Homily Rewind from St. Margaret Mary Church

Fr. Walsh reflects on how Lent was once marked by strict discipline and sacrifice, and explains that today we are called to freely choose meaningful, challenging practices that help us grow spiritually. Drawing on Jesus’ temptation in the desert, he encourages us to rely on Christ in the Eucharist for strength to resist discouragement and remain faithful to our Lenten commitments.

While financial, career, and personal goals matter, our most important goal is spiritual growth—being the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” through faith expressed in loving action. Through stories and personal reflection, we are urged to live intentionally now, “bloom where we are planted,” and use our limited time to love God and others so we do not reach the end of life filled with regret.

Deacon Bill shares a personal story about his encounter with Jerry Faust to illustrate that true humility is shown by putting others first through prayer, service, and genuine care, regardless of status or success. Connecting this witness to the Beatitudes, he reminds us that following Christ requires humility—not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.

Fr. Ken teaches that Christ is the light who enters our darkness not to condemn us, but to renew, heal, and lead us into life—especially through the living Word of Scripture. God’s Word calls us to repentance, unity, and daily engagement, forming us into one people who walk in the radiance of His truth.

Happiness is not something we wait for—it is a decision we make. By choosing to follow Christ, live with kindness, and remain grateful in all circumstances, we discover true joy, purpose, and meaning in our lives.

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Fr. Walsh reminds us that baptism is not just a moment, but a lifelong relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. He calls us to live out our baptism by growing in faith, staying rooted in the Church, and using our gifts to serve others and make a difference in the world.

The Epiphany reveals that Jesus is not for a select few, but for all people, as the Magi show that God’s salvation is offered to the whole world. From the beginning, God’s plan has always been to draw every nation into relationship with Him, fulfilled in Christ and continued today through the Church. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light and bring His love, peace, and hope to others through simple acts of faith and charity.

Fr. Benjie reflected on the quiet but real battles facing families today, especially the struggles of work-life imbalance, broken communication, and digital overload. He reminded us that the Holy Family was not perfect, but holy because God was at the center of their lives. Through active listening, prayer as a family, and intentional “digital fasting,” we are called to protect our homes, strengthen relationships, and choose presence over distraction.

Fr. Ken invites us to contemplate Emmanuel—God with us—through the final candle of love, reminding us that Christmas is rooted in God’s unconditional love, not our perfection. Through the examples of Ahaz, Joseph, and the Advent readings, we are called to trust God, open our hearts to His presence, and allow Christ to be born in us, even amid uncertainty, fear, and imperfection.

On Gaudete Sunday, Fr. Benjie calls us to recognize that true happiness is not found in possessions or achievements, but in a right relationship with God. Through gratitude, prayer, generosity, and forgiveness, he invites us to cultivate a lasting joy rooted in Christ—because happiness is a choice grounded in faith, not a result of circumstance.