HOMILY – FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY 2021 On Being Stargazers, Not Temple Dwellers (Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12) **************************************************************** Do you remember when a spacecraft first landed a little rover on the surface of the planet Mars? The news of that historic event that year came the morning of the Epiphany. […]
Faith-Friendship in the Lord-Saints Basil and Gregory
HOMILY OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS JANUARY 02 Faith and Fellowship: Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen (1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98; Jn 1:19-28) ******************************************************* Can you think of a friendship that changed your life? The reading today from 1 John, and the memorial of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, invite […]
Faith-Redemption-Mary, Mother of God
HOMILY – MARY, MOTHER OF GOD – YEARS ABC Adopted and Redeemed Children of God (Num 6:22-27; Ps 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21) ************************************************ A radio announcer recently mentioned that more people than ever are purchasing fireworks from the dealers, as they seek for a safe way to celebrate New Year’s. There is a greater […]
Faith-Law-Grace-St Pope Sylvester I
HOMILY – OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS DAY 07 – DECEMBER 31st From Hard Laws to Warm Grace and Truth Optional Memorial of St. Pope Sylvester (1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96; Jn1:1-18) **************************************************** Suppose you were given hard stone tablets with rules written on them to hold for a while – how would you respond and how […]
Faith-Elders-Witness-Wisdom
HOMILY – OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS – DECEMBER 30th Following the Wisdom of the Elders (1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96; Lk 2:36-40) *********************************************** What role do elders play in your life? Years of Indigenous ministry has taught me to appreciate the role of elders. The readings today present us two elders, St. John and Anna, who […]
Faith-Jesus Christ-Thomas Becket
HOMILY CHRISTMAS OCTAVE DAY 05 – DECEMBER 29th Walking as Jesus Walked: Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96; Lk 2:22-35) ********************************************** The Word Among Us has an interesting commentary on today’s gospel that with some adaptation will make up this homily. It begins with the quote, “The parents of Jesus […]
Jesus Christ-Faith-Holy Innocents
HOMILY – FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS – Year II Jesus Christ: Light in the Darkness (1 Jn 1:2-2:2; Ps 124; Mt 2:13-18) ************************************************* St. John, whose feast we celebrated yesterday, begins the readings today with the proclamation that God is light and in him there is no darkness. Those who repent and receive the […]
Faith-Holy Family
HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY – YEAR B Prophetic Marriage and Family Life (Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3; Ps 105; Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40) ************************************************************** Noted sociologist Reginald Bibby, in his book The Boomer Factor, quotes respected American journalist Walter Kirn as saying, “There is still only one way to be sane – enjoy your family, friends, […]
Faith-Love-Suffering-St Stephen-Martyrdom
FEAST OF ST STEPHEN Living Calvary In Slow Motion (Acts 6:8-10; Ps 31; Mt 10:17-22) **************************************** A well-known theologian, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, once said: Grace is free, but not cheap. This statement resonates with a song the International singing group Up With People sang as part of their show: Freedom isn’t Free. These two phrases seem […]
Faith-Jesus Christ-Christmas
HOMILY CHRISTMAS DAY – YEAR B Christmas: Just a Celebration or a Life-changing Experience? (Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18) ********************************************************** Two young brothers, staying overnight at their grandparent’s house, were praying their night prayers. One was praying silently while the other was shouting out loud what he wanted for Christmas. The first […]
