HOMILY WEEK 20 05 – Year II Optional Memorial of St. John Eudes (Ezk 37:1-14; Ps 107; Mt 22:34-40) ********************************** The reflection from The Word Among Us for today begins with the sentence, “Breathe into these slain that they may come to life.” It continues to ask if one has heard of free-diving? A swimmer […]

HOMILY WEEK 20 04 – Year II Wearing the Wedding Garment:  (Ezk 36:23-28; Ps 51; Mt 22:1-14) ************************************************************* Have you ever felt out of place because you were not dressed right for a particular occasion? Today’s readings invite us to put on the garments of profound repentance, deep faith and genuine love. In the gospel, […]

HOMILY WEEK 20 03 – Year II On Being Good Shepherds in the Kingdom of God (Ezk 34:1-11; Ps 23; Mt 20:1-16) ************************************************ Did you know that by our baptism, we are shepherd-kings, called to help shepherd God’s people? The readings today challenge us to deeper caring and greater openness to the mystery of how […]

HOMILY WEEK 20 02 – Year II Humble Honesty – Key to the Kingdom: Optional Memorial of St. Stephen of Hungary (Ezk 28:1-10; Dt 32; Mt 19:23-30) ******************************************* Danny’s wife called me at two am, asking desperately if he could come to see me. Apparently depressed despite being on anti-depressants, unable to sleep despite taking […]

HOMILY FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION Mary, Model of Virtues (Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a;10; Ps 45;1 Cor 15:20-26; Lk 1:39-56) ******************************************************* Today we celebrate the solemnity of the assumption of Mary into heaven – a good occasion to reflect on the role of Mary in our lives. If, as papal preacher Fr. Cantalemessa claims, imitation of Mary […]

HOMILY SUNDAY 20-C Treaty Making and Covenant Living (Jeremiah 38:1-2, 4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53) **************************************************************** On the anniversary of Treaty # 10, there was a large gathering in Brochet, Manitoba, to celebrate the occasion. That occasion raises the questions, “What is the greatest treaty of all?” Our celebration today encourages us […]

HOMILY WEEK 19 06 – Year II Repentant Childlikeness: Optional Memorial of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus (Ezk 18:1-10,13,30-32; Ps 51; Mt 19:13-15) ********************************************** A comment I once made to a sister who works in a day-care centre about the innocent and trusting nature of children brought an instant negative reaction – she insisted children are […]

HOMILY WEEK 19 05 – Year II Chosen to Live an Iconic Ideal: Optional Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Ezk 16:1-15,60,63; Is 12; Mt 19:3-12) ********************************************** A wanderer visiting Bro. Anthony noticed a beautiful manuscript in his cell. He stole it and took it to a book vendor to sell it. The vendor […]

HOMILY WEEK 19 04 – Year II The Power of Forgiveness and The Power to Forgive:  Memorial of Saint Clare (Ezk 12:1-16;Ps 78; Mt 18:21-19:1) *************************************************** Robert went to a hospital to visit a young girl he had accidently struck with his car, and when he saw her in traction, blurted out, “Can you ever […]

HOMILY WEEK 19 03 – Year II Following and Serving Jesus: Feast of St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112; Jn 12:24-26) ********************************************** Have you noticed that Jesus asked us to follow him much more often than to simply worship him? Today’s gospel is an example, inviting us to serve Jesus by […]