Reflections on the Sunday readings from the Catholic Lectionary for Mass. Includes homilies, sermons, and other thoughts.
We often water down the law of God today. Sure, there are the commandments, but no one really keeps all the commandments, do they? God is so merciful today (unlike …
“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them…” These words from the first reading should sound familiar. They are …
The following homily was given in the historical town of Emaus at the end of eleven days of pilgrimage through the Holy Land When Jesus was presented in the Temple …
The following homily was given in the church of Dominus Flevit on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, also near the church of St. Mary Magdalene. This location on the …
The key to real relationship is the willingness to be vulnerable. No one showed this more than Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
In the opening of the letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul uses the word “to call” four times. Each one says something important for us today.
We don’t know much about the magi who visited Jesus in Bethlehem, but today’s homily looks at three things we can learn from them.
The Octave of Christmas marks the day Jesus was circumcised and officially received his name. Let’s resolve to use it well in the new year.
The Christmas manger scene is so peaceful and beautiful. But it didn’t stay that way, and neither will our lives.
In this “Very Kermit Christmas” homily, Fr. Shawn explains why Scrooge is the hero of Christmas and why we really all want to be him.
The Scriptures don’t record any word spoken by St. Joseph. But if we understand the gospel like a Jew, they tell us what we need to know.
Are you going through a dark time? This 3rd Sunday of Advent gives us the example of a rose candle to inspire us to keep going.
No one likes road construction. But we don’t like potholes either. Today, John the Baptist urges us to fix up our spiritual road.
Today we begin the season of Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas. Today’s readings give three essential things on which to focus.
This is the last Sunday of the year… but next week is the first. It’s the end, but also the beginning. The last Sunday of Ordinary Time each year is …
This week’s homily was given to the archdiocesan permanent diaconate aspirants and their families during their weekend of formation. Marriage and the end of the world… the classic combination. While …
When there is a job to be done, sometimes we ask for volunteers. “We need an usher… can anybody help?” What usually happens is the same people who volunteer for …
Today’s gospel parable seems like a classic case of the the “good guy” vs. “the bad guy.” Jesus definitely seems to set it up with the Pharisee as an example …
In the middle of the 17th century, the first Jesuits came to what is today the United States and Canada. This weekend marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of 8 …
“How long, O Lord?” This short cry of exasperation is one that is not only well known in Scripture, but well known in every day life as well. When the …
In today’s second reading, St. Paul is writing to St. Timothy, who he has left as bishop in charge of one of his new churches. Not unlike our own times, …
Our readings today call attention to several issues of false business practices. In short, we’re dealing with a bunch of greedy cheaters. In the first reading, the prophet Amos is …
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” Whenever there is some tragedy we often find ourselves questioning God, wondering “Where was God?” Where was God in the midst of …
The Washington Monument is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. At 555 feet in height, it was the tallest structure in the world until the construction of …
Today’s Gospel describes the social intricacies of who gets invited to the best parties and where certain people have a seat at the table. It all seem so contrived. Everyone …
When it gets to be over 100 degrees in Kansas in the summer, I like to go Alaska. For most of the last eight years I’ve volunteered to serve as …
Paul Harvey was a famous reporter and political commentator who is perhaps best known for his weekly segment entitled, “The Rest of the Story.” In these short clips, Harvey would …
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” So the psalmist urges us in today’s Mass. Changing our hearts is important, but did you ever stop to think …
Sometimes people will confess that they “didn’t get their prayers in” on certain occasions. When you think of “saying your prayers,” what come to mind? How to you pray? Probably …
The following homily was given to Scouts gathered at the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles on the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri. “Do a good turn daily” …
“You crazy Catholics… you have so many rules!” Have you ever heard that? It makes it seem like following God’s plan is some kind of kill joy that takes all …
This homily was given at Masses on the first weekend at my new parish of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Today’s homily is kind of part three …