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FEATURED HOMILIES
SOURCE: Fr. Kevin’s Homilies
We should trust in the presence of God as our firm walking stick on life’s difficult journey.
SOURCE: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Unity and support among disciples allows them to fearlessly proclaim the gospel and authenticate the Christian message through their actions and words.
SOURCE: Fr. Peter Hahn Archive of Homilies
True happiness and holiness come from trusting in God’s plan, following Him faithfully, and accepting all things with holy indifference.
SOURCE: Word on Fire
The early moments of the Church emphasize the importance of evangelism, spiritual warfare, and the mission to bring healing at all levels.
SOURCE: Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basenbang
The gospel calls us to stand against racism and discrimination and be friends and allies in the fight for justice.
SOURCE: The Word in the World
The church is called to continue the mission of Jesus by proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, caring for the sick, and practicing mercy and generosity.
SOURCE: A Jesuit Adventure
God calls ordinary people to serve in His mission, and our faith and obedience are the only requirements to fulfill His plan.
Homiletic Pastoral Review
Homiletic Pastoral
Review
To Sum up All Things in Christ
God’s Plan for All Creation: The text sheds light on the plan of God in Christ for all of creation, not just human beings, showing that redemption and transformation through Christ extend beyond humanity.
The Significance of the Material World: The text brings attention to the shared elements of creation, including the connection between stardust and human beings, stressing the interconnectedness of all things and their ultimate redemption in Christ.
Transient Nature of the Current World: The ephemeral nature of the present world is mentioned, which emphasizes the importance of God’s plan for redemption and transformation to bring about the unity of all things in Christ.
Deacon Peter McCulloch
Deacon Peter
McCulloch
On a Friend for the Journey
Jesus’ Instructions to Disciples: In the Gospel, Jesus sends his disciples to preach, heal, and spread God’s love with instructions to travel light, dress modestly, accept what is offered, and rely on God’s providence.
Parallels with the Twelve Tribes of Israel: The instructions given to the disciples mirror those given to the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing reliance on God’s grace and providence.
Applying Instructions to Modern Discipleship: The message is relevant to present-day disciples, encouraging them to live simply, trust in God, and share their faith.
Importance of Working in Pairs: Throughout Scripture, disciples are often sent out in pairs, demonstrating the value of companionship and support in Christian ministry.
Expressing Faith and Connecting with Others: The excerpt highlights the importance of finding one’s voice and sharing one’s faith with others, fostering genuine connections and mutual encouragement.
Fr. Don & Tonya’s Podcast
Fr. Andrew Ricci
Fr. Andrew Ricci
PODCAST: The readings today reveal how God chooses and empowers us so that we might offer our lives for service in the world. Everyday the Lord invites…how will we respond?
Fr. Austin Fleming
Fr. Austin Fleming
The Prophet’s Dilemma: The challenging role of prophets in delivering God’s messages, even when they are unpopular or unwelcome.
Amos and Social Justice: Amos, as a prophet of social justice, spoke out against the powerful exploiting the poor and needy.
Pope Benedict’s Prophetic Message: The pope’s letter on the economy, ethics, and human development mirrors Amos’ message, challenging an unjust economy and a global culture that fails to value human life.
Individuals as Prophets: Each individual is called to be a prophet, bringing God’s word and presence to others.
Raising God’s Name in Daily Conversations: The importance of bringing God into discussions about current events, even if it might be uncomfortable or unwelcome.
Archived homily from 2009
Dominican Blackfriars
Dominican Blackfriars
Urgency in Spreading the Gospel: The apostles were instructed to preach the Gospel with a sense of urgency, traveling light and heading into unknown territories.
Challenges in Modern Preaching: The passage highlights the contrast between the apostles’ preaching mission and the complexities of evangelization in the 21st century.
Mission and Adaptation: The importance of assessing current strategies for evangelization and adapting to changing circumstances, just as the apostles encountered obstacles and challenges.
Combining Maintenance and Mission: Balancing the need for maintaining infrastructure with the mission of preaching and evangelizing.
Shaking the Dust Off: The symbolic act of leaving behind those who do not believe, emphasizing the focus on spreading the Gospel among receptive communities.
Bishop Robert Barron
Bishop Robert Barron
Called and Chosen
God’s Initiative in Sending: Emphasizing that God chooses and sends individuals to spread His message, just as Amos was chosen despite his protests.
Vulnerability in Spreading the Gospel: The importance of approaching others with humility, relying on the power of love and the shared experiences within a community.
Solidarity and Shared Living: The focus on building relationships and living in solidarity with those we encounter, without dominating or imposing our beliefs.
Commitment to the Mission: The need for perseverance in spreading the message of faith, even when faced with challenges or discomfort.
Strength in the Community of Faith: The importance of finding support and encouragement within a faith community, recognizing that our faith is interconnected with others.
Fr. Joe Jagodensky, SDS
Fr. Jagodensky, SDS
Redefining “Nothing” in a Religious Context: Examining the meaning of “nothing” in the context of Jesus’ instructions to his apostles, suggesting it refers not only to material possessions but also the emotional and spiritual baggage we carry.
Emptying Ourselves to Make Space for Others: Highlighting the importance of setting aside our ego and personal stories to allow for genuine connection and understanding with others.
Listening as a Path to Learning: Emphasizing the value of actively listening and staying open to new ideas and perspectives, rather than focusing on our own thoughts and experiences.
Humility and Self-Awareness: Encouraging self-awareness to recognize when we are “full of ourselves” and fostering humility to create space for others and their stories.
Nurturing Communion and Community: Recognizing the role of humility and self-emptying in fostering community and meaningful connections with others, particularly within the context of religious faith.
Extra Luggage
Illustration: The analogy of traveling by airplane with heavy, unnecessary luggage serves as a metaphor for the emotional and spiritual burdens we carry, highlighting the importance of letting go to experience freedom and growth in our lives.
The Burden of Emotional Baggage: Addressing the impact of emotional and spiritual “luggage,” such as past hurts, persistent fears, and unrealistic dreams, on our lives and ability to move forward.
Leaving Behind Past Hurts: Encouraging the release of emotional pain from past experiences, which can hold us back and damage our self-worth.
Overcoming Paralysis Induced by Fear: Addressing the importance of letting go of fear once we have done all we can to prepare for potential dangers.
Recognizing and Releasing Impossible Dreams: Urging self-awareness to identify unrealistic dreams and goals, which can weigh us down and hinder our growth.
Traveling Light on Our Spiritual Journey: Emphasizing the value of releasing these burdens and traveling “light” in our spiritual lives, as Jesus advised his disciples.
Fr. Anthony Ekpunobi, C.M.
Fr. Anthony
Ekpunobi, C.M.
The Healing Nature of God’s Kingdom: Emphasizing the role of repentance and rejection of violence in fostering healing and restoring relationships within God’s kingdom.
Preparation for God’s Mission: Highlighting the importance of detachment from distractions and embracing one’s unique calling, as exemplified by Amos’ transition from a sycamore tree dresser to a prophet.
Significance of Union and Collaboration: Recognizing the value of unity in pairs or partnerships, such as in a family or romantic relationship, which allows individuals to combine their strengths and skills to enrich their lives and carry out God’s mission together.
Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino
Msgr. Pellegrino
Chosen to be Prophets
Ordinary Individuals as Prophets: Exploring the idea that God chooses everyday people, like Amos, to be prophets and proclaim the truth, despite not being lifelong prophets or having any special qualifications.
The Power of Proclaiming God’s Kingdom: Highlighting the disciples’ mission to heal people, drive out demons, and spread the message of repentance, emphasizing the impact of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings and God’s Choice: Emphasizing the message from the Letter to the Ephesians, that God has chosen us to be holy and without blemish, and called us to spread the truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of adversity.
Proclaiming God’s Message: Emphasizing the importance of sharing the truth of Jesus Christ and avoiding using religion for personal gain or promoting self-serving agendas.
Being Prophets of Love and Kindness: Encouraging us to follow the example of Jesus, who was kind and loving, and spread that love to others as a way to proclaim the truth and serve as prophets.
Recognizing Our Worth in God’s Plan: Acknowledging that we are chosen by God to be prophets and live in His love, highlighting the value of embracing this calling and sharing the truth with others.
Leper colony of Kaluapapa: The sign overlooking the leper colony of Kaluapapa, which says, “Love conquers all,” serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of love and kindness in our mission as prophets of God’s truth, inspiring us to focus on spreading love in our interactions with others.
Fr. Michael Chua
Fr. Michael Chua
Illustration: The metaphor of the eagle leaving the nest serves as an apt representation of the disciples’ transition from the security of being with Jesus to actively participating in His mission, challenging us to reflect on our own willingness to leave our comfort zones and embrace our calling with faith in God’s providence.
Transition from Comfort to Mission: Illustrating the necessity of embracing the challenge of leaving one’s comfort zone to fulfill one’s calling and purpose, akin to an eagle learning to fly after being pushed from the nest.
Collaborative Ministry and Support: Highlighting the importance of working in pairs or teams to provide encouragement, accountability, and effectiveness in carrying out God’s mission.
Reliance on God’s Providence: Emphasizing the value of trusting in God to provide for daily needs and allowing one’s loyalty to the Kingdom of God to supersede attachments to material possessions and security.
Archived homily from 2021
Life Issues
Life Issues
Life
Issues
HOME
The Proof in the Patina
Proclaim Sermons
Among the many blessings God gives his children in Christ is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the seal that marks us as God’s beloved. The presence of the fruit of the Spirit assures believers that their salvation is genuine and secure, and it helps them distinguish truth-tellers from spiritual frauds. The love for others demonstrated by disciples of Christ also serves as a powerful witness to observers outside the faith that God’s Spirit is present to transform lives.
SOURCE: LifeIssues.net Homily Archive
Gratitute Week 5: Affliction
Bottom line: Trusting in God’s perfect plan does not does not make suffering disappear. But it can enable us to pray in good times and bad. Because of Jesus, we can have gratitude even in the midst of affliction.
RELATED HOMILIES:
2018: Ephesians Week 1: In Love He Destined Us
2015: Building on Strength Week 2: Teaching Authority of Church
2012: The Source
2009: Repent and Pray
2006: No Money in Their Belts
2003: No Money in Their Belts (same title, different homily)
2000: About the “Right to Choose”
Fr. Vincent Hawkswell
Fr. Vincent Hawkswell
Discovering God’s Will: Understanding the importance of listening to the Church and recognizing that God’s plan involves both our salvation and the renewal of the world, as emphasized in the second reading and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Embracing Free Will and Creativity: Highlighting our role as co-workers with God, using our intelligence and freedom to contribute to God’s plan, and recognizing the infinite possibilities and creative potential available to us within the realm of goodness.
The Role of Sacraments: Examining how sacraments, such as matrimony and holy orders, serve as signs from God to affirm our choices after we have exercised our free will in making life-changing decisions.
Illustration: The powerful imagery of Fr. Hawkswell lying on the carpet before ordination, contemplating his free will and ability to walk away, highlights the significance of recognizing and embracing our ability to make choices that align with God’s will and purpose.
Fr. Tommy Lane
Fr. Tommy Lane
Welcoming God into Our Lives
Consequences of Rejecting or Accepting God’s Word: Contrasting the outcomes of Amos’ warnings being ignored and the apostles’ preaching being welcomed, highlighting the importance of accepting and acting upon God’s word in our lives.
Welcoming God Through Prayer and Sacraments: Emphasizing the significance of daily prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in the Eucharist and Reconciliation to nurture our relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives.
Living According to God’s Commandments: Highlighting the importance of following God’s commandments in our daily lives and avoiding false idols, recognizing that our actions and choices play a crucial role in welcoming God and inheriting eternal life.
Fr. John Kavanaugh, S.J.
Fr. John
Kavanaugh, S.J.
The Burden of Baggage
Traveling Light and Making Time for What Matters: Emphasizing the importance of simplifying our lives and prioritizing our spiritual purpose over material possessions, as demonstrated by the Jesuit missionary’s approach to traveling light.
Being Effective Disciples Through Clarity and Simplicity: Highlighting the notion that we can serve God more effectively by focusing on His message, avoiding excess baggage, and letting go of worldly trappings that may hinder our spiritual work.
Living Authentically in Service of Christ: Stressing the importance of living in accordance with the values and teachings of Christ, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs, and avoiding self-serving motivations.
Illustration: The anecdote of the Jesuit missionary who traveled light and walked shorter distances to have more time for spreading God’s message illustrates the potential benefits of simplifying our lives and prioritizing what truly matters in our spiritual calling.
Bishop Frank Schuster
Bishop Frank Schuster
Ambassadors of Hope
Transitions and Challenges in Faith Communities: Recognizing the emotions and difficulties that arise during times of change within a faith community, such as welcoming a new pastor or navigating unprecedented challenges.
Shared Journey of Self-Discovery and Faith: Acknowledging the shared human experience of questioning our existence and purpose, and how finding the answers through Jesus connects and unites us as disciples.
The Role of Churches in Fostering Connection: Emphasizing the importance of sacred spaces, like churches, in providing a place for believers to encounter Jesus, support one another, and grow in their faith journey.
Encountering Jesus and Becoming Ambassadors of Hope: Emphasizing the transformative power of meeting Jesus through the Word and the Eucharist, which equips us to share hope with others as we are sent out into the world.
The Impact of Hope on Our Lives: Highlighting how the hope found in our relationship with Jesus shapes our worldview and decision-making, setting us apart from those without this hope.
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