Homilies about presence

La Misión de Estar Presente: Un Encuentro que Cambió mi Vida

Padre Tan

The homily emphasizes that the mission of evangelization is not about grand gestures but about presence, listening, and accompaniment, as demonstrated by the priest's personal experience with an elderly woman in Argentina. It highlights the importance of supporting seminarians to ensure future missionaries can continue bringing Christ's presence, the Eucharist, and sacraments to forgotten communities, echoing the call to not remain tranquil while many do not know Christ.

Sr. Terry Rickard: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent in the Storm

Sr. Terry Rickard

Sister Terry Rickard shares a personal story of being caught in a violent storm while sailing, drawing parallels to the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm. She emphasizes that even when God seems silent in our 'Mayday moments' of life's storms, He is always present, offering hope as an anchor for the soul. The homily encourages choosing life, love, and hope, and relying on community as Christ's hands and feet.

Why Humility, Not Perfection, Brings You Closer to God

The homily contrasts the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer with the tax collector's humble plea for mercy, emphasizing that God desires humility and sincere presence over outward perfection. The priest shares a personal anecdote about being overwhelmed by the real presence of the Lord in the tabernacle, connecting it to the tax collector's humility and encouraging reliance on God's unconditional mercy, especially through confession.

How God Dwells Within Us: From Tent to Eucharist

The homily emphasizes God's closeness to His people, contrasting it with the distant gods of other nations. It highlights how God, who once dwelt in a tent with Israel, now gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, living within our hearts. The core message is to become more aware of this profound gift of God's indwelling presence and to be a sign of this closeness to the world.

Are You Spiritually Complacent? How God Awakens Our Faith

The homily reflects on Jesus' challenge to the people of Nazareth for their lack of faith, drawing parallels to the stories of Elijah and Elisha. It encourages listeners, especially those familiar with the Catholic faith, to recognize moments of "holy drama" that awaken them from spiritual complacency and invite a deeper awareness of God's presence and love in the ordinary.

How to Enter Under Jesus' Roof This Lent

The homily connects the Gospel reading of the royal official's son being healed to the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist during the ongoing 40 Hours devotion. It emphasizes that just as the official sought Jesus, we too can enter 'under his roof' in the church, which becomes a tabernacle when the Eucharist is exposed, allowing Jesus to more fully enter our lives and hearts.

God's Unfailing Love: Finding His Presence in Pain

The homily emphasizes God's unfailing love and constant presence, even when we struggle to perceive it amidst life's challenges. Drawing from Isaiah and John, the priest reminds us that God never forsakes us, comparing His faithfulness to a mother's love, and encourages us to have faith in His divine presence despite our pain and confusion.