HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 03 – Year II A Critical Decision (Dan 3:13-95; Dan 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42) *************************************** Perhaps you have heard this tongue in cheek saying, “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” A disciple is a life-long learner, a “mathetes,” someone who seeks the truth, and strives […]

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, […]

HOMILY LENT WEEKDAY 05 01 – Year II Jesus Reveals a Non-Violent God: Optional Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Dan 13:1-64; Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11) ************************************** What is the key difference between the first reading and the Gospel? Jesus reveals to us a God who is above all non-violent, inviting us to live out […]

HOMILY LENT SUNDAY 05 – B The Hour Has Come (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ps 51; Hebrew 5:7-9; John 12:20-23) ***************************************************** What is your finest hour; your best moment, the highlight of your life? The way to glory is through the acceptance of our “hour” like Jesus – a trusting relationship with Jesus that leads to the […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 06 – Year II Speaking the Word with Authority (Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7; Jn 7:40-53) ****************************************** “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” (John 7:46) That exclamation by the temple police in todays’ gospel stands as a clear invitation for us to listen to the Word of God, revere it […]

HOMILY WEEK 04 05 – Year 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. That quote […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 04 – Year II Faith in Jesus and his Gift of Life (Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106; Jn 5:18, 31-47) ******************************************* How strong is your faith? Is the Word of God dwelling in you? Are you enjoying eternal life, here and now? The invitation that comes to us from the readings today […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 03 – Year II Faith, Identity and Eternal Life Now (Is 49:8-15; Ps 145; Jn 5:16-30) ************************************** Moses and Jesus were golfing one day. It turns out that Jesus is a great fan of Tiger Woods. Every time he made a good shot, Jesus would exclaim “Wow – just like Tiger […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 02 – Year II Plunge into the Healing Waters of God’s Grace (Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46; Jn 5:1-6) *********************************************** Six times a week, I am in a swimming pool for a half-hour aquacize session. That practice not only provides health benefits for me, but also deepens my appreciation for the […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 01 – Year II New Creation through Faith and Love (Isaiah 65:17-21; Ps 30; Jn 4:43-54) ******************************************** How strong is your faith? How deep is your love? Important questions, these, because today’s liturgy invites us to be part of God’s new creation through faith in Jesus, and love for one another […]