What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In this homily, Fr. Martin reflects on the famous words, “I did it my way,” and contrasts them with the call of every Christian: “I did it God’s way.”

Through the simple framework Belong, Believe, Become, we are invited to consider how God leads us from belonging to a family of faith, to trusting in Jesus, to becoming the person He created us to be.

Fr. Martin also shares a testimony from Alpha and invites parishioners to experience the parish’s third season of Alpha, beginning September 2, with dinner, conversation, and a welcoming space to ask questions and encounter Jesus.

Belong. Believe. Become.
My way—or God’s way?

¿Qué significa realmente seguir a Jesús? En esta homilía, el P. Martin reflexiona sobre las famosas palabras “Lo hice a mi manera” y las contrasta con la llamada de todo cristiano: “Lo hice a la manera de Dios.”

A través de tres palabras sencillas —Pertenecer, Creer, Convertirse— somos invitados a descubrir cómo Dios nos lleva de pertenecer a una familia de fe, a creer y poner nuestra confianza en Jesús, y finalmente a convertirnos en la persona que Dios nos creó para ser.

La homilía también incluye el testimonio de una persona que vivió la experiencia de Alpha y una invitación a participar en la tercera temporada de Alpha, que comienza el 2 de septiembre, con cena, conversación y un espacio acogedor para hacer preguntas y encontrarse con Jesús.

Pertenecer. Creer. Convertirse.
¿Mi voluntad o la Suya?

En esta homilía, el Padre Martin reflexiona sobre una pregunta fundamental: ¿Estableció Jesús una Iglesia?

A partir del Evangelio de Mateo 16, donde Jesús dice a Pedro: “Tú eres Pedro y sobre esta piedra edificaré mi Iglesia”, exploramos cómo Cristo estableció una Iglesia visible, confió a Pedro un papel único de liderazgo y le entregó las llaves del Reino de los cielos. Desde San Pedro hasta los Papas de nuestros días, la sucesión del Obispo de Roma es un testimonio visible de la continuidad de la Iglesia que Jesús fundó.

El Padre Martin también reflexiona sobre lo que esto significa para nosotros hoy. Cuando venimos a Misa, no simplemente asistimos a una reunión creada por nosotros mismos; entramos en la Iglesia que Cristo mismo fundó, una Iglesia que ha perdurado durante 2,000 años porque Jesús permanece fiel a sus promesas.

El episodio también incluye una invitación a Alpha en St. Joseph, una oportunidad para encontrarnos con Cristo, explorar las grandes preguntas de la vida y la fe, y ayudar a otros a profundizar su relación con Él.

In this homily, Fr. Martin explores the question: Did Jesus Establish a Church?

Reflecting on Matthew 16, where Jesus says, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,” we look at how Christ established a visible Church, entrusted Peter with a unique role of leadership, and gave him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. From Peter to the popes of today, the succession of the Bishop of Rome offers a visible testimony to the continuity of the Church Jesus founded.

Fr. Martin also reflects on what this means for us today: when we come to Mass, we are not simply attending a gathering of our own making—we are entering into the Church Christ Himself founded, a Church that has endured for 2,000 years because Jesus remains faithful to His promises.

The episode also includes an invitation to Alpha at St. Joseph, an opportunity to encounter Christ, explore the big questions of life and faith, and invite others into a deeper relationship with Him.

In this weekday homily episode, Father Martin shares briefly about his experience at the Amazing Parish Leadership Summit in Houston, TX.

He asks the parish to pray for him and the leadership at St. Joseph to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. He also encourages parishioners that if it's been a while since they've had a "mountaintop" or "summit" experience, to consider going to a retreat to experience this.

This week, Fr. Martin begins with a heartfelt word of gratitude following his Installation Mass as Pastor of St. Joseph Church, thanking everyone whose prayers, generosity, and service made the celebration so memorable. 

Reflecting on Isaiah's invitation to "come to the water," St. Paul's assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and the Gospel of the feeding of the five thousand, he highlights the many ways God continues to provide for His people. From the growth of Alpha and the parish community to the abundance experienced at the installation celebration, this homily reminds us that Jesus continues to satisfy our deepest hunger, reveal His love, and invite each of us to take our next step in faith.

Watch the Installation Mass here:

https://youtube.com/live/ZCYaA9zVxZs?feature=share

Before the homily, Fr. Martin shares an important parish announcement: next Sunday at 4:00 PM is his Installation Mass as Pastor of St. Joseph, celebrated by Bishop Timothy Freyer in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese (note: the 5:00 PM Mass is canceled that day). 

With over 1,000 guests and 50 priests expected, he offers practical guidance on parking and arrival (carpooling, walking/biking/rideshare encouraged, overflow parking at Valencia High School and Holy Cross Melkite Church), overflow seating with livestream in the parish hall, and details on the post-Mass dinner reception in the back lot and field. 

He also invites the parish to give or volunteer for the celebration via QR code, website, or the parish office.