Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle. Father Dave considers how a job description lists a person's duties, and relates this to today's Gospel in which Jesus gives the Apostles a job description as they embark on their mission to preach. He sends them forth to share the faith, just as we are called to go forth today. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-11-18

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the advice in St. Paul's letters from prison. In today's reading, St. Paul tells everyone to avoid meaningless disputes. Father Dave relates this to our tendency to argue over things that don't really matter. The only thing we have to fear is denying Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-07-18

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Father Dave thinks back to a report he wrote in the third grade about aerodynamics. Even though he researched how planes work, he admits that it still remained somewhat of a mystery to him. Father Dave relates this to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. He discusses today's reading in which Matthew claims that disciples worshiped but doubted. We worship, even though sometimes we don't understand. This is where faith and trust comes in. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-27-18

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. Father Dave relates today's reading to being benched in sports. Father Dave explains that those on the team who sit on the bench are just as important as those playing in the game. He relates this to the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, in which Matthias is chosen as a replacement for Judas. Father Dave points out that we, like Matthias, are called at some point to get up from the bench. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-14-18

Seventh Sunday of Easter. Father Dave discusses Jesus' last night before the crucifixion, and highlights Jesus' prayer to the Father to keep us united. Father Dave points out that Jesus did not pray for uniformity, but that we may be one as a community of believers. Father Dave encourages us to remain united, especially in light of the discord in our Church and in our world today, just as Jesus asked. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-13-18

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on Paul preaching to the Gentiles, and points out that people were not happy about this. But God begins to expand people's minds and hearts. It is important for us to realize that God's ways are not ours, and we must be open to that. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-30-18

Fifth Sunday of Easter. Father Dave mentions a study which states that the average American checks their phone 70-80 times per day, nearly every 10 minutes. He relates this to the metaphor of the vine and branch that Jesus uses in the Gospel. The vine is genuine nourishment, but there are certain brances which bear no fruit. We can survive without our phones, and plug into the real source of power, Jesus. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-29-18

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave discusses the way in which Saint Paul looks back at history and proclaims how God helped his people. Father Dave points out that this practice is helpful for all of us, and we should look back and see where God clearly acted in our lives, especially during times when we might feel that God is not present. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-26-18

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Reflecting on the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Father Dave points out the first real controversy among the leaders of the Church. Many believed that in order to be a believer in Christ, you had to be a Jew. Peter had a dream in which he was asked to accompany everyone, including the gentiles. This dream makes Peter ask himself, "Who am I to hinder God?" Father Dave encourages us to ask ourselves this same question. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-23-18

Monday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on the reading from the Acts of the Apostles in which Steven preaches. The reading states that the people could not resist his wisdom and spirit, and so they were convinced. We must also practice the discipline of channeling the Holy Spirit so that we can reach others as Steven did. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-16-18