Homilies about fear

The Junkyard Dog and the Surprises of God

Father Thomas

Father Thomas explores the theme of life's 'surprises'—both good and bad—through the lens of the raising of Lazarus and his own near-death experience with a massive junkyard dog. He encourages the faithful to trust that no matter what unexpected news they receive, God is present to help them handle the situation and that death is never the final chapter.

Tougher Than Chuck Norris: Overcoming the Fear of Death

Deacon Bob

Deacon Bob uses the cultural phenomenon of Chuck Norris to contrast human attempts at invincibility with the reality of death, which only Christ can overcome. He shares the personal pain of losing his father and young daughter to illustrate how Martha’s anger in the Gospel is a natural response to grief, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the only one who can 'untie' us from the fear of death.

Where Are You on Good Friday? Overcoming Pride to Embrace Christ's Love

Fr. Alex Dugas

This reflection, part of a Lenten mission, challenges listeners to consider their personal presence at the foot of the cross on Good Friday. Father Dugas explores various male figures present during Christ's Passion—from the indifferent and fearful to the men of action (Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea), the man of speech (the Centurion), and the man of pure love (John). The core message emphasizes overcoming pride and embracing vulnerability to truly experience God's love, drawing a parallel to the good thief's humility and John's intimate connection to Jesus's heart.

Are You a Spiritual Zombie? How to Wake Up Your Faith

Reflecting on the raising of Lazarus, the priest challenges the congregation to consider if they are 'spiritually dead' or merely going through the motions of faith. He shares a moving story from a recent youth confirmation retreat where students moved from apathy to emotional encounters with Christ during Eucharistic adoration. The homily concludes with a call to be 'unbound' from anger, fear, and resentment to become fully alive in the Spirit.

Finding Freedom in the Tomb: How Jesus Heals Our Deepest Fears

The priest reflects on contemplating the Passion of Christ through the eyes of Mary, using the image of the Pieta to illustrate a blend of sorrow and wisdom. He shares a moving story of a woman named Gina who overcame her irrational fear of the tomb by imagining herself enclosed there with Jesus, eventually finding peace in the realization that the tomb is like a tabernacle.

Fr. Ken Lavaronne: Rolling Away the Stones of Fear and Death for New Life

Fr. Ken Lavaronne

This homily, delivered during a Lenten retreat, emphasizes that Lent is a journey of conversion from fear to freedom, mirroring the raising of Lazarus. The speaker uses personal anecdotes and scriptural reflection to illustrate how God's power can enter the darkest, most locked-up places of our lives, removing the 'stones' of fear, self-protection, and unspoken sorrow to bring new life and reconciliation. It calls for courage to embrace change, challenge isolation, and extend mercy, becoming instruments of God's hope for others.

Knowing the Shepherd: Rolling Away the Stones of Our Lives

Father Band

Using a story about a Shakespearean actor and a humble priest, the homily emphasizes the difference between knowing about God and personally knowing the 'Shepherd.' It explores the raising of Lazarus, focusing on the 'stones' of pride, fear, and bitterness that individuals must roll away to allow Christ to bring them to authentic life.

Stop Waiting for the Fear to Go Away

The priest uses the story of a terrified World War II pilot to illustrate that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it. He connects this to Mary's 'yes' at the Annunciation, noting that she was 'greatly troubled' yet chose to move forward with God's plan. The message challenges believers to identify where fear is controlling their lives and to offer their own 'yes' to God despite their uncertainty.

The Priest Afraid of Death: Overcoming Fear Through Christ

Father Cox

Father Cox reflects on the necessity of total commitment to God's will, drawing from his 25 years of seminary experience and the story of a classmate with a debilitating phobia of death. He emphasizes that through the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome fear and despair, ultimately finding life in the resurrection of Lazarus.

Living a Life with No Regrets: A Priest's Reflection on Forgiveness

Father Frank

The homily emphasizes the importance of living a life without regrets, especially concerning forgiveness and expressing gratitude. Drawing inspiration from Edith Piaf's song 'No Regrets' and a personal anecdote about a young man forgiving his deceased alcoholic father, the priest encourages listeners to let go of grudges and fears before it's too late.

Coming Out of Your Tombs: Finding Freedom in Christ

Deacon Balkas

Drawing from the raising of Lazarus and Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones, the homily explores how God breathes new life into souls troubled by sin and apathy. It challenges believers to 'come out' from the various 'tombs' of their lives—such as worry, skepticism, and self-preoccupation—to embrace the freedom of Christ's resurrection. The message emphasizes that through Lenten discipline and reliance on God, we move from the 'behavior of the flesh' to a life animated by the Holy Spirit.

El Agua Viva: Superando el Miedo a través de los Sacramentos

Padre Andrés

The homily reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman, emphasizing her fear and shame that led her to draw water at midday to avoid others. The priest connects this to our own fears and how God seeks us out, particularly through the sacraments, which offer the 'living water' that truly satisfies our hearts and provides an unfailing hope for eternal life.

Coming Out of Your Tomb: Bishop Kevin Kenny on Finding Freedom in Lent

Bishop Kevin Kenny

Bishop Kevin Kenny reflects on the raising of Lazarus, emphasizing that Jesus calls each of us to 'come out' from the tombs of past sins, insecurities, and fear. He highlights the necessity of allowing others to help 'untie' us from what binds us, moving from spiritual death to the freedom of new life as Holy Week approaches.

Don't Let the Devil Keep His Armor: Overcoming Shame and Fear

The homily interprets the Gospel's image of a strong man guarding his palace, seeing the devil as the strong man and us as the palace. Jesus, the stronger one, comes to disarm the devil by taking away his weapons: our fear, doubt, disbelief, and shame. The core message is to never be ashamed or afraid to turn to God for forgiveness and renewal, allowing Jesus to free us from the devil's influence.

Fr. Wayne Pacy: Why Jesus Makes You Wait

Fr. Wayne Pacy

Father Wayne Pacy reflects on the raising of Lazarus, emphasizing that God's 'waiting' is not abandonment but a divine plan that leaves us free to choose faith. He challenges the congregation to see themselves as Lazarus, currently bound by fears or anxieties, and to respond to Jesus's command to 'come forth' into the fullness of life through their baptismal graces.

Fr. Yonhatan: Why You’re Hiding in Your Cave

Fr. Yonhatan Londoño Acosta

Fr. Yonhatan reflects on the raising of Lazarus, emphasizing that Jesus meets us in our human reality of pain, frustration, and 'stench.' He challenges the congregation to identify the 'rocks'—such as ego, fear, or past mistakes—that they use to hide from God's mercy and prevent themselves from coming out of their personal caves.

When Your Faith Feels Costly: Lessons from Jeremiah

The homily explores the emotional journey of the prophet Jeremiah, who moved from a state of isolation and 'bloody-minded opposition' to a place of profound trust in God. The priest emphasizes that faith does not eliminate anxiety but provides a way to bring those honest fears before God for transformation. It concludes with a call to bring our own fragile hopes and risks to the altar without hiding them.

¿Buscas a Dios por el Milagro o por la Fe? Reflexión de Lázaro

Padre Tomás

The priest reflects on the resurrection of Lazarus, contrasting Martha's desire for an immediate miracle with Jesus's goal of building eternal faith. He challenges the congregation to move beyond seeking God only for favors or 'miracles' and instead embrace the cross and the hope of eternal life, especially when facing fear and suffering.

Finding Jesus in Our Anxiety and the Suffering of Others

This homily explores the anxiety Mary and Joseph felt when Jesus was lost in the temple, drawing parallels to modern experiences of fear and separation, especially in times of war. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's will over personal desires and trusting in God's presence even amidst confusion and suffering. The homily concludes with a prayer to find the divine child in others, particularly the vulnerable, and within ourselves.

Why We Are Blind to God's Truth (And How to See Again)

Father Vincent

The homily reflects on the Gospel story of the man born blind, emphasizing that true blindness is not physical but spiritual—an inability to see God, others, and ourselves clearly due to fear, attachments, and preconceived beliefs. It challenges listeners to acknowledge their own inner darkness and allow Christ to open their eyes, leading to a life of purpose and light, even if it means stepping out of comfort zones.