Homilies about friendship

The Mystery of the Beloved Disciple: Was it Lazarus?

Fr. John Durban

Fr. John Durban explores the scholarly theory that Lazarus, rather than John the Apostle, is the 'beloved disciple' and the primary source of the Fourth Gospel. He emphasizes that the sisters' appeal to Jesus was based on friendship and love rather than a demand for a miracle, providing a model for prayer. Ultimately, the homily calls every believer to accept their identity as God's beloved to overcome the trap of self-rejection.

Why God's Friendship is a Gift, Not Something You Earn

Father Jeremy

This homily, delivered during a Lenten mission, emphasizes the importance of walking with Jesus and trusting in His unfailing friendship rather than relying on our own strength or seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits. The speaker uses personal anecdotes, a popular song, and readings from spiritual texts to illustrate that true peace and purpose come from surrendering to God's will and accepting His unconditional love, which is a gift, not something to be earned.

The Friend I Let Down: A Homily on Noticing the Hurting

The homily uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to emphasize the importance of noticing and helping those who are hurting or left out. The priest shares a personal story about a childhood friend with an intellectual disability, reflecting on his own failure to stand up for him and encouraging listeners to be better friends to others, especially those who are different or ignored.

When Jesus Hesitates: Finding Hope in the Raising of Lazarus

The priest reflects on the raising of Lazarus, highlighting the profound intersection of Jesus's humanity and divinity. He emphasizes that Jesus's delay and his weeping show a God who deeply relates to human hesitation and grief, while his power over death offers us the hope of being 'unbound' from our own sins.

Are Catholics 'Born Again'? Understanding Baptism's Transformative Power

The homily connects the concept of being "born again" in baptism to the prophecy of Isaiah about new heavens and a new earth. It emphasizes that through Christ, we are restored to friendship with God and possess inherent dignity, which we should never forget.

Jesus Weeps With You: Finding God in Our Grief

Fr. Damen McElroy

Fr. Damen McElroy reflects on the humanity of Jesus through the raising of Lazarus, highlighting that Jesus' grief and tears reveal a God who knows our individual sorrows. He encourages the congregation to be honest in their communication with God, noting that faith is a journey that changes through the experiences of life and death.

Jesus Weeps With You: Finding Hope in the Tomb of Lazarus

Fr. Nuno Westwood

The homily focuses on the profound humanity of Jesus as revealed through his friendship with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, emphasizing that He is not a distant deity but one who weeps with those who suffer. Fr. Nuno explains that Jesus’ delay in arriving at Bethany was not due to indifference but a trust in the Father's timing, ultimately calling the faithful to 'come out' from their own internal tombs of sin, fear, and grief. The message concludes by highlighting our role as a community in helping 'untie' others from their burdens, just as the bystanders assisted the resurrected Lazarus.

The Spirituality of Friendship: Why Jesus Wept for Lazarus

Fr. Joseph Clemente

Fr. Clemente explores the raising of Lazarus through the lens of human friendship, noting how Jesus's deep emotional response reveals the spiritual importance of our own relationships. He argues that friendships are not mere social fillers but are 'lanterns' that provide light for our spiritual development and personal growth.

Jesus Wept: Finding Hope in the Midst of Grief

Father Nelson

Reflecting on the raising of Lazarus, the priest highlights the deep human emotions of Jesus, specifically focusing on the shortest verse in the Bible, 'Jesus wept.' He connects the grief of Mary and Martha to our modern experience of funerals and the practical, often 'messy' realities of death, ultimately pointing toward the hope of the resurrection.

Ellie Samuelson: An Adventurous Spirit Who Turned Loss into Gain

The homily for Ellie Samuelson's funeral focuses on her adventurous spirit, creativity, intelligence, and profound capacity for love and friendship, particularly among women. The priest recounts a story of Ellie's trip to Ireland during 9/11, highlighting her ability to find light and connection even in dark times, and her unwavering trust in God. He emphasizes her legacy of turning struggles into blessings and loss into gain, and her welcoming nature that embraced everyone regardless of background.

Jesus in the Smelly Situations of Life

The priest explores the deep human friendship between Jesus and the family of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, suggesting they may have been lifelong friends who 'rode the bus together.' He reflects on how Jesus is willing to enter into the 'stench' and 'mud' of our messy, unpleasant human realities to bring about miraculous transformation and the hope of the resurrection.

Why You Are Still Alive: Lessons from St. Martha

The priest explores the unique characteristics of St. John's Gospel, specifically its focus on deep, personal encounters between Jesus and individuals. He uses the story of Martha and the raising of Lazarus to illustrate that even the most intimate friends of Christ must continually grow and mature in their faith.

How Jesus' Friendship Frees Us from Cycles of Suffering

The homily explores the nature of suffering, drawing from the book 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People,' and contrasts it with the Samaritan woman's situation in the Gospel. It emphasizes that while some suffering can build character, many are trapped in cycles of hardship. The core message is that Jesus offers miraculous friendship, which provides the living water and freedom needed to break free from sin and become a new person, a power that comes from the Holy Spirit.

When God Takes Too Long: Lessons from Martha and Lazarus

Reflecting on the raising of Lazarus, the priest explores the profound friendship between Jesus and the family at Bethany, highlighting Martha's unique profession of faith. He emphasizes that God invites us to be honest in our prayer—even in our disappointment and confusion—while ultimately trusting in His timing and glory.