Homilies about detachment
Shrine of St. Joseph
Stirling, New Jersey
San José: El Migrante Valiente y el Milagro de la Providencia Divina
Shrine of St. Joseph · Stirling, New Jersey · Mar 18, 2026
Daily MassSpanishThis homily, delivered during Lent and in preparation for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, focuses on St. Joseph as a model of trust in divine providence, especially for migrants. The priest emphasizes that Joseph, a migrant himself, teaches us to detach from worldly possessions and control, and instead, to embrace God's guidance even when faced with closed doors and adversity. He highlights Pope Francis's idea that Joseph himself was the miracle, urging listeners to also be miracles for others.
Holy Cross
Batavia, Illinois
Are You Listening to God? A Lenten Reflection on the Rich Man and Lazarus
Holy Cross · Batavia, Illinois · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing the danger of self-centeredness and the importance of listening to God's word. It connects the parable to the season of Lent, urging listeners to detach from worldly distractions and actively seek to follow the Lord, lest they become like the rich man who only thought of himself.
Jesus the King [Coptic Catholic]
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
لماذا يجب أن تترك كل شيء لتتبع المسيح؟
Jesus the King [Coptic Catholic] · Perth Amboy, New Jersey · Mar 7, 2026
Sunday MassArabicThe homily emphasizes the spiritual journey as a continuous process of 'leaving behind' or 'letting go' (ترك). Drawing on the story of the Samaritan woman who left her water jar, the priest encourages listeners to abandon worldly attachments, past sins, and anything that hinders their relationship with God. This act of 'leaving' allows one to embrace eternity and experience true spiritual growth in the present moment.
St. James
Louisville, Kentucky
Lent: How to See Jesus in the Poor
St. James · Louisville, Kentucky · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing the Lenten practice of almsgiving. It challenges listeners to examine how they use their resources for the poor, what they need to detach from, and who could most benefit from their generosity, urging compassion and an end to indifference.
St. Francis de Sales
Purcellville, Virginia
Lent: Detaching from the World to Attach to God
St. Francis de Sales · Purcellville, Virginia · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing that both the rich and the poor can miss God by being too caught up in worldly concerns, whether material wealth or the struggle for basic necessities. It highlights the Lenten call to detach from worldly things and deepen our attachment to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of life and love.
Sts. Peter and Paul
Plains, Pennsylvania
Leaving Your 'Stuff' in the Tomb: Finding New Life in Christ
Sts. Peter and Paul · Plains, Pennsylvania · Mar 22, 2026
Sunday MassReflecting on the raising of Lazarus and the vision of dry bones in Ezekiel, the priest challenges the faithful to identify areas of their lives that are 'dry' or 'congested' with worldly distractions. He emphasizes that to experience the new life of the Resurrection, one must first have the courage to be stripped down and leave 'stuff' behind. The homily concludes by reminding the congregation that Jesus weeps for our current state but calls us incessantly toward what we are meant to be.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Lent: Detaching from Earthly Illusions to Find God's Love
Our Lady of Mount Carmel · Ridgewood, New Jersey · Mar 7, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that the parable of the Prodigal Son highlights Jesus' mission to seek out the lost and those who have strayed due to 'earthly illusions.' It encourages listeners to use the Lenten season to detach from worldly possessions and recognize God's boundless love as a heavenly Father.
St. Peter
Greenville, North Carolina
Leaving Your Water Jar Behind: Thirsting for God's Living Water
St. Peter · Greenville, North Carolina · Mar 8, 2026
Sunday MassThe homily emphasizes that true spiritual fulfillment comes from detaching ourselves from worldly desires and thirsting for God's living water, which is received through baptism and the Holy Spirit. It uses the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus as a model for conversion, highlighting the importance of recognizing our need for God's assistance and continually renewing our desire for Christ, especially during Lent.
St. Anselm
Madisonville, Louisiana
Beyond the Landscape: Seeing Humanity in Others
St. Anselm · Madisonville, Louisiana · Mar 5, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing that self-centered behavior and indifference to others' suffering lead to spiritual emptiness. It challenges listeners to look beyond superficial appearances, embrace suffering as an opportunity for compassion, and prioritize eternal life over worldly riches, urging them to serve their neighbors and detach from worldly treasures.