Stories of Unconditional Love: Memorial – St. Francis de Sales (2 Sam 7:1-17; Ps 89; Mk 4:1-20) ********************************************************** Today’s liturgy offers us three stories of unconditional love to ponder: a covenant relationship, the prodigality of God’s Word, and the ministry of St. Frances de Sales. Like St. Frances, we are invited to be open to […]
HOMILY WEEK 03 02 – Yr II
Doing God’s Will – Key to Joy (2 Sam 6:12-19; Ps 24; Mk 3:31-35) ************************************ “Why do you Catholics worship Mary when Jesus pushed her away the time she came to see him with his family?” The readings today provide an answer to this query, and remind us that doing God’s will is the key […]
HOMILY WEEK 03 01 – Yr II
Letting Jesus Be Our King (2 Sam 5:1-10; Ps 89; Mk 3:22-30) ************************************ “All the elders of Israel came to David at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them.” The readings today, by their stark contrast, invite us to be like the elders of Israel in the time of David who made him […]
HOMILY SUNDAY 03 – Yr B
Living in the Kingdom of God (Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 25; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20) ********************************************************** “The time fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” With those words, Jesus is inviting us to experience his kingdom here and now through faith and repentance. The kingdom […]
HOMIOY WEEK 02 06 – Yr II
Living in Balance – Memorial: St. Fabian (2 Sam 1:1-27; Ps 80; Mk 3:20-21) *************************************** “Among yourselves, charity, charity, charity, and for others, zeal for souls.” Those are the words of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to the members of his congregation as he lay dying. They touch on […]
HOMILY WEEK 02 05 – Yr II
Sent to Proclaim Mercy and Heal (1 Sam 24:2-21; Ps 57; Mk 3:13-19) ***************************************** Do you see yourself as an apostle? The readings today call us to an apostolic mission of proclaiming the Good News of God’s mercy, and to a healing ministry. The gospel is all about the call of the apostles. That Jesus […]
HOMILY WEEK 02 04 – Yr II
Friendship in the Lord (1 Sam 18:6 – 19:7; Ps 56; Mk 3:7-12) ************************************** “True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare; False friends are like Autumn leaves, found everywhere.” That saying, seen on a poster at a treatment centre, touches on the first reading today that calls us to true friendship in the Lord. […]
HOMILY WEEK 02 03 – Yr II
Balancing Mercy and Faith, Law and Love: Memorial, St Anthony, Abbot (1 Sm 1732-51; Ps 144; Mk 3:1-6) ************************************************* Why was Goliath so surprised when David struck him with a stone from his sling? Such a thing had never entered his head before! The readings today, on this memorial of the abbot St. Anthony, provide […]
HOMILY SUNDAY 02 – B
Encountering Jesus (1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20; John 1:35-42) ****************************************************************** A pastor was getting ready to go on vacation. He had a few parting words for the congregation: “Every pastor should take a month of vacation every year. If the pastor is really good at his work, then that pastor […]
HOMILY WEEK 01 05 – Yr II, Memorial, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
New Life through Faith, Forgiveness and Healing Memorial: St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1 Sm 8:4-22; Ps 89; Mk 2:1-12) ******************************************************* There is a saying, “People get the government they deserve.” That saying applies to the readings and memorial liturgy today. We are invited to place our faith in Jesus, the true king of Israel, listen to […]
