Anchored In The Lord

5th Sunday of Easter

In this homily for the month of May, we reflect on Mary as the one who leads us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As spring brings new life and beauty to the world around us, we are invited to let this season become a spiritual springtime for our own faith by asking a deeper question: "How well do I really know Jesus?" Through prayer, Scripture, the Rosary, meaningful conversation, and the help of Mary and the saints, we learn that growing in faith is not just about knowing facts about Jesus, but truly spending time with Him as a friend. Mary, who knows Jesus better than anyone, gently guides us to love Him more and to encounter Him more personally in our daily lives.

3rd Sunday of Easter

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walk beside Jesus without even realizing it—until they urge the "stranger" to stay, and in the breaking of the bread their eyes are opened. How often does the same thing happen in our own lives? Moments when our hearts stir, when something deeper is happening within us, when grace is quietly at work—and yet we keep walking, distracted or unaware. This homily reflects on the quiet, persistent way Jesus draws near to us each day and the importance of not letting those moments slip by. When we notice even a flicker of that "burning heart," we're invited to do what the disciples did: to pause, to invite Him in, to let Him stay. Because it may be in those very moments—ordinary, subtle, easily missed—that we finally recognize just how close God has been all along.

Easter Sunday

This Easter, step into the tomb with Peter and John and notice the surprising detail the Gospel of John refuses to rush past: the burial cloths. Why are they mentioned twice? Because they point to something real—no theft, no resuscitation, but a body transformed. From that first Easter morning to the mysterious Shroud of Turin—an image with no paint, no pigment, only a faint "scorch" on the surface fibers—something happened that still defies explanation. Christianity isn't built on a symbol or a story, but on a fact: Jesus Christ is risen. And that changes everything. This episode invites you to step into the tomb, see the signs, and ask: what in my life needs to be transformed by that same resurrection power?

Entering into the Mass, Part 3 – 4th Sunday of Lent (03/15/26)

In Part 3 of this Lenten homily series, we reflect on how to enter more intentionally into the Mass. This week focuses on the Liturgy of the Word and the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, especially the Preparation of the Gifts.

We are reminded that God speaks personally to us at every Mass through Scripture, prayer, and the movements of the liturgy. The opening rites prepare our hearts, the readings reveal God's voice and our identity as His people, and the offertory invites us to place our whole week on the altar—our struggles, gratitude, prayers, and desires—so that God can transform them.

This homily is a practical invitation to stop being spectators at Mass and instead consciously unite our lives to Christ's offering. It concludes with a reminder that the Mass on earth joins us to the worship of heaven and calls us to deeper participation each week.

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2nd Sunday of Lent (03/01/26) – Entering into the Mass, Part 1

Have you ever thought, "Mass is boring?" Many of us have felt that way at times. But the reality is that the Holy Mass is anything but boring. Often the challenge is that we haven't learned how to fully enter into what is happening.

In this first homily of a Lenten series on the Mass, we begin exploring how to participate more intentionally in the sacred liturgy. The Mass is structured in four parts: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rite. This week we focus on the Introductory Rites, which prepare our hearts, minds, and souls to encounter God.

From the Entrance Procession and Opening Hymn, to the Sign of the Cross, the Greeting, the Penitential Act, the Gloria, and the Collect, each moment invites us to actively participate rather than simply observe. These opening moments help us bring our lives, struggles, and intentions before the Lord and prepare us to receive Him more fully in His Word and in the Eucharist.

As you listen, reflect on how you approach the beginning of Mass. What parts of the Introductory Rites might God be inviting you to enter into more intentionally?

Turn Away From Sin, Follow Jesus, Go Fishing

In this episode of Anchored in the Lord, we reflect on the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 25, 2026) and Jesus' first public words of ministry: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." These words reveal that the Christian life is not static or one-dimensional, but a movement—a journey with direction, purpose, and mission.

The homily highlights three essential movements of the Christian life, all present in today's Gospel. The first is repentance. To repent does not simply mean to feel bad or avoid wrongdoing; it literally means to turn around, to change direction, and to let go of whatever draws our hearts away from God. Repentance is where the life of faith begins—but it is not where it ends. If we only turn away from sin, we risk standing still, facing nothing in particular.

That leads to the second movement: following Jesus. Christ does not merely say, "Stop sinning." He says, "Follow me." He invites us into a new way of living—the life of the Kingdom of Heaven. This invitation is often subtle, appearing in daily nudges: a thought to reach out to someone, an impulse to act with generosity, or a quiet call to trust God more deeply. Yet, as the homily acknowledges honestly, we often hesitate. We delay. We tell ourselves we'll respond later—after more prayer, more preparation, or when life feels less busy. In contrast, the disciples in today's Gospel respond immediately.

But the Gospel doesn't stop there. The third movement completes the Christian life: mission. Jesus calls His followers not only to turn away from sin and to follow Him personally, but to "go fishing"—to draw others into the life of faith. Discipleship is never meant to be private or self-contained. A faith that does not become mission remains incomplete.

This episode invites listeners to examine where they may be stuck—repenting without following, following without sharing—and to hear again Christ's call to live the Gospel fully: turn back to God, walk closely with Jesus, and bring others along.

👉 For more reflections, homilies, and parish resources, visit our main site: https://anchoredinthelord.com

This Epiphany homily reflects on the journey of the Three Wise Men, who were led by a simple but powerful sign—a star—to the newborn Christ. Though the sign was visible to all, only a few chose to follow it. Ancient prophecies foretold their arrival, and after months of searching, the Magi finally reached Bethlehem, offering gifts and homage to Jesus.

The homily highlights a striking contrast: while the religious leaders knew the scriptures and could name the birthplace of the Messiah, they did not act on that knowledge. True wisdom, as described by Matthew Kelly, is not just seeing or knowing the truth, but living it. The Magi were wise because they followed the sign God gave them and allowed it to change their lives.

As the New Year begins, listeners are invited to reflect on two simple but challenging questions: What signs is God placing in my life? And when I see them, do I follow?

The message encourages openness, courage, and action—reminding us that faith grows when we not only recognize God's signs, but respond to them.

About Father David Father David is the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Superior and the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles & Hayward Area Catholic Churches in northern Wisconsin, serving multiple parishes across the Northwoods. Rooted in the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, his ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and helping individuals and families welcome Christ into daily life. Learn more at www.haywardcatholic.org.

Hear more reflections at www.anchoredinthelord.com.

Feast of the Holy Family – Holy and Ordinary (December 28, 2025)

On the Feast of the Holy Family, we reflect on a powerful truth: holiness is found not in extraordinary places, but in ordinary family life. Jesus chose to grow within a real human family—one marked by love, sacrifice, misunderstanding, and daily tension—showing us that God's primary path to holiness is lived through relationships.

This reflection explores how everyday moments of friction, sacrifice, and care within families become opportunities for growth in love, patience, and mercy. Drawing from Scripture, it reminds us that putting the needs of others before our own—spouses, children, parents, coworkers, and neighbors—creates a ripple effect of grace that extends far beyond the home.

The Holy Family teaches us that real holiness is not perfection, but faithfulness: choosing love in the midst of ordinary life. As we look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we ask for the strength to recognize the opportunities God places before us each day to grow in authentic, lived holiness.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—pray for us.

About Father David Father David is the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles & Hayward Area Catholic Churches in northern Wisconsin, serving multiple parishes across the Northwoods. Rooted in the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, his ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and helping individuals and families welcome Christ into daily life.

Father David also serves as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Superior. www.callednorth.org

Learn more at www.haywardcatholic.org.

Hear more reflections at www.anchoredinthelord.com.

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This reflection weaves the beloved hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" into a quiet, hope-filled meditation on how God chooses small, hidden places to do His greatest work. From the stillness of Bethlehem to the silence of our own hearts, it invites listeners to notice how Christ meets the hopes and fears of every age—not from a distance, but by stepping directly into our lives.

The episode explores how Christmas can be easily missed amid busyness and distraction, even as heaven remains wide awake with wonder and love. It reminds us that God comes gently, waiting to be welcomed, asking only for openness rather than perfection.

As the hymn becomes a prayer, listeners are invited to let Christ be "born in us today"—in our thoughts, choices, relationships, and even our broken places. This meditation closes with an invitation to receive Emmanuel with a receptive heart, making room for Christ to enter quietly and transform the world through us.

Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran — The Last Rites (Summary)

This weekend in our series Arise: On Death and Dying, we reflect on one of the most consoling and misunderstood gifts of the Church at the end of life: the Last Rites. And right away—what I say at the end I'll say at the beginning: Call early, and when the priest comes, ask for everything. Priests love offering the Last Rites. This is what we're ordained to do—don't worry about "bothering" us!

Today's feast gives a fitting backdrop: the readings show us God's life flowing like living water, Jesus as the true Temple, and St. Paul reminding us that we are God's temple. Yet parts of our "temple" can fall into disrepair—sin, fear, neglect, or suffering. As life draws toward its end, those places can feel heavier. This is why Christ gave us the Last Rites.

First is Confession, the cleansing of the temple—restoring friendship with God, clearing away anything unresolved, and filling the soul with peace.

Second is the Anointing of the Sick, which brings Christ's strength, healing, and courage into physical or spiritual weakness. It's not only for the final moments—it's for anyone seriously ill or preparing for major surgery.

Third is Holy Communion, Viaticum—food for the final journey, Christ Himself accompanying the soul home. And if death is near, ask for the Apostolic Pardon, a beautiful prayer granting full remission of temporal punishment.

So again: Call early. Call when your loved one can still confess, receive Communion, and take in every grace Christ offers. And when the priest arrives, ask for everything: Confession, Anointing, Holy Communion, and the Apostolic Pardon.

The Church does not fear death—Christ has conquered it. The Last Rites prepare the temple of our body and soul for rising with Him. They are Christ's final embrace, His last strengthening for the journey home.

Call early—and ask for everything.