HOMILY MONDAY of HOLY WEEK Mary of Bethany – Model 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 […]

HOMILY PALM SUNDAY YEAR B Making Sense of our Suffering (Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47) ********************************************************** “We transmit the pain we don’t transform,” and, “Hurt people, hurt people.” These succinct quotes from Richard Rohr, noted spiritual writer and speaker, touch on the meaning of the Paschal Mystery for our lives. Faith in […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 06 – Year II The Messiah and Covenant Love: Optional Memorial of St.Turibius of Mogrovejo (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.” That promise from God, proclaimed by the prophet Ezekiel in the first […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 05 – Year II Faith and Prayer – Lifelines in Times of Distress (Jer 20:7, 10-13; Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42) *************************************** “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he heard me.” The readings today are quite appropriate for this time of post-pandemic global distress and the ravages of wars, […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 04 – Year II Keeping the Covenant and Living the Word: (Gen 17:3-9; Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59) ****************************************** In Indigenous cultures, there is always someone in each community or territory who is the keeper of the traditions and ceremonies. Today, the Word of God invites us to be keepers of the […]

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 […]