Homily for The Ascension of the Lord

Jesus came down from heaven to share in our human life, in all our sufferings and joys, but the resurrection was not the end of the story for Jesus. He ascends into heaven so that we can follow him. Every road leads now to heaven if we walk with Jesus who goes with us. So let us keep walking with him.

Readings for May 29, 2022

1st Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

Homily for the Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

As your sacramental life grows, your daily Eucharist, your daily food, and your daily strength for the journey are what you need in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Wherever you need strength in your life to overcome parts where you may have daily battles, lay them at the altar and cast your cares on the Lord.

Homily for the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

No matter how young or how old you may be, the Lord does not stop calling us. He calls us to make a difference in our own way...sometimes greater, sometimes to a lesser degree, but to ultimately make a difference. As we strive to do the Lord's work, be able to use that good that is beneficial to other people. 

Homily Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

What does God require? Not success but faithfulness in what he has assigned to you. Today, ask yourself: what has Jesus called me to do? You aren’t responsible to save the world, but you are responsible to follow Christ in your situation. For a servant, “success” in life is identifying what God has called you to and being completely faithful in it.

Homily for the Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

When we hear the word advocate, we think of someone who supports us. The same Holy Spirit that consoles us can also expose the rawness of our participation “in the world” if we are willing. The unmasking of our sins and transgressions is exceptionally uncomfortable. However, when we allow the advocate to help us spiritually judge our “internal self,” we become “as a child.” We can properly understand the wrongs we have done and move towards righteousness and perfection. This benefit of this truth comes with the positive effect of also knowing we are in the divine embrace of the fullness of Christ.

Homily for the Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

The joy of the Lord is not a feeling nor an emotion that is here one moment but gone the next. It is more lasting. It is a gift, a grace, the fruit of living in the Spirit. The source of this joy is Jesus, his life within us, which we share because of his great love for us. Whatever the Lord has given us, His children, are meant to be shared with others. 

Homily for the Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Baptism is our gift. It is a mark, a seal on the soul made by the Holy Water in the baptismal font. And so branded, we get to wear that brand and live with it throughout our lives. It is a reminder of just who and whose we are… that we are a part of the body called the church and are beloved and accepted. And just as we are claimed as God’s in baptism, we will finally be claimed as God’s at death.

Homily for the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

There is a peace that only Jesus Christ makes available to us in a world full of tribulation. Even on this painful path, we can “take heart”. How? Why? Because Christ has overcome. When you feel defeated, remember, that Christ has overcome. When you feel like the world is squeezing the life out of you, remember, that Christ has overcome. When life feels unsafe, remember, that Christ has overcome. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has overcome.

Homily for the Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

“Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me."

When we are obedient to Jesus' command to love as he has loved us, then the infinite enters into our lives in a new and transforming way. Simple. Not really. Because of the root of sin in our lives, it is hard to love others as Jesus has loved us. Yet, this is the key to his indwelling presence within us. Our spiritual journey is moving from the darkness of selfishness into the light of selflessness. The bridge is love. Not just any love. The agape love of Jesus which seeks what is truly best for us and others.

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (7:00 PM)

When we suffer, we participate in the saving act of redemption. This is not because Christ did not do all he needed to do, but rather that Christ allows us, by divine will, to participate in this aspect of our own and others’ salvation. Suffering is not meaningless.

Readings for May 15, 2022

1st Reading: Acts 14:21-27

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

2nd Reading: Revelation 21:1-5a

Gospel: John 13:31-33a, 34-35