Homilies From St. Patrick Catholic Community

"A voice in the desert disrupts the lives of the people. The voice announces to repent- the word translates to mean change one's thinking and behavior. In other words think as God thinks. We all need to listen to that voice that wants us to change what we think and do."

" The beginning of the Advent season reminds us that peace is a gift that is offered to us. A peace that only God can give. Fr Eric reminds us through examples that being peacemakers during this Advent Christmas season is one way we serve the Lord. "

"Fr Eric wanted to share this weekend his homily to the men's breakfast mass- which really is a message for everyone to listen to, not just men. The first reading was from the Book of Revelation and Fr Eric gives a great point that all scripture reminds us not to just live for the moment, there is a bigger picture we need to remember. An uplifting reminder for whatever we are going through in life at the moment. "

" A very stressful election and the post-election feelings in our country are addressed by Fr Eric. He lays out what two things that Christians and others need to remember in dealing with disagreements and clashing of ideas. Fear is strong from many sides and at times those seeking office use fear to get a response from people. A message of hope and encouragement for everyone, especially now".

Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, encounters Jesus and he is moved to say for all the things he has done wrong he will pay back four times more than law requires. He gives half of his possessions away. This story is in response to the wealthy man who is asked by Jesus to give away what he has and follow him, he could not do that. Are we possessed by our possessions? Can we not wrap our lives around our possessions where Jesus is set aside? Fr Eric helps us reflect on how to avoid possessions controlling us.

The teachings of Jesus can sometimes really rub us the wrong way, especially when it touches areas that many think it's normal behavior. Todays parableon the self righteous Pharisee who looks down the humble tax collector, deals with the subject that we should not be competitive with one another. We see competition as normal yet what does Luke tell us about this in today's gospel. Some good insights from 

Fr.Eric.

Ego and Humility can at times be at odds in our spiritual lives and we see this happening in today's gospel. The Pharisee has unchecked ego that sees the tax collector as someone to look down upon. The tax collector, not loved by many people, knows who he really is and needs God to be with him. The Edge youth have returned from retreat and Kevin McGloin gives insight into raising our kids in our faith.