    Mass Readings from February 17, 2021:
    Joel 2:12-18
    Psalms 51:3-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
    2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

    Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

    02/14/21 Hindsight 20/20: The Cost Feb 15, 2021

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Every choice comes at a cost.

    Looking back, there are some things we could have known. And looking back, there are some things we could never have known. But one thing is unfailingly true when seen through hindsight: every decision comes at a price and every choice has a cost. Making the decision is risky, but there are things that are more important than staying safe.

    Mass Readings from February 14, 2021:
    Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
    Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11
    1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1

    Mark 1:40-45

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    02/07/21 Hindsight 20/20: In Good Times and In Bad Feb 08, 2021

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Good times don’t last…and neither do bad times.

    One of the many things that life teaches us is that life is always changing. To grow is to change. There are times that are good and there are times that are bad. All of us go through good times and bad times and neither of them are permanent. In both good times and bad, Jesus is Lord and He loves the person in a desperate situation and the person in a bright situation.

    Mass Readings from February 07, 2021:
    Job 7:1-4, 6-7
    Psalms 147:1-6
    1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

    Mark 1:29-39

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    01/31/21 Hindsight 20/20: Worthless Knowledge Feb 01, 2021

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    I learned, but I didn’t grow.

    Knowledge is powerful. Having lived through this past year, and looking back on what we have been through is essential. We can have learned a great number of things over 2020. But unless we are willing to act on that knowledge, hindsight will be powerless.

    Mass Readings from January 31, 2021:
    Deuteronomy 18:15-20
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
    1 Corinthians 7:32-35

    Mark 1:21-28

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    01/24/21 Hindsight 20/20: The Whole Story Jan 25, 2021

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Editing is the enemy of how we remember the story.

    We look back so that we can see clearly and learn from our past. But we also have a temptation to edit the story we tell ourselves. We might edit how we tell the story, but we must not edit how we remember the story.

    Mass Readings from January 24, 2021:
    Jonah 3:1-5, 10
    Psalms 25:4-9
    1 Corinthians 7:29-31

    Mark 1:14-20

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    01/17/21 Hindsight 20/20: The Moment Before the Moment Jan 18, 2021

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We can’t predict The Moment, but we can prepare in the moment before The Moment.

    While no one can predict the future, all of us can learn from the past. While none of us can control when the big moments of our lives are going to happen, all of us can choose what we are doing in the moments before The Moment.

    Mass Readings from January 17, 2021:
    1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19
    Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20

    John 1:35-42

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    01/10/21 You Are My Son Jan 11, 2021

    Homily from the Baptism of the Lord.

    At the Incarnation, God joined His divinity to humanity...at the Baptism of Jesus, God identifies with our brokenness.

    What difference does the Baptism of Jesus make? It means that God doesn't stay away from our sins, but that He takes them upon Himself.

    Mass Readings from January 10, 2021:
    Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
    Psalms 29:1-4, 9-10
    Acts 10:34-38

    Mark 1:7-11

    12/27/20 Holy Families Dec 27, 2020

    Homily from the Mass of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

    Parents are not powerless.

    It can be so easy for parents to feel powerless when it comes to passing on the faith to their families. But there are four powerful tools every parent can employ to help their families become holy families.

    Mass Readings from December 27, 2020:
    Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
    Psalms 128:1-5
    1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

    Luke 2:22-40

    12/25/20 Taken Dec 25, 2020

    Homily from the Mass of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas).

    Why is He there?

    We have become more comfortable with the "completed" past than the unknown future. Rather than desiring to launch into the challenge of the future, many of us have become paralyzed by fear of the future. When we are rooted in the Word of God each day, we become more rooted in God Himself each day. When we are rooted in the Lord, there is no room for fear of the future.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2020:
    Isaiah 52:7-10
    Psalm 98:1-6
    Hebrews 1:1-6

    John 1:1-18

    12/20/20 Silent Waiting Dec 20, 2020

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

    Silence magnifies and waiting purifies.

    Waiting is not meant to be wasted. The chance to wait in silence is often given by God to serve a purpose...above all to change our faith into something new.

    Mass Readings from December 20, 2020:
    2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
    Psalms 89:2-5, 27, 29
    Romans 16:25-27

    Luke 1:26-38

    12/13/20 "I Am Not" Dec 14, 2020

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Advent.

    No one can take from you what doesn’t belong to you.

    We all have the temptation to pretend to be someone or something other than we are. To pass ourselves off as someone else…to be an imposter. We do this most often when we know the truth but live in fear of the truth. John the Baptist shows us what it looks like to know the truth and live in the freedom of the truth.

    Mass Readings from December 13, 2020:
    Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
    Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
    1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

    John 1:6-8, 19-28

    12/06/20 Legacy Dec 07, 2020

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    We can’t go back to the beginning of the story, but we can start where we are and change the ending.

    Saint Peter reveals that the Day is coming when The Story will have been written. On that day, everything will be revealed and we will know God’s hidden role in every moment of The Story…and we will know the truth and consequences of our roles in The Story. We will know our legacy.

    Mass Readings from December 6, 2020:
    Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
    Psalms 85:9-12, 13-14
    2 Peter 3:8-14

    Mark 1:1-8

    11/29/20 Be Here Nov 30, 2020

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    God will not just get us through this moment…He has brought us to this moment.

    Too often, we find ourselves just wanting this moment to be “done." We miss out on the miracle of the moment because we see what is happening as something that is getting in the way of life. But this is life. There is not another one we are waiting for. We need to learn to trust that God is not just going to help us get through this moment, but that He has brought us to this moment.

    Mass Readings from November 29, 2020:
    Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7
    Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
    1 Corinthians 1:3-9

    Mark 13:33-37

    11/22/20 Roadmap: Expect Delays Nov 23, 2020

    Homily from the Solemnity of Christ the King.

    What you do with the delay makes all the difference.

    We have a destination: to be who we are and to be that well. We have a Roadmap and a Rule of Life. What remains is one last question: Is there any room in your Rule for the Ruler?

    Mass Readings from November 22, 2020:
    Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
    Psalms 23:1-3, 5-6
    1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

    Matthew 25:31-46

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    11/15/20 Roadmap: Checkpoints Nov 16, 2020

    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What have you done with what you've been given?

    No one ever sets out to lose. But losing is entirely possible: in business, relationships, and in the spiritual life. It is possible to lose one’s soul. No one wants to lose, but many people do. Even with a great roadmap, we need regular checkpoints to make sure we are on course and haven’t gone off track.

    Mass Readings from November 15, 2020:
    Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
    Psalms 128:1-5
    1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

    Matthew 25:14-30

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    11/08/20 Roadmap: Accident or Excellent Nov 10, 2020

    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Excellence requires making the decision carefully, consistently, and quickly.

    The one question that can either deflate or motivate a person is “When?” This question reveals whether our goal is an actual goal or merely a wish. But if we want to escape a life of accidents and craft a life of excellence, we need to make the decision of “when” are we going to choose excellence carefully, consistently, and quickly.

    Mass Readings from November 8, 2020:
    Wisdom 6:12-16
    Psalms 63:2-8
    1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

    Matthew 25:1-13

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    11/01/20 Roadmap: Guardrails Nov 02, 2020

    Homily from the Solemnity of All Saints.

    No one ever accidentally lived on purpose.

    No two saints are the same. There is no “cookie-cutter” path to holiness. While there are certain givens that must be present, each person has to assess where they are in their relationship with the Lord in order to know best where to place wise guardrails in their own life.

    Mass Readings from November 1, 2020:
    Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
    Psalms 24:1-6
    1 John 3:1-3

    Matthew 5:1-12

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    10/25/20 Roadmap: Reclaimed and Repurposed Oct 26, 2020

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Holiness isn’t always changing your what as much as changing your why.

    Our lives have been reclaimed by Christ and we have become a new creation. Because of this, every moment of our lives can be lived with and for a new purpose. Every moment can be repurposed to be a sacrament, and sacrifice, and an act of surrender.

    Mass Readings from October 25, 2020:
    Exodus 22:20-26
    Psalms 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51/dt>
    1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

    Matthew 22:34-40

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    10/18/20 Roadmap: Be A Saint Oct 19, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The roadmap begins with “Who.”

    There is one true goal in life: to be a saint. Many of us believe this, but is there a path? Without a plan, we will certainly fail to hit the goal. Without a roadmap, we will spend our time on this planet wandering as if we neither know where we are or where we are going.

    Mass Readings from October 18, 2020:
    Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
    Psalms 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
    1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

    Matthew 22:15-21

    View the "Your Life in Weeks" Chart

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    10/11/20 No Difference Oct 12, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    There are many goods. There is only one best.

    Modern indifference is the inability to take joy in in one's situation regardless of the circumstances. It is seeing "no difference" between the awesome and the awful...as well as the awesome alright.

    Mass Readings from October 11, 2020:
    Isaiah 25:6-10
    Psalms 23:1-6
    Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

    Matthew 22:1-14

    10/04/20 It's Not Your Vineyard Oct 05, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God has made you for freedom from anxiety over the unforeseeable future, the unchangeable past, and your present responsibilities.

    Many people are overwhelmed by anxiety. Anxiety over all the things that need to get done and over all that they have been through. But God calls us to have no anxiety at all. And to surrender our past, present, and future to His dominion..

    Mass Readings from October 4, 2020:
    Isaiah 5:1-7
    Psalms 80:9,12,13-16,19-20
    Philippians 4:6-9

    Matthew 21:33-43

    09/27/20 How Do I Look? Change Your Mind Sep 28, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    If you can choose your thoughts you can change your thoughts.

    In the garden of the mind, our thoughts are constantly growing. Some we want, others we do not. As the gardeners of our own minds, we must think about what we think about, weed out the thoughts that poison our minds, and allow the Word of God to shape how we look.

    Mass Readings from September 27, 2020:
    Ezekiel 18:25-28
    Psalms 25:4-9
    Philippians 2:1-11

    Matthew 21:28-32

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    09/20/20 How Do I Look? Highlighter Sep 21, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    It doesn’t matter how long you live. What matters is how you live.

    Our lives will magnify (or highlight) something. Will they be so full of nice things that they will miss the most excellent things? Or will we be wise so that, no matter the outcome, Christ will be highlighted?

    Mass Readings from September 20, 2020:
    Isaiah 55:6-9
    Psalms 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
    Philippians 1:20-24, 27

    Matthew 20:1-16

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    09/13/20 How Do I Look? The Cost of Forgiveness Sep 14, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    There is no forgiveness without justice.

    Forgiveness is neither excusing nor enabling evil. There is always a debt that needs to be paid…and somebody needs to pay it.

    Mass Readings from September 13, 2020:
    Sirach 27:30—28:7
    Psalms 103:1-4, 9-12
    Romans 14:7-9

    Matthew 18:21-35

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    09/06/20 How Do I Look? Fighting For Sep 06, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    How do Christians fight?

    We all have experienced the temptation to see someone who has failed or someone who has hurt us as a non-person. But taking responsibility for the people in our lives means fighting that temptation. And it means doing what we can to fight for that person.

    Mass Readings from September 06, 2020:
    Ezekiel 33:7-9
    Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
    Romans 13:8-10

    Matthew 18:15-20

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    08/30/20 How Do I Look? "Lucky" Aug 31, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Am I being conformed or transformed?

    Christians must not only live differently in the world, we must look differently at the world.

    Mass Readings from August 30, 2020:
    Jeremiah 20:7-9
    Psalms 63:2-6, 8-9
    Romans 12:1-2

    Matthew 16:21-27

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    08/23/20 Influencer Aug 24, 2020

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The Church has influence even when it isn’t considered important.

    We can often confuse influence with importance; authority with power. But the Church has been given the very influence and authority of Jesus Christ. Even when the world does not listen to the voice of the Church, She still has the influence and authority of Jesus.

    Mass Readings from August 23, 2020:
    Isaiah 22:19-23
    Psalms 138:1-3, 6, 8
    Romans 11:33-36

    Matthew 16:13-20

    08/16/20 Great Faith Aug 17, 2020

    Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Faith can only become great when it is tested.

    What kind of faith do you want? Faith that makes a difference because it is lived out is the only kind of faith that matters.

    Mass Readings from August 16, 2020:
    Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
    Psalms 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
    Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

    >Matthew 15:21-28

    08/09/20 Why Did You Stop? Aug 09, 2020

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    It is one thing to start walking. It is another thing to keep walking.

    Distraction is anything that takes our focus away from where it needs to be.

    Mass Readings from August 9, 2020:
    1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
    Psalms 85:9-12, 13-14
    Romans 9:1-5

    Matthew 14:22-33

    08/02/20 All We Have Aug 03, 2020

    Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do I have an attitude of scarcity or an attitude of abundance?

    All of us have gifts in our lives and all of us have real struggles in our lives. What weight do we give our blessings and what weight do we give our struggles?

    Mass Readings from August 2, 2020:
    Isaiah 55:1-3
    Psalms 145:8-9,15-18
    Romans 8:35, 37-39

    Matthew 14:13-21

    07/05/20 Lead Yourself First Jul 06, 2020

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Freedom requires virtue.

    The Founding Fathers gave the world a republic that necessitated a people who were virtuous, moral, and religious..

    Mass Readings from July 5, 2020:
    Zechariah 9:9-10
    Psalms 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14
    Romans 8:9, 11-13

    Matthew 11:25-30

    06/28/20 Something to Lose Jun 28, 2020

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    It is a gift to have something to lose.

    Every good thing in our lives comes from Jesus. Since He is the source of everything, He must be more important than anything.

    Mass Readings from June 28, 2020:
    2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16
    Psalms 89:2-3,16-19
    Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

    Matthew 10:37-42

    06/21/20 Fear No One Jun 21, 2020

    Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You matter to God and you have a job to do.

    Jesus tells us to "fear no one." Not because there is no danger, but because He is calling us to not be safe.

    Mass Readings from June 21, 2020:
    Jeremiah 20:10-13
    Psalms 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
    Romans 5:12-15

    Matthew 10:26-33

    06/14/20 No Longer Optional Jun 14, 2020

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

    The Eucharist will never be optional...until the day it is no longer an option.

    The moment worship becomes about “what I get” it ceases to be an act of love and becomes idolatry.

    Mass Readings from June 14, 2020:
    Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
    Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
    1 Corinthians 10:16-17

    John 6:51-58

    06/07/20 In His Image and Likeness Jun 07, 2020

    Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

    You do not have to know the details of a person’s life to know they are worth loving.

    Human worth is rooted in our deepest identity. And our deepest identity comes from being made in God’s image and likeness. And God’s deepest identity is love.

    Mass Readings from June 7, 2020:
    Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
    Daniel 3:52-56
    2 Corinthians 13:11-13

    John 3:16-18

    05/31/20 Exiles: The First Gift Jun 01, 2020

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday.

    For the love of God has been poured into our hearts.

    Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so that we could receive the first gift of the Holy Spirit: to know what it is to be loved by the Father.

    Mass Readings from May 31, 2020:
    Acts 2:1-11
    Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
    1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

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    05/24/20 Exiles: Restoration May 25, 2020

    Homily from the Ascension of the Lord.

    Live the reason.

    Return from exile is not about a change in location, it is about a change in vocation. It is less about geography and more about mission. The goal is not Resurrection, the goal is Restoration.

    Mass Readings from May 24, 2020:
    Acts 1:1-11
    Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9
    Ephesians 1:17-23

    Matthew 28:16-20

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    05/17/20 Exiles: Why Go Back? May 18, 2020

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

    Not a habit or a have-to, but the heart is the reason.

    At some point, the exile will end. You will be able to go back. But why? What is the reason why you will go back?

    Mass Readings from May 17, 2020:
    Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
    Psalms 66:1-3, 4-7, 16, 20
    1 Peter 3:15-18

    John 14:15-21

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    05/10/20 Insecure: Uncertain Plans May 10, 2020

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

    Advance boldly into the shadows of uncertainty.

    If we are wise, we will think about the future and plan for it. And if we are even wiser, we will be able to let go of those plans when we need to.

    Mass Readings from May 10, 2020:
    Acts 6:1-7
    Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
    1 Peter 2:4-9

    John 14:1-12

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    05/03/20 Insecure: Untroubled by the Unknown May 04, 2020

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

    Knowing does not equal security.

    In a world of insecurity, it is less important to know where one is being lead, and more important to know who is doing the leading.

    Mass Readings from May 3, 2020:
    Acts 2:14, 36-41
    Psalms 23:1-6
    1 Peter 2:20-25

    John 10:1-10

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    04/26/20 Insecure: Not Home Apr 27, 2020

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter.

    Back to normal might not be what we think.

    Our lives can be spent wishing for certain outcomes. But a security built on specific outcomes is a conditional and temporary security. We need true hope to walk in confidence.

    Mass Readings from April 26, 2020:
    Acts 2:14, 22-33
    Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
    1 Peter 1:17-21

    Luke 24:13-35

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    04/19/20 Insecure: The Source of Security Apr 20, 2020

    Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday.

    In a time of incredible insecurity, we trust in incomprehensible mercy.

    We live in an insecure world, but God’s mercy is stable.

    Mass Readings from April 19, 2020:
    Acts 2:42-47
    Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
    1 Peter 1:3-9

    John 20:19-31

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    04/11/20 Witnesses Apr 12, 2020

    Homily from Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil.

    We profess the faith today so we can persevere in the faith tomorrow.

    Christianity is an historical religion that is not based on feelings, philosophies, or myths. It is based on a fact: the fact of the resurrection of Jesus. The one thing that changes everything.

    04/10/20 Prepared But Not Ready Apr 10, 2020

    Homily from Good Friday of the Lord's Passion.

    Why are we surprised when we discover that “weakness” is actually weak?

    Jesus prepared His disciples for His Passion. But they were not ready, because they had not factored in their own weakness. But Jesus had factored it in. It was, in fact, why He entered His Passion.

    Mass Readings from April 10, 2020:
    Isaiah 52:13—53:12
    Psalms 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
    Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

    John 18:1—19:42

    04/09/20 Re-Claimed and Re-Named Apr 09, 2020

    Homily from Holy Thursday, the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

    God speaks your true name: "Mine."

    Our name is our identity. Christ has covered our given name with His blood. And now we have a new name: we are “His.”

    Mass Readings from April 9, 2020:
    Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
    Psalms 116:12-13, 15-18
    1 Corinthians 11:23-26

    John 13:1-15

    04/05/20 Un-Done: Unfinished Apr 05, 2020

    Homily from Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

    Jesus has not removed suffering from our lives, He has redeemed the suffering in our lives.

    Jesus accomplished the Father’s will in His passion, death, and resurrection. His mission of salvation is “finished.” And yet, Christ’s Body on earth still lives out the mission of Her Head: we are called to unite our sufferings to His for the salvation of the world. And this work — the work He has entrusted to us — remains unfinished.

    Mass Readings from April 5, 2020:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
    Philippians 2:6-11

    Matthew 26:14-27:66

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    03/29/20 Un-Done: Broken, Not Lost Mar 29, 2020

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    Jesus is the God of the Broken Heart.

    Suffering, sickness, and death are devastating. But nothing is worse than losing one’s heart. A broken heart is still home in Jesus’ Heart.

    Mass Readings from March 29, 2020:
    Ezekiel 37:12-14
    Psalms 130:1-8
    Romans 8:8-11

    John 11:1-45

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    03/22/20 Un-Done: God Shows Up Mar 22, 2020

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    Real suffering in this world reveals the deeper part of us that has come undone.

    God made this world good, but He did not make it unbreakable. This world has come undone, and our sickness and suffering reveals the deeper ways our hearts have come undone.

    Mass Readings from March 22, 2020:
    1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
    Psalms 23: 1-6
    Ephesians 5:8-14

    John 9:1-41

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    03/15/20 Un-Done: Not Fine Mar 16, 2020

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    You are not fine. You don't have to be.

    We live in a world that has come undone with hearts and relationships that have come undone. Jesus comes to that wound to undo what has been undone.

    Mass Readings from March 15, 2020:
    Exodus 17:3-7
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9
    Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

    John 4:5-42

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    03/01/20 Un-Done: We've Come Undone Mar 01, 2020

    Homily from the First Sunday of Lent.

    The decision that broke the world.

    This world is not perfect. And we are not perfect. But imperfect does not mean unloved.

    Mass Readings from March 1, 2020:
    Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
    Psalms 51:3-6, 12-13, 17
    Romans 5:12-19

    Matthew 4:1-11

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    02/26/20 He Sees. He Cares. Feb 27, 2020

    Homily from Ash Wednesday.

    Your Father sees you. Your Father hears you.

    We all desire to be heard and seen...to know we matter. Jesus reveals that even your actions in secret are known by the Father and they matter to Him.

    Mass Readings from February 26, 2020:
    Joel 2:12-18
    Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-14, 17
    2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

    Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

    02/23/20 Defiant Love Feb 24, 2020

    Homily from the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    If we are going to love like Jesus, we must love differently…we must love defiantly.

    The Universe is indifferent to us. People can be vicious to us. The Christian’s response is not indifference nor viciousness. The Christian response is to love in the face of indifference and evil.

    Mass Readings from February 23, 2020:
    Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
    Psalms 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
    1 Corinthians 3:16-23

    Matthew 5:38-48

    See the Picture of Saint Maria Goretti

    02/16/20 More Than A Criminal Heart Feb 17, 2020

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God wants you to have a heart like His.

    The Sermon on the Mount reveals the truth about our hearts: we need the Law. But God wants us to be free from the Law. Not by abolishing the Law, but by making our hearts like His. We can let Him do this by taking responsibility, taking action, and taking hold of the strength He offers.

    Mass Readings from February 16, 2020:
    Sirach 15:15-20
    Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
    1 Corinthians 2:6-10

    Matthew 5:17-37

    02/09/20 Good...For Nothing? Feb 10, 2020

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Refuse to live as salt and light, and the Father remains unknown, unloved, and unglorified.

    God trusts us with being His representatives in this world. He has made us His and He has made us good. But to what end? God has made us good for a purpose. Do we live in such a way that we have been made good for nothing?

    Mass Readings from February 9, 2020:
    Isaiah 58:7-10
    Psalms 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
    1 Corinthians 2:1-5

    Matthew 5:13-16

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    02/02/20 Underestimated: Unimpressive Feb 02, 2020

    Homily from the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

    Unimpressive does not mean unimportant.

    Most of life is made up of unimpressive moments and unimpressive seasons. If we are constantly waiting for the next “peak moment“ we will miss out on most of life…and also most peak moments.

    Mass Readings from February 2, 2020:
    Malachi 3:1-4
    Psalms 24:7-10
    Hebrews 2:14-18

    Luke 2:22-40

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    01/26/20 Underestimated: Silence is Not Absence Jan 26, 2020

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Do not underestimate what God is doing when it seems like God is doing nothing.

    There are seasons of silence, and hiddenness, and brokenness in all of our lives. These times are not just useful, they are necessary for us to become the kind of people God needs us to be.

    Mass Readings from January 26, 2020:
    Isaiah 8:23-9:3
    Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14
    1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

    Matthew 4:12-23

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    01/19/20 Underestimated: Single Unifying Principle Jan 20, 2020

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The single unifying principle unites all of the various threads of our life into one whole image.

    It is “too little” to remain who you are instead of becoming who God needs you to be.

    Mass Readings from January 19, 2020:
    Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
    Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 1:1-3

    John 1:29-34

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    12/25/19 One Star Dec 25, 2019

    Homily from the Nativity of the Lord.

    God will always fulfill His promises. Is that enough?

    We know that God is faithful because He has fulfilled what He has promised. But He does not need to do what He has not promised to do.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2019:
    Isaiah 52:7-10
    Psalms 98:1-6
    Hebrews 1:1-6

    John 1:1-18

    12/22/19 Available and Capable Dec 22, 2019

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

    Emmanuel. God is working with us to save the world.

    God does not need us. But He has demonstrated that He does not want to heal, transform, or save the world without our help. He only needs us to be the kind of people who are willing and able.

    Mass Readings from December 22, 2019:
    Isaiah 7:10-14
    Psalms 24:1-6
    Romans 1:1-7

    Matthew 1:18-24

    12/08/19 The Gift That Changes Everything Dec 08, 2019

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    To be gripped by God is not supposed to be comfortable.

    The Prophet says that the great gift of the Spirit is the fear of the Lord. But what is it?

    Mass Readings from December 8, 2019:
    Isaiah 11:1-10
    Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
    Romans 15:4-9

    Matthew 3:1-12

    12/01/19 Before Goodbye Dec 01, 2019

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    We do not know when, but we do know what.

    Goodbyes can be painful. But what makes goodbyes even more painful is when we are not ready for the leaving or letting go. The goodness of the goodbye comes down to what we do with the time before goodbye.

    Mass Readings from December 1, 2019:
    Isaiah 4:2-6
    Psalms 122:1-9
    Romans 13:11-14

    Matthew 24:37-44

    11/24/19 A King Who Remembers Nov 24, 2019

    Homily from the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

    Jesus loves you and He hasn’t forgotten you.

    It is easy to feel forgotten and forsaken…even by God. But God notices, loves, and remembers you.

    Mass Readings from November 24, 2019:
    2 Samuel 5:1-3
    Psalms 122:1-5
    Colossians 1:12-20

    Luke 23:35-43

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    11/17/19 CompariSIN: Stealing Joy Nov 18, 2019

    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    If comparison is a thief of joy, then we have to learn how to steal it back.

    In the battle to escape the comparison trap, we can become invincible to bad comparison by actively looking for the blessings, giving thanks, and inviting others into celebrating them. Because there are some things worth celebrating.

    Mass Readings from November 17, 2019:
    Malachi 3:19-20
    Psalms 98:5-9
    2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

    Luke 21:5-19

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    11/10/19 CompariSIN: Incomparable Nov 10, 2019

    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

    We will continue walking through this world in which people are better than us. How can we become invincible to comparison?

    Mass Readings from November 10, 2019:
    2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
    Psalms 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
    2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

    Luke 20:27-38

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    11/03/19 CompariSIN: Infinitely Preferred Nov 04, 2019

    Homily from the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What makes them so great? What makes me so awful?

    When someone else being honored or loved more than we are meets our insecurity, we are tempted to tell stories…about them and about ourselves. But when we know who we are and are grateful for what we have, we have security. And comparison is powerless.

    Mass Readings from November 3, 2019:
    Wisdom 11:22-12:2
    Psalms 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
    2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2

    Luke 19:1-10

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    10/27/19 CompariSIN: The Way of Comparison Oct 27, 2019

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    In a life of comparison, every person is a potential threat.

    Comparison is the desire to be “more” than another. At the heart of that desire is fear. Vulnerability breaks through that fear.

    Mass Readings from Mass Readings from October 27, 2019:</
    Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
    Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
    2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

    Luke 18:9-14

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    10/20/19 The Hardest Step: The Next Step Oct 21, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Often, the next hardest step is the next step.

    Continuing to walk in the midst of failure, rejection, and imperfection is a sign of a great life. In your life, you will take hundreds of first steps.

    Mass Readings from October 20, 2019:
    Ezekiel 17:8-13
    Luke 18:1-8
    2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

    Mark 10:2-16

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    10/13/19 The Hardest Step: The First Step Oct 14, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You just have to start.

    The first step is the most difficult…but it is also the most important.

    Mass Readings from October 13, 2019:
    2 Kings 5:14-17
    Psalms 98:1-4
    2 Timothy 2:8-13

    Luke 17:11-19

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    10/06/19 Are You Saved? From What: Lovelessness Oct 07, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    How do you know God loves you? How do you know you are saved? Answer: the sacraments.

    The saving work of Jesus was accomplished in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The saving work of Jesus meets our lives and transforms them through the tangible gifts of His love: the sacraments.

    Mass Readings from October 6, 2019:
    Habbakuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
    Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9
    2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

    Luke 17:5-10

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    09/29/19 Are You Saved? From What: Lifelessness Sep 29, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Jesus took from us what was ours so He could give to us what is His.

    God’s grace is the cause of our salvation. God’s free gift is what gives us the power to even choose Him or choose to do good works. We do not merely “collect” or “receive” His grace, but we become active participants with Him.

    Mass Readings from September 29, 2019:
    Amos 6:1, 4-7
    Psalms 146:7-10
    1 Timothy 6:11-16

    Luke 16:19-31

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    09/22/19 Are You Saved? From What: Hopelessness Sep 22, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Jesus took from us what was ours so He could give to us what is His.

    When we come face to face with our sin, we realize that we owe a debt we cannot pay. When we come face to face with Jesus, we realize that He paid a debt He did not owe. This is the free gift that saves us from hopelessness: we are saved by grace through faith working itself out in love.

    Mass Readings from September 22, 2019:
    Amos 8:4-7
    Psalms 113:1-2, 4-8
    1 Timothy 2:1-8

    Luke 16:1-13

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    09/15/19 Are You Saved? From What: Fatherlessness Sep 16, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Jesus saves us from being orphaned or abandoned.

    I was saved at my Baptism. I am being saved. I hope to be saved. The Father has adopted us in Christ. And He cannot take it back. But do we live as children of the Father?

    Mass Readings from September 15, 2019:
    Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
    Psalms 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
    1 Timothy 1:12-17

    Luke 15:1-32

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    09/08/19 First Thing First Sep 09, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Out of everything in life, Jesus has to be first.

    In our lives, we continually divide ourselves and divide our hearts by giving away our small “yesses”. Jesus calls us to experience freedom, joy, and clarity by giving Him our big “Yes” because He is the priority.

    Mass Readings from September 8, 2019:
    Wisdom 9:13-18
    Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-14, 17
    Philemon 9-10, 12-17

    Luke 14:25-33

    09/01/19 Oh, Vanity Sep 01, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The high price of vanity.

    It is easy to think of vanity as nothing more than being conceited or overly concerned about one’s appearance. But the vice of vanity comes at a cost: A person could even find themselves living someone else’s life.

    Mass Readings from September 1, 2019:
    Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
    Psalms 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
    Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24

    Luke 14:1, 7-14

    08/25/19 Hope and Discipline Aug 26, 2019

    Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Discipline is the mark of the mature Christian.

    We have to do difficult things all of the time. Why do we do them? We do them because we hope. We have the confidence that what we do makes a difference. The hope that, even when discipline becomes difficult, the discipline makes a difference.

    Mass Readings from August 25, 2019:
    Isaiah 66:18-21
    Psalms 117:1-2
    Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

    Luke 13:22-30

    08/11/19 Living By Faith Aug 12, 2019

    Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    A disciple is a decision-maker.

    Faith is more than belief. It “acts”. It can be seen. In fact, what we choose reveals our faith. And our decisions shape our lives, here on earth and in eternity.

    Mass Readings from August 11, 2019:
    Wisdom 18:6-9
    Psalms 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
    Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

    Luke 12:32-48

    07/07/19 Declaration Jul 08, 2019

    Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    The Father has uttered His declaration; we are offered the chance to answer.

    All of Christianity comes down to one question: does God have permission to love you?

    Mass Readings from July 07, 2019:
    Isaiah 66:10-14
    Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
    Galatians 6:14-18

    Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

    06/30/19 We'll See Jun 30, 2019

    Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Transfer your primary allegiance.

    When following Jesus, the first things He invites us to give up are safety and control.

    Mass Readings from June 30, 2019:
    1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
    Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
    Galatians 5:1, 13-18

    Luke 9:51-62

    06/09/19 The Peace of Christ Jun 10, 2019

    Homily from Pentecost Sunday.

    I know I have what I need.

    The promised Holy Spirit gives many gifts, but few are more powerful and profound than the Spirit’s gift of peace.

    Mass Readings from June 9, 2019:
    Acts 13:14, 43-52
    Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 51
    Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

    John 20:19-23

    05/12/19 #Fail: Failure is Feedback May 13, 2019

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

    Failure either gives us clarity and conviction or course correction.

    Failure is not final and failure is not fatal. As long as we don’t stop, and as long as we are willing to learn from our failures, they have no power to defeat us but only to educate us and make us better.

    Mass Readings from May 12, 2019:
    Acts 13:14, 43-52
    Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 5
    Revelation 7:9, 14-17

    John 10:27-30

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    05/05/19 #Fail: The Only Way to Fail May 06, 2019

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter.

    The only way for failure to be final is if you stop.

    Even sin is not final if you don’t stop. God has a call for you that is not erased by failure.

    Mass Readings from May 5, 2019:
    Acts 5:27-32, 40-41
    Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
    Revelation 5:11-14

    John 21:1-19

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    04/28/19 #Fail: Free to Fail Apr 29, 2019

    Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday.

    Failure is the one necessary prerequisite for God’s greatest gift.

    Many people battle with perfectionism. God’s mercy in the midst of failure is His remedy for the fear that failure is the end.

    Mass Readings from April 28, 2019:
    Acts 5:12-16
    Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22
    Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19

    John 20:19-31

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    04/14/19 Behind Enemy Lines: Stand Apr 14, 2019

    Homily from Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

    To stand for Jesus is to stand against the world.

    If I live in such a way that I merely follow the crowd, I will find myself praising Jesus on Sunday and crying out for His Crucifixion on Friday. This world is a “not friend“ of the Christian. Therefore, we must stand against the world and for Jesus.

    Mass Readings from April 14, 2019:
    Isaiah 50:4-7
    Psalms 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
    Philippians 2:6-11

    Luke 22:14-23:56

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    04/07/19 Behind Enemy Lines: The Father of Lies Apr 07, 2019

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

    There is no need to fear, but there is a need to fight.

    Behind enemy lines, we find ourselves in a battle with the Enemy of God. Satan is real and Satan must be resisted. But the Catholic Christian has been given the tools to engage in the fight and thrive with the strength provided by God Himself.

    Mass Readings from April 7, 2019:
    Isaiah 43:16-21
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Philippians 3:8-14

    John 8:1-11

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    03/31/19 Behind Enemy Lines: Let Go...and Come Inside Apr 01, 2019

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

    We have different experiences, but the same enemy.

    While all of us struggle with different sins and temptations, we all ultimately have the same enemy: pride. Pride is a chameleon and can disguise itself in many different ways. Ultimately, pride will work to keep you holding onto something other than God and to remain outside the Father’s house. Telling the truth…and hearing the Father’s voice…is the way to let go of what we cling to and come inside.

    Mass Readings from March 31, 2019:
    Joshua 5:9-12
    Psalms 34:2-7
    2 Corinthians 5:17-21

    Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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    03/24/19 Behind Enemy Lines: Trust God...and Fight Mar 25, 2019

    Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent.

    Trained in trust...strengthened through struggle.

    God has freely given so much to us…and we are grateful. But why do we still experience the consequences of slavery? God gives us the chance to grow in trust of Him and His love…and He allows us to grow stronger in our ability to walk as His children.

    Mass Readings from March 24, 2019:
    Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
    Psalms 103: 1-4, 6-8, 11
    1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

    Luke 13:1-9

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    03/17/19 Behind Enemy Lines: My Own Worst Enemy Mar 18, 2019

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Lent.

    You have to know yourself to say no to yourself.

    We are in a battle, but our primary enemy is closer than we might like to imagine. In order to gain true freedom and victory, we have to know this enemy and know when to say no to them.

    Mass Readings from March 17, 2019:
    Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
    Psalms 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
    Philippians 3:17-4:1

    Luke 9:28-36

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    03/06/19 Behind Enemy Lines: Isolated and Disoriented Mar 07, 2019

    Homily from Ash Wednesday.

    You are in a fight; what comes next?

    For many of us, our default assumption about life is: it’s fine. Even when things are obviously broken, we can pretend that they will “fix themselves.” But Lent reminds us that we are in a battle that won’t be won unless we are ready to engage the enemy who will attack us like our Lord was attacked in the wilderness...behind enemy lines.

    Mass Readings from March 6, 2019:
    Joel 2:12-18
    Psalms 51:3-6, 12-14
    Corinthians 5:20—6:2

    Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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    03/03/19 Talking and Trials Mar 04, 2019

    Homily from the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What reveals the heart.

    We often are a mystery...even to ourselves. But Christians must come to a place of self-knowledge so we can present our true self to the true God.

    Mass Readings from March 3, 2019:
    Sirach 27:4-7
    Psalms 92:2-3, 13-16
    1 Corinthians 15:54-58

    Luke 6:39-45

    02/24/19 Love Yourself Feb 25, 2019

    Homily from the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    You are loved most when you deserve it the least.

    Jesus calls us to love our enemies. But how can we do that when we don’t even love the people we like? When we often don’t effectively love ourselves?

    Mass Readings from February 24, 2019:
    1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
    Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
    1 Corinthians 15:45-49

    Luke 6:27-38

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    02/17/19 The Fighting Virtue Feb 18, 2019

    Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Willing to engage and embrace the realities of life.

    Hope is not a “soft” virtue. It is a fighting virtue. Hope is what enables us to live in the present with strength and conviction. It takes hope to take action.

    Mass Readings from February 17, 2019:
    Jeremiah 17:5-8
    Psalms 1:1-4, 6
    1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

    Luke 6:17, 20-26

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    02/10/19 Disqualified: Unfit Feb 11, 2019

    Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God is able to make you holy even if He never makes you whole.

    There are some things in our lives (our decisions, our wounds, our weaknesses) that we wish and pray were gone. God calls you and I in our weakness; He doesn’t necessarily call us out of our weakness.

    Mass Readings from February 10, 2019:
    Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8
    Psalms 138:1-5, 7-8
    1 Corinthians 15:1-11

    Luke 5:1-11

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    02/03/19 Disqualified: Remarkably Average Feb 04, 2019

    Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Being unqualified does not disqualify when God calls.

    There are many people who would look remarkably average on paper. Our stats would reveal that we are unqualified for being a part of God’s great work. But the Lord calls us to the greatest of these: love.

    Mass Readings from February 3, 2019:
    Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
    Psalms 71:1-6, 15-17
    1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

    Luke 4:21-30

    Read More About Blessed Chiara Badano

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    01/27/19 Disqualified: Prevented or Prepared? Jan 28, 2019

    Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What great work may God be preparing you for right now?

    In Christ, your past might not be the thing that prevent you from being a part of God’s great work… It might be the thing that has prepared you.

    Mass Readings from January 27, 2019:
    Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10
    Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 15
    1 Corinthians 12:12-30

    Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

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    01/20/19 Insufficient and Insignificant Jan 21, 2019

    Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God uses what we have and gives us what we need.

    It is often very tempting to forget the heart of God. To forget that He notices us, delights in us, and rejoices in us. When the focus shifts from His love to our insufficiency and feelings of insignificance, He reminds us of the truth.

    Mass Readings from January 20, 2019:
    Isaiah 62:1-5
    Psalms 96:1-3, 7-10
    1 Corinthians 12:4-11

    John 2:1-11

    12/25/18 But Why? Dec 25, 2018

    Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas).

    The Why is a Who.

    Jesus is not merely the “reason for the season”… He is the reason for everything.

    Mass Readings from December 25, 2018:
    Isaiah 62:11-12
    Psalms 97:1, 6, 11-12
    Titus 3:4-7

    Luke 2:15-20

    12/09/18 The End? Dec 10, 2018

    Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent.

    This might be the end of the dream, but it is not the end of the story.

    God has begun a good work in you. In fact, he has begun many “good works.“ Many of them will come to an end, but the truly great work that God has begun is a work that he intends to continue to finish.

    Mass Readings from December 09, 2018:
    Baruch 5:1-9
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

    Luke 3:1-6

    12/02/18 Be Ready, Get Ready Dec 03, 2018

    Homily from the First Sunday of Advent.

    You will never be ready unless you get ready.

    Advent is a season of preparation. We get ready to celebrate the first coming of Christ into this world. We also get ready for His Second Coming at the end of the world…or at the end of our individual lives. During Advent, we get ready to die.

    Mass Readings from December 02, 2018:
    Jeremiah 33:14-16
    Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
    1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

    Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

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    11/25/18 Come to the Altar: Kingdom Priesthood Nov 26, 2018

    Homily from the Solemnity of Christ the King.

    Don't waste your priesthood.

    Jesus is the one eternal High Priest. He has called certain men to participate in His priesthood in a unique way. But He has also extended a share in His priesthood to all believers so that the Father may be glorified and the world redeemed when the sacrifice is offered throughout the world.

    Mass Readings from November 25, 2018:
    Daniel 7:13-14
    Psalms 93:1, 1-2, 5
    Revelation 1:5-8

    John 18:33-37

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    11/18/18 Come to the Altar: Learning to Worship Nov 19, 2018

    Homily from the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Not merely witnessing the miracle, but offering the sacrifice.

    We have to learn the worship of God in a similar way that we need to learn the Word of God. The more we know What we are doing, Who we are offering, Why it is crucial, and When to focus, the more we will be able to do more than watch…we will be able to worship.

    Mass Readings from November 18, 2018:
    Daniel 12:1-3
    Psalms 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
    Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

    Mark 13:24-32

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    11/11/18 Come to the Altar: Hollow Worship Nov 12, 2018

    Homily from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Offering first-fruits reveals and increases the depth of trust.

    The temptation to experience worship as hollow or empty is universal. God’s solution for our hearts is the invitation to offer Him our first-fruits. Sacrifices that are intentional, consequential, and representational have the power to transform our hearts and fill up what might be hollow worship.

    Mass Readings from November 11, 2018:
    1 Kings 17:10-16
    Psalms 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
    Hebrews 9:24-28

    Mark 12:38-44

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    11/04/18 Come to the Altar: Where's Your Altar? Nov 05, 2018

    Homily from the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    Not to watch, but to worship.

    The heart of religion is the worship of God. And the heart of worship is always sacrifice; a gift that is poured out on the altar. Where is your gift being poured out? Where is your altar?

    Mass Readings from November 04, 2018:
    Deuteronomy 6:2-6
    Psalms 18:2-4, 47, 51
    Hebrews 7:23-28

    Mark 12:28-34

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    10/28/18 Rivals: Rival Voices Oct 28, 2018

    Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    We do not conquer our rivals, we are called out from beneath their power.

    The voices around us shape us. Some voices shape us more powerfully and more negatively than others. These rival voices fashion a lens through which we see the world. They can rob us of peace, joy, and Christ place in our heart. But to take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you.

    Mass Readings from October 28, 2018:
    Jeremiah 31:7-9
    Psalms 126:1-6
    Hebrews 5:1-6

    Mark 10:46-52

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    10/21/18 Rivals: The Rival of Control Oct 22, 2018

    Homily from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    What do I have to do to get what I want?

    So much of our lives can be marked by the desire to control…or the fear of losing control. The rival of control can dominate. And the trust of praise and surrender can liberate.

    Mass Readings from October 21, 2018:
    Isaiah 53:10-11
    Psalms 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
    Hebrews 4:14-16

    Mark 10:35-45

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    10/14/18 Rivals: The Reason is the Rival Oct 15, 2018

    Homily from the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    God has an absolute claim on your heart. What is the reason you won't give it to Him?

    There is a clear difference between a reason and an excuse. Excuses are not acceptable answers, but there are times when even “good reasons” fail to be “good enough”.

    Mass Readings from October 14, 2018:
    Wisdom 7:7-11
    Psalms 90:12-17
    Hebrews 4:12-13

    Mark 10:17-30

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    10/07/18 Rivals: All or Nothing Oct 08, 2018

    Homily from the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

    There are some relationships that do not tolerate rivals.

    There are only two kinds of relationships that get to a point where it is “all…or nothing”: Romantic relationships and our relationship with Jesus. If we say “all”, that carries with it some consequences. Namely, all of our heart must belong to the other.

    Mass Readings from October 7, 2018:
    Genesis 2:18-24
    Psalms 128:1-6
    Hebrews 2:9-11

    Mark 10:2-16

    Download the Homily Study

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