Homilies about church

Why the Church is Called to 'Raid Hell' This Lent

This homily, delivered during Lent and a 'handing on of the creed' ceremony for an individual named Amir, emphasizes the communal nature of faith and the Church's role as the bulwark of truth. It challenges the congregation to actively live out their confession of Jesus as King by 'raiding hell' – aggressively reclaiming what is not God's through love and self-restraint, rather than passively defending against evil.

Why Catholics Call Priests 'Father' (and St. Katherine Drexel's Example)

The homily addresses the apparent contradiction in Jesus' command not to call anyone 'father' by explaining the Church's role in interpreting scripture, citing St. Paul's self-designation as a spiritual father. It then connects this to the life of St. Katherine Drexel, highlighting her humility in seeking God's affirmation and responding to the Pope's challenge to become a missionary, using her inheritance to serve Native American and African-American communities.

Why Your Church Building is a Sacred Place

The homily emphasizes the sacredness of the church building, drawing a parallel with the Israelites' longing for a place of worship after the destruction of the Temple. It reminds the faithful to approach the church with reverence and respect, recognizing it as a dedicated holy place where God's presence dwells, not merely a secular space. The priest connects this dedication to the anointing with chrism oil at baptism and confirmation, signifying a setting apart for God's service.

Why the Catholic Church's Authority Endures Despite Sinful Leaders

The homily discusses three points: the interpretation of Isaiah and Revelation concerning Jerusalem's destruction, the enduring authority of the Catholic Church despite the sins of its leaders, and the Church's historical role in elevating the dignity of women, exemplified by St. Katherine Drexel. It emphasizes that God's promises, like sending the Holy Spirit to guide the Church to truth, remain valid regardless of human failings.

Why Unity is Essential for the Body of Christ

The homily emphasizes the importance of unity, drawing parallels between the efficient operation of a church fish fry kitchen and the unity within the Body of Christ. It contrasts the unity of the Holy Trinity and the Kingdom of God with the division characteristic of the kingdom of darkness, as described by C.S. Lewis. The core message is a call for Christians to work together in unity, promoting salvation as a common goal, reflecting Jesus's prayer for unity.

Why Christians Are Divided (And How to Find Unity)

The homily addresses the pervasive issue of division within Christian communities, stemming from both significant theological differences and seemingly trivial matters like liturgical preferences or devotional practices. Drawing parallels from the Samaritan-Jew historical divide and later Christian schisms, the priest emphasizes Jesus' call for unity and the importance of living out faith through actions, not just profession. He urges listeners to identify and overcome personal 'stumbling blocks' that contribute to divisiveness, working together to build up the one Church.

Plant Yourself by God's Grace This Lent

The homily emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and planting oneself by God's grace, especially during Lent. Drawing on the imagery of a tree by running water, it contrasts those who rely on God and flourish with those who depend on the world and suffer, as seen in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. The priest highlights the Church as the means through which God guides and speaks to us, urging a closer walk with the Lord.

Beyond Money: The Greed Jesus Warned Against

The homily addresses Jesus' critique of the scribes and Pharisees, not merely for material greed, but for intellectual and spiritual avarice that leads to factionalism and self-exaltation. It emphasizes that Christians have one Father in heaven and one teacher, Christ, whose truth is communicated through the unified voice of the Catholic Church, keeping its people together despite diversity.

St. Joseph: A Mirror of Patience for the Church and Our Families

This homily focuses on the virtue of patience, exemplified by St. Joseph, and the importance of his intercession for the Church and for families. The priest recounts the historical journey of St. Joseph's name being included in the Eucharistic prayers, highlighting the patience of the saint and the persistence of a persecuted bishop. He concludes by emphasizing the need for St. Joseph's guidance in the universal Church and in the domestic church, particularly in addressing the crisis of fatherhood.

St. Patrick's Enduring Faith and Missionary Spirit

The homily celebrates St. Patrick's Day, detailing the historical origins of its celebration, including the first parade in St. Augustine, Florida, and the tradition of corn beef and cabbage. It highlights St. Patrick's missionary work in Ireland, his use of the shamrock to teach the Trinity, and his deep faith as expressed in his 'Breastplate' prayer. The homily concludes by asking for St. Patrick's intercession for the Church during a period of transition and for continued missionary efforts.

Why Division Within the Church Weakens Our Faith

The homily emphasizes that internal division within the Church, whether between parishes or different viewpoints, hinders its mission and weakens its stand against the kingdom of Satan. Drawing from the Gospel, it calls believers to self-reflection, urging them to identify and overcome their own contributions to division, and instead foster unity in Christ to build a strong, unified kingdom moving towards heaven.

Why Unity is Our Greatest Weapon Against Satan

The homily emphasizes the crucial importance of unity, both within the Church and within ourselves, as a defense against Satan's divisive tactics. It highlights how various aspects of Catholic life, from rituals to moral codes and community events, contribute to this unity, ultimately centered on Jesus Christ and the Church's magisterial authority. The priest also warns against internal disunity (mind, body, soul) and the divisive nature of social media algorithms, urging for a unified front against evil.

The Hard Truth About Being a Welcoming Church

The homily emphasizes the challenging but simple teaching of Jesus: 'Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.' The priest calls for the Catholic community to be truly welcoming, moving beyond superficial discussions to genuinely embrace those who think and act differently, and to focus on making disciples rather than just members. He shares a poignant story about a couple who were turned away from a church pew, highlighting the need for heartfelt hospitality.

Pope Leo XIV: The Church is Both Human and Divine

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV's catechesis focuses on the Church as a complex reality, possessing both human and divine dimensions, as articulated in Vatican II's Lumen Gentium. He emphasizes that the Church, despite its human frailties and institutional aspects, is where Christ's presence and saving action are manifested, much like Jesus' humanity revealed his divinity. The homily concludes by stressing that the Church is built up through communion and charity, which constantly generate the presence of the Risen One.

Why Even Jesus Couldn't Please Everyone: Hope for the Church's Future

The homily reflects on how Jesus, despite being perfect, faced criticism, drawing a parallel to priests and the challenges of evangelization. It expresses hope for the future of the Church through the return of younger generations to traditional religion and increased lay involvement, emphasizing that the Church is the people of God called to make disciples.

Why Young People Are Returning to the Church: The Power of Truth and Tradition

The homily explores the reasons why many priests decline bishoprics and how criticism and false accusations affect individuals, drawing parallels to Jesus' experience. It then shifts to discuss the surprising resurgence of young people in the Catholic Church in Ireland, attributing their return to a desire for truth and tradition over watered-down faith.

The Holy Spirit and the Unity of the Church

The homily reflects on Jesus' teaching that a house divided cannot stand, extending this principle to the Church and individual souls. It emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in preserving the Church's unity throughout history, even in challenging times, and calls for unity within families and the broader Church.

The Church: Our Ark of Salvation in a Chaotic World

This homily connects the Old Testament story of Noah's Ark to the Christian concept of the Church as an ark of salvation during chaotic times. It emphasizes that just as Noah found safety in the ark through water and wood, Christians find protection and peace within the Church through baptism (water) and the cross (wood), especially during the Lenten season.

La Tradición Dinámica: Cómo la Iglesia Peregrina Cumple la Ley de Dios

The homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and those who teach and practice it will be great in the Kingdom of God. The priest connects this to the history of the Dominican friars in Miami, particularly the founding of St. Dominic's parish by Spanish friars from Cuba, highlighting the continuous mission of the Church as a 'pilgrim people' called to announce and preach God's word dynamically.

Jesus: The Cornerstone of Our Church and Community

The homily connects the Old Testament story of Joseph's rejection by his brothers with the Gospel parable of the vineyard tenants who reject the landowner's son, highlighting Jesus as the rejected cornerstone. It emphasizes Jesus' role as the foundation of the Church, providing stability and unity, and calls for the community to safeguard the Church and its ministries to remain vibrant and meet parishioners' needs.