Father Dave Preaches

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the confidence and optimism of Olympians competing in the winter games. He relates this to our relationship with Christ. We should have confidence in God. He also discusses today's reading from James in which we are called to persevere. Father Dave points out that persistence is important, especially during this Lenten season. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-12-18

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the readings about lepers. Society shamed and avoided them, but Jesus sets an example by approaching a leper and healing him in today's Gospel. Father Dave explains that leprosy in Scripture is also a metaphor for our own sinfulness. We should seek healing, and be compassionate like Jesus. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-11-18

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Solomon's idol worship, and also discusses today's psalm, which refers to idols as snares or traps. Father Dave relates idols to a pothole tripping us up. He asks, what are the potholes or traps in our lives? How can we avoid them? Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City 2-08-18

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on biblical numbers. He discusses how King David reigned for 40 years, and in the Gospel, Mark mentions the number twelve. He points out that in today's Gospel, Jesus sent the Apostles out two by two, and argues that Jesus did this so that they would hold each other accountable. It is important for us to have a community that supports us and holds us accountable in our own lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-01-18

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks, "What voice do you listen to?" He considers the many voices we hear today: blogs, sports TV, friends. He explains that there was something about the way that Jesus spoke that touched the hearts of the people in today's Gospel. He also speaks about the annual Paulist Appeal and shares the great work that the Paulist Fathers do. Preached at the Paulist Center, Boston on 1-28-18

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Father Dave explains the meaning behind Jesus' words about blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the "unforgivable sin." He discusses St. John Paull II's encyclical, "Dominum et Vivificantem," on the Holy Spirit, which explains that because God gave us free will, if we choose to permanently turn our backs on God, God will not force us to receive the Holy Spirit. It is "unforgivable" because God will not override that person's choice. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-22-18

Father Dave discusses the first reading in which Jonah is called by God. Jonah did not want to be a prophet, but eventually followed the Lord's call. Father Dave points out that we can relate to Jonah's reaction because his response was realistic. It is sometimes difficult to follow God's will, but we must find the courage to do so, like Jonah and the apostles. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-21-18

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. today's first reading, we hear the story of Saul becoming jealous of David. Father Dave asks, "Wouldn't it be great if we could be happy for someone else's success or good fortune?" He goes on to explain that in the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love, to forgive, and devote ourselves to God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-18-18

Feast of the Holy Family. Father Dave explains that the feast of the Holy Family is about God becoming one of us in the context of our closest relationships. The Holy Family was a real family who had similar struggles and joys as families today. We are called to imitate the Holy Family by placing Jesus at the center of our family life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-31-17

Feast of the Holy Innocents. In light of today's feast, Father Dave relates Mary and Joseph's fleeing to protect Jesus to the many children currently suffering persecution in our world today. We must see the face of Christ in all who are suffering from the death of children. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-28-17.