25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Psalm 54:3-,4 5, 6-8 (6b) James 3:16-4:3 Mark 9:30-37 September 23, 2018 Once again Jesus tells his disciples about his coming Passion.  The first time Peter rebuked Jesus for what He said.  This time we are told that “they did not understand the saying, and …

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“The Church’s Birth and Foundation” – Holy Hour Homily

Homily for September 2018 Holy Hour Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 John 19:28-37 The first reading tonight tells the story of Pentecost.  It can be a spectacular scene to image.  I think the Hollywood special effects crews could have fun with the noise of the “strong driving wind” …

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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Isaiah 50:5-9a Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (9) James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35 September 16, 2018 Jesus had been doing miracles, curing people and driving out demons.  He had also been preaching.  Certainly, the miracles attracted crowds but what do the people think of Jesus beyond looking for miracles? …

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10a James 2:1-5 Mark 7:31-37 September 9, 2018 Many times we hear of “crowds” that come to Jesus.  The Jews had been waiting for a 1,000 years for a messiah who was the heir of David.  So, some of the Jews were coming …

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5 (1a) James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 September 2, 2018 Beginning today and for the next few weeks our second reading comes from the Letter of James.  Often scripture talks in terms of faith, faith that is a gift …

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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Proverbs 9:1-6 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (9a) Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58 August 19, 2018 Last week we heard about how the Jews murmured about Jesus saying, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”  They thought it was impossible for him to have come down from Heaven …

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Why Is It Hard to Forgive?

As Christians we are called to be people of forgiveness.  Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer we say, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  We acknowledge our need to be forgiven and we pledge to offer the same to others. Yet we find forgiving others (and ourselves) can …

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Knowing God’s Presence in Our Lives

Today’s first reading (8/13/18 – Monday of 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2) from Ezekiel provides what can be both a powerful and confusing image.  It can be confusing to us because it relies on imagery unfamiliar to us but known to the Israelites as images of God.  It can be a powerful image …

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B 1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (9a) Ephesians 4:30-5:2 John 6:41-51 August 12, 2018 Elijah was fleeing from King Ahaz and others after defeating the 450 prophets of the false god Baal.  They were seeking to kill him.  In fear and despair Elijah “prayed for death, …

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The Lord’s Prayer – Homily for Holy Hour August 2018

Homily for August 2018 Holy Hour Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 Romans 8:26-27 Matthew 6:7-15 We started our monthly holy hour last September as part of our diocesan Year of the Eucharist.  So, it was only logically that the themes of the readings we used helped us reflect on the Eucharist.  After …

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