Homilies

Homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 14, 2026

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.  We should not have any trouble believing that Jesus is crying inside; that his heart is wrenched at the sight of the dire condition in which our country finds itself.  What troubles him the most?  That the name of his Father cannot be mentioned in public schools?    That while in the womb some babies are desired, loved and welcome in

Homilies

Homily for the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 7, 2026

Is it true that “we are what we eat?”  It depends on what one means by it, I guess; but it is true for those who heed Jesus’ challenging words: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks by blood remains in me and I in him. Jn 6:56  Italians have a distinctive way of interpreting many aspects of life through the symbolism of eating. It extends to personal relationships and anything else that would enrich one’s life.  In finding an adorable, simpatico baby or to

Homilies

Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 31st, 2026

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”  This most powerful statement made by Jesus about the extent of our Father’s love is reproposed to us because, while we, Catholics, get used to the crucifix in church, at home, around our neck, in many places, especially those who are weary and deeply concerned about the world’s situation, need this reassurance.    Today is Trinity Sund

Homilies

Homily for Pentecost Sunday, May 24th, 2026

A simple, inescapable statement gleaned from today's gospel passage (John 20: 19-23): every single aspect of our life, at all levels, from the biological to the supernatural, is brought into existence and to action by the Holy Spirit.  The fact that we are alive is the work of the Holy Spirit.  The fact that we decided to come to this church today for this Holy Mass is the work of the Holy Spirit.  My time and thought applied to the preparation of this homily and your willingness to open your minds and&nb

Homilies

Homily for the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, May 17th, 2026

It might be difficult to soar above what seems a rather prosaic description of the Ascension of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 1:9) so as to benefit spiritually as much as possible from this solemnity and not forget what is the hope that belongs to God’s call and lest we forget also what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones. (Ephesians 1:18)  Since this phrase found in today’s 2nd reading is convoluted, I shall try to put it in plain English.  While we are on t

Homilies

Homily for 6th Sunday of Easter, May 10th, 2026

This passage from the gospel of John (14: 15-21) speaks so intensely of intimacy that it stirs in us sentiments of warm, sacred reverence.  They are words spoken in a most uncommon setting by Jesus only hours before giving his life on the cross.  Thus, they are etched forever in the memories and hearts of his friends who hear them for the first time and, then, feel compelled to hand&

Homilies

Homily for 5th Sunday of Easter, May 3rd, 2026

Here are some questions that arise from the passage of John’s gospel I just read to you. (John 14:1-12)  How can Jesus be sent to do the will of the Father and be one with the Father at the same time? How can Jesus be in the Father and the Father be in him, yet Jesus be about to go back to the Father?   And here is perhaps the most intriguing question: how is it possible that if we, mere mortals, believe in Jesus, we would be capable of doing wor

Homilies

Homily for 4th Sunday of Easter, April 26th, 2026

Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.  (John 10:6)  In today’s gospel passage (John 10:1-10) we find this warning about guarding against the self-righteousness of the Pharisees seeping into our hearts.  To really benefit spiritually and emotionally from the allegory of the sheepfold, gatekeeper, sheep and shepherd (John 10:1-10), we must start from an attitude of deep humility and&n

Homilies

Homily for 3rd Sunday of Easter, April 19th, 2026

At times, when we find it hard to persevere on the right path, or whenever we notice weakness in our faith, we might say to ourselves: “If only I had lived at the time of Jesus’ physical presence, I would have been one of his best friends and a most faithful disciple!”  Today’s gospel passage (Luke 24:13-35) might eliminate such nonsense from our bag of justifications.   Far from it: perhaps, in fright, we would have fled or we would have been among

Homilies

Homily for 2nd Sunday of Easter, April 12th, 2026

Holy Mother Church has given us this page of John’s gospel (John 20: 19-31) so that we may be among the blessed ones.  She wants us to be among those who, although they have not seen, have believed, nonetheless.  She wants us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief we may have Life (with the capital L) in his name.  Let us not forget that we are assembled in this church because we are looking for Life in the Lord, and not simply fo