Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 3/28/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

As we enter into Holy Week, let us reflect on today's second reading from Phil 2:6-11. We invite you to spend some time with that passage this week as we recall the last supper, venerate the cross and celebrate the resurrection in this holy week.

Fifth Sunday of Lent 3/21/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

 

Let us stop and take a moment in prayer to really look upon the crucifix

- to see how Jesus took on the sin and suffering of the whole world

- to see all He endured (being mocked, ridiculed, beaten) and still saying, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”

- to experience the love He has for us

 

In today’s Gospel, we hear that Jesus knew all that was about to happen and willingly takes on this suffering out of love for us.

Fourth Sunday of Lent 3/14/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

 

The readings today are so rich in meaning! In our Gospel we hear the often-quoted John 3:16. Let's dive deeper into the text that comes right before that which references Numbers 21:4-9. This is all about the love the Father has for us.

Third Sunday of Lent 3/7/21 - Fr. Carlson Homily

 

In today's Gospel we read of Jesus driving people out of the temple area because they made it a marketplace. Let us reflect on that today in our own lives - what can we cast out (get rid of) in order to purify our souls? We encourage you to go to the sacrament of confession often! We have added confession times this Lent including all day March 13th from 8:30am-4:30pm and again from 7:00-8:30pm. Please check our website for more times www.stjohns-excelsior.org

Second Sunday of Lent 2/28/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

On this second Sunday of Lent, our Gospel passage is the Transfiguration. Right away, you know something special is going to happen when Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain. Jesus reveals His divinity when He becomes dazzling white!

First Sunday of Lent 2/21/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

Today's readings are rich in salvation history! Every first Sunday of Lent begins with the reading of Jesus being tempted in the desert for 40 days. We pray that we can enter into this time of temptation and repentance and that we may grow closer to God through it!

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2/14/21 - Fr. Carlson Homily

 

The second reading today comes from the Letter from Saint Paul to the Corinthians. (1 Cor 10:31—11:1). In this reading Paul says, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

How did Paul live his life? He healed the sick in Jesus's name. He led people to Christ. He was martyred. We end with a beautiful prayer by Saint John Gabriel Perboyre that we may be imitators of Christ.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2/7/21 – Fr. Carlson Homily

In the Gospels we often read that Jesus went off to pray. If the Son of God made prayer a priority, then we should too! God wants to have a relationship with us and in order to do that, we must spend time with Him.

If we can challenge ourselves to commit to 15 minutes of quiet prayer each day (regardless of age or vocation) then this will improve our relationship with Him. Set a time and a place for prayer and this can become a good way to experience peace, healing and comfort.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/31/21 – Fr. Carlson homily

We read in today's Gospel from Mark 1:21-28 about Jesus beginning His public ministry. He is establishing a new covenant (a new teaching), and He is recognized by all as one having authority. Fr. Carlson digs deeper into this reading.

We also celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. We hear in today's homily about the history of St. John's School and we thank you, the parishioners, for your support of the school over the years! What a beautiful gift we have!

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/24/21 – Fr. Campbell homily

Thank you to Fr. Campbell for celebrating Mass with us this weekend!

The Gospel reading today is from Mk 1:14-20. It's all about putting "things" in their proper order. These things can be good gifts from God but we don't want them to become an obstacle in our relationship with God.