Homilies about aging

Fr. Jose: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Charity

Fr. Jose

Fr. Jose reflects on the raising of Lazarus to emphasize that spiritual conversion is an urgent 'awakening' from the death of sin. He shares a personal encounter with Mother Teresa to illustrate how we must go beyond our comfort zones in charity, and uses his own aging as a metaphor for the necessity of spiritual transformation. The homily concludes with a call to frequent confession and concrete acts of mercy, such as calling the lonely or helping the poor with rent.

Lent: Beyond Sins to Honest Self-Assessment and God's Healing Love

The homily for the Third Sunday of Lent emphasizes that Lent is a time for honest self-assessment and admitting our brokenness to God, rather than just listing sins. Drawing from the Samaritan woman at the well, the priest highlights that God knows us deeply and offers life-giving water, urging us to embrace our true selves and God's unconditional love, even amidst life's challenges like aging and dementia.

A Priest's Honest Confession: Why I Missed Mass and What God Still Asks of Me

The priest shares a deeply personal reflection on a recent mistake where he missed saying Mass, leading him to ask for forgiveness from his congregation. He connects this experience to the Gospel's call for reconciliation before offering gifts, and further reflects on the importance of forgiveness, communication, and accepting one's human imperfections, especially as he ages and faces health challenges. He emphasizes that despite his age, God still has work for him to do, urging himself and the congregation to strive for greater closeness to God through prayer, charity, and sacrifice during Lent.

Why Your Body is Made for Glory (Even When It Aches)

The priest clarifies St. Paul's theological definition of 'the flesh' not as the physical body, but as a life oriented inward without regard for God. He explains that our physical bodies are created for a glory that will only be fully realized in the next life, using the raising of Lazarus and the veiling of church statues during Passiontide as signs of this transition.

No le Tengas Miedo a las Arrugas: Viviendo para la Resurrección

Padre Alex

Fr. Alex reflects on the raising of Lazarus, challenging the faithful to stop living in fear of death and instead embrace it as a motivation for reconciliation and service. He uses humorous observations about anti-aging products to illustrate our cultural denial of mortality, urging a shift toward living in the light of the resurrection.

Why Virtue Doesn't Get Easier With Age

Fr. Borkenhagen

Fr. Borkenhagen reflects on the lack of righteousness in both the elders who accused Susanna and the scribes who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus. He emphasizes that the life of virtue does not become easier with age and requires a constant, conscious decision to follow the prompts of the Holy Spirit and the virtue of charity.

103 Years of Faith and a Speed Dial to Heaven

The priest reflects on the 103-year life of Eileen Lynch, highlighting her deep Catholic faith and her humorous habit of keeping every local priest on 'speed dial' for visits. He emphasizes that while death marks the brevity of human life, Eileen's frequent reception of the sacraments prepared her for a joyful reunion with the Lord.

God Still Has Work for the 'Vintage' Soul

The priest connects God's covenant with Abraham to Jesus' revelation as the 'I Am,' emphasizing that God's promises are perpetual and fulfilled in Christ. He encourages the congregation, especially those who feel 'vintage' or old, that God still has work for them to do and that keeping His word leads to eternal life. The message concludes with a call to seek forgiveness for moments of anger, lukewarmness, or failing to recognize God's presence in daily life.

The 100-Year Dance: Lessons from a Life of Quiet Holiness

Father Michael

Fr. Michael reflects on the 99-year life of Mary Loretta, describing her as an 'angel on earth' whose holiness was found in the quiet vocation of homemaking and 72 years of marriage. He highlights her joyful spirit, noting that she was still dancing at weddings at nearly 100 years old and was known for her 'famous Irish goodbyes.'

Why We Chase Youth and Miss God's True Renewal

The homily reflects on the human desire for eternal youth and physical perfection, contrasting it with God's offer of spiritual healing and eternal life. Drawing from the readings of Naaman and the widow of Zarephath, the priest emphasizes that while society pushes us to hide signs of aging and seek material solutions, God offers true, lasting renewal for our souls, not just our bodies.

Bringing Order to Chaos: Why Raking Leaves is a Prayer

The priest contrasts the Pharisees' denunciation of Jesus with Jeremiah's practice of lamentation, suggesting that bringing our frustrations to God is more productive than 'cursing the darkness.' He connects recent Eucharistic miracles to the need for spiritual encouragement in a chaotic world, sharing a personal story about finding peace and order through simple yard work and visiting elderly relatives.

Don't Be Weird: How to Actually Share Your Faith

Father Matt

Reflecting on the raising of Lazarus, the priest challenges the congregation to welcome those who 'cannot or will not' come to church, including those scandalized by the institution or those physically homebound. He emphasizes that evangelization is the responsibility of the laity in their daily environments and should be approached by simply being a 'kind and good person' rather than being 'weird' or pushy. The message concludes by highlighting the parish's duty to bring the Eucharist and companionship to the elderly and sick who remain an essential part of the community.

Walking Into the Unknown: Lessons from Abraham and Sarah

The priest highlights the shared vocation of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing that Sarah's trust was equally vital despite the traditional focus on Abraham. He connects their journey into the unknown with the challenges of aging—such as feeling less adaptable or physically slower—reminding the faithful that God remains faithful through all generations.

Why Jesus Waits: Finding God in the Messiness of Life

Friar Rick

Friar Rick explores the apparent contradiction of Jesus waiting two days before helping Lazarus, only to weep upon arrival. He argues that while Jesus has power over physical death, he chooses to stand in solidarity with human grief and 'messiness' rather than simply rushing to fix every problem. The homily calls believers to imitate this by being present with the suffering, the elderly, and the dying rather than running away from the discomfort of pain.

Who Calls You by Name? Fr. Ron on Identity and Faith

Father Ronald

The priest reflects on the sacredness of names, connecting the name change of Abraham in Genesis to Jesus' shocking use of the divine name 'I Am' in the Gospel. He shares personal reflections on how names change as we age and lose loved ones, ultimately emphasizing that an encounter with God transforms our identity and calls us toward our eternal home.

Why You Must Leave Your 'Water Jar' Behind to Follow Christ

The homily focuses on the significance of the Samaritan woman leaving her water jar behind after encountering Jesus. It interprets this act as a call for us to be willing to let go of old ways, relationships, and abilities when Christ leads us to new phases in life, trusting that he will provide new 'living water' and blessings.

Fr. Art Mateo on Why You Need to Forgive Your Siblings (Before It's Too Late)

Fr. Art Mateo

The homily reflects on the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis, using it as a springboard to discuss sibling rivalry and the importance of forgiveness within families. The priest shares personal anecdotes about his own large family and emphasizes that adults should move past childhood grievances, accept differences, and prioritize reconciliation before life gets too short.