Homily for Sunday, December 23

Readings for Sunday, December 23 / 4th Sunday of Advent: Micah 5:1-4  |  Psalm 80  |  Hebrews 10:5-10  |  Luke 1:39-45

Homily for Sunday, December 16

Readings for Sunday, December 16 / 3rd Sunday of Advent:  Zephaniah 3:14-18  |  Isaiah 12:2-6  |  Philippians 4:4-7  |  Luke 3:10-18

This weekend the Scriptures invite to us to rejoice - but why? Because we have an alternative to the unquenchable fire!

Homily for Sunday, December 9

Readings for Sunday, December 9 / 2nd Sunday of Advent:  Baruch 5:1-9  |  Psalm 126  |  Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11  |  Luke 3:1-6

You are remembered.

Homily for Sunday, November 18

Readings for Sunday, November 18 / 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time:  Daniel 12:1-3  |  Psalm 16  |  Hebrews 10:11-14, 18  |  Mark 13:24-32

This world does not last forever. Be prepared. Go to confession. Live the faith.

Homily for Sunday, November 11

Readings for Sunday, November 11 / 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time:  1 Kings 17:10-16  |  Psalm 146  |  Hebrews 9:24-28  |  Mark 12:38-44

Generosity with the Lord is a manifestation of our faith in Him. How is your faith?

Homily for November 4

Readings for Sunday, November 4 / 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time: Deuteronomy 6:2-6  |  Psalm 18  |    Hebrews 7:23-28  |  Mark 12:28-34

Christ tells us to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. What does that really mean? And how do we do it?

Homily for Sunday, October 28

Readings for Sunday, October 28 / 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31:7-9  |  Psalm 126  |  Hebrews 5:1-6  |  Mark 10:46-52

Fall short though we may, the Lord is always patient with us and continues to invite us into his saving work.

Homily for Sunday, October 21

Readings for Sunday, October 21 / 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time:  Isaiah 51:10-11  |  Psalm 33  |  Hebrews 4:14-16  |  Mark 10:35-45

Suffering is an inescapable part of the human condition. The variable is how we bear it.

Homily for Sunday, October 14

Readings for Sunday, October 14 / 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7:7-11 |  Psalm 90  |  Hebrews 4:12-13  |  Mark 10:17-30

Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Have you asked this question for yourself?

Presentation: Angels and the Spiritual Life

Faith Formation presentation at St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganza, LA on October 1, 2018.

Homily for Sunday, September 30

Readings for Sunday, September 30 / 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Numbers 11:25-29  |  Psalm 19 |  James 5:1-6  |  Mark 9:28-43, 45, 47-48

Today the readings of Holy Mass invite us to reflect upon whether we have attachments that separate us from Christ, and pray for the grace to choose Christ above all things. 

Serve the Servants - Homily for September 23

Readings for Sunday, September 23 / 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Wisdom 2:12-20  |  Psalm 54  |  James 3:16-4:3  |  Mark 9:30-37

Jesus passes silently through Galilee with His disciples and we hear how their preparation for ministry is not yet complete.

Faith - Homily for September 16

Readings for Sunday, September 16 / 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Isaiah 50:5-9  |  Psalm 116  |  James 2:14-18  |  Mark 8:27-35

Faith cannot be lost. It can only be living living or dead. How is your faith?

The Gift of Touch - Homily for September 9

St. Peter Claver

Readings for Sunday, September 9 / 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time:  Isaiah 35:4-7  |  Psalm 146  |  James 2:1-5  |  Mark 7:31-37

Even though words have power, Christ still uses the gift of touch to heal us.

Integrity and Confession - Homily for September 2

Readings for Sunday, September 2 / 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8  |  Psalm 15  |  James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27  |  Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Today the Lord calls us to integrity. There's no better place to ensure that than in the place of mercy - the confessional. 

Papal Intentions for September 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for: Young People in Africa

That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

John 6: Decisions, decisions. - Homily for August 26

Readings for Sunday, August 26 / 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time: Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18  |  Psalm 34  | Ephesians 5:21-32  |  John 6:60-69

This weekends' readings bring us to the conclusion of the Bread of Life discourse by Our Lord. The invitation is for us to make a decision, and the readings show us how.

Responding to the Scandals - Homily for August 19

Readings for Sunday, August 19 / 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Proverbs 9:1-6  |  Psalm 34  |  Ephesians 5:15-20  |  John 6:51-58

Statement from Bishop Emeritus Robert Muench and my reflections on the scandals in the Church in America today.

John 6: The Invitation - Homily for August 12

Readings for Sunday, August 12 / 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time: 1 Kings 19:4-8  |  Psalm 34  |  Ephesians 4:30-5:2  |  John 6:41-55

Come to Me.

John 6: Why Are You Here? - Homily for August 5

Readings for Sunday, August 5 / 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time:  Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15  |  Psalm 78  |  Ephesians 4:17, 20-24  |  John 6:24-35

Food from Heaven

The crowds followed Jesus not because of the signs but because their stomachs were filled. What
brings you to Mass today?

John 6: The Starting Point - Homily for July 29

Readings for Sunday, July 29 / 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time: 2 Kings 4:42-44  |  Psalm 145  |  Ephesians 4:1-6  |  John 6:1-15

The longing of the human heart can be filled only by Christ. When we stop trying to fill it with other things, then we can finally begin the journey to the fulness of life we desire.

Papal Intention for August 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for: The Treasure of Families

That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life,
and make him blessed upon the earth,
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Food From the Father - Homily for July 22

Readings for Sunday, July 22 / 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 23:1-6  |  Psalm 23  |  Ephesians 2:13-18  |  Mark 6:30-34

This weekend we hear all about the food that the Father provides for us - and it's not cheeseburgers.

The Chosen - Homily for July 15

Readings for Sunday, July 15 / 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Amos 7:12-15  |  Psalm 85  |  Ephesians 1:3-14  |  Mark 6:7-13

God has chosen you. Rejoice in that fact. And then get to work doing the Lord's will for you as one of His chosen ones.

Dealing with the Thorns - Homily for July 8

Readings for Sunday, July 8 / 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Ezekiel 2:2-5  |  Psalm 123  |  2 Corinthians 12:7-10  |  Mark 6:1-6

When 'Thy Will be done' and my own personal will are not the same, how do I respond? Today's readings help us to see the 'how not to respond' and a beautiful of example of 'how to respond' in the person of St. Paul. 

Praying with Scripture - Formation Talk

To Touch Him With Faith - Homily for July 1

Readings for Sunday, July 1 / 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24  |  Psalm 30  |    2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15  |  Mark 5:21-43

Faith in God can accomplish marvelous things. The Sacraments and sacramentals of the Church are invitations to us to express faith today and to experience those same miracles in our own life. Jesus, increase our faith!

Papal Intention for July 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for Evangelization – Priests and their Pastoral Ministry:

That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life,
and make him blessed upon the earth,
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Stirring Up Faith - Homily for June 24

Readings for Sunday, June 24 / Nativity of St. John the Baptist: Isaiah 49:1-6  |  Psalm 139  |  Acts 13:22-26  |  Luke 1:57-66, 80

The birth of John the Baptist brings his father Zechariah from doubt to faith. In his public ministry, John called the Israelites to repentance and deeper faith. He continues to do the same for us today. 

Corpus Christi - Homily for June 3

Readings for Sunday, June 3 / Corpus Christi Sunday:  Exodus 24:3-8  |  Psalm 116  |  Hebrews 9:11-15  |  Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

The Miracle of Bolsena/Orvieto brings us to honor the great mystery we celebrate every Mass: the Body and Blood of Christ.

Papal Intentions for June 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for Social Networks:

That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

How Do We Receive Him? - Homily for May 27

Readings for Sunday, May 27 / Trinity Sunday:  Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40  |  Psalm 33  |  Romans 8:14-17  |  Matthew 28:16-20

There are three basic ways to receive Christ into the home of our soul: as a visitor, as a renter, or as the owner. How do you receive Him? 

Easter: The Spirit and the Fruit - Homily for May 20

Readings for Sunday, May 20 / Pentecost: Acts 2:1-11  |  Psalm 104  |  Galatians 5:16-25  |  John 20:19-23

The Spirit dwells in us and seeks to produce fruits within the soil of our soul. Are they there?

Easter: The Head and the Body - Homily for May 13

Readings for May 13 / Ascension of Our Lord:  Acts 1:1-11  |  Psalm 47  |  Ephesians 1:17-23  |  Mark 16:15-20

The feast of the Ascension of Our Lord tells us much about Christ the Head and about our mission as the Body. Let's get to work!

Easter: Really Listen (Homily for May 6)

Readings for Sunday, May 6 / 6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48  |  Psalm 98  |  1 John 4:7-10  |  John 15:9-17

Today we hear much about the of God and loving one another. These messages from the Scriptures can become so familiar to us that they lose their power. Today the Lord invites us to really listen to them, as if for the first time.

Easter: Pruning Needed (Homily for April 29)

Readings for Sunday, April 29 / 5th Sunday of Easter: Acts 9:26-31  |  Psalm 22  |  1 John 3:18-24  |  John 15:1-8

The Lord calls us to be people of integrity - to walk the walk and talk the talk, as they say. When we fail to do that is shows that there is some pruning that needs to happen in our heart. What joy it is to know that the Father is the vinedresser who knows exactly how to help us become fruitful.

Papal Intention for May 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for the mission of the laity:

That the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Easter: The Good Shepherd - Homily for April 22

Readings for Sunday, April 22 / 4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 4:8-12  |  Psalm 118  |  1 John 3:1-2  |  John 10:11-18

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us. Are we willing to lay ours down to follow Him? 

Easter: Peace - Homily for April 15

Readings for Sunday, April 15 / 3rd Sunday of Easter: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19  |  Psalm 4  |  1 John 2:1-5 |  Luke 24:35-48

Christ comes to bring us the fruits of the Resurrection: peace. May His presence and grace fill us with this gift always. 

Easter: The Sin and the Savior - Homily for April 8

Readings for Sunday, April 8 / Divine Mercy Sunday: Acts 4:32-35  |  Psalm 118  |  1 John 5:1-6  |  John 20:19-31

The key to salvation is accepting the message of Mercy: turn from sin and live the Life of Grace.

Life! - Homilies for the Sacred Paschal Triduum

Readings for Thursday, March 29 / Holy Thursday: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14  |  Psalm 116  |  1 Corinthians 11:23-26  |  John 13:1-15


Readings for Friday, March 30 / Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12  |  Psalm 31  |  Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9  |  John 18:1-19:42


Readings for Sunday, April 1 / Easter Sunday: Acts 10:34, 37-43  |  Pslam 118  |  Colossians 3:1-4  |  John 20:1-9

Papal Intentions for April 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for those who have responsibility in economic matters:

That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths. 

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lent: Why the Cross - Homily for March 25

Readings for Sunday, March 25 / Palm Sunday: Isaiah 50:4-7  |  Psalm 22  |  Philippians 2:6-11  |  Mark 14:1-15:47

Why the Cross? Because any other way would be too easy to dismiss the message that the Cross conveys.

Lent: The Hour Has Come - Homily for March 18

Readings for Sunday, March 18 / 5th Sunday of Lent: Jeremiah 31:31-34  |  Psalm 51  |  Hebrews 5:7-9  |  John 12:20-33

Throughout the first half of John's Gospel we hear Jesus refer to 'my hour' and that it had not yet come. Today, the Hour has finally come and the Lord longs for us to join Him in it. 

Lent: Exposure - Homily for March 11

Readings for March 11 / 4th Sunday of Lent:  2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23  |  Psalm 137  |  Ephesians 2:4-10  |  John 3:14-21

Today we recall the 40 holy martyrs of Sebaste who were stripped naked and exposed to bitter cold until their death. Today the Lord invites us to expose our hearts and souls, no longer hiding behind our fear, guilt, shame, or pride, but conquering all for love of Jesus Christ.

Lent: God is Fierce and Merciful - Homily for March 4

Readings for Sunday, March 4 / 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year B):  Exodus 20:1-17  |  Psalm 19  |  1 Corinthians 1:22-25  |  John 2:13-25

Today the Lord shows us in the Scripture that He is not 'fierce or merciful' but both fierce AND merciful. Let us draw close to this fierce Heart of Christ and allow His passion for us to increase our passion for Him.

Papal Intentions for March 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for formation in spiritual discernment:

That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lent: Learning to Trust - Homily for February 25

Abraham and Isaac, c.1617 - Anthony van Dyck

Readings for Sunday, February 25 / 2nd Sunday of Lent:  Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18  |  Psalm 116  | Romans 8:31-34  |  Mark 9:2-10

Today we reflect on the faith of Abraham and the role of the Transfiguration in the faith of Peter, James, and John.

The Desert of the Soul - Homily for February 18

Readings for Sunday, February 18 / 1st Sunday of Lent: Genesis 9:8-15  |  Psalm 25  |  1 Peter 3:18-22  |  Mark 1:12-15

Jesus Christ is not afraid to come to the desert of our soul and pour His grace out in abundance to make of it a garden.

Go Show Yourself to the Priest - Homily for February 11

Readings for Sunday, February 11 / 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46  |  Psalm 32  |  1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1  |  Mark 1:40-45

Our contemporary world often tries to create a division between Jesus and Religion, as if Jesus was opposed to all religious affiliation. The Gospel today shows us quite a different story. 

Commit (Outlining St. Ann's Program for Lent) - Homily for February 4

Readings for Sunday, February 4 / 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Job 7:1-4, 6-7  |  Psalm 147  |  1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23  |  Mark 1:29-39

Feeling hopeless? Look closer. This homily also discusses the parish plans for Lent this year.

Papal Intentions for February 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for protection from corruption:

That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption. 

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 

and make him blessed upon the earth, 

and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do We Respect Life? - Homily for January 21

Readings for Sunday, January 21 / 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time: Jonah 3:1-5, 10  |  Psalm 25  |  1 Corinthians 7:29-31  |  Mark 1:14-20

When Jonah received the call to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, he refused because 'they' weren't worthy of it. How easy it can be to draw lines between ourselves and others, or even subtly to rank a person or group of people as better or worse than others. In those places where we fail to value the life of every person before, the Lord calls to us: repent!

What are you looking for? - Homily for January 14

Ottavio Vannini's painting of John the Baptist
telling Andrew 'Behold, the Lamb of God'

Readings for Sunday, January 14 / 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time: 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19  |  Psalm 40  |  1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20  |  John 1:35-42

As we begin again the quiet journey with Jesus in the 'green' time of the liturgical year, we are called to learn the voice of the Lord and follow the Lord that we might be able to understand the cry of our hearts when Jesus speaks to us: 'What are you looking for?'

Christmas: Diligently Seeking - Homily for January 7

Readings for Sunday, January 7 / Epiphany of the Lord: Isaiah 60:1-6  |  Psalm 72  |  Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6  |  Matthew 2:1-12

Today we imitate the Magi in seeking after the Lord, rejoicing when we find Him, and walking away changed from the encounter.