Homily from the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

We choose our rivals.

We are all confronted with the temptation towards resentment, when we see the blessings or gifts that others have. This temptation towards envy can be overcome when we choose to receive the gifts we’ve been given with gratitude, and choose to rejoice in the gift of others.

Matthew 20:1-16a

Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Forgiveness is a decision.

One of the most difficult commands that Jesus has called us to is that we must forgive those who have hurt us and who have hurt those we love. Loving like this is difficult. It is truly tough love that is willing to weigh up the hurt and release the offender from the debt that they owe.

Matthew 18:21-35

Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Do I love enough to listen? Do I love enough to speak?

In loving the people around us well, one thing we have to contend with is loving them well in our words. We avoid all unnecessary negatives, love enough to listen, and love enough to speak.

Matthew 18:15-20

Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

"No" paves the way for "yes".

Jesus gives us the conditions for discipleship. We must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. But what does it really mean to deny ourself? And how can this giant "no" pave the way for an even greater "yes"?

Matthew 16:21-27

Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are some questions that only you can answer.

In the Gospel today, Jesus asks two questions. But there is a third unspoken question that needs to be asked and answered first: Who does Jesus say that He is? This question (and answer) will determine everything for the rest of our lives.

Matthew 16:13-20

Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Knowledge without action is useless.

Too often, our problem as followers of Christ is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of courage. In order for us to live the lives Jesus has made possible by his grace, we do not need to know more. We need to be brave enough to act on what we know.

Matthew 15:21-28

Homily from the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary is the New Ark of the New Covenant.

It is fitting that Mary was assumed into Heaven since she is the fulfillment of the Ark in the Old Covenant.

Luke 1:39-56

Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A distraction issue or a decision issue?

In order to achieve any worthwhile goal, we need to focus. Yet, distractions abound in our world and in ourselves. A distraction is anything that takes our focus away from what we need to be doing. But in order to know what a distraction is, we first have to know what it is we need to be doing.

Matthew 14:22-33

Homily from the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Claimed. Respected. Trusted.

Jesus Transfigured on the top of Mount Tabor precedes His journey to Mount Calvary. On Tabor, He is not merely transfigured...He is Claimed, Respected, and Trusted as the beloved Son. We too need the Father's voice to voice His claim over us, His respecting us, and His entrusting a mission to us.

Matthew 17:1-9

Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.

When we are faced with the challenges and obstacles of following Christ, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But we do not have to solve all of the potential issues. We are simply called to face this problem and take the next step.

Matthew 13:44-52