Category Archives: Homily Guides

February 12, 2012 — Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Responsorial Psalm Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45

In today’s second reading, Paul exhorts the Corinthians: “do everything for the glory of God,” an exhortation that applies as directly to us today as it did to his original audience.

The Corinthians were largely Gentile Christians, having converted to Christianity without Jewish roots. Meanwhile, many of the early Christians were Jewish converts, so they were of the belief that all Christians ought to follow Jewish laws and customs, namely not eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Yet, the Corinthians understood that the idols to which the meat was offered did not exist, so to them, consuming the meat was not a grave wrong. At the same time, however, they recognized that their pagan neighbors, believing the idols to exist, took a certain delight in the Christians consuming such meat.

Recognizing the conundrum in which the Corinthians found themselves, Paul encouraged them, reminding them that the most important thing was that they glorify God in all they do, being careful, at the same time, not to offend those around them, “just as I try to please everyone in every way, that they may be saved,” he wrote.

We live in a very different world today, and our understanding of Church law has evolved greatly over the years, yet the goal of our lives is one and the same. We are striving to be Christian disciples, to give ourselves to Christ in service and to follow His example. And we face many opposing forces as well. Indeed, everywhere we turned we are face-to-face with people encouraging us to turn away, encouraging us to submit to the relativistic culture that is so prevalent in our society, to choose whatever is easy or enjoyable for me in the moment.  (more…)

February 5, 2012 — Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

Today’s gospel begins with Mark’s whole gospel account, and we see Christ performing miracles, beginning with the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law. Later, the gospel tells us, “He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and He drove out many demons.”

Clearly, the people were amazed at what Jesus had done. So, when He withdrew to a place to pray, Simon, Andrew, and others came looking for Him. But the Lord told them He had to go. He had to preach and heal throughout all of Galilee. “For this purpose I have come,” He says.

Jesus has come to heal the whole world, but it is not to heal mere diseases. Rather, these stories of His powerful healing miracles serve as a foreshadowing of the greatest healing miracle of all time, His passion death and resurrection. Through this great paschal mystery, the Lord offers all of us healing from sin and life everlasting. (more…)

January 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28

God is in control.

In last week’s gospel reading, we heard Jesus call the first disciples, and they answered His call immediately, without restraint – leaving their careers and even their families to follow Him.

Today’s scripture readings remind us that, as Christian disciples, Christ is the one we follow, and we are His instruments, His representatives, to do His work on Earth.

In the first reading, Moses assures the people that God will raise up a prophet from their family line. The prophet is foretold to be one in authority.  “To him you shall listen,” Moses says.

In our Christian minds, it is easy to make the connection to Christ. He is the One raised up from among the line of David. He is the One who speaks in authority, fulfilling the prophecies of old and ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven, promising life everlasting. (more…)

January 22, 2012 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

“This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

This is the call on every one of our hearts as Christ beckons us to Himself. We were made to live for Him, and He invites us to be His disciples, to live to love and serve Him, and, in so doing, to call others to do the same, thereby building the Kingdom of God and experiencing true fulfillment as human beings.

“Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in thee,” St. Augustine once said. Indeed, we were made to live for God, and, as these three scripture readings remind us, He invites us to do so. (more…)

January 15, 2012 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn. 1:35-42

In all three of this Sunday’s readings, we hear about discipleship. God reveals Himself to man, and man responds to God’s revelation by following Him – giving up His old life and living for the Lord.

In the first reading from First Samuel, we hear God calling out to Samuel, who “was not familiar with the Lord, because the Lord had not revealed anything to Him as yet.” So, Samuel ran to Eli, believing the voice he heard calling him to be Eli’s. Finally, upon the second calling, Eli realized what was happening, and told Samuel that the Lord’s call required a response. “…If you are called, reply, ‘Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

Samuel did just that, and the writer tells us, “Samuel grew up and the Lord was with him always, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.” Samuel gave his life to the Lord, and the Lord guided his steps and ultimately used Samuel to proclaim Him to the nations. (more…)

January 8, 2012 – The Epiphany of the Lord

Is. 60:1-6; Ps. 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph. 3:2, 3a, 5-6; Mt. 2:1-12

The theme of this Sunday’s Scripture readings is two-fold: God manifests Himself, and man responds to that manifestation with gifts of gratitude and conversion of heart.

The Magi, who were likely astrologers and magicians, made the long journey from somewhere far away to see the Savior, and when they saw him, they gave Him themselves. The gold, frankincense and myrrh were likely “tricks of the trade” that they surrendered to the Lord upon meeting Him.

They had an encounter with Christ that fateful day and, upon recognizing him as Lord and Savior, they offered Him the gifts of themselves. Then, the Gospel tells us, they departed from another way. (more…)

January 1, 2012 – the Octave Day of the Nativity of Our Lord Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

Nm. 6:22-27; Ps. 67:2-3, 5,6,8; Gal. 4:4-7; Lk. 2:16-21

It is interesting to note that while the feast we celebrate today is that of Mary, the Mother of God, we do not hear much about Mary in today’s readings. In fact, the only mention of her is the simple phrase in the Epistle: “born of a woman” and in the Gospel, the sentence, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” She is hardly the focus of today’s readings. Rather, the readings draw our attention to the birth of Christ.

In the first reading, it is the theme of blessing in the name of God that is emphasized. In this three-fold blessing, we see anticipation of our Trinitarian faith. What’s more, the Lord tells Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the Israelites in His name. (more…)

December 25, 2011 – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

We all know the story of Christmas. Mary and Joseph had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to take part in a census. When they arrived, there was no room at the inn, so the couple stayed in the stable with the animals. Then, it came time for Mary to give birth to Jesus. She gave birth to him in the stable, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.

But the story of Christmas is much more than that. It isn’t just the story of how one young couple gave birth to their baby amidst the barn animals. It is the story of how the Lord sent a Savior into the world. It is the story of how God became man and dwelt among us on the earth. That is the mystery we celebrate today. That is what gives Christmas its meaning. That is what we ought to reflect upon as we carry out our Christmas celebrations.

(more…)

December 18, 2011 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

2Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps. 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Rom. 16:25-27; Lk. 1:26-38

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of the annunciation. The angel, Gabriel, appears to Mary and announces to her that she will give birth to Jesus Christ. Through her, the fulfillment of the Jews’ Messianic hope will come to pass. Mary plays a vital role in salvation history, and here we see the beginning of that. When she gave her assent, the Lord was conceived in her womb. Yes, at the moment that Mary proclaimed, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be it be done to me according to your word,” the Word became Flesh. God became man. And So, Mary’s yes changed the course of human history, and, through her free-willed assent, she became the Mother of God.

Yet, if we contemplate on the whole of today’s Gospel reading, we will notice that it not only tells of Mary’s pivotal “yes,” but much of the story emphasizes the good things that God has done in Mary and, then, the good things He will continue to do through Jesus.

The angel greets Mary with the words, “Hail, full of grace, The Lord is with you.” And when Mary reacts in fear, he encourages her, “Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.” (more…)

December 11, 2011 – Third Sunday of Advent

Is. 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk. 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thes. 5:16-24; Jn. 1:6-8, 19-28

Joy is clearly the theme of today’s readings, more specifically, the joy of anticipation. In all three of the readings, the writers are rejoicing in the Lord, in His goodness, and in what He has done for them. In addition, they all proclaim the joy of what is to come.

That is the focus for us today as we await the celebration of the Christmas season, the celebration of the Lord becoming human. We rejoice for what is to come is glorious. It is wonderful. It is worthy of rejoicing!

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah not only rejoices but he “rejoices heartily.” His is a rejoicing that reaches to the depth of his soul. He says, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.” And he follows that statement up with a proclamation of the many good things God has done for Him. “He has clothed me with a robe of salvation and wrapped me in a mantle of justice.”

The prophet knows that the Lord has set into motion the coming of the Messiah, the day of salvation, and though He does not know when that Messiah will come, he rejoices in the salvation that God promises.

“As the earth brings forth it’s plants and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.”

He doesn’t know when it is coming, but He knows the Lord will send a Messiah, and so, he rejoices as he anticipates the coming. (more…)

December 4, 2011 — Second Sunday of Advent

Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps. 85:9-10. 11-12, 13-14; 2 Pt. 3:8-14; Mk. 1:1-8

Today’s readings find us in the second week of Advent. We are waiting – waiting to celebrate the incarnation and waiting for the day when Christ will come again. But, as today’s readings remind us, it is not a passive waiting. While we wait, we are called to proclaim the good news, to let others know of the wondrous things God has done and the triumphant return we await.

All three of today’s readings portray a people in waiting, and in all three instances, those who await some divine intervention joyfully anticipate as they actively ready themselves and those around them for what is to come.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah is looking forward to the end of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent restoration of Israel. The Jewish people had been in exile for quite some time, and the prophet proclaimed the good news, the “glad tidings” that the Lord was soon to intervene, and His people were going to be granted return to the Promised Land. (more…)

November 27, 2011 – First Sunday of Advent

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical year. This season is a time of preparation. We are preparing to celebrate the coming of Savior, born in Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago. But that is not all. Advent also offers us a time to prepare for Christ’s second coming, for the day when He will return in glory, and today’s readings focus on this reality, directing us to be watchful and alert as we wait for His return.

All three readings bear this same expectant spirit with the same message for us – be ready, always.

What’s more, all three remind us that, as we live our lives in joyful anticipation of the Lord’s coming, we are His creatures, and are charged to live accordingly. (more…)

November 20, 2011 — Solemnity of our Lord Jesus, Christ the King

Ez. 34:11-12,15-17; Ps. 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6; 1 Cor. 15:20-26, 28; Mt. 25:31-46

Today, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Yet, the first reading and the Responsorial Psalm present God as a shepherd who cares for His sheep, and in the Gospel, Jesus Himself speaks of the final judgment using the language of a shepherd. “He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” He says. The humble shepherd and the regal king do not have much in common. In fact, they are seemingly opposite personas, and yet, the scriptures tell us that in God, they are one and the same.

He is King of the world, and, at the very same time, He is a shepherd who cares for His flock. His kingship is unlike any other. He is the King enthroned in majesty who reigns above us all, but He is a King who so cares for us that, as a shepherd searches for one lost sheep, He calls each one of us to Himself, giving us a share in His life. (more…)

Nov. 13, 2011 — Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prv. 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Pslm. 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; 1Thes. 5:1-6; Mt. 25:14-30

“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come share your master’s joy.”

These are words we all hope to hear at the end of our earthly life, and today’s Gospel gives us great insight into what is expected of us, and what we ought to do, if we want to be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven.

We are journeying through this life in our Master’s vineyard with our Master’s fortune. He has given each of us a share in His goodness, entrusting each of us with many gifts. And while we await the return of our Lord and Master, we are called to use those gifts — our time, our talents and our treasure — in such a way that they bring him glory. (more…)

Wis. 6:12-16; 1Thes. 4:13-18; Mt. 25:1-13

Nov. 6, 2011 — Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

It is not proper to be late to a wedding. And when you do arrive late, you are apt to find the doors closed as the procession takes place.

Granted, they are usually simply shut, and upon the completion of the bridal procession the late-comers are welcomed in. Yet that was not the case for the foolish virgins in today’s Gospel who left to get more oil for their lamps and arrived after the Bridegroom did. They found themselves not simply shut out for a moment but locked out forever.   And to think, they weren’t even late. They had been there waiting for the bridegroom along with the wise virgins whom the bridegroom did welcome to the feast.

At first glance, the lesson in this parable seems unfair, especially considering that upon running out of the oil in their lamps, the foolish virgins asked the wise for some, and the wise, who had plenty, wouldn’t share.  Clearly, the lesson Jesus is teaching us through this parable is about something other than generosity.

Today’s Gospel, Matthew’s recount of the ten virgins, sits amidst numerous parables about the heavenly kingdom.

What’s more, all three of the readings today are eschatological in nature. In the first reading, the writer personifies a heavenly wisdom, making note that this wisdom, which is clearly beyond this world, is readily available for those who prudently live their lives seeking it. That which is the only wisdom that satisfies “graciously appears” to those who “keep vigil.” (more…)