Adolf Hitler was baptized Catholic — but baptism alone does not guarantee holiness or salvation.

In this homily, Fr. John Hollowell reflects on the meaning of baptism, original sin, and the ongoing spiritual battle each of us faces after receiving the grace of the sacraments. Drawing on powerful analogies from hiking and mountaineering, Fr. Hollowell explains why baptism is the beginning of the Christian adventure, not the end.

Baptism makes us adopted sons and daughters of God and temples of the Holy Spirit — gifts even Adam and Eve did not possess. Yet, as the Catechism teaches, the consequences of sin remain, and we are still called to strive, cooperate with grace, and put our God-given talents to work.

This homily challenges us to avoid complacency, to take our faith seriously, and to find joy, peace, and purpose in striving for holiness through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.

Fr. Vincent Lampert, longtime exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, delivers a powerful talk at the Intense Youth Conference 2025. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in spiritual warfare, Fr. Lampert reveals how the devil works to separate us from God, the dangers of the occult and false freedoms, and the hope we find in Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and God’s mercy.

This talk challenges us to “wake up” spiritually, root out anything that is contrary to Christ, and rediscover our true freedom in obedience to God.

🙏 Key themes:

The reality of spiritual warfare

Ordinary vs. extraordinary demonic activity

The true meaning of freedom and obedience to God

The power of the sacraments, prayer, and reconciliation

Why fascination with evil must be replaced with fascination for God

📖 “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4

In this ALIVE reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Jonathan Meyer dives into one of the most challenging and misunderstood Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

What does it mean to truly see God — not just in creation, but in the human person?

Drawing from Theology of the Body and real pastoral experience, Father Meyer invites us to move beyond lust and temptation toward purity of heart, where beauty leads us to gratitude, reverence, and compassion. Instead of objectifying others, we’re called to recognize their dignity and see God living and breathing in them.

This reflection also challenges us to respond with mercy and love, especially toward those who may not yet understand their own worth.

📖 Gospel: Matthew 5:1–12

Let’s go to Mass this Sunday fired up by the Beatitudes and ready to live them out.

God bless you.  

Gospel Discussion Questions:

Welcome to ALIVE, our weekend Gospel preparation series.

In this reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer walks with us through Matthew 4:12–23, the Call of the Apostles, reminding us that God is not distant — He is actively calling each of us right now.

God calls us to prayer, to love, to repentance, to service, and sometimes to bold commitment. Too often we hesitate, overthink, or wait for the “perfect time.” But Jesus’ invitation is simple: “Come after me.” And the response is just as simple — trust and follow.

Whether God is calling you to deeper faith, ministry, marriage, religious life, or to finally take that step you’ve been putting off, this reflection invites you to drop your nets and follow.

👇 Discussion questions are below

Call a friend, meet up with a small group, and talk about how the Gospel is alive in your life this week.

Have a blessed week.

Gospel Discussion Questions:3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time- Matthew 4:12-23

The most important piece of paper in your life isn’t your diploma or your résumé — it’s your baptismal certificate.

This Sunday homily from January 11, 2026, reflects on the Gospel proclamation spoken over Jesus and spoken over each of us in baptism:

Our identity is not earned. It is received.

May we ask for the grace to live the vocation won for us through baptism and the cross of Jesus Christ.

⸻

Alive is our weekly Sunday preparation.

Why does John the Baptist choose this title for Jesus?

This reflection weaves together:

From the unblemished lambs of the Temple, to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, this Gospel reveals that Jesus is not a symbol — He is the reality.

As priests lift up the Eucharist at Mass, they echo the words of John the Baptist and the faith of the Bethlehem shepherds, holding not a sacrifice that points forward, but the Lamb who fulfills every promise.

👉 Discussion questions are available at allsaintscatholic.net and linked below.

Let’s be saints together. Amen.

Gospel Discussion Questions:

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time- John 1:29-34

What is the basic story or content?

What is the good news in this passage?

How is Jesus like the Lamb from the Passover story?

Why was the Passover Lamb important to the Jews?

How does Jesus take away the sins of the world?

John says that Jesus existed before him.  How is this possible?

What does the dove represent?

The word CHRIST means “anointed one.”  How was Jesus anointed?

Welcome to ALIVE, our Sunday Gospel preparation series with Fr. Meyer.

ALIVE follows the Sunday Gospel each week and is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and truly encounter Christ through Scripture. Each reflection is paired with discussion questions to help spark meaningful conversation and prayer.

This week’s Gospel (Matthew 3:13–17) brings us to the Baptism of the Lord, where the Father proclaims:

In this reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to reflect on the beauty of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and to hear those same words spoken over us through our own baptism. You are not defined by your worst moments or your struggles. You are God’s beloved son. You are God’s beloved daughter.

We encourage you to journey through ALIVE with at least one other person — a spouse, friend, neighbor, or small group — and to walk together in faith each week.

👉 Discussion questions are available below or at allsaintscatholic.net

📅 ALIVE continues weekly through the start of Lent

Let’s make this an amazing Ordinary Time — together.

God bless you.

Gospel Discussion Questions:

Baptism of the Lord- Matthew 3:13-17

On the Feast of the Epiphany, we’re invited to ask a deeper question:

Will you allow yourself to be taken, broken, and given?

In today’s Peace on Earth reflection, we look at the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish — a profoundly Eucharistic moment where Jesus:

This isn’t just about bread.

Jesus wants to take you — to delight in you.

This is how love multiplies.

As the Christmas season draws to a close, may we surrender again and trust that God can do more with our “yes” than we could ever imagine.

May there be peace on earth — and peace in your heart. Amen.  

#PeaceOnEarth

As we reach the 12th Day of Christmas, the question isn’t how much we celebrated — it’s whether we’ve changed.

This Peace on Earth reflection looks back to the beginning of Advent and asks:

Our faith is full of “re” words:

If you’ve changed — praise God.

As we prepare to celebrate Epiphany, may we present our hearts honestly to the Lord and allow Him to keep transforming us.

Happy 12th Day of Christmas.  

#PeaceOnEarth

On the Feast of the Epiphany, we remember the gifts brought to Jesus — gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the bigger question is this:

What three gifts are you offering the Lord?

In this Peace on Earth reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer invites us to look honestly at time, talent, and treasure:

Epiphany isn’t just about what the Magi gave long ago — it’s about what we choose to give now.

May this Christmas season help us offer meaningful gifts from the heart.

Happy 11th Day of Christmas. Amen.  

#PeaceOnEarth