Mary and Helen – Models of Genuine Caring (Isaiah 42:1-7; Ps 27; Jn 12:1-11) ************************************************ Many years ago, well-known spiritual writer Henri Nouwen wrote a book entitled Out of Solitude. It contains three sermons he gave to health-care professionals outlining what it means to really care. One of the points he makes is that offering […]
Category: Homilies
HOMILY PALM SUNDAY YEAR B
From Kenosis to Kyrios (Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47) **************************************************** As is the case on Good Friday, the readings provide us with such a rich content that it borders on being overwhelming, so a comment on each reading, under the umbrella of From Kenosis to Kyrios, will more than suffice. The first […]
HOMILY WEEK 05 06 – Yr II
The Messiah and Covenant Love (Ezk 37:21-28; Jer 31; Jn 11:45-57) ************************************** “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them,” Ezekiel says in the first reading. Two key elements emerge in the readings: covenant and the role of the messiah. God has always wanted an intimate […]
HOMILY WEEK 05 04 – Yr II
Keeping the Covenant and Living the Word (Gen 17:3-9; Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59) ******************************************* In Indigenous spirituality, there is always someone in each community or territory who is the keeper of the tradition, medicine bundle or sacred pipe. Today, the Word of God invites us to be keepers of the Covenant and live the Word […]
HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 – 03 – Yr II
A Critical Decision (Dan 3:13-95; Dan 3:52; Jn 8:31-42) *************************************** The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable. The readings today put forward two conflicting paths: to follow Jesus, who is the truth, or to chose to be like the Pharisees, and fall into untruth. In the gospel, Jesus again […]
HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 02 – Yr II
Living Out the Cross (Num 21:4-9; Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30) ********************************* Did you notice a similarity between the first reading and the Gospel? Both Jesus and Moses struggle with their audience – Moses with the Israelites and Jesus with the religious leaders of his day. Both readings invite us into a deeper faith in Jesus […]
HOMILY SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH
(2 Sam 7:4-16; Ps 89; Rm 4:13-22; Mt 1:16-24/Lk 2:41-51)) ********************************************************** We are all familiar with Mariology. How familiar are we with Josephology? Today’s solemnity of St. Joseph is an occasion to explore some of that Josephology, with its message for men especially, to be humble, obedient, faithful, caring and self-giving, but also for all […]
HOMILY LENT SUNDAY 05 – B
Covenant Love Written on Our Hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ps 51; Hebrew 5:7-9; John 12:20-23) ****************************************************** A couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. When someone asked the husband about the secret to their successful marriage, he replied when they got married, they agreed that he would make all the major decisions, his wife would make […]
HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 05 – Yr II
The Threat of the Other (Wis 2:1-11; Ps 34; Jn 7:1-30) ********************************** “Something there is that does not love a wall; that sends the groundswell under it.” The readings today invite us to resist evil, believe in Jesus, and get to know him better through prayer. Those words from a poem by Robert Frost could, […]
HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 04 – Yr II
Faith in Jesus and his Gift of Life (Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106; Jn 5:18, 31-47) *************************************** How strong is our faith? Is the Word of God dwelling in us? Are we enjoying eternal life, here and now? The invitation that comes to us from the readings today is to believe in Jesus, abide in his […]
