Reflections on the Sunday readings from the Catholic Lectionary for Mass. Includes homilies, sermons, and other thoughts.
It’s natural to place a high value on things that cost us a lot to obtain. Often times the things of most value are the ones for which we are …
The readings today describe the Holy Spirit appearing as fire and wind. These are powerful elements. They are meant to symbolize the power that all of the baptized have to …
In today’s first reading, St. Peter boldly tells the Jewish leaders that there is no salvation possible except through Jesus. This is a truth that the Church has continued to …
Jesus is risen! In today’s gospel we see the risen Jesus enter a room where the doors were locked and bring a message of peace. We know the effect that …
It always seems to me that the Palm Sunday liturgy moves so quickly. At the entrance we’re acclaiming Jesus as king and yelling Hosanna, and then just minutes later we’re …
Today’s celebration of the 5th Sunday of Lent comes directly between two great solemnities that fall during the Lenten season. On Thursday we celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the …
Hopefully, before we make a big decision we listen to advice from others. Even the Code of Canon Law requires Church officials to listen before they do certain things. But …
Given a choice between war and peace, we would naturally choose peace. Yet sometimes, to maintain peace, we have to fight. Imagine what would happen if we refused to take …
The disease of leprosy, is the sad context for our readings this weekend. This terrible disease was not only a painful physical milady, but also had serious social implications. We …
Do you ever find yourself frustrated when trying to share your faith and the person you’re talking to just can’t seem to grasp it? You present evidence and testimony that, …
In today’s homily, I focus not so much on the story of the kings but the story told by Isaiah that predicted their arrival centuries earlier.
Explore the profound message of Christmas and the joy of welcoming a savior during the darkest time of the year.
Today I had the privilege of celebrating the Mass honoring the anniversary of dedication of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. This Church …
In today’s epistle, St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “Be imitators of me.” It’s a bold statement, yet one that is good advice not only for the Ephesians, but also for …
Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, often called All Souls Day. Yesterday we celebrated all the saints in white. We honor those have washed their …
These past few weeks have been filled with a lot of confusion as faithful Catholics and even the larger world have been trying to make sense of various pieces of …
Catholics love to talk about the Church, and today’s Gospel is a great one. Yet, we must learn from the Gospel that the Church is built on personal faith. Specifically, …
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses an encounter with a Canaanite woman to teach us about prayer. He delays answering her prayer immediately so that her desire might be increased. God …
How do you normally expect to encounter God? Each of today’s three readings point to three different ways that we might have such an encounter with God.
The following homily was given to scouts gathered for Mass in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri. Lots of people …
After appearing to his disciples for forty days after his resurrection, Jesus is asked, “Are you going to restore the kingdom now?” To the shock of the apostles, Jesus says …
The following homily was given at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Olathe, KS Right on the top of the parish web site for St. Paul’s are three big words: “Inspire. …
The following homily was given at the Lumen Christi monastery of the Little Sisters of Lamb in Kansas City, KS Our society today is very focused on romantic love. One …
The following homily was given at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS on the occasion of the closing of the “Scouting 500” gathering of scouts from all over the …
Today’s Gospel is filled with uses of the verb “to know.” In an almost trial-like fashion, the witnesses are questioned. The blind man is asked what he knows. “If he …
Today’s story of the woman at the well uses one of our most basic human needs, our thirst, to teach us about God. We thirst for all kinds of things …
The Hillside City of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of a city on a mountain or hill not being able to be hidden. Perhaps …
Prophets for Life Today’s readings speak to us of two great prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist. We tend to think of a prophet as someone who predicts the future. …
Today’s homily reflects on three important things that the Magi did that we should also do if we want peace (Latin: Pax) in this New Year.
Today is World Day of Prayer for Peace. If you want peace in your hearts this new year, here are five practical tips based on the word peace.
Explore the reality of family problems and the quest for perfection. Discover how the holy family offers guidance for our struggles.
Have you ever hoped for the perfect Christmas? The first Christmas wasn’t so perfect, so yours doesn’t have to be either.