St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church — Portland, OR; Homilies

What does today's Gospel message really mean, to love your neighbor as yourself? And how does that align with the First Reading that reminds us that we were once aliens? There is no right or left in God's Word. Let us bring all of our choices, decisions, and opinions to the foot of the Cross, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us sincerely pray, "Thy will be done."

Note: Father Chuck included in today's homily some of Dr. Peter Kreeft's reflections, from his book, "Food for the Soul, Reflections on the Mass Readings".

Catholic Mass readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2026

First Reading: Exodus 22: 20-26 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51 Second Reading: First Thessalonians 1: 5c-10 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-40

Do you have a missionary mindset as soon as you step out the door? We are among the chosen who receive the power and Word of the Gospel. Let us pray to believe in the power of trust in the Lord and pray Pope Leo's prayer for World Mission Sunday. Father Chuck also asks that we read Archbishop Sample's Pastoral Letter, particularly parts I and IV.

Archbishop Sample's Pastoral Letter: "Go therefore and make disciples"

Catholic Mass readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 18, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 Second Reading: First Thessalonians 1: 1-5b Alleluia: Philippians 2: 15d, 16a Gospel: Matthew 22: 15-21

Did you hear the surprises in today's Gospel and First Reading? God sometimes starts out as expected and then introduces a twist to move us further along. He provides for all peoples on the mountain and invites everyone to the feast. Let us pray, especially through the Mass and Holy Eucharist, that we are open to God's surprises in providing just what we need to grow in God's goodness.

Catholic Mass readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-10a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Second Reading: Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20 Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 22: 1-14

Do you sometimes pray in expectation that life will be easy? Today's second reading helps us understand that there will always be a need for God to guide our hearts and minds through mistakes and misfortune. We have the gifts of prayer, petition, and thankfulness to make our requests known to God. Let us ask God to bear fruit through us for the good of His Kingdom.

Catholic Mass readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 5: 1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20 Second Reading: Philippians 4: 6-9 Alleluia: John 15: 16 Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-43

When you wake up in the morning, do you realize that you are heading to work in God's vineyard, no matter where you go or what you do? Everything is part of our Lord's Kindgom. Today we especially pray for our new Pastoral Council members, and pray a Blessing for our Archdiocese Seminarians Appeal.

Catholic Mass readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27, 2026

First Reading: Ezekiel 18: 25-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Philippians 2: 1-11 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Matthew 21: 28-32

How can we better understand God's ways when teachings like today's Gospel parable seem unfair to us? God offers us the opportunity to become more like God and bathe in His glory through the Mass. God is always ready for us to work in His vineyard and grow more fruitful in His goodness. Thank you to our Parish Leadership Team for the two pamphlets selected for us about Mass.

Catholic Mass readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 55: 6-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18 Second Reading: Philippians 1: 20c-24, 27a Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Matthew 20: 1-16a

Are you feeling hurt or resentment from what someone has done to you or a loved one? Today's readings make very clear that God expects us to forgive that person just as God forgives us. Let us pray for God's will for the person who has harmed us and for God's grace for our healing and freedom from resentment.

Catholic Mass readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 13, 2026

First Reading: Sirach 27: 30 – 28: 7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 Second Reading: Romans 14: 7-9 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 18: 21-35

How do we resolve a conflict with someone? In today's Gospel, as a last resort if nothing else works, Jesus instructs us to treat them as a tax collector. And what does that mean? Jesus asks us to see to the heart of the person, and not to walk away. Let us show God's love for everyone, not just people who agree with us.

Catholic Mass readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2026

First Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Romans 13: 8-10 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19 Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20

Is your soul thirsting for God, as we read in today's Responsorial Psalm? For today's homily, Father Chuck invited parishioner John Dummer to speak about growing a transformative, life-changing relationship with Jesus. John reminded us that the Second Reading urges us to "...discern what is the will of God," He invited us to attend an "ACTS" retreat, which stands for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. St. Clare Parish is offering a mens ACTS retreat on September 17-20, and there will be a womens retreat in the spring. You can find more information on the St. Claire website at https://www.osvhub.com/saintclarechurch/forms/men-s-acts-retreat-september-2026 or contact staff member Kim Zea at 503-244-1037 ext. 104 or [email protected].

Catholic Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2026

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2 Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 16: 21-27

What do you see is your role as a member of God's church? The Holy Spirit has guided church leadership ever since Jesus chose the first leader, Peter. As our Archdiocese seeks mission renewal, let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us grow closer and more pleasing to God as members of His church.

Catholic Mass readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 22: 19-23 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138: 1-2a, 2bc-3, 6, 8 Second Reading: Romans 11: 33-36 Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18 Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20