Homilies about discipline

Why God's Rules Are an Act of Love (A Priest's Story)

Father Dean Stacil

Father Dean Stacil emphasizes that God's commandments and the Church's rules are not meant to restrict, but to guide us out of love, leading to harmony and joy. He illustrates this with personal anecdotes about his mother's Lenten discipline and his father's curfew, showing how rules, even when seemingly strict, stem from a desire for our well-being and protection.

Why God's Rules Are Like Your Parents' 'Dumb' Rules

The homily uses the analogy of parental rules and sports discipline to explain why God gives us commandments. It argues that just as parents set rules for our well-being and coaches for success, God's laws are meant to provide structure, teach responsibility, and guide us toward saintthood. The Lenten season is presented as an opportune time to embrace this discipline and strive for spiritual championship.

Beyond Hunger: The True Meaning of Lenten Fasting

This homily focuses on the true meaning of Lenten fasting, emphasizing that it is not merely about abstaining from food but about spiritual discipline, repentance, and purification. The priest clarifies the Church's guidelines on fasting and abstinence, and stresses that genuine fasting involves refraining from sin and injustice, and cultivating a heart of forgiveness, rather than just outward observance.

The Mind: Your Greatest Ally or Obstacle in Faith

The homily emphasizes the importance of the mind in our spiritual lives, drawing from Jesus' addition of 'mind' to the greatest commandment. It highlights that the mind is the primary battleground for spiritual struggles and can be either a great obstacle or a powerful ally, urging caution and discipline in our thoughts.

You Know What to Do, So Just Do It: Avoiding Consequences in Lent

The 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.

Why Rules Are Essential for Your Lenten Journey and Life

The homily emphasizes the importance of following rules, not just in everyday life like school or sports, but especially in our spiritual journey. The priest explains that rules bring order and respect, and are essential for our Lenten observance and ultimately for reaching heaven, as Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.

Why Sacrifice is Essential for Your Spiritual Growth

Father Paulo Kalingasan

The homily emphasizes that Christian life is not just about celebration and comfort, but also about sacrifice and discipline, especially during Lent. Drawing from the Transfiguration and Abraham's call, it highlights that true spiritual growth and resurrection come through embracing the cross and prioritizing God above all else, urging a return to traditional Lenten practices and a conscious participation in the Mass.