Homilies about consequences
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Ridgewood, New Jersey
The Dangerous Misunderstanding of Freedom: Doing What We Ought, Not What We Please
Our Lady of Mount Carmel · Ridgewood, New Jersey · Mar 6, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that true freedom is not doing whatever we want, but rather doing what we ought, relative to God's laws, societal laws, and common sense. Misunderstanding freedom as absolute or merely doing what pleases us leads to negative consequences and messy lives, as illustrated by the parable of the vineyard tenants and the example of runaways.
St. Thomas More
Chaparral, New Mexico
You Know What to Do, So Just Do It: Avoiding Consequences in Lent
St. Thomas More · Chaparral, New Mexico · Mar 3, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes the importance of acting on God's teachings rather than just hearing them. Using analogies of studying for a test and doing chores, the priest highlights that there are consequences for not following instructions, both from human authorities and from God. He urges listeners to learn from the mistakes of those in the Old Testament and the Pharisees, who failed to practice what they preached, and to actively choose good.
Visitation
Brick, New Jersey
The Shortsightedness of Sin: Why We Choose It and How God Redeems It
Visitation · Brick, New Jersey · Mar 6, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the shortsightedness of sin, using the examples of Joseph's brothers and the tenants in the vineyard. It emphasizes that while sin often offers short-term gain, it ignores long-term consequences. However, God is stronger than sin and can bring good even from sinful actions, offering us guidance to align our will with His.
Holy Spirit
Duncanville, Texas
Your Daily Choices: Bridging the Chasm Between What You Say and Do
Holy Spirit · Duncanville, Texas · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes the importance of daily choices and their consequences, drawing parallels from the readings about trusting in God versus human beings, and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It reminds the faithful, especially during Lent, that our actions and words must align with our faith, as there is an uncrossable 'chasm' between a life lived for God and one lived apart from Him.
Our Lady of the Prairie
Belle Plaine, Minnesota
Why Trusting God is Your Only Hope for Salvation
Our Lady of the Prairie · Belle Plaine, Minnesota · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes the importance of trusting in God for salvation and support, contrasting those who depend on God with those who cut themselves off, leading to bleak consequences. It uses the imagery of a withered bush versus a tree planted by water to illustrate the outcomes of these choices, urging listeners to choose life and God's divine assistance.