Fr. David Hogan

Solemnity of All Saints

On All Saints Day, we celebrate the countless men and women who have finished the race and now rejoice with God in heaven. St. Paul calls Christians “saints” or “holy ones” because through Baptism we already belong to Christ and are called to holiness. Yet we are still saints in training: imperfect people allowing God’s grace to form us, strengthen us, and make us more like Christ each day. The Beatitudes show us what this training looks like through humility, mercy, purity, perseverance, and love. Holiness is not reserved for a chosen few; it is the calling of every Christian. The saints have finished the race; we are still in training—and heaven is the finish line.

Scripture Readings for October 2, 2026

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus commands us to love God with our whole heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That love includes protecting the most vulnerable among us, especially unborn children. Amendment 3 gives us an opportunity to put our faith into action and defend the dignity of human life. The unborn child has no voice, no vote, and no power—but has immeasurable dignity before God. Our faith cannot remain within the walls of the church; it must shape how we live, love, and act.
Love God. Love your neighbor. Protect life.

Scripture Readings for October 25, 2026

Exodus 22:20-26
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Matthew 22:34-40

Twenty-nineth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Whose image is this?” The coin bears Caesar’s image, but every human person bears the image and likeness of God. As Catholics, our faith must shape not only our prayer but also how we live, serve, and participate in public life. As Missourians consider Amendment 3, we are called to form our consciences according to the dignity and sacredness of human life, especially the most vulnerable. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—but never forget that every human life belongs to God.

Scripture Readings for Sunday October 18th

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Matthew 22:15-21

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The vineyard referenced in our first reading and Gospel is representative of Israel, the chosen people. As decedents of Israel we do not own our own vineyards, but are simply stewards. We are responsible for caring for our own. We may understand the value of time, but do we understand the value of value? Going forward, how do we protect, sustain, and nurture our vineyards? 

St. Paul is clear, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you."

Scripture Readings for October 4, 2026

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20

Philippians 4:6-9

Matthew 21:33-43

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is heaven boring? Though we do not have exact evidence what heaven truly is—but we can also look at heaven from what it is not. Heaven is not simply escaping hell, receiving a reward, or looking down upon those who are lost. Heaven is perfect communion with God: the fulfillment of our deepest desires for love, joy, peace, and belonging. Because God is infinite, we can never exhaust His goodness or beauty. The Christian life, then, is about more than simply “getting to heaven.” It is about learning to love God now and becoming the people He created us to be. Heaven will not be boring. It is where we will finally be fully alive.

Scripture Reading for September 27, 2026

Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 25:4-9
Philippians 2:1-11

Matthew 21:28-32

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Life is not fair! We work hard, make sacrifices, and try to do what is right. Yet, others receive blessings, opportunities, and forgiveness for which we believe they have not earned. Hence comparison is the stealer of joy. In today's Gospel Jesus challenges the status quo. His generosity and fairness cannot be measured by human standards. 

Scripture Readings for September 20, 2026

Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1:20-24, 27
Matthew 20:1-16

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus calls us to love one another enough to speak the truth, listen with humility, and seek reconciliation. Christian correction is not about proving who is right, but about caring for one another and restoring relationships. When difficult conversations arise, Christ calls us to begin with love. Real love doesn't walk away, it fights for reconciliation.

Scripture Readings for September 6, 2026

Ezekiel: 33:7-9
Psalm: 95: 1-2, 6-9
Romans: 13: 8-10
Matthew: 18:15-20

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

We often think happiness will come when our circumstances finally change. But Jesus never promises us a life without suffering. He calls us to trust Him in the midst of it.

Following Christ means letting go of control, turning away from sin, and allowing God to change our hearts. We cannot avoid every cross. But we never carry the cross without Christ.

Scripture Readings for August 30, 2026

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 16:21-27

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, we see a wonderful interaction between Jesus and Peter. Once Peter recognizes Jesus for who He truly is, his own identity and mission are revealed as well by Jesus. 

It is amazing to feel seen and known by God at the most intimate of levels. God sees spiritual greatness in all. Let us make the same testament of faith as well, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God," on whom I want to build my life.

Scripture Reading for August 23, 2026

Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Everyone knows what physical hunger feels like. But there is another hunger that is much harder to satisfy: the hunger to feel loved, accepted, safe, forgiven, and at peace. 

Many people spend their lives trying to fill that hunger with success, entertainment, possessions, relationships, food, pornography, alcohol, social media, or constant busyness. Yet the hunger always returns. Today's readings ask one simple question: Where are you trying to satisfy the hunger only Jesus can fill?

Scripture Readings for August 2, 2026

Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Matthew 14:13-21