Homily for Holy Thursday - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Towards the end, Jesus stated, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” As His sacrifice was looming, Jesus showed His disciples what it meant to be Christian. In these difficult times, we must continue to wash the feet of others and show the world what it means for the Word to become flesh.

Homily for the Wednesday of Holy Week

This gospel reminds us of the various conflicts, betrayal and deceit that we have experienced from time to time in our lives. Judas had everything he needed to be a great apostle. He had a magnanimous heart, which is why Jesus picked him. God never destines anyone for failure. So what happened to him? At some point he stopped working on his friendship with Jesus...

Homily for the Monday of Holy Week

In the Gospel today from John 12:3, it says, “And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” If you had walked in the door or stood outside near an open window, you would have smelled the wonderful fragrance of that expensive perfume. It was in Mary’s hair, so that everywhere she went, the fragrance went with her.

You ask, “What does it smell like?” It smells like the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Does your home smell like that? Do others sense from the fragrance of your life that you spend much time at Jesus’ feet, worshiping Him in selfless devotion? Do your relationships at church smell like the fragrance of Christ? Can people smell the fragrance of Christ on you? 

Homily for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (7pm)

Palm Sunday recounts what Jesus has done for us. It is not then just some distant story, or something remote from us. It is about what God has done for us; it is about our salvation and our life. We are not just passive spectators, or onlookers, or listeners: all that we recall on Palm Sunday and/or during Holy Week and Easter. It is about what Jesus has done for us and does for us right now. This is such a welcome message as we continue to try and do our best in the strange and difficult situation that we face at the moment. 

Readings for April 10, 2022

At the Procession with Palms - Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56

Homily for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (10:30am)

Jesus invites us to go slowly into Holy Week and experience his last week with him. Today, walk with Jesus in his last week of life. Notice how Jesus is with us in all things that surround us... even the mess of our lives. Jesus, as we enter this week slowly with you. Help us to walk with you daily.

Readings for April 10, 2022

At the Procession with Palms - Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalms: Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56

Homily for the Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Jesus’ challenge to raise the eyes of the heart and soul to a spiritual level is met with fierce opposition. In fact, his listeners want to stone him! Christ always challenges us to go higher. And he does this as a manifestation of his love. Today, ask yourself: "How do I respond to this challenge in my own life?"

Homily for the Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

The freedom promised by Christ to those who remain in his word is much deeper than the freedom offered by the world. Christ’s freedom is not simply political freedom. Neither is it the ability to choose whatever I want when I want, and how I want. The freedom of Christ’s disciple is spiritual, moral, and interior; it is the freedom for which every person longs in the depths of his heart. And only Christ gives this kind of freedom.

Homily for the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

As Christians, we are called to shine forth with the same life, joy, hope and love that Christ, the light of the world, brings to humanity. Through our words, and more so our actions, we become living testimonies to others of this beautiful kinship with the Father and His beloved Son. Amidst the brokenness around and within us, let us not forget to see and use this light to uplift the spirits of our brothers and sisters. As we glow with God’s love, let us help make others recognize that they too bear within them the power to shine forth. 

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent Year A Reading (7pm Mass)

Each of us has or will know the grief of Mary and Martha. Each of us will experience the death of a loved one. As a man like us, Jesus wept for Lazarus his friend. As eternal God, he raised Lazarus from the dead, and the raising of Lazarus ultimately shows the fullness of who Jesus in in his humanity and in his divinity. He shows deep compassion for Mary and Martha on the loss of their brother. And this grief touch his own heart and he weeps openly. He wants to do something. His prayer to his Father precedes the resuscitation of Lazarus. And when Lazarus comes from the tomb, Jesus commands those around to unbind him and set him free. He wanted Lazarus as he does us to have life and life to the fullest. This gospel story does point to the resurrection of Jesus but it points more to the person and the power of Jesus to bring life out of death.

Readings for April 3, 2022

1st Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14

Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

2nd Reading: Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: John 11:25a, 26

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent Year C Reading (10:30am)

Jesus doesn't condemn anyone. We see this during the story of the adulterous woman. He doesn't condemn the scribes or the Pharisees. He doesn't even condemn the woman. What we do see however, is how He tries to bridge the gap that has been formed between everyone. He say's: "let the one of you who is without sin, be the one who cast the stone." The reality that can be taken from this scripture is that we are all in the same boat. There's not one person who is better than the other; we are all sinners. We are all in the same boat, and we all struggle with sin and fall short of the Glory of God. However, there is grace and mercy that is met everyday. 

Readings for April 3, 2022

1st Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

2nd Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel Reading: John 8:1-11