Three Responses to God’s Claim on Your Life

Today’s Homily concludes Jesus’ series of teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven with . . .

. . . the parable of the net . . . a powerful image highlighting the inescapable and universal claim the Kingdom has on every person. Unlike other parables that speak of seeking the Kingdom, this one shows the Kingdom actively gathering everyone . . . righteous and wicked alike . . . for judgment.

The Homily emphasizes that everyone belongs to God, whether they accept it, ignore it, or rebel against it. Using the teachings of St. Louis de Montfort, three responses to this belonging are outlined:

1. rebellious rejection (like Satan),

2. passive indifference (common but mediocre), or

3. wholehearted embrace (the path of spiritual growth and joy).

The Eucharist is seen as a profound act of mutual belonging . . . Christ gives Himself to us, and we give ourselves to Him. Ultimately, the Christian life is about living into this reality of belonging to God, which shapes our identity and destiny.

Listen to this Mediation Media:

Three Responses to God’s Claim on Your Life

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The First Miraculous Draught of Fish: French Artist and Painter: James Tissot: 1886

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Gospel Reading Matthew 13: 47-53

First Reading Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38

Stumbling into Heaven: How Encounters with God Change Everything

On the occasion of his 19th anniversary of ordination, . . .

. . . the visiting Montfort priest reflects joyfully on the value of the priesthood and the profound meaning of encountering God.

Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Homily emphasizes two parables: a man who stumbles upon a hidden treasure and a merchant searching for fine pearls . . . both of whom give up everything to possess what they found. These stories highlight how an authentic encounter with God transforms a person permanently.

The Homily underscores how scriptural figures like Moses, St. Paul, St. Peter, and Isaiah were forever changed by their divine encounters with God. The Homily relates this to the Eucharist, suggesting that even if we attend Mass reluctantly or by habit, the experience can still lead to transformation.

The Homily invites us to:

1. Pay attention to the small ways God reveals His kingdom in everyday life.

2. Go out with joy after encountering God, showing that joy even amid life’s problems.

3. Remove distractions and focus more deeply on Christ.

The Homily’s message is one of gratitude, transformation, joy, and renewed commitment to live in God’s kingdom now . . . on Earth! How?

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Stumbling into Heaven: How Encounters with God Change Everything

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God‘s Covenant with Abraham . . . Showing Him the Stars in the Sky: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Platform: Generative AI Image by Queen of All Hearts, 2025

What is Generative AI? Generative AI refers to a recent approach in artificial intelligence that involves the creation of AI-generated art. This innovative technique utilizes a potent AI computer to generate images based on textual prompts or instructions. The resulting output is an AI-generated image, representing one interpretation of a given concept, such as God Showing Abraham the Stars in the Sky in this particular instance.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 13: 44-46

First Reading: Exodus 34: 29-35

Asking in Jesus’ Name: What It Really Means to Pray

This Homily centers on the meaning and importance of prayer, . . .

. . . particularly as shown through the readings of the day. The Homily acknowledges the frustration many Christians feel when prayers seem unanswered and addresses why persistent, faithful prayer is essential.

Drawing on the example of Abraham interceding for Sodom, the Homily emphasizes that prayer requires trust, like Abraham’s friendship with God. It is a relationship, not a transaction.

Jesus teaches us to pray by calling God “Father,” which implies intimacy and trust. Just as manna could only be gathered daily in the wilderness, so too must prayer be a daily act of dependence.

The Homily explains three key attitudes in prayer:

1. Trust/Faith – We believe God hears and answers in the best way.

2. Persistence – Like Abraham, we must not give up.

3. Reciprocity – We must be willing to give what we ask for (e.g., forgiveness, food, mercy).

Ultimately, prayer in Jesus’ name must reflect His love and justice. It cannot be selfish or vengeful. The message concludes by encouraging believers to grow in their personal relationship with God, as true prayer is rooted in that bond. How?

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Asking in Jesus’ Name: What It Really Means to Pray

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The Virgin in Prayer: Painter: Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato: 1645

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Gospel Reading Luke 11: 1-13

First Reading Genesis 18: 20-32

Second Reading Colossians 2: 12-14

Waiting on the Mountain: Trusting God’s Time with Mary and Elijah

Today’s Homily occurs on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel . . .

. . . and explores the deep spiritual symbolism of the mountain . . . specifically Mount Carmel . . . and how it relates to faith, patience, prayer, and transformation. The mountain is more than geography; it’s a spiritual summit, a place of ascent where prophets like Elijah wait in vigilant hope for God’s quiet, powerful action. After his victory over idolatry, Elijah climbs higher . . . not for glory, but to wait for the Lord’s rain, a symbol of restoration that comes only through perseverance and trust.

This patient expectation mirrors the Carmelite tradition, where Saints Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross teach that real prayer is not about many words, but about aligning oneself with the will of God.

The Homily connects this to Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who is both a model and a “mountain” of receptivity to God’s Word. Jesus highlights her true greatness not her physical motherhood, but her hearing and doing the will of God.

In this feast, we are called to spiritual ascent . . . through character, devotion, and trust . . . in Mary’s school of holiness. At Mass, this spiritual climb finds its summit in the Eucharist, where we behold the Lamb of God and receive the ocean of divine grace.

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Waiting on the Mountain: Trusting God’s Time with Mary and Elijah

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Quote from the Homily

Their recommendation is a much more powerful and much more fundamental thing. Seek to do the will of God, period.

At first glance, that sounds like we’re replacing praying with doing, but to do the will of God, one must know it. To do the will of God, one must desire it. To do the will of God, one must seek it. Let’s note the power of the advice. Let your heart seek not its own way. Let it seek the way of the Lord. Let not your heart aspire after its own ambitions.

Let your heart seek out what the Lord desires for you. And the more one begins to do that, what happens is one surrenders himself; one surrenders herself to the Lord in a way that saying, many prayers never get us to because of the issue. The issue in the spiritual life is not so much praying as it is belonging. One belongs to the Lord and to really belong to the Lord . . .

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Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Italian Painter: Pietro Novelli: 1641

Come to Me: Discovering True Rest in Christ

The Homily contrasts our productivity driven culture . . .

. . . where only the “best” are chosen . . . with Jesus’ open invitation to the weary and overlooked.

Two anecdotes illustrate the point: a seminary soccer game in which an unskilled player is always picked last, and a mother abandoned by her husband when their disabled daughter could no longer “contribute.” Both stories expose a world that prizes achievement but discards weakness.

In sharp relief, God declares in Scripture, “I am concerned about my people,” and Christ echoes, “Come to me … and I will give you rest.”

This “rest” is more than relief; it is the deep satisfaction and fulfillment God experienced on the seventh day of creation. The Homily urges listeners to drop their reservations, open their hearts fully, and accept the only rest that truly satisfies . . . the peace and completeness found in Christ. How?

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Come to Me: Discovering True Rest in Christ

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Christ and the Children: Mexican Painter: Juan Urruchi:  late 1800s

Jesus Tells Us Do Not Be Afraid: Discipleship in a Challenging World

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, which explores Jesus’ call to discipleship, . . .

. . . emphasizing that to follow Christ means not only learning from Him but being formed into His likeness. The Homily begins by reflecting on the ritual of kissing the Gospel . . . whether its message is comforting or challenging . . . underscoring that all of God’s Word is sacred and to be cherished.

The Homily then unpacks Jesus’ teaching that a disciple must not expect an easier path than the Master’s, preparing listeners for the resistance they may face when living according to Christ’s truth in a world that often rejects it.

The Homily urges believers not to fear opposition but to value the Gospel deeply and live it fully, recognizing that the Christian journey, though difficult, leads to eternal life.

Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is highlighted as a constant source of strength, reminding us that we are never alone. The Homily concludes by encouraging trust in God’s guidance, assurance in His care, and boldness in living out the Gospel despite life’s trials.

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Jesus Tells Us Do Not Be Afraid: Discipleship in a Challenging World

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Jesus Sends Out Disciples Two By Two: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886

This painting resides in the Brooklyn Museum.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 24-33

First Reading: Genesis 49: 29-32; 50:15-26

Christ, Our First Neighbor: The Call to Go and Do Likewise

The Homily initially reflects on a personal experience during a visa interview . . .

. . . where the identity as a priest was questioned, drawing a parallel to the Gospel account in which a lawyer tests Jesus’ identity and authority. Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, shifting the focus from the legalistic question “Who is my neighbor?” to the deeper reality that Christ Himself has become a neighbor to humanity.

In the parable, the journey from Jerusalem (symbolizing a movement away from God) represents humanity’s fall, with the wounded man symbolizing sinful, broken people. The priest and Levite, themselves on a path away from God, are unable to help. It is the Good Samaritan . . . symbolizing Jesus . . . who shows compassion, heals, and restores the wounded man, a clear symbol for Christ’s saving work through the sacraments and His incarnation.

Christ has Made Himself Our Neighbor

The key message: because Christ has made Himself our neighbor through love, compassion, and sacrifice, we are now commissioned to become neighbors to others . . . especially those in need, those who mourn, and those seeking forgiveness or assistance. Our ability to love others flows from having first received Christ’s love ourselves.

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Christ, Our First Neighbor: The Call to Go and Do Likewise

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The Good Samaritan: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1630

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Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 10-14

Second Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20

The Danger of Presumption: When Grace and God Demands a Response

This Homily emphasizes that the goodness and blessings of God are not ends in themselves, . . .

. . . but invitations to transformation and repentance. Jesus expresses frustration at communities like Capernaum that witnessed his miracles and heard his teachings yet remained unchanged.

The Homily draws a parallel between modern believers and ancient Israel, highlighting the danger of presumption . . . the mistaken belief that God’s mercy requires nothing from us. It warns that taking God’s grace for granted can lead to spiritual stagnation and even condemnation.

The act of receiving Holy Communion is used symbolically to illustrate that God comes close, but we must still respond by moving toward Him, both physically and spiritually. The central message is a call to wake up, repent, and respond to God’s call now, while the opportunity remains.

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The Danger of Presumption: When Grace and God Demands a Response

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Jesus Teaches the People by the Sea: French Artist and Painter: James Tissot: 1886

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 11: 20-24

First Reading: Exodus 2: 1-15

Let This Mystery Change You: The Self-Giving of Christ and the Call of the Priest

This Homily, delivered on the anniversary of Father Bernard’s ordination, . . .

. . . reflects on the deep theological and spiritual meaning of the priesthood, particularly through the lens of the Passion narrative in the Gospel of John. The Homily highlights the moment at the cross where Jesus entrusts Mary to the beloved disciple and vice versa, explaining this as the beginning of Mary’s unique relationship with the priesthood.

Mary’s Unique Relationship with the Priesthood

The Homily draws a distinction between the celebration of priesthood on Holy Thursday (when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and shared his priesthood with the apostles) and Good Friday, which commemorates Christ’s own high priesthood as He offers Himself in sacrifice for the salvation of the world.

The Homily also explains the priest acts in the person of Christ at the altar, not merely recalling the Last Supper but entering into Christ’s eternal sacrifice. A key point is that priests must be transformed by the mystery they celebrate, resting their hearts against Christ’s own, just as John did.

The homily draws special attention to the mystical intimacy between Mary and the priest, emphasizing how a priest must not just welcome Mary into his home but allow himself to be welcomed into hers.

Finally, the homily praises Father Bernard as one who embodies this deep, Marian-shaped priesthood . . . one who listens to the heart of Christ and allows Mary to guide and shape his vocation.

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Let This Mystery Change You: The Self-Giving of Christ and the Call of the Priest

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Christ of St. John of The Cross: Spanish Painter: Salvador Dalí: 1951

The painting is known as the Christ of Saint John of the Cross, because its design is based on a drawing by the 16th-century Spanish friar John of the Cross. Note: This is a low-resolution picture for copyright purposes.

From Disappointment to Trust: Finding God in Life’s Losses

The Homily begins with a reflection on a meaningful encounter . . .

. . . with a young man who plays soccer with their group but avoids communal prayer due to a personal crisis of faith following his mother’s death. The young man had prayed fervently for her healing, but when she died, he lost faith.

Joseph’s Trials As Part of a Larger Plan

In response, the Homily shares the first reading story of Joseph, who endured betrayal, suffering, and injustice before ultimately being elevated by God to save many. The message is that our hardships may be part of a greater divine plan, and we are called to trust God even when we don’t understand our suffering.

The Homily continues with the Gospel account of Jesus sending out the twelve disciples, including Judas, emphasizing that Jesus chose imperfect people because he trusted in their capacity to grow and change.

The central theme is that God does not require perfection, but trust, commitment, and openness to transformation. The faithful are encouraged to share Christ with a world hungry for truth and to live in alignment with God’s will rather than personal ambition. Why?

Hear more in this Meditation piece. Listen to . . .

From Disappointment to Trust: Finding God in Life’s Losses

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Quote From The Homily

Lord, why are you allowing this to happen to me? My own brothers? Lord, you know, I’m innocent. Why are you allowing the Pharaoh’s wife to accuse me of something that I have not done?

But this was a process. This was a preparation for something higher that God was doing, and it is at the end we hear …. about God and His plan.

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Joseph Sold by His Brethren: Italian Painter: Ubertini Francesco, also called Bachiacca: 1515

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 1-7

First Reading: Genesis 41: 55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24