Homilies about commandments
St. Ignatius
Baltimore, Maryland
St. Francis Xavier's Challenge: Are Your Actions an Obstacle to the Gospel?
St. Ignatius · Baltimore, Maryland · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments, not just for personal discernment but as a guide for our actions and words. Drawing on the example of St. Francis Xavier, the priest highlights how the bad example of fellow Christians, even clergy, can be a greater obstacle to the Gospel than those who haven't heard it. He challenges listeners to examine their conscience during Lent and ensure their lives reflect the commandments, especially in how they affect those around them.
St. Paul
Congers, New York
Why We Struggle to Follow God's Commandments: Love vs. Obligation
St. Paul · Congers, New York · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily explores the difference between following laws out of obligation versus out of love, drawing a parallel between civil laws and God's commandments. It emphasizes that while civil laws carry external consequences, God's laws, particularly the commandment to love, are meant to be embraced freely and lead to inner joy and contentment, rather than being a source of resentment.
St. Gall
Tintah, Minnesota
Why Jesus Said to Follow the Commandments (and What That Means for You)
St. Gall · Tintah, Minnesota · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, focusing on the two great commandments: love God and love your neighbor. It explains that the Ten Commandments are a guide to living out these two great commandments and that we are called to follow them and teach others to do so, primarily through our example. The homily also clarifies why certain Old Testament laws, like dietary restrictions, are no longer observed, explaining their original practical purpose.
St. Pascal Baylon
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Why God's Laws Are Not About Limiting Your Freedom
St. Pascal Baylon · Saint Paul, Minnesota · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily addresses the common perception of laws as limiting freedom, contrasting it with God's law as a blessing and a path to wisdom and justice. It emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, inviting believers to embrace God's commandments as a guide for living compassionately and justly, especially during the Lenten season.
St. Joan of Arc
Saint Clair Shores, Michigan
Catholic Rules: A Ladder to Heaven, Not a Burden
St. Joan of Arc · Saint Clair Shores, Michigan · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily addresses the common misconception that Catholicism is overly rigid with 'rules.' The priest clarifies that these rules, including the commandments and beatitudes, are not arbitrary restrictions but rather a 'ladder to the kingdom of heaven,' meant to guide believers towards eternal life. He emphasizes Jesus' teaching that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, urging adherence and teaching of these commandments.
Mary Queen of Peace
Sammamish, Washington
Why God's Commandments Are a Gift, Not a Burden
Mary Queen of Peace · Sammamish, Washington · Mar 12, 2026
Daily MassThe homily explores the deep connection between God's commandments, the promised land, and our ultimate desire for communion with God. It argues that the law is not a burden but a gift that reveals God and invites us to share in His life, leading to true life and fulfillment, which is what we are truly seeking even when we chase sin.
Blessed Sacrament
Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
Why God's 'No' is Actually a 'Greater Yes'
Blessed Sacrament · Fort Mitchell, Kentucky · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily explores the nature of God's commandments, reframing 'no' not as a limitation of freedom, but as an act of love for our well-being and a path to greater freedom. Using the analogy of a parent telling a child 'no' to prevent harm, the priest explains that God's laws are meant to protect us and lead us to the fullness of life, with Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this divine love.
St. John the Evangelist
Warrenton, Virginia
Why God's Law Endures: Living by His Word
St. John the Evangelist · Warrenton, Virginia · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, stressing the enduring wisdom of God's commandments. It highlights the importance of living by these divine words and teaching them to future generations, as our lives influence others for good or ill.
St. William
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why God's Rules Are Good For You (A Homily for Children)
St. William · Cincinnati, Ohio · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that God's commandments are given not to control us, but to help and protect us, much like parental rules. It encourages children to obey and follow these commandments out of love and trust for God, highlighting that God sees and is pleased by our good choices, even when others don't notice.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Plano, Texas
Why Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law, Not Abolish It
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton · Plano, Texas · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, highlighting that God's law, particularly the Ten Commandments, is a gift for our benefit and protection. It calls believers to reverence God's law, which translates into loving God and neighbor, and to actively live out God's word through love, care, and compassion for all people.
St. Anselm
Madisonville, Louisiana
Fulfilling God's Law: How to Live as the Greatest in Heaven
St. Anselm · Madisonville, Louisiana · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, urging disciples to live by God's commandments and the Beatitudes. By striving daily to follow God's commands and spread His love, individuals can achieve greatness in the kingdom of heaven and dwell with God forever.
St. Mary
Champaign, Illinois
The New Law of Love: How to Live God's Commandments Today
St. Mary · Champaign, Illinois · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, offering a new law of love: love God and love people. It challenges listeners to examine if God truly takes first place in their lives, thoughts, and actions, and to strive to live in a way that brings the kingdom of heaven to earth through love.
St. Luke
Mint Hill, North Carolina
Why God's Commandments Make Sense: Wisdom for Life
St. Luke · Mint Hill, North Carolina · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that God's commandments are not arbitrary rules but expressions of wisdom and intelligence, promoting a natural and just way of life. Using examples from the Ten Commandments like honoring parents, not murdering, not committing adultery, and not stealing or lying, the priest illustrates how these precepts foster societal well-being and personal integrity, contrasting them with actions that lead to destruction and loss of trust.
St. Bartholomew the Apostle
Katy, Texas
God's Law: A Gift, Not a Burden
St. Bartholomew the Apostle · Katy, Texas · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThis homily challenges the perception of God's commandments as burdens, instead presenting them as a divine gift that protects dignity, guides toward justice and holiness, and fosters community. It emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, transforming it from external actions to an inward transformation of the heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
St. Ann
Raynham, Massachusetts
God's Commandments: A Road Map to Joy, Not Just Rules
St. Ann · Raynham, Massachusetts · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily challenges the perception of Christians as boring rule-followers, arguing that God's commandments are not restrictive walls but rather guardrails that enable a full and joyful life. By embracing these statutes, Christians can become a light to the nations, demonstrating the wisdom and goodness of God's path to happiness.
Most Sacred Heart
Eureka, Missouri
God's Mercy: Why Breaking a Commandment Doesn't Kick You Out of Heaven
Most Sacred Heart · Eureka, Missouri · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it with love, mercy, and forgiveness. It contrasts the rigid Jewish interpretation of the law, where breaking even a part meant being 'done,' with Jesus' teaching that God's love and mercy mean we are not automatically 'out' of the kingdom of heaven if we falter, as God alone decides who enters.
Our Lady of the Lake
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Jesus' Two Essential Rules: Reverence for God and Respect for Others
Our Lady of the Lake · Lake Havasu City, Arizona · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily, primarily directed at children, explains that Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Law (the Ten Commandments) but to fulfill it by emphasizing two core principles: reverence for God and respect for one another. The priest uses interactive questioning to engage the young audience, highlighting how the Pharisees' interpretations had obscured the original meaning of the commandments.
Parish of St. Francis of Assisi–Waldo Site
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Why Keeping God's Commandments Leads to Resurrection
Parish of St. Francis of Assisi–Waldo Site · Manitowoc, Wisconsin · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes the importance of God's divine law, particularly the Ten Commandments, as a gift revealing God's will and love. It highlights Jesus as the perfect example of obedience to these laws, with his resurrection serving as proof of his sinlessness and adherence to divine will. The homily challenges the faithful to live in complete obedience to God's commandments, especially during Lent, to grow in holiness and closeness to God.
St. John
Lakehurst, New Jersey
Beyond 'Thou Shalt Not': The Positive Power of God's Commandments
St. John · Lakehurst, New Jersey · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily contrasts the negative perception of commandments as 'thou shalt nots' with their positive intent, emphasizing that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. It encourages believers to move beyond merely avoiding evil to actively doing good, loving God and neighbor, and seeking positive solutions even in complex global conflicts.
St. Columbkille
Imperial, Pennsylvania
Why We Observe Lent: Finding Sanctification in Weakness
St. Columbkille · Imperial, Pennsylvania · Mar 11, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, aiming for our complete sanctification and perfect love. It reminds us that Lenten observances reveal our weakness, allowing God to sanctify us, and urges us not to forget God's work and to teach others his commandments to be called greatest in the kingdom through childlike faith.