Homilies about injustice

The Rosary in a Soviet Gulag: How Faith Survives Crisis

The priest explores the theme of 'apocalyptic literature' as a response to crisis, drawing parallels between the false accusations against Susanna in the Book of Daniel and the Pharisees' trap for the woman caught in adultery. He shares a powerful story of Anamaria Schmidt in a Siberian gulag to illustrate how radical faith and the Rosary can move God to intervene even in the most desperate circumstances of starvation and oppression.

Fr. Marcos: Dios despertará a los pueblos oprimidos (Nicaragua, Cuba y Venezuela)

Padre Marcos

Fr. Marcos uses the resurrection of Lazarus to deliver a powerful social and political critique, likening the 'tombs' of Bethany to the modern suffering of nations like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. He proclaims that God stands above all earthly tyrants and that Christ's call to 'come out' is a mandate for both spiritual and social liberation from oppression and injustice.

The LGBTQ+ Way of the Cross: Finding Christ in the Marginalized

Father Paul

This is a specialized Stations of the Cross devotion that interweaves the traditional Passion of Christ with the modern-day sufferings and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Each station reflects on specific themes such as the 'closet' as a tomb, the persecution of trans individuals as a form of crucifixion, and the sanctity of queer families and marriages.

Finding God's Dignity in the Margins: A Priest's Story from Haiti

The homily emphasizes the Christian call to reach out to those on the margins, drawing parallels between the Samaritan woman at the well and the speaker's personal experiences serving the poorest in Haiti. It highlights the importance of restoring dignity and grace to those who lack it, not out of self-righteousness, but because God first did so for humanity.

Everything I Learned About Justice, I Learned from the Manger

William Promemeso

Father Bill explores the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by using the Nativity scene as a model for radical inclusion and diversity. He challenges the congregation to examine their own biases regarding racism, immigration, and gender identity, calling for a transformation of heart that recognizes the inherent dignity of every human person.

Bishop Strickland: The Hour for Warning is Here

Bishop Strickland

Bishop Strickland delivers a powerful call to action for Catholic leaders and the faithful, urging them to prioritize truth and sacrifice over comfort and silence in the face of perceived decline within the Church. He emphasizes that true obedience is fidelity to Christ, even when it brings suffering, and that leaders must be watchmen who warn the flock, not managers of decline. He calls for courage, honesty, and a recovery of the sacred fear of God among bishops and priests, and perseverance among the faithful.

Bishop Strickland: How Societies Fall When They Reject Christ the King

Bishop Strickland

Bishop Strickland's address argues that the current global darkness and corruption, particularly the exploitation of the innocent, stem from a societal rejection of God's authority and Christ's kingship. He traces this pattern through history, from ancient Rome to modern totalitarian regimes and even within the Church, emphasizing that when societies prioritize power, wealth, and desire over divine law, moral foundations crack. The homily calls for repentance and a return to Christ's kingship as the only path to salvation and protection of the innocent.

The Cry of the Migrant: A Lenten Reflection on Human Dignity and Justice

Bishop Ailio Menhivar

Bishop Menhivar, an immigrant himself, delivers a keynote address on immigration and the church's prophetic voice, framing the discussion within the Lenten context of Christ's suffering and cry on the cross. He emphasizes the Church's social teaching on the inherent dignity of every person, the right to migrate and not to be forced to migrate, and the state's role in humane regulation, advocating for a culture of encounter and reconciliation over indifference and powerlessness. The homily calls for presence, concrete actions, and advocacy for migrants, seeing their cry as a path to redemption and a purification from societal indifference.

From Blindness to Sight: Seeing Jesus as God and Responding to Injustice

The homily is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the Gospel reading of the man born blind, interpreting his healing as a new creation through baptism and a journey of recognizing Jesus first as a man, then as a prophet, and finally as God. The second part, delivered by a bishop, addresses the suffering of immigrant families in the community, condemning mass detentions and deportations as a grave moral evil and calling for solidarity and action.

Unbound: Moving Past the Parts of Church Teaching You Hate

Fr. Peter Berger

Fr. Peter Berger uses the raising of Lazarus to explore the 'head and heart' journey of faith, specifically challenging congregants to examine their resistance to various Church teachings. He addresses both conservative and liberal perspectives, touching on topics like unjust war, abortion, and capitalism, urging a move from judgment to spiritual freedom. The homily emphasizes that while God honors human freedom, He constantly calls us out of the 'stagnancy' of our own graves toward a deeper communion.

Are You a Living Dead? Breaking Out of Spiritual Tombs

The priest explores the raising of Lazarus as a call for believers to emerge from spiritual 'tombs' of addiction, resentment, and cold faith. He emphasizes that eternal life is a present relationship with Christ, not just a future destination, and challenges the congregation to remove the 'stones' of sin that block God's light. The message concludes with a bold call for social justice, specifically criticizing political systems that victimize the poor during government shutdowns.

Setting Others Free: Why Justice is More Than Just Kindness

Fr. Maciej Kihadas

Concluding a Lenten series on returning to God, the priest explores the theme of justice through the lens of the raising of Lazarus. He emphasizes that true justice is not just raising people up but setting them free from the 'tombs' of shame, guilt, and social isolation. Using the stories of a man named Daniel and the classic starfish parable, he challenges the congregation to act for the vulnerable and never give up on others.

Don't Stay Wrapped in Grave Clothes: Rising from Spiritual Tombs

The priest explores the raising of Lazarus as a call to move from spiritual death to new life, emphasizing that eternal life begins 'here and now' through faith rather than after physical death. He challenges the congregation to identify the 'stones'—such as addiction, resentment, or indifference—that entomb their hearts and prevent them from experiencing God's grace. The homily concludes with a bold call for social and political action, urging Christians to dismantle 'dead systems' that oppress the poor and federal workers.

Why We Overcomplicate Simple Truths: Lessons from the Blind Man and Immigrants

The homily challenges listeners to simplify their understanding of complex issues, particularly in how they respond to suffering and welcome immigrants. Drawing parallels between the Pharisees' over-complication of the blind man's healing and modern societal reactions, the priest emphasizes the importance of compassion, solidarity, and recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as a gift from God.

How Sponsoring One Child Can Bring Light to a Darkened World

Father Tim Bernie

The homily connects the Gospel of the man born blind to the sacraments and our call to be children of light, exposing darkness in the world. The priest then shares his personal experience with Unbound, an organization that facilitates sponsorship of children in poverty, emphasizing how small contributions can profoundly change lives and fulfill our Christian duty to bring light to others.

Deacon Don Wigel on the Global Refugee Crisis and Catholic Relief Services

Deacon Don Wigel

This homily, delivered by Deacon Don Wigel from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), focuses on the theme of 'living water' from the Gospel, connecting it to the physical and spiritual needs of refugees and displaced persons globally. He shares personal anecdotes from his experience with Syrian refugees and highlights CRS's work in providing aid and helping people stay in their homelands, emphasizing the increased need for support due to recent cuts in foreign aid.

The Passion of Christ in a Broken World: Social Mission Stations

This 'Social Mission Stations of the Cross' connects the traditional Passion of Christ to modern global injustices, including the Salvadoran martyrs, disability rights, and femicide. Parishioners and students provide reflections that bridge the gap between Jesus's historical suffering and contemporary issues like human trafficking, systemic racism, and environmental degradation.

Why God Allows Unjust Leaders: A Priest's Story of Trust Amidst Betrayal

Father Greg

This homily addresses the question of why God allows corrupt or unjust people to be in charge, drawing parallels with the Gospel story of the man born blind. The priest shares a personal experience of disillusionment with clergy abuse, emphasizing that even in moments of injustice, God can work powerfully, leading to a deeper encounter with Christ and greater trust in Him. The core message is that seemingly unjust situations can become opportunities for profound spiritual growth and a stronger reliance on God's light.

Beyond Shame: The Samaritan Woman and the Call to Justice

Father Pratt

The homily begins by addressing the shame associated with clergy abuse, drawing a parallel to the Samaritan woman in the Gospel who, despite her social and religious 'otherness' and personal history, engages with Jesus without shame and becomes an evangelist. The homilist argues that while shame can be a grace leading to conversion, the Gospel ultimately calls us to move beyond shame to a place of freedom where we can cross boundaries, stand with victims, and preach God's love and justice, even when not 'authorized' by institutions.

God's Universal Mercy: Why It Matters for Immigrants and Refugees Today

Father Tim

The homily focuses on the universal mercy of God, exemplified by Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman. It emphasizes that God's grace is freely given, not earned, and extends to all people regardless of their social, political, or religious status. The homilist challenges the congregation to reflect on how this universal mercy should inform their views and actions regarding contemporary issues like the treatment of immigrants and refugees.