Blessed Sacrament Parish Community Homilies

In this reflective homily, Fr. Rob explores Jesus' teaching that we must become childlike to receive the fullness of God's Kingdom. He explains how children rely completely on the loving care of their parents, just as we are called to rely on God. Sharing a personal story of a hectic day as a priest, Fr. Rob illustrates how easily we can fall into the trap of thinking everything depends on our own hard work and abilities, only to find ourselves overwhelmed. He reminds us that true peace and success come when we trust in God’s grace and recognize that He is the one working through us. This episode encourages us to embrace a childlike faith, surrendering control and trusting in God's perfect plan.

Gospel: Mk 10:2-16

In this timely homily, Fr. Rob addresses the growing political tensions that have left many feeling exhausted and disheartened. Comparing political rivalries to the more lighthearted competition between sports teams, he highlights the dangerous shift in society toward hatred and division over political disagreements. Fr. Rob reminds us that, as disciples of Jesus, we are called to rise above hatred, no matter how heated the argument becomes. Echoing Christ's message of loving even those who oppose us, this homily challenges listeners to take a countercultural stance by rejecting hate, embracing dialogue, and recognizing the common values that unite us.

Gospel: Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

In this thoughtful homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the teachings of the Letter of James, finding comfort in the reminder that struggles, disagreements, and arguments have always existed within the Church—even in its earliest days. He challenges listeners to move beyond the need to be right or win every argument, urging them to focus instead on modeling the love and mercy that Jesus consistently demonstrated. By shifting from a mindset of correctness to one of compassion, Fr. Rob reminds us that true discipleship is about loving one another as Christ loved us. This episode calls on us to embody that love, making it the foundation of our actions and interactions.

Readings: Wis 2:12, 17-20 ; Jas 3:16—4:3 ; Mk 9:30-37

In this powerful homily, Fr. Rob emphasizes the true purpose of prayer—not simply as a ritual, but as a transformative conversation with God that must lead to action. Drawing on the teachings of Saint James, Fr. Rob explains that prayer, without conversion or action, becomes hollow. He challenges listeners to go beyond words and contemplation, calling for a faith that is expressed through acts of mercy, compassion, and service to those in need. Through prayer, we are strengthened and empowered to be the presence of Christ in the world, alleviating suffering, offering hope, and embodying the heart of true discipleship. This episode is a call to live out our faith through meaningful actions that reflect God's love.

Reading: Jas 2:14-18

In this homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the miracle stories of the Gospels, emphasizing that they reveal deeper truths about our lives rather than just showcasing Jesus' miraculous powers. Focusing on this week's Gospel where Jesus heals a man’s deafness and speech impediment, Fr. Rob explores the significance of Jesus' groaning, interpreting it as a desire to heal the spiritual deafness and speech impediments that afflict all of us. He challenges listeners to reflect on how often our personal egos block us from truly hearing God's message and speaking with love, compassion, and mercy. This episode invites us to not only listen more attentively to God’s call but also to free our speech to reflect the love of Christ in our daily lives.

Gospel: Mk 7:31-37

In this powerful homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the true purpose of the Christian Church: to evangelize by offering the world a tangible, transformative experience of God's love. He critically examines the current state of the Church in our country, noting how it often mirrors the judgmental attitude of the Pharisees and scribes rather than embodying Christ's teachings of love, compassion, and mercy. Fr. Rob challenges listeners to shift the focus from pointing out the faults in others to self-reflection and genuine love, as exemplified by Jesus. By embracing this approach, the Church can fulfill its mission to change hearts, lives, and ultimately, the world.

Gospel: Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Fr. Rob invites listeners to reconsider their judgments of the disciples' weaknesses as portrayed in scripture, encouraging a more introspective approach. Rather than criticizing their lack of faith, he urges us to recognize similar moments in our own lives where we, too, walk away from Christ—whether through stinginess, holding grudges, or simply letting the busyness of life interfere with our compassion. Fr. Rob reassures us that Jesus understands our imperfections and constantly offers his mercy, healing, and love, no matter how many times we falter.

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

Fr. Rob draws a unique comparison between our relationship with Jesus and a protective friend, emphasizing how Christ stands by us as our ultimate protector. Reflecting on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the homily explores how Mary's close relationship with her son, Jesus, granted her the grace of being assumed body and soul into heaven.Fr. Rob highlights that, through baptism, we too are invited into this intimate relationship with Christ—a relationship that binds us to him, offering protection and the promise of eternal life. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the deep bond we share with Jesus and to celebrate the Assumption as a reflection of the glory that comes from being united with him.

Gospel: LK 1:39-56

Fr. Rob examines the true essence of the Eucharist, emphasizing not just the "what" and "how" of the sacrament, but more importantly, the "why." He reflects on the importance of understanding the Eucharist as more than just a ritual—it's a transformative experience that allows Christ to become one with us, strengthen us, and empower us to embody His presence in the world. The homily challenges listeners to embrace the deeper purpose of the Eucharist, urging them to let go of self-centeredness and truly live as the body of Christ, making His presence known through their actions.

Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

This week, Fr. Rob reflects on the significance of faith and trust in God's plan, particularly in moments of uncertainty and challenge. Drawing inspiration from the day's gospel, the message emphasizes how true faith goes beyond mere belief—it's about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His plan, even when the path seems unclear. This episode offers listeners a reminder of the power of faith to guide and sustain us through life's trials.

Gospel: Jn 6:41-51