Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Mike Schmitz, in his podcast, "Catechism in a Year," speaks about a therapeutic deistic god in which much of our culture has come to believe the kind of role God plays in our lives. A therapeutic experience makes us feel good like watching our favorite talk show while deism is understood to mean a supreme being who exists but is distant.

The reason why a therapeutic deistic god is so appealing is because this kind of philosophy gives human beings the false notion that we can do whatever we want when we want to do it while still feeling the love of god. 
Gratefully, this is not the God of the Bible nor is it the God of our lived experience. 

When we look at our Gospel for today, we read about a beautiful miracle story in which a persistent women approaches Jesus while asking Him to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. Jesus clearly becomes a causative agent in the healing of this young girl. 

We see time and time again throughout human history, an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God who freely enters into humanity and into our daily lives. Having encountered the Lord, where would be a good place to invite Him into your life? 

Scripture Readings for August 20, 2023
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Why does't Jesus stop the storm first? This is a fascinating question as we reflect upon the chain of events that took place in this Sunday's Gospel. Clearly, Jesus' primary concern is not the storm, but Peter's reaction to it. One thing is certain, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

You and I cannot escape every storm, but know that Jesus is always by our side, a rock that will not crack, a beacon that never dims, and a friend whom nothing compares to His worth. 

Scripture Readings for August 13, 2023

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

Psalm 85:9-14 

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:22-33

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Without vision men perish. Therefore, Peter, James, and John were invited into an incredible experience; a glimpse into the glory of Jesus after His Resurrection from the dead. Jesus offers His disciples this moment of peace, hope, and joy, to remind them that the crosses bore in this life do not ultimately end in death, but are a means through which we enter the glory of the Father. 

Peter, James, and John must have returned to Mt. Tabor in their minds and hearts several times to be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. You and I, as disciples of Jesus, can do the same as we listen to God's word, participate fully in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and minister to people who need God's love. 

Scripture Readings for August 6, 2023

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
2 Peter 1:16-19
Matthew 17:1-9

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday's Gospel highlights two great mysteries: the problem and overcoming of evil. A man once asked Mother Theresa why God did nothing about eliminating evil. She replied, "He did. He made you." 

As we continue to face the challenges and complexities of modernity, we have great strength rooted in Jesus Christ. May people of faith unite all around the world so that all may hear the sound of freedom. 

Scripture Readings for July 23, 2023

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-30

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. Matthew's account of the parable of the sower and the seed offers people an opportunity to evaluate the state of their own souls with regards to the reception of faith. Some seed will fall on rocky ground, some seed will be choked by thorns, and some seed will fall on rich soil producing thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold. Despite the trials, trauma, temptations, and troubles of our modern society, those who are not simply hearers, but doers of God's word will grow in wisdom, age, and grace before God and man. Blessed are those with ears who can hear.

On a business note, as I transition to my new assignment, homily recordings will still be uploaded on apple podcasts and this podomatic website. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during this time of transition.

God's peace and blessings! 

Scripture Readings for July 16, 2023

Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 65:10-14 
Romans 8:18-23
Mt 13:1-23

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A philosophy professor once told his students that, "there has never been a time in human history where a good man can't live." As much as you and I would like to believe this statement it's becoming more and more difficult to live this reality as Christian disciples. Nonetheless, Christ enters our broken world, putting an end to sin and death, while also encouraging and inspiring his disciples what is whispered in the darkness proclaim on the housetops.

Scripture Readings for June 25, 2023

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Romans 5:12-15

Matthew 10:26-33

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi

The Catholic Church in America, just yesterday, began the Eucharistic revival. A revival that is not simply intended for programing, but a revival intended to turn minds, bodies, and souls back to the source of life itself. How important such a movement is, not just in America, but all around the world. The Holy Eucharist is most certainly Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity, but also food for the journey.  May God help Americans have a deeper appreciation, reverence, and love for the bread of life.

Scripture Readings for June 11, 2023

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Psalm 147:12-15, 19, 20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58

The Most Holy Trinity

Trinity Sunday celebrates one of faith's and life's deepest mysteries. The Holy Trinity consists of three divine persons but one divine essence. A mystery deeper than any valley, higher than mountain top; extending beyond east and west. A God who is entirely other and yet closer to human beings than we are to ourselves. A gift so precious so amazing it is essential to work against two extremes: scientism and spiritual sloth.  

Scripture Readings for June 4, 2023
Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9

Daniel 3:52-56

2 Corinthians 13:11-13
John 3:16-18

Pentecost Sunday

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love.  Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him.  Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit.
Amen.

Scripture Readings for May 28, 2023
Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

The Ascension of Our Lord

As children, we were taught to be men and women of our word. Unfortunately, when do not honor our promises, both in small and large ways, we see the effects of these decisions play out in the world. 

After Our Lord was crucified on the cross, it seemed like God broke His promise to restore Israel and sinful humanity. Gratefully though, God not only fulfilled His promises, but now commissions Christians to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

Scripture Readings for May 21, 2023
Acts 1:1-11

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9

Ephesians 1:17-23

Matthew 28:16-20