Homilies about jesus

Why God Seems Silent: Understanding God's Communication Through Jesus

Father Alex

The homily emphasizes that God has revealed everything about himself through Jesus Christ, making it essential for believers to study scripture and understand Jesus' life and teachings. It addresses the common feeling that God doesn't hear prayers by explaining that God has already communicated fully through Jesus, and our task is to listen and follow his example.

Why Jesus is Our Perfect Judge: Understanding the Trinity and Our Humanity

The homily explores the unity and distinct actions of the Holy Trinity, particularly how Jesus, as the Son of Man, fulfills the Father's Old Testament promises of restoration and freedom. It emphasizes that Jesus is our judge because, having taken on humanity, he understands our frailties and temptations, making him a compassionate and relatable arbiter.

Why All Our Prayers Must Be Through Jesus

The homily emphasizes that only God is truly good, and therefore all our prayers and actions should be offered in and through Jesus, who is God's son and the only one who is good. It connects this idea to the first reading's call to 'receive what is good' and the Gospel's teaching on loving God and neighbor, suggesting that doing everything through Jesus allows us to fulfill these commands and offer the greatest possible weight to our prayers.

Are You Spiritually Dehydrated? The Living Water of Lent

Father Doug Biggnull

The homily uses the metaphor of spiritual dehydration, drawing from the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman at the well. It emphasizes that Jesus is the source of living water, and that following Him often requires leaving something or someone behind. The homily challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual dryness during Lent and seek reconciliation and the waters of eternal life.

God's Promise of a New Creation: From Isaiah to Jesus

The homily explores God's promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" from Isaiah, connecting it to the symbolism of the ancient temple, the coming of Jesus as a new creation, and the ongoing process of spiritual renewal. It emphasizes that God is always about to create something new in Jesus Christ, and that everything in the Old Testament prepared for Jesus, just as the Church prepares us to be 'other Christs'.

Do You See What I See? The Difference Between Physical and Spiritual Sight

The homily reflects on the nature of sight, both physical and spiritual, using the Gospel story of the man born blind. It emphasizes that true sight comes from the heart and soul, not just the eyes, and that knowing Jesus is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. The homilist challenges listeners to examine whether they truly 'see' Jesus and themselves as humble sinners in need of Him, rather than self-deceived saints.

From Darkness to Light: The Journey of Faith in Lent

The homily explores the spiritual journey from 'darkness' to 'light' using the story of the man born blind. It outlines a progression in understanding Jesus, from seeing him as merely a man, to a prophet, then the Son of God, and finally, through personal encounter, to becoming a worshiper and a 'light' in the world.

How Jesus Fulfilled the Old Testament Law

The homily explains that Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law and prophets, but to fulfill them, making them complete. It emphasizes that Jesus's fulfillment of the law, particularly through his sacrifice on the cross, is the ultimate expression of God's love and truth, and that the Eucharist is a continuous reminder of this love.

The Greater Miracle: From Physical Sight to Spiritual Vision

The homily contrasts physical and spiritual blindness, using the Gospel story of the man born blind and two personal anecdotes. It emphasizes that while physical sight is a miracle, the greater miracle is the spiritual transformation of seeing Jesus as the Son of God, and encourages listeners to grow in their spiritual sight during Lent to see the world as God sees it.

Jesus: The Fulfillment, Not Abolisher, of the Law

The homily explores Jesus' role not as an abolisher of the law, but its fulfillment, drawing on Pope Benedict XVI's appreciation for Rabbi Jacob Neusner's critical yet insightful view of Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus is not merely another teacher, but the very embodiment of the covenant and the fullness of God's love, inviting us to embrace this truth during Lent.

Why the Bible is Your Most Important Book (and How to Read It)

The homily emphasizes the importance of the Bible as a divine gift containing everything needed for a happy life. It explains how the Old Testament's law and prophets are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and encourages daily scripture reading, particularly starting with the New Testament, especially the Acts of the Apostles, to understand the early Church's journey.

Why You Can't Build a Better Way to God

The homily uses the analogy of a mousetrap to illustrate that there is only one true way to God the Father: through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that while people may try to find their own 'better mousetrap' or alternative paths, Jesus is the singular 'way, truth, and life' to salvation and forgiveness, especially as Holy Week approaches.

Fr. Bill Sheridan: How Jesus Reveals God the Father

Father Bill Sheridan

The homily emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God the Father. To understand God's nature and expectations, we need only look to Jesus, who mirrors the Father's image and teaches us the way to live through his commandments. The core message is to listen to Jesus to be faithful disciples of God.

La Ceguera Espiritual: ¿Vemos a Jesús o Permanecemos en la Oscuridad?

Padre Roberto Saldívar

The homily reflects on the theme of spiritual blindness versus sight, drawing parallels between the physically blind man healed by Jesus and the spiritually blind Pharisees. It emphasizes that true sight is a journey of faith, gradually recognizing Jesus as God, and encourages the faithful to actively seek deeper understanding beyond mere attendance at Mass, embracing the light of Christ.

Why Worldly Comforts Can't Quench Your Thirst for God

Father Gabin

The homily uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and a personal anecdote about a thirsty priest to illustrate that material comforts and worldly pursuits cannot truly quench our spiritual thirst. Only a personal and deeper relationship with Jesus, the 'living water,' can satisfy our deepest longings and provide eternal life, urging this as a Lenten goal.

Why We Need Jesus as Savior, Not Just a Teacher

The homily emphasizes that during Lent, we are called to not only repent but also to believe in the Good News, which means believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It uses the parable of the wicked tenants and the story of a Chinese scholar's conversion to highlight that Jesus is the living Savior, not just a teacher, and that we need a Savior more than a master.

The Thirst for God: Why Jesus is the Only Living Water

The homily uses the analogy of sports drinks and physical thirst to explain Jesus's offer of 'living water' to the Samaritan woman. It emphasizes that Jesus is talking about a spiritual thirst for God, and by staying connected to Jesus, who is the 'vine,' we will never be spiritually thirsty again, especially during Lent.

La Sed del Alma: Cómo Jesús Sacia Nuestro Vacío Interior

Padre Eduardo Zemle

The homily emphasizes that just as the human body needs water, our spirit also needs 'living water' from Jesus to satisfy an inner emptiness that often manifests as anxiety, anger, or dissatisfaction. During Lent, we are encouraged to examine our lives, identify toxic thoughts and behaviors, and allow Jesus to fill us with his truth, warmth, and fullness, thereby alleviating our fears and bringing joy.