Homilies about priesthood

Fr. Chris Alar: The Book of Job - Suffering, Priesthood, and Divine Mercy

Fr. Chris Alar

This is not a Mass homily, but a detailed theological talk by Fr. Chris Alar on the Book of Job. He explores the meaning of suffering, God's wisdom, and the book's foreshadowing of Christ's role as priest, mediator, and ultimate conqueror of evil. The talk emphasizes that suffering is not always punishment, God's ways are beyond human understanding, and faith can coexist with lament, ultimately leading to deeper communion with God through divine mercy.

Why Catholics Call Priests 'Father' (Despite Jesus' Words)

The homily addresses the apparent contradiction in the Gospel reading where Jesus tells his disciples not to call anyone 'father' or 'master,' while priests are called 'Father.' The priest explains that these titles and vestments are not for personal exaltation but serve as reminders of their vows and their role as conduits for Christ's grace, humbling them and pointing to God's authority.

Why We Must Humble Ourselves to Hear God's Voice

The homily emphasizes the importance of humility in opening our hearts to God's word and correction, especially when it's difficult to hear. It also discusses the priest's decision to celebrate Mass 'ad orientem' (facing the Lord) on Thursdays, explaining it as a legitimate liturgical practice that highlights the priest's role as an intercessor and fosters a unified focus on God.

Father Aquinas Nichols: A Priest Forever, Faithful to the Eucharist and the Church

This homily for Father Aquinas Nichols emphasizes his identity as a priest, shaped by Benedictine monasticism and fidelity to the Second Vatican Council, tradition, and the sacramental nature of the Church. It highlights his dedication to the Eucharist and the Church as essential for navigating a turbulent world and finding eternal life, even as his final months diverged from his retirement plans.

59 Years of Priesthood: The Two Ordinations of a Priest

The homily begins with a personal reflection on the priest's 59th anniversary of ordination, emphasizing the privilege of celebrating over 20,000 Masses. He highlights a tradition that a priest is ordained twice: once by the bishop and again when the congregation accepts him as their leader in sacrifice and prayer, underscoring the communal aspect of his ministry.

When You Are the One Who Needs Forgiveness 77 Times

The homily challenges the common interpretation of Jesus' command to forgive 77 times, shifting the focus from the victim to the perpetrator. The priest confesses his own struggles with a 'hard heart' and 'compassion fatigue' in ministry, emphasizing the need for personal forgiveness and acknowledging one's own repeated failings.

The Eucharist: The Infallible Way to Preserve Your Vocation

Father Corey Bruns

The homily emphasizes the inseparable link between the Holy Eucharist and vocations to the priesthood and religious life, extending this connection to all vocations, including marriage. Drawing from the Last Supper, the speaker highlights Christ's desire to prolong his presence and love through the Eucharist and those called to serve. The core message is that true self-discovery and faithfulness in any vocation come through self-gift and constant reliance on Christ's presence in the Eucharist.

The Spirit's Movement: Why So Many Are Coming Home to the Catholic Church

The homily for Chrism Mass emphasizes the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church, particularly in the increasing number of people entering full communion with the Catholic faith. It highlights the reasons for this growth, such as the Church's origins, unified teaching, the Eucharist, and tangible sacred elements. The homily also celebrates the priesthood, reminding priests of their anointing and mission to continue Christ's work of bringing good news, freedom, and sight to the world, and encourages the faithful to pray for their priests.