Homilies From St. Patrick Catholic Community

13 people were welcomed into the Adult Christian Initiation at mass on Sunday.Todays homily reminds us that humility is a response that pleases God. What humility it takes to approach a Christian community and say that they want to be open to following Jesus with our faith community. Fr. Eric gives insights into how we welcome those seeking communion with us.

The widow in today's gospel, keeping being persistent in getting a, not so good Judge, to render her a good verdict. The widow keeps coming, and coming and coming until the Judge has had a enough. God is like that widow, he keeps coming towards us ready to respond to our prayers, ready to help shape our hearts. He sees the good in us and is patient when we stumble.

"The beginning point of every prayer for Christians should be one of praise and thanksgiving to God. Today's readings reflect the inner core change inside the person who has been healed by God and in the Gospel by Jesus. The invitation this week by Fr Eric is making all prayer for the next 30 days simply praise and thanksgiving to God. We are remind if that were the only prayer for the rest of our lives, that would be sufficient. Being grateful is making sure our house serves the Lord"

"Going over Brooklyn Bridge on 9/11 is Ladder Truck 118. That day they entire company dies. These brave people face violence and death head on. Where is God in all this asks the prophet in today's first reading. What does this picture and Sunday's readings teach us about this? Fr Eric begins his homily with his reflection on this powerful picture.

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the poor man at his gate, can make all of us uncomfortable. The rich man uses the gate to keep Lazarus on the outside. During his life he could of invited Lazarus inside with him. The gate in the parable is the Reign of God. The gate is used to keep people out or let people in. Guess what Jesus demands of us at the gate?

Being clever in worldly things is one thing, yet Jesus tells a parable that challenges all his followers to be clever in things pertaining to our place in the Reign of God. We ask ourselves this week, does our heart really belong to God?