Homily Rewind from St. Margaret Mary Church

Deacon Bill uses three personal stories to illustrate that, like King Solomon, we should pray with hearts focused on serving others rather than ourselves. He reminds us that instead of only asking God to help those in need, we should also ask, "What can I do?" and put our faith into action through compassion and generosity.

Fr. Benjie reflected on Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds, reminding us that patience is a virtue rooted in trusting God's timing and allowing Him to work in every heart. Through a moving story about missed opportunities with a loved one, he encouraged us not to take the people in our lives for granted, but to choose love today because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Fr. Chris reflected on the Parable of the Sower, encouraging us to cultivate hearts that are open to God's Word by making time for prayer, Scripture, and ongoing growth in faith rather than remaining spiritually complacent. Using a humorous seminary story, he reminded us that a deeper relationship with Christ requires intentionally moving beyond the surface so God's grace can take root and bear lasting fruit.

Fr. Ken teaches that God comes to us not with power or fear, but with gentleness, humility, and peace, inviting us to rely on the strength of His Spirit rather than our own. Reflecting on Jesus' invitation to "come to me, and I will give you rest," he encourages us to lay our burdens before the Lord, trusting that Christ walks beside us and never abandons us.

Fr. Benjie reflected on Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” reminding us that God knows and cares for each of us personally. On Father’s Day, he encouraged fathers and families to trust in God’s love and remain faithful in their daily sacrifices.

This week’s consecrations of the United States, the Diocese of Orlando, and St. Margaret Mary Parish to the Sacred Heart of Jesus remind us of a profound truth: Jesus loves each of us infinitely more than we can imagine. Deacon Dave reflected that Christ’s Sacred Heart burns with mercy for every person, calling us to trust in His love, bring Him our sins and struggles, and unite our hearts more deeply to His.

After 41 years as pastor of St. Margaret Mary, Fr. Walsh shared that his retirement comes not from unhappiness, but from a belief that it is the right time, expressing deep gratitude for the support, unity, and faithfulness of the parish community that made his ministry such a blessing. He encouraged parishioners to continue supporting the Church’s mission through the Catholic Appeal, service in Haiti, and devotion to the Eucharist, while expressing confidence that Fr. Christopher Dorsey will lead the parish well into the future.

Deacon Dave reflects on the mystery of the Holy Trinity, explaining that God is one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and that this divine communion reveals God's loving and relational nature. Through God's mercy, shown most fully in Jesus Christ, we are invited to live in unity with others, trust in His love, and grow in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Benjie reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, reminding us that the apostles were transformed from fear to bold witnesses of Christ. He encourages us to open our hearts to the Spirit so we too can live with courage and share the Gospel in our daily lives.

Fr. Zachary Parker - The Ascension of the Lord by St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church