Are You Like King Saul or King David?
What do you do when you feel inadequate? Saul first he ran away and hid, then he tried to make himself look good. God chose David to be the second king of Israel. David trusted God to help him. This is a great lesson for Bishops, priests, and parents.
We Knead to Rise Again
Pottery is thrown and then fired in a kiln. A loaf of bread gets kneaded and left to proof. Then it gets punched down and kneaded again. The bread must rise again so it can stand tall in the heat of the oven. Can you take the heat?
A Fourth Dimension
It is reasonable and logical to believe in a “spirit world” once you examine the evidence. but it takes faith to believe in the Resurrection. What is the Resurrection? Why do we pray for the dead? The answers affect your daily life more than you think.
The Saints Are Rooting For You
The saints surround us but we cannot see them. They are like the fans in the stadium seats as we fight on the field. They are like children waiting for their younger siblings to be born. There’s a very important reason why you should want to be a saint.
The Final Exam
Jesus will return in power and glory to "judge the living and the dead." We will all be judged by Jesus. Why, then, are we so worried about what other people think and so little worried about what Jesus thinks? Let’s help you prepare for the final exam.
A Heart Fit for the Kingdom
St. Paul was a Pharisee. Then he prayed, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." In the end his heart has been changed into the heart of a servant. Let’s talk about how each of us can have a heart more like St. Paul.
Stuck on "Airplane Mode"
Cell phones were made to be connected; they can't fulfill their purpose without a connection. You were made to be connected to a higher power. Original sin means that we were born in airplane mode. Let’s talk about fixing your connection.
Are You Treating Church Like a Wal-Mart?
We might think that Stewardship is optional, something for those extra-involved parishioners to do. If you are alive, then you are a steward. Don’t be a lazy steward. It’s time to start pitching in and helping with the family chores.
Faced with a Mulberry Plantation
When Jesus says seemingly crazy things, it’s a sign that he has a very different perspective. Let’s try and see things through Jesus’ perspective. Suddenly the challenges you face will look very different.
This Could Get You Out of Hell
Today's parable has a simple message: rich people are going to hell. There is always more to learn from Jesus, let’s dig into this parable to find the good news and most importantly, tips to avoid hell.
The Dishonest Steward
The master commends the dishonest steward for has change of heart. The Master will be taking the stewardship away from you because you are going to die. Meanwhile, he is sending you opportunities to be generous. Here’s how to recognize them.
Pray and Sacrifice for the Conversion of Sinners
Sometimes I get frustrated when God has mercy seven times on others, but then I turn around and receive God's mercy for the 77th time. It's not enough for us to go to heaven. We also should be praying and offering sacrifices for the salvation of others.
The Runaway Slave
Let’s talk about a runaway slave who isn’t truly free, and a prisoner who has found true freedom. In your search for freedom you have become a slave. St. Paul will show us that true freedom comes with serving Christ.
What Happens When We Embrace Poverty
When have you felt poor? I don't just mean a lack of money. As creatures, we are fundamentally poor. When we embrace our poverty, we also experience greatness. Let me tell you the story of the Innkeeper's Daughter.
When You Are Stuck in the Mud
Jeremiah is rewarded for his faithfulness to God by being thrown into the bottom of a muddy cistern. Have you ever felt like that? The author to the Hebrews tells us what to do when we are down there.
Things That Survive The Apocalypse
The things of this world are like so many bubbles — you grasp them and they pop. So let’s talk about what will survive the end of the world. Invest in these things and you’ll be able to face the Apocalypse with confidence.
A Barn full of Bubbles
We will all stand before the judgement seat of God, and God is not going to be impressed with the size of your bank account. What will God be impressed with? What does it mean to be rich in what matters to God?
What God Really Wants to Give (You Aren't Asking for It)
Jesus teaches us how to pray. First he gives us the right words to say. Then he talks about the right attitudes behind good prayer. Finally he tells us what we should really be asking for.
Learning to Live in the Presence of God
The soul of every person has a deep connection with God himself. We keep ourselves busy on purpose to avoid having to go to that deeper place. We have welcomed Jesus into our hearts but we don't sit at his feet and listen to him. Pause and listen.
Getting Down with the Good Samaritan
This parable beautifully captures the generosity Jesus expects from his disciples. It also tells us about Jesus' love for us. He rescues you from sin, washing you in his blood and healing you with the sacraments. Go and do likewise.
Leaping for Joy at the Gift of Life
Today we leap for joy that abortion is no longer a Constitutional right. We must continue to promote the Gospel of life in every part of society. Some of my practical suggestions may surprise you.
Chew on This Instead of Consuming One Another
The Galatians are chewing on each other like two teenage sisters who are always mean to each other. How can we avoid consuming others as they consume us? Jesus shows us the answer.
Holy Trinity, Holy Family
God created all life, but he didn’t do it alone. He made us capable of procreating along with him, but we can’t do it alone. This point to the reality that we were made to live lives of self-giving love. The Trinity is our Mission!
A Double Portion of Your Spirit
What will it take to finally change the world? Jesus hasn’t gone so very far away. And He has given us a most precious and powerful gift. Learn how to use that gift and you will be the change that you are longing for.
Peace--What It Is and Where to Find It
Despite the outside appearances of peacefulness, our hearts are far from peace. Fortunately for us, peace is closer than you think. Here are four words that will help you find peace: Presence. Power. Plan. Past.
Move With Purpose
The drill sergeants constantly yell at the recruits to, "Move with purpose!" So many people have no sense of purpose. We were made for a purpose; let me tell you what it is.
Award for the Most Important Vocation Goes To...
What a wonderful God we serve! I love being a priest and encourage young Catholic men to consider a vocation. But there is a vocation that is even more important than priesthood.
The Shadow That Heals
The healing work of Jesus continued with the Apostles and with us. Jesus works physical healings so that we will trust him with more important spiritual healings. We are the doubting Thomases who don't realize how powerful Jesus is.
Easter is the Light of Christ in You
We probably think we know what Easter is all about. But if we were asked to explain it to a friend or family member, what would we say? For many of us, “the faith” is something we belong to. But the Bible sees faith as a Someone.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
First, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Second, to defeat Satan, our ancient enemy. Third, Jesus is trying to win your love. Jesus dies a most miserable death in order to show us, "I love you this much."
The Banquet of Love
Jesus gathers his closet friends and gives them three precious gifts. As we gather at this banquet of love, consider what it cost to provide this meal. Are we prepared to love others as Christ has loved us? Are we willing to wash the feet of others?
When The Rooster Crows for You
Lent has taught us how attached we are to the pleasures and treasures of this world. We are not unlike the disciples. I will show you why Jesus succeeded where we have all failed. He will help your Lent to end well.
Are You Feeling Surrounded by Hostile Voices?
The woman caught in adultery is surrounded by accusers. Jesus doesn’t speak. One by one, the voices become silent. Are you feeling accused by your past failures? Let Jesus part the waters and lead you to freedom.
I Was Not Expecting That
The Father's love never ceases to surprise us; it's like rose vestments on Laetare Sunday. Our life is a journey back to the Father's house. Let us learn to love others in the surprising way that the Father loves us.
What You Can Do to Stop World War III
The message of Fatima reminds us that God is still in charge and that our prayers and sacrifices make a difference. So stop looking at other people and expecting them to repent. It's time for you to start bearing fruit.
Standing Firm on the Road to the Cross
Moses and Elijah help Jesus to stand firm in his Father's love. The apostles are given two gifts to help them stand firm. Are you standing firm in your Lenten sacrifices? Today’s homily will help you.
The Power to Turn Temptations into Triumphs
Temptations are like a test. Will we grasp and keep things, or will we receive and give? Temptations are all around us but Jesus’ power is closer than you think. Let me share with you where to find this power.
New Life from the Ashes
Why do we put ashes on our foreheads? Ashes are a sign of death. Ashes are also a source of new life. Accepting the ashes means that I am choosing voluntarily to die with Jesus so that I can also rise with him to new life.
What's Toxic is not Masculinity
The police have special powers and play by special rules. They must use these powers to protect and serve society and not to serve themselves. A real man is one who protects and provides for others, not just for himself.
Break the Cycle of Hurt
“Hurt people hurt people.” Those who inflict hurt on others have often themselves been hurt. Unless we forgive our enemies and do good to those who hurt us, we will get sucked into the cycle of hurt.
Let's Talk About Death
Much of the panic surrounding the coronavirus is rooted in a fear of death. The virus situation has forced us to face the reality of our own death. However, if our lives our rooted in God, we have nothing to fear.
Called, Purified, Sent
The call of God is not so much a call to go somewhere and do something, but more fundamentally a call to be with him. You are called, purified, and sent. Be with the Lord on your mission this week.
Come On In and Warm Up
Our world is growing cold and selfish. What can we do to stay warm? Jesus is infinite warmth and love. I will show you five ways to draw closer to the loving warmth of Jesus.
Your Invitation to the Wedding Feast
We say we believe in a loving God, but often time our images of God don’t match up with our actual beliefs. Jesus shows us God’s intentions and invites us to the banquet of heaven. How do you respond?
Baptized In The Holy Spirit
Jesus knows he is God’s Son but he still needs to hear the Father tell him, “Son, I love you, and I’m proud of you.” God sends his Holy Spirit so that we, too, can be well pleasing to our Father.
The Gift That Changes Us
Jesus came for all people — poor shepherds and wealthy foreign wise men. Though you may not have the treasures they did, you are a gift, and you too can lay your treasures at the feet of the little King. Let me show you how.
The Calling of Every Family
The family is born from the sacrifice that is the total gift of self to the other. This sacrifice creates a covenant which is capable of revealing the face of God to their children and to the world.
A Gift to You from God
How often we leave Jesus out of our family time, our daily lives, our Sunday plans, even our Christmas plans! The gift of Jesus is actually the answer to all your prayers. The only thing Jesus wants in return is YOU.
Three Keys to Prepare for Jesus
Peace only comes when we welcome the Christ Child. And Christ only comes to hearts that are humble, obedient, and oriented towards self-sacrificing love. Mary and Joseph will help you prepare your heart for Jesus.
Escape the Collapsing Mine
This world is destabilized and collapsing from sin. God started a rescue operation. First he sent prophets, then his Son. We gather here in the refuge to breath the air of heaven and eat our weekly rations. Our savior is here with us. Rejoice!
Let Me Explain Original Sin Real Quick Once
Let me explain what original sin is. Then you’ll understand how it affects your life and the great gift that Mary was given from the moment of her conception.
The Grinch Is Stealing Your Christmas
The enemy has turned a beautiful season of peace and joy into a season of worry and stress. The enemy loves to ruin the beautiful things that God has created. Turn from your hurts, fears, and selfish pleasures to new life in Christ.
Advent Lessons from a Deer Hunter
Creation is the first sacrament, but we have forgotten how to read the signs. We need to pick the right place and the right time to pray. Secondly, we need to be reading the signs of God’s love for us. Listen and I will teach you how.