Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The parables of Jesus were intended to shock his audience regarding the kingdom of God. Jesus presented his listeners with incredible images of divine love such as a father running out to welcome back the spendthrift black sheep. Yes, it’s one thing to forgive an errant son, it is a another matter to give twelve hours’ worth of wages to someone who worked four hours, or two hours, or one hour. But as God says through the prophet Isaiah, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways.” God sees, thinks, and acts differently. Thus Jesus’ goal... get us angry, get us thinking, we become grateful, and then we are moved to imitate God's generosity. 

Scripture Readings for September 24, 2023

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

Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Gospel from both last Sunday and today speak to us about the importance of forgiveness. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus offered a process for being reconciled with a brother or sister who sins against us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to Peter’s question about how often we must forgive a brother or sister who sins against us by telling the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. 

Peter thought he was being generous in suggesting that we forgive someone as many as seven times! Jesus responds with seventy-seven times as a way to illustrate that there is no limit to the amount of forgiveness we are called to extend to one another. We are called to forgive as God has forgiven us, unconditionally and without limit. 

Scripture Reading for September 17, 2023

Sirach 27:30—28:7
Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Romans 14:7-9
Matthew 18:21-35 

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

When we hear the word “prophet” in everyday life, we typically think of a person who has some insight into the future, who can predict what will be; perhaps, even, a fortune teller of sorts. God tells Ezekiel in our first reading to continue to be a prophet, even when the people are no longer in exile. Even more, God tells him that the fate of the people lies in Ezekiel’s to continue to care and watch over them. 

As Christians, as members of Christ’s Body, we are called to continue the legacy of such a prophet as Ezekiel, to be prophets in our own day and to persevere in that call. We are called to be people who speak the truth, the truth that is Christ Jesus himself. It is a truth that is not always easy to speak. As St. Matthew reminds us in the Gospel, it is a truth that sometimes calls us to task and to mutual accountability.

Scripture Readings for September 10, 2023
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Romans13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our second reading from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans cautions us amid the noise of every day living, "do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing, and perfect."

Yes, listening to the will of God is difficult. So too is doing God's will, but much is at stake. St. Matthew reminds us, "what profit would there be to gain the whole world and forfeit your life?" God's grace is sufficient such that St. Paul boasted in his weaknesses that the power of Christ may reign in his life! It is important to take some time in prayer and silence to reflect upon where God is inviting you to renew your mind.

Scripture Readings for September 3, 2023
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' question, "who do you say that I am," was raised squarely in personal terms. This question to his disciples must have taken them by surprise because it brought out directness and suspense as a moment of truth between friends.

Peter's response was rewarded with the promise of a new covenant. God willing, we shall rejoice in that we were not silent as well, but said something with our lives and the "shouts of our hearts." We hope, in the end, the Lord himself will be our reward. 

Scripture Reading for August 27, 2023

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

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