Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (10:30 am)

Your Father will give you the kingdom which is eternal life with him. If we believe and have hope to see this promise fulfilled, what must we do? Live in such a way that shows what our true treasure is. “Where your treasure lies, there your heart will be.” Is our treasure in material things or spiritual? Is our treasure in others or in God? Is it on what we can see, feel, or what is unseen? Are we servants waiting for the Master to return or are we the ones in charge? Are we the faithful, farsighted servant or the wicked servant?

We put our trust in God’s promises because of who God is. We express this faith by living in a way that shows we are anticipating and expecting his return either in death or at the end of time. We want to be ready to welcome him as we act in faith and live in hope.

Readings for August 7, 2022

1st Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

2nd Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48

Homily for the Friday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Do you wish to follow Jesus? In our heads, that’s an easy question. Yes, of course, we do. But this is not a question we can answer only with our heads. It must be also answered by our choice to do what Jesus said was a necessity. Namely, wishing to follow Jesus means denying yourself and taking up your cross.

Communion prayer service talk Tuesday on the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Peter had to unlearn being a fisherman to be a fisher of men. Today, Jesus encourages us to feed His sheep and tend His lambs. We are called to spread the gospel to the world and help prepare people for the family of God. We are to become fishers of men and women. There is no greater work or privilege on the face of the earth, as a man called Peter learned.

Homily for the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Never let an impossible situation intimidate you. Why? Because nothing is impossible with God. God doesn't expect us to do the impossible, but he does expect us to rely on Him. 

Homily for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The spiritual journey any of us is on is about enriching oneself before God, laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. Life does not consist of possessions but in sharing what we possess with others. The goods of the earth have been given to everyone.

Readings for July 31, 2022

1st Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Homily for the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

The flesh of our faith is Hope which refers to the resurrection. Through this hope in our faith, it gives us an assurance and consolation of eternal life after our earthly life. Thus, the reality of death becomes the door of the life promised to us by Jesus as He promised to Martha that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. Thus, the death of Lazarus becomes the venue to reveal the mystery of the resurrection or life eternal wherein the resuscitation of Lazarus prefigures His own resurrection. Our faith in Jesus is not in vain because He did not remain in death but eventually resurrected so that just as we share in His passion and death so we also share His glorious resurrection.

Homily for the Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Our life rests in God's hands. Like a skilled potter, He knows how to apply precise pressure, when to relax His grip, how to score our life with his fingernail, how to squeeze and nudge- all of which increases our fitness as a vessel for His use. 

Homily for the Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

When you decide to serve God with your whole heart and make Him first in your life, your soul will prosper and your joy and peace will increase. Remember to lean on Him more than anything else, and tell Him, “God, I want to do this, but I can’t do it without You.” Even if you mess up, don't be discouraged and let it hold you back, God will give you grace to do what you need to do. 

Homily for the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Todays parable makes clear that any attempt to root out the weeds will only do more damage to the crop. Ask yourself "am I sowing weeds or wheat?" What are the areas of my life where there appears to be more weeds than wheat? What do I want to do to change that? Then identify the weeds in your life. How deep are these weeds rooted? 

Do you wish to uproot them and allow the good seed to grow?

Homily for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle

There is almost an innate desire within human beings for acclaim, recognition and appreciation. All of these gifts are proper and good in moderation. However, individuals who received abundant acclaim or praise also might be tempted to develop a big ego. Jesus desires that his disciples be humble. Humility does not mean groveling or demeaning yourself. Humility requires that we simply be who we are and share who we are with the people in our lives. God has gifted us! Jesus invites us to generously share our gifts, love and attention with others! However, he desires that we do this in a simple, unobtrusive way!