Homilies

The formal name for today’s solemnity is the Epiphany of the Lord , but it’s commonly called the Feast of the Three Kings. So, were these mysterious figures actually kings, wise men, or magi? The Greek word used for them was magoi , or in Latin, magi ab oriente , magi from the east. The tradition that they were kings developed as way of bringing fulfillment to references in the Old Testament. Psalm 72 declares: “May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kin

I recall someone once saying that images of the Holy Family are a little like some of the annual family-update letters, mailed to friends and extended family members, that can seem as though they only mention ‘good stuff’ from the past year, and ignoring the other stuff, such as: “Jeremy (now age 14) was kicked-out of his third school this year, but we trust that Oakmont Academy will be the right fit…Tiffany (age 17) was caught drinking underage with her friends back in March

Of the various characters we focus on in Advent, one who historically has been overlooked is Joseph. Today’s Gospel tells us that he and Mary were betrothed. We might think that means something like engagement, but actually, it’s marriage. In their culture, marriage was a two-step process. Betrothal was a formal exchange of consent before witnesses. Usually about a year later, the second step occurred, when the groom took the bride into his home.   Joseph learned of Mary’s pr

Later in this Season of Advent we will shift to meditate upon the promised coming of our Lord, born to us in human flesh, the birth of the baby Jesus. But Advent properly begins by focusing on his coming at the end of times. Jesus declares in clear terms: “The Son of Man will come” and furthermore, says that we are to be prepared for it. Advent begins, we give attention to the end of days, when Jesus will return—the Parousia, as it’s called.   While we might wonder what that

Exploring the Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, this reflection invites us to see not just a historic building but ourselves as living temples of God, built on Christ, dwelling in the Spirit.

A reflection on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed: how prayer, hope, and God’s love unite us with those who have gone before us in faith.

Discover how the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to humility and persistent prayer through the story of the tax collector and Pharisee.

This homily calls us to persistent prayer: even when God seems silent, He is preparing a greater gift than we asked. With faith, hope, and love we expand our hearts to receive His mercy.

This reflection for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to gratitude, faithfulness, and recognizing the healing coming from Christ’s mercy.

This reflection on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) encourages us to deepen our faith, act on it, and serve others faithfully, even when our faith feels small.

This reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to reconsider our relationship with wealth and service, reminding us that true faithfulness uses small things wisely and places God above money.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) we honor the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our redemption, inviting all to venerate, reflect, and live in His victory.

This reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) challenges us to count the cost of discipleship, seek God’s wisdom, and put Christ before all else.

This reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to examine our hearts, challenge our false humility, and embrace the freedom that comes from authenticity in Christ.

This reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) challenges us to examine whether we live our faith in name alone or in active, authentic discipleship through the narrow gate.

This reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to live faithfully in a world of division, trusting Christ’s fire within us and persevering in the race set before us.

This reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to live in faithful readiness, trusting God’s presence and promise even when the waves rise.

This reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) reminds us to set our hearts on heavenly treasures, not merely on earthly wealth, and to live with faith, gratitude, and purpose.

This reflection for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) invites us to abide in Jesus, the good shepherd who leads us to green pastures and still waters, and to follow Him in faithful service.

A reflection on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) calling us to love God with all our heart and neighbor as ourselves through mercy shown in action.