Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave discusses today's reading in which Jesus refers to blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. With references to Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Lord and Giver of Life," Father Dave explains that Jesus' statement is mainly about our free will. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a total rejection of both God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives in a formal and permanent way. It is unforgivable because we reject the offer of God's mercy. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 1-28-19

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle. Father Dave discusses the conversion of Saint Paul and how we are all called to continued conversion. Father Dave uses the example of sailboats and tacking, or changing directions. We should use Saint Paul's example to change directions in our own lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-25-19

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave reflects on today's Pslam response in which we proclaim, "Here I am Lord, I come to do your will," and relates this to Saint Francis de Sales, who devoted his life to following the will of God. Father Dave points out that it is always God's will for us to be charitable and gracious towards others. He attributes the popular phrase, "You catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than a gallon of vinegar" to Saint Francis de Sales. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-24-19

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the TV show "Undercover Boss," where the person in charge of a company goes undercover as an employee to better understand them. He compares this to today's reading from Hebrews in which Saint Paul states that it was necessary for Jesus to become like us in order to extend his mercy. Preached at the Cathedral of Saint James, Seattle Washington on 1-16-19

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Blue Monday, the day that studies show people actually start practicing their New Year's resolutions. He relates this to the first week of ordinary time, and today's readings in which Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God is at hand and it is time to repent. Father Dave also points out that the word "repent" means "to change." Now is a time for change. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-14-19

The Baptism of the Lord. Why did Jesus have to be baptized? Father Dave answers a common question, explaining that Jesus did not have to be baptized, but he chose to do it for us as an example for us so that we may imitate him. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-13-19

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave explains that an initial public offering is when a company decides to go public. He relates this to the feast of the Epiphany in which we can say that the Church went public. He explains that the word "epiphany" means "manifested to the nations." When the magi arrived, the news of the Lord became public to the nations. Epiphany encourages us to be entrepreneurial about our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-06-19

Christmas Weekday. Father Dave discusses today's reading from Saint John in which John claims that our faith in Christ will make us pure. We should believe that God will give us the grace to be who we are called to be, and make the effort to follow His will. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-03-19

The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas Mass. Father Dave comments on the recent news stories about people stealing the baby Jesus from nativity scenes. He compares this to our desire to have Jesus with us. Father Dave reflects on today's reading from Isaiah in which people are longing for a savior, and encourages us to celebrate the arrival of our Savior this Christmas. Preached Onboard with Celebrity Cruises, on 12-25-18

Monday of the Second Week of Advent. Father Dave discusses how the Scriptures use a reversal of fortunes. He uses the example of Mary's Magnificat in which she claims God will lift up the lowly. It is important to ask ourselves which areas in our lives need a reversal in order to grow closer to God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-10-18