St. Wenceslaus Church – Scappoose, OR: Homilies

What's with the alternative name for this feast day? Find out by listening now. See what you think about a comparison between Christ's becoming human and covert operations that have children delivering secret messages. What about comparing a Nativity scene to a picture of the D-Day Invasion?

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 26, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: 1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

For years, the angel for the St. Wenceslaus manger scene has been missing the tip from one of its wings. This year, it suffered a more severe mishap. Hear why these flaws don't disqualify this poor angel from its role as a messenger. Learn what consoling and challenging message its "injuries" can have for you!

Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Dec. 25, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings—Mass at Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20

The title says it all. Listen now and understand.

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 19, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Micah 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

What's that title all about? You'll have to listen to find out. (Hint: Ask Jesus about his plans, surrender your plans, invite him in [repeatedly].)

Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 12, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Zeph 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4: 4-7; Lk 3: 10-18

Why is the Trinity's loving, s-l-o-w work in your life like 3 men with shovels and pickaxes creating the Grand Canyon? You'll only know if you download and listen! God continues to complete the good work he's begun in you ... and in people around you. That's what calls us to hang-in-there with ourselves and to be patiently slow to anger toward one another. 

2nd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 5, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3: 1-6

Hear a true confession about avoiding sacramental Confession. It ties together Jesus' warning against drowsy hearts and St. Paul's prayer for strengthened hearts in the readings for the First Sunday of Advent. Guess who's guilty of sacrament avoidance? Listen to find out!

1st Sunday of Advent, Nov. 28, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; 1 Thess 3:12 – 4: 2;
Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Courage, refuge, strength, purpose in life: Listen to the voice of Christ the King who offers you these gifts for the here and now. What's more, let thoughts on Christ's Kingship in eternity offer you consolation and comfort regarding the deaths of young and young-adult Catholics such as Sr. Clare Crockett, SHM. For info on the book about Sr. Clare that Fr. Chuck cites, click HERE. 

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe; Nov. 21, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Dn 7:13-14; Ps 93:1abc, 1d-2, 5; Rev 1:5-8; Jn 18: 33b-37

Get inspiration, encouragement, and "marching orders!" Hear how Christ seeks you out in love, redeems you, and recruits you into his "Freedom Force." Let the unexpected image of an Elite Forces rescue operation in a hostage situation give you a fresh take on the extraordinary Good News of what Jesus, our Big Brother and Lord, has done and is doing to set the world free. And see the church bulletin that Fr. Chuck mentions by clicking HERE.

33rd Sun. in Ordinary Time (Year B), Nov. 14, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood, Pastor; readings: Dan 12:1-3; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13: 24-32

Our guest homilist, Holy Cross Fr. Jim King, relates stories from Uganda which challenge us with modern-day parallels to the sacrificially generous widow in today's Gospel, the story of "The Widow's Mite" (Mark 12:38-44). Fr. Jim prods us to consider whether we're spending our lives giving more than taking.

32nd Sun. in Ordinary Time (Year B), Nov. 7, 2021; Fr. Jim King, CSC, guest presider and homilist; readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44

Celebrate God's powerful gift of so great a cloud of witnesses, All Saints—with a "capital S"—who are in Heaven, on this Solemnity of All Saints. Listen now to learn why we should rely on the constant intercession of the Saints and hear Fr. Chuck's testimony about relying on the prayers of your fellow "small 's' saints."

Solemnity of All Saints, Nov., 1, 2021; Fr. Charles "Chuck" Wood; readings: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Matt 5:1-12A; [Note: This homily is from Sun., Oct. 31, at a Mass anticipating the Feast of All Saints Day]