From the Ambo

In this episode, Fr. Tom reflects on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, where Jesus makes it clear: discipleship isn’t cheap. Drawing from Wisdom, Paul’s letter to Philemon, and the Gospel of Luke, we explore what it means to count the cost of following Christ. Do we truly put Him first? Do we love when it costs us something? The Cross reorders everything, and in giving everything to Jesus, we gain the only thing worth having: Himself.

We often think strength comes from power, achievement, or recognition. But Scripture teaches something radically different: true greatness begins with humility.

In this episode, Fr. Tom reflects on why humility is not weakness but the capstone of discipleship. It is the virtue that keeps our zeal pure, our steps steady, and our hearts open to God.

Listen as we explore how humility shapes the life of a disciple and why the lowest place at the table may be the one that brings us closest to Christ.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” But what does that mean for our daily lives? In this second homily of the Faith on Fire series, Fr. Tom reflects on the discipline of discipleship, the difference between being near religion and truly knowing Christ, and the daily choices that keep us walking the path toward heaven. Discover how courage and commitment work together to keep our faith alive.

On the Solemnity of the Assumption, we don’t just honor Our Blessed Mother, we look to her as a sign of our destiny. In this homily, Fr. Tom reflects on how Mary’s fiat carried her, body and soul, all the way into Heaven. If we stay close to Jesus as Mary did, then where our Mother has gone, we are meant to follow.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” But what kind of fire is He talking about? And, why does He say it will bring division, not peace? In this first homily of the Faith on Fire series, Fr. Tom reflects on how the fire of Christ purifies, transforms, and sometimes disrupts our comfort. Drawing from Jeremiah’s courage, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the witness of the saints, this episode challenges us to let the Holy Spirit set our hearts ablaze, even when it costs us.

Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32-48 cut through the excuses we often make for delaying holiness: “Be ready… for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” In this homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Tom challenges us to shake off the spiritual autopilot that can plague us and strive to live as faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Jesus calls us to live each day with purpose, courage, and readiness for the Master’s return because we never know when that might happen.

We spend so much of life chasing security, saving up, storing away, building our "bigger barns." But in this week’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that no matter how much we accumulate, none of it comes with us when we go. In this homily, Fr. Tom talks about what actually lasts, how to do a spiritual inventory, and why it’s time to stop clinging to temporary things and start living for what’s eternal.

In this episode, Fr. Tom unpacks the bold prayer of Abraham, Jesus’ invitation to trust, and St. Paul’s reminder of the power of grace. These readings reveal a God who is not distant or indifferent, but near, merciful, and ready to act. But divine mercy isn’t automatic, it requires our cooperation. With open hearts, a desire for conversion, and a willingness to be changed, we discover that prayer isn’t just about asking, it’s about becoming. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to pray or whether God hears you, this message will challenge and encourage you to go deeper.

In this episode of From the Ambo, Fr. Tom reflects on the familiar story of Martha and Mary. We are given a challenge to consider how often we let the good work of service crowd out the deeper work of prayer. It’s not a matter of choosing between being a Martha or a Mary—it’s about learning to pause in the busyness of life and sit at the feet of Jesus. In a world full of distractions, this homily is a timely reminder to give the Lord not just our efforts, but our presence.

We’ve all heard the story of the Good Samaritan—probably more times than we can count. But what if it’s not just a lesson in being kind to others? In this week’s homily, Fr. Tom reflects on a deeper dimension of this familiar parable: that before it calls us to action, it reveals to us the heart of Jesus. He is the true Good Samaritan—the One who sees us in our brokenness, comes close, and heals us. Tune in for a message that invites you not only to “go and do likewise,” but to first recognize how deeply you’ve been loved.