Fr. David Hogan

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Garage sales epitomize the expression, "one man's junk is another man's treasure." Hence, how do we determine the real value of something? King Solomon provides guidance in our first reading for today. 

In order to determine the value of something King Solomon wants to know on a deeper level the heart of God. In making his desire known to God, Solomon found the pearl of great price. Buried treasure is not found in a field, a fishing net, or an ocean somewhere in the world. Buried treasure is found in all the tabernacles of the world: Jesus Christ. 

Scripture Readings for July 26, 2026

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130

Romans 8:28-30

Matthew 13:44-52

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our modern culture glorifies being busy, productive, and in control. Additionally, many people carry invisible burdens such as stress, anxiety, grief, family struggles, financial pressures, addictions, and exhaustion.

In our Gospel for today Jesus offers us a deeper meaning for the word rest. We are all invited to rest in knowing that we are loved, forgiven, and that we do not walk this journey alone. Unfortunately, we carry burdens God never asked us to carry: perfectionism, proving ourselves, shame, and trying to control everything. Today Jesus simply says to us, "Come".

Scripture Readings for July 5, 2026

Zechariah 9:9-10
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14

Romans 8:9, 11-13

Matthew 11:25-30

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
Today we celebrate The Lord's Day and Father's day. Children can learn many things from their fathers such as how to ride a bike, throw a football, work hard, and persevere through difficult times. Unfortunately, father's day can also be a painful reminder of the brokenness of humanity.
 
Nonetheless, all fathers reflect to some degree the heart of a good father. Though fear is all around, the healing journey teaches us that God's love is greater than all of our human limitations. Beautifully, the more we know the Father's love the less power fear has over us. 
 
 Scripture Readings for June 21, 2026
 
 Jeremiah 20:10-13
 Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

Romans 5:12-15

Matthew 10:26-33

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Receiving Holy Communion is not a reward for good people, but food for pilgrims on the journey. Why does it seem like some people are changed and others are not at Mass? One word...receptivity. 

When people come to Mass, we can come out of sheer obligation, habit, we can come with distractions, and closed hearts. Yet, in celebrating the great feast of the bread of heaven, God invites us to come hungry. When our heart is open to God we never leave...unchanged.

Scripture Readings for June 7, 2026

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

John 6:51-58

Holy Trinity Sunday

Pope Leo XIV's prophetic encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, writes about the gift of the human person and the spiritual battles of the interior life and relationships that will continue to arise as a result of the influence of artificial intelligence. 

The more artificial the world becomes, the more radiant authentic holiness may appear. Every human heart longs for three things: to be known, to be loved, and to be seen. In an artificial age, the most convincing witness may simply be a deeply alive human being. 

Scripture Readings for May 31, 2026

Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
Daniel 3:52-56
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
John 3:16-18

Pentecost Sunday

There are two themes we see in the accounts of the Resurrected Lord: He shows us His wounds while also offering us peace. Depending on how we view our ungodly self-reliance, we have the opportunity to not only experience God's mercy and love, but we are also able to offer the same to others. Shalom...Shalom.

Scripture Readings for Sunday May 24 ,2026

Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34  
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

The Ascension of the Lord

In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus' final words before His glorious Ascension into heaven: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations." 

Though this was part of God's plan, there is a tempting belief that Jesus has now abandoned us. Think about our prayer lives. The times we are most distracted and experience deafening silence for long periods of time, this lie is reinforced. 

Notice, Jesus is not saying "Good luck." But "Behold I am with you always, until the end of the age. Jesus ascended into glory, yet He give us the hope and courage to follow Him wherever that may lead.

Scripture Readings for May 17, 2026

Acts 1:1-11

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9

Ephesians 1:17-23

Matthew 28:16-20

Fifth Sunday in Easter

God does not work with finished projects. Rather, He builds them. Like a construction site, which is messy, loud, unfinished, yet purposeful. So too, is the Church in the world today. St. Peter reminds you and I that we are living stones being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. 

The only place we find real life is in Jesus Christ. Where are you in this journey? Are you resisting Jesus either subtly or intentionally? Our foundation is built upon a personal relationship rooted in Jesus Christ, loving concretely, and serving wherever our lives may take us. 

Scripture Readings for May 3, 2026

Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12

Fourth Sunday in Easter

As the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday, it is important to take the time to reflect upon your calling or vocation. Vocation (Vocare) means a call or summons. In John 10, Jesus says, " My sheep hear my voice...and they follow me."

Life in Christ is not an escape from suffering. It is a transformation of suffering. The easy road avoids suffering whereas the Shepherd leads us through it to freedom. The wide road is easy to walk-but it never leads you home. Only the voice you follow will decide the man or woman you become. 

Scripture Reading for April 26, 2026

Acts 2:14, 36-41
Psalm 23: 1-6
1 Peter 2:20-25
John 10:1-10

Third Sunday in Easter

Have you ever walked away from something thinking, "I didn't get anything out of that." Unfortunately, that is how many people experience Mass. "I go...but I do not feel anything."

In our Gospel for today, the two disciples leaving Jerusalem felt the same way. They just witnessed the greatest event in history...and walked away empty. The problem is not the Mass. The problem is expecting feelings instead of recognizing reality. Therefore, come to Mass with one prayer: "Lord open my eyes..."

Jesus is present at the Mass substantially, body, blood, soul, and divinity whether you feel it or not.

Scripture Readings for April 19, 2026

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24:13-35