Wrestling with God: The Struggle That Forms Disciples

Today’s reading reflects on Jesus’ words, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few,” . . .

. . . emphasizing that the “harvest” refers not to the perfect or righteous, but to the broken, wounded, and lost . . . a world in desperate need of salvation. The Homily challenges the common, passive prayer for vocations, asserting that vocations do not arise from nothing; they come from a Church that is itself faithful, rooted, and committed to spiritual struggle.

Jacob Wrestling and Its Lesson

Drawing from the story of Jacob wrestling through the night and leaving with a limp, the Homily powerfully illustrates that authentic discipleship requires tenacity, struggle, and a willingness to hold fast to God even when it’s difficult. True laborers in the Lord’s harvest are formed in the soil of the Church, shaped by prayer, moral conviction, and fidelity. Only then can they reach out to others with strength and purpose.

Ultimately, the homily challenges all to not just pray for vocations, but to live in such a way that they help create them. How?

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Wrestling with God: The Struggle That Forms Disciples

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Quote From The Homily

And it’s important that we recognize this because there’s a certain naive way of hearing these words about the harvest and laborers that allows us very quickly to miss the point and the thrust of what Jesus is talking about here.

It is not a harvest of the perfect, but a harvest of the broken. It is not a harvest of the found, but a harvest of the lost because without Christ, that is what the world is. Without Christ, that is what the human heart is.

There are none that are healthy. There are none who are found. All are lost. All are wounded. All are guilty. This is the harvest, the world that needs saving. And so it is then that the Lord looks out at that tremendous need for salvation, this ocean of need that he says pray. Then ask the Lord of the harvest to send Laborers for the laborers are few. And again, we have to pause. What does it mean recognizing that the laborers are few, . . .

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel: French Painter, Illustrator and Artist: Gustave Doré: 1855

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 32-38

First Reading: Genesis 32: 23-33

If I Can Just Touch Him: Resting in the Presence of God

Today’s Homily reflects on two Scripture passages . . .

. . . a vision of Jacob at Bethel and the Gospel story of the raising of the official’s daughter and the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage.

The Homily begins by exploring the nature of a shrine, emphasizing Jacob’s recognition of God’s presence and the spiritual importance of resting in a holy place. Jacob’s dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth becomes a symbol of God’s grace descending and the soul ascending. In the Catholic tradition, this ladder is often identified with Mary, who brought Christ into the world and continues to be a spiritual bridge between heaven and earth.

The Homily then turns to the Gospel, highlighting the deep faith of the Jewish official who believes Jesus can restore his dead daughter, and the desperate yet confident faith of the woman who believes that even touching Jesus’ garment can heal her.

Their stories emphasize the transformative power of physical contact with the Lord. This culminates in the sacrament of the Eucharist, where the faithful come forward to be physically touched by Christ, receiving healing and grace.

All the faithful are urged to rest and make a true thanksgiving after communion, allowing the grace of Christ’s touch to fully penetrate their lives. How?

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If I Can Just Touch Him: Resting in the Presence of God

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Quote From The Homily

. . . the Lord gives us his blessing. The Lord gives us his goodness, but we never fully receive it. We see it as it comes to us, but so much of life calls us away so quickly. We end up laying it aside or only receiving it partially. Jacob in this reading shows us something different because he rests in this place.

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The Woman with an Issue of Blood: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886

This painting resides at The Brooklyn Museum.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 18-26

First Reading: Genesis 28: 10-22

Rich in What Matters to God: A Reflection on Independence and Humility

The Homily reflects on the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, . . .

. . . acknowledging the progress the U.S. has made since 1776, while emphasizing that the nation is still a work in progress. The original declaration stated that “all men are created equal,” but in practice, equality was historically denied to many groups . . . Catholics, non-whites, African Americans, and women. Over time, the concept of equality has expanded, but the work continues.

The Declaration and the Teachings of Jesus

The Homily draws parallels between the ideals of the Declaration and the teachings of Jesus, particularly the gospel parable of the rich man who stores up wealth for himself but is spiritually empty.

The Homily warns against placing faith in materialism or self-sufficiency, especially in a culture where young people often feel they don’t need God. True richness, they argue, is found in justice, humility, truth, and care for others . . . values that align with God’s vision.

The homily ends by referencing a post-WWII statement from Bing Crosby, suggesting that even in moments of national victory, we should feel humbled rather than proud, recognizing the sacrifices made and the opportunity to serve as instruments of peace and justice.

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Rich in What Matters to God: A Reflection on Independence and Humility

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Quote From The Homily

That’s true for each person, each country, our country to be rich in what matters to God. And that’s what’s so important, and to be rich in what matters to God is to be rich in justice, in truth, in humility, in caring for the needy. That’s what matters to God. That’s what God preached throughout the whole Old Testament and what Jesus lived and died for.

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Declaration of Independence: American Artist: John Trumbull, 1817

He has been called “The Painter of the Revolution”.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 9-13

First Reading: Genesis 23: 1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67

Clothed in Christ: How Our Lady Shapes Us for God’s Blessing

Today’s readings centers on the tension between the old and the new, . . .

. . . especially in the spiritual life. Using Jesus’ parables about wineskins and unshrunk cloth, the message underscores that the Gospel cannot be contained or constrained by old patterns, structures, or attitudes. Jesus brings something fundamentally new . . . the joy of the Bridegroom’s presence . . . which cannot simply “patch up” what is old but requires full transformation.

The Homily draws a parallel with the Virgin Mary, who was created as the perfect vessel . . . the “new wineskin” . . . to receive Jesus Christ. Similarly, we must allow our hearts to be made new to receive the grace and power of the Gospel.

Mary Spiritually Clothes Us

The Homily also brings in the story of Jacob and Esau to illustrate this renewal through Mary’s intercession. Just as Rebecca clothed Jacob in Esau’s garments to receive his father’s blessing, Mary spiritually clothes us in the virtues of Christ so we can be pleasing to God the Father.

The message ends by challenging us to ask whether our old, tired hearts are ready to receive Christ fully and encourages us to rely on Mary’s help to be transformed . . . so we may truly become new vessels fit to receive and share the new wine of salvation.

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Clothed in Christ: How Our Lady Shapes Us for God’s Blessing

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Quote From The Homily

The more we draw near to Our Lady, the more our hearts are open in love and trust to her, the more she begins to clothe us in the virtues of Jesus. Those things that are so very pleasing to Almighty God the Father, the more we draw near to her, the more we come to resemble that one whom the father loves.

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The Virgin Lamb: French Painter: William Adolphe Bouguereau: 1903

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 14-17

First Reading: Genesis 27: 1-5, 15-29

Peace Is the Presence of Christ: A Mission for Every Christian

This Homily begins with a personal story: . . .

. . . the speaker’s first funeral as a newly ordained priest, which was for an only daughter lost in a tragic accident. The grieving family’s heartfelt request was for peace . . . peace for their daughter and peace for themselves. This sets the stage for a broader meditation on the Gospel reading where Jesus sends out 72 disciples, symbolizing that all Christians are missionaries, not just clergy.

The Homily emphasizes that Christianity involves active participation: bringing Christ to others in daily life . . . not necessarily across seas, but to workplaces, schools, and communities. The idea of being “sent” is built into the structure of the Mass itself.

Jesus sends his disciples in pairs to remind us that faith thrives in community and accountability, not in isolation. Saints like Ignatius of Loyola embodied this communal faith. Jesus’ instructions . . . travel light, greet no one . . . underscore dependence on God rather than worldly comforts.

An anecdote about young soccer players illustrates how self-sufficiency can lead people to neglect God, but life’s inevitable struggles reveal our need for Him.

Finally, the Homily returns to the theme of peace . . . “Peace be to this house” . . . highlighting that peace is not the absence of hardship but the presence of Christ. When we bring Christ to others, we bring peace and proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand. The ultimate Christian mission is to bring the presence of Christ . . . true peace . . . to the world.

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Peace Is the Presence of Christ: A Mission for Every Christian

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Quote From The Homily

Anything that we do that doesn’t have prayer as his foundation for us, it collapses. And that’s what our Lord Jesus Christ is telling us. Pray. And as he says that he also continues. He instructs them as you go.

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Jesus’ Discourse to His Disciples: French Painter: James Tissot

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Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20

First Reading: Isaiah 66: 10-14

Second Reading: Galatians 6: 14-18

Hearts That Expand: Learning Compassion from Abraham and Jesus

Today’s readings focus on two powerful biblical stories . . .

. . . the first from the life of Abraham, Sarah, and Ishmael, and the second from the Gospel account of Jesus healing two possessed men.

In the first story, Sarah’s jealousy over Hagar and Ishmael leads her to demand their banishment, despite Ishmael being Abraham’s son. Abraham, torn but obedient, sends them away with provisions. God intervenes with care and promise, ensuring Ishmael’s survival and future as a great nation—reminding us that Abraham is the spiritual ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

The Gospel story presents a stark contrast: Jesus heals two tormented men, but the local people focus on the loss of their pigs rather than the miracle of healing. They reject Jesus, displaying closed hearts and misplaced priorities.

The Homily ends by urging listeners to choose which example to follow: Abraham’s compassionate, open heart or the villagers’ closed-off indifference. We are invited to let our hearts expand through the grace of God, even when it’s difficult, and to strive to love, help, and care for others like Abraham and Jesus did.

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Hearts That Expand: Learning Compassion from Abraham and Jesus

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Quote From The Homily

And so, then there’s us, and we have choices to make. We can become more and more like Abraham or more and more like those people in the town, more and more where our hearts are touched. By the suffering, by the needs, by the hopes and dreams of so many people that we do whatever we can to show tender care, to help to pray, or we close off, we build walls.

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Abraham Dismissing Hagar and Ishmael: Dutch Artist: Nicolaes Maes, 1653

One of the artist’s earliest works.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 8: 28-34

First Reading: Genesis 21: 5, 8-20

From Stranger to Citizen: The Spiritual Bond of Believers

The Homily begins by reflecting on the deep bond felt when encountering someone from one’s home country while abroad, . . .

. . . likening it to the spiritual connection shared by Christians as fellow citizens of God’s kingdom.

Drawing from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the Homily highlights that believers are no longer strangers, but members of a spiritual household built on the apostles with Christ as the cornerstone. This shared citizenship brings both privilege and responsibility . . . especially the commandment to love God and neighbor.

Community and Its Impact on Our Faith

The Homily also centers on St. Thomas the Apostle, emphasizing his honest questioning and desire for understanding as a path to deeper faith. It underscores the importance of community in fostering and strengthening faith, as shown when Thomas encounters the risen Christ only after rejoining the other disciples.

The homily concludes by stressing that faith grows through communal sharing, trust, and belief . . . even without physical proof. Believing leads to seeing, and those who believe without seeing are truly blessed.

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From Stranger to Citizen: The Spiritual Bond of Believers

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Quote From The Homily

And when we believe we move, it is with this that things become clear later on. The very first thing is to believe. Blessed are those that have not seen but believe. And why are they blessed? Because they shall see. Blessed are those that have not seen, but believe because surely, they will see.

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Saint Thomas: Spanish Painter: Diego Velazquez: 1618

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Gospel Reading: John 20: 24-29

First Reading: Ephesians 2: 19-22

Look to the Heavens: Faith in God’s Promise

Today’s Homily centers on the dramatic and symbolic covenant scene between God and Abraham, . . .

. . . emphasizing Abraham’s deep faith despite his childlessness. God showed Abraham the stars in the sky and made a covenant with him.

This faith was counted as righteousness. The Homily draws a parallel between this Old Testament covenant and the new covenant brought by Jesus, whose sacrifice offers complete forgiveness and eternal life.

Jesus’ Covenant

Unlike the promise of a physical homeland, Jesus’ covenant offers a heavenly one. The Homily encourages listeners to trust in God’s promises, especially during fear or uncertainty, by figuratively “looking to the heavens” and believing in God’s faithful presence, even when the fulfillment of His promises may not align with our expectations.

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Look to the Heavens: Faith in God’s Promise

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Quote From The Homily

Look to the heavens and believe that God is there. Look to the heavens and believe that in Jesus God’s promises will come true. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. Certainly not in the exact way you want them. Sorry Charlie. It isn’t going to be that way because his plan is so much bigger. But for us to have trust to hope.

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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 7: 15-20

First Reading: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18

Losing and Finding Jesus: Lessons from a Parent’s Panic and a Divine Mission

The Homily shares a personal story about briefly losing a child in a public place, . . .

. . . using it as a parallel to Mary and Joseph losing the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem during Passover. Their search for Jesus and eventual discovery of him in the temple highlights Christ’s early understanding of his divine mission and priority to be in his Father’s house. This Gospel passage emphasizes Jesus’ commitment to God’s will and Mary’s reflective response, keeping “all these things in her heart.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Homily then shifts to honoring the Immaculate Heart of Mary on this feast day. The Homily explains its spiritual significance . . . not just as a symbol, but as a representation of Mary’s deep, pure love, especially for Jesus and for humanity.

This devotion is tied to key Catholic teachings, liturgical celebrations, and historical developments, including the role of saints like St. John Eudes and papal consecrations.

The homily encourages personal devotion to Mary, as a guide to deepen faith in Christ and live a life of holiness.

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Losing and Finding Jesus: Lessons from a Parent’s Panic and a Divine Mission

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Quote From The Homily

He says, why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house? This focused response establishes that Jesus’ heavenly Father takes precedence over all earthly relationships. It reinforces that following the will of the Father is Jesus’s unwavering priority. His focus and motivation were to be about his father’s business.

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The Twelve-Year Old Jesus in the Temple: German Artist and Painter: Max Liebermann: 1879

Peace in the Storm: When Christ is in the Boat

Today’s readings highlight the theme of salvation as a dynamic, ongoing journey.

The first reading recalls the story of Lot’s rescue from Sodom, emphasizing that Abraham’s persistent prayer played a key role in God’s decision to save Lot’s family. This teaches us that our prayers for others are powerful and never wasted.

However, salvation also requires obedience and forward movement. Lot’s wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt . . . symbolizing bitterness and spiritual rigidity when we cling to the past instead of embracing change. True salvation calls for continual conversion and openness to transformation.

Jesus Rebukes Two Storms on the Sea

The Gospel complements this by recounting the storm on the sea, where Jesus rebukes not only the physical storm but also the inner storm of fear. The message is clear: storms in life are inevitable, but faith in Christ overcomes fear. Peace is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of Christ within it.

Ultimately, we are reminded that the Christian journey involves daily growth in holiness, faith, hope, and charity, always moving forward, never backward.

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Peace in the Storm: When Christ is in the Boat

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Quote From The Homily

When we are with Jesus, storms are inevitable. They’ll come, we’ll be disturbed. But what Jesus is calling us not to be afraid. We should have faith. Faith in him. We should trust him. And it is this trust that is going to give us peace. It is this trust that is going to give us courage to move on, that Jesus is with us.

Peace is not absence of challenges. Peace is not absence of weaknesses. But peace is the presence of Christ, and that’s very powerful. And when Christ is with us, when we know that Christ is with us, even in the midst of storms, we shall have peace even in the midst of persecutions.

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The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633

Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 8: 23-27

First Reading: Genesis 19: 15-29