What's on your heart?

The Rosary in a Soviet Gulag: How Faith Survives Crisis

The priest explores the theme of 'apocalyptic literature' as a response to crisis, drawing parallels between the false accusations against Susanna in the Book of Daniel and the Pharisees' trap for the woman caught in adultery. He shares a powerful story of Anamaria Schmidt in a Siberian gulag to illustrate how radical faith and the Rosary can move God to intervene even in the most desperate circumstances of starvation and oppression.

The Only Consolation Jesus Refused to Give Up

Fr. Matthias

Fr. Matthias reflects on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery, explaining that Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross was a human feeling of desolation rather than a theological separation from the Father. He emphasizes that while Christ embraced every suffering, He did not deprive Himself of the consolation of Mary's presence, a gift He also offers to us in our darkest moments. The homily is anchored by a remarkable story of a student in Fiji whose tuition was mysteriously paid by an unknown woman while he sat in despair before a grotto of Our Lady.

The Final 'Yes': Remembering Fr. Peter Nguyen Dinh Phuong

A poignant funeral homily for Fr. Peter Nguyen Dinh Phuong, reflecting on his sudden passing and his life of 'Xin Vâng' (Yes/Fiat) modeled after Mary at the foot of the Cross. The preacher consoles the grieving family, especially the priest's mother (Bà Cố), by emphasizing that life is changed, not ended, and that Fr. Peter now enters the eternal spring of God's love.

Beyond the Cliches: What Actually Happens When We Die

Father Hank

Father Hank explores the dialogue between Jesus and Martha, arguing that they are 'talking past each other' because Martha relies on limited theological cliches while Jesus offers a radical new reality. He challenges the congregation to move beyond 'cartoonish' views of the afterlife to a robust understanding of glorified bodies and the beatific vision, especially when comforting those in grief. The message is grounded in a moving personal story about a 26-year-old family friend who recently died in a skiing accident.

The Nasty Glitter of Pride (and the Macaroni Miracle)

Fr. Joe

Fr. Joe concludes a Lenten series on the seven deadly sins by focusing on pride, describing it as a 'nasty glitter' that sticks to everything and ruins life's joyful moments. Through humorous personal stories about a slow coffee order and his father's 84-year-long silent endurance of macaroni and cheese, he illustrates how humility is the only cure for the self-obsession that fuels our misery.

Fr. Marcos: Dios despertará a los pueblos oprimidos (Nicaragua, Cuba y Venezuela)

Padre Marcos

Fr. Marcos uses the resurrection of Lazarus to deliver a powerful social and political critique, likening the 'tombs' of Bethany to the modern suffering of nations like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. He proclaims that God stands above all earthly tyrants and that Christ's call to 'come out' is a mandate for both spiritual and social liberation from oppression and injustice.

Finding Miracles and Healing Through Suffering: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's Story

This Lenten reflection, delivered by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, emphasizes the constant presence of miracles in daily life and the importance of nourishing one's faith, especially during Lent. She shares deeply personal stories of suffering, including domestic abuse, poverty, and health crises, illustrating how God's providence and the intercession of saints like St. Joseph and Mother Mary brought healing and purpose. The core message is about trusting God's plan, embracing suffering as an opportunity for spiritual growth, and extending love and mercy to others, even in unexpected ways.

A Guided Meditation on Grief and the Hope of Resurrection

The priest leads a unique, guided meditation on the raising of Lazarus, inviting the congregation to visualize a deceased loved one and process their grief and questions. He emphasizes that just as Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, He offers the same hope of resurrection and eternal life to all believers and their families.

The LGBTQ+ Way of the Cross: Finding Christ in the Marginalized

Father Paul

This is a specialized Stations of the Cross devotion that interweaves the traditional Passion of Christ with the modern-day sufferings and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Each station reflects on specific themes such as the 'closet' as a tomb, the persecution of trans individuals as a form of crucifixion, and the sanctity of queer families and marriages.

Healed: A Seminarian's Miraculous Recovery from Debilitating Illness

Julian shares his powerful testimony of a miraculous healing from a debilitating, undiagnosed neurological condition that left him bedridden for over a year. Despite medical failures and increasing suffering, he surrendered to God, focusing on prayer and spiritual life, and was eventually healed after receiving Holy Communion and praying a devotion to the Precious Blood, hearing God tell him to 'Get up and walk.' His story emphasizes God's mercy, love, and continued power to heal in the present day.

A Heart That Stays: Joe Melendrez on Being Present with God

Joe Melendrez leads a Lenten Mission focusing on 'A Heart That Stays,' emphasizing the importance of being fully present, listening to God's voice, and being still. He introduces the 'SOAP' method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) as a practical tool for daily spiritual growth and engagement with the Word of God.

The Junkyard Dog and the Surprises of God

Father Thomas

Father Thomas explores the theme of life's 'surprises'—both good and bad—through the lens of the raising of Lazarus and his own near-death experience with a massive junkyard dog. He encourages the faithful to trust that no matter what unexpected news they receive, God is present to help them handle the situation and that death is never the final chapter.

I Died Twice: Maria Fondora’s Vision of Heaven and the Lesson of Surrender

Father Paul

Maria Fondora shares a powerful witness of faith, detailing her journey from escaping Castro's Cuba to surviving a traumatic liver transplant where she experienced a near-death vision of Christ and heaven. She describes how God used suffering, including the loss of her parents and husband, to lead her toward a mission of service through her restaurant and the Purple Pansies pancreatic cancer foundation.

Una Meditación Sanadora: Dile Adiós a Quienes Amas

Father Martin

Instead of a traditional sermon, the priest leads a guided Ignatian-style meditation on the raising of Lazarus, inviting parishioners to visualize a deceased loved one. He facilitates a spiritual encounter where participants express grief, seek forgiveness, and envision Jesus leading their loved ones into eternal life.

The Invisible Cross: Finding Jesus in Mental Illness

This unique Stations of the Cross devotion specifically reframes Christ's Passion through the lens of mental health, anxiety, and depression. Each station connects Jesus's physical and emotional suffering to the 'invisible crosses' of those battling mental illness, emphasizing that clinical struggles are not moral failures but a participation in the Way of the Cross.

Fr. Leandro: Letting Go of My Father and Finding the Resurrection

Father Leandro

Father Leandro shares a deeply personal story about rushing to Brazil to see his father, only for him to fall ill and pass away immediately upon arrival. He connects his initial anger and 'selfish' desire to hold onto his father with Martha and Mary's grief, ultimately finding peace in Christ's promise of the resurrection. The homily concludes with a call to 'come out of the tomb' of sin through the sacrament of reconciliation during Lent.

From Silicon Valley Agnostic to Catholic Priest: Fr. Ken Geraci’s Story

Fr. Ken Geraci

Fr. Ken Geraci shares his personal journey from being a tech-industry agnostic to a Catholic priest, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in the faith. He introduces the upcoming parish mission, challenging the congregation to prioritize their relationship with God over secular activities and to seek a personal encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.

How to Keep Your Kids Catholic: A Father of 11 Shares His Secrets

Tom Britain shares a deeply personal and practical roadmap for raising children who remain active in the Catholic faith, drawing from his experience as a father of eleven. He identifies modern challenges like unprecedented freedom and material comfort while offering five specific pillars: personal parental conversion, intentional Catholic friendships, family unity through shared non-religious passions, simple non-negotiable rules, and the importance of faithful higher education.

Fr. Walt on Losing His Father: Finding Hope in the Story of Lazarus

Father Walt

Father Walt shares a deeply personal reflection on the death of his father during his childhood, connecting his experience of grief and shock to the raising of Lazarus. He discusses his mother's resilience, his father's integrity as a role model despite not attending church, and the Christian hope of being reunited with loved ones in the kingdom of heaven.

Where Was God When My Father Died? Finding Hope in the Story of Lazarus

Father Stan

The homily explores the problem of suffering and God's apparent absence during tragedy, centered around the raising of Lazarus. The priest shares a deeply personal account of his father's sudden death at age 54 to illustrate how we, like Martha and Mary, often ask God 'where were you?' He concludes that while God may not always prevent death, He enters into our helplessness and redeems suffering through a love that is stronger than death.