The Pharisee and the PublicanGospel: Lk 18:9-14Homily given to JPII Seminarians“Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despisedeveryone else.”Those who were convinced of their own righteousness.If we ever find ourselves in this condition, something went terribly wrong.St. John Henry Newman remarked that it is the unique inheritance of … Continue reading Fr. Chris on The Pharisee and the Publican
homily
Deacon Bob’s Homily on the Cloud of Witnesses
Today, I’m going to reflect on the 2nd Reading (Hebrews 12: 1-4*) where the author is using an example from athletics to exhort his readers to keep running the race. It’s a theme that Paul uses as well. E.g., in 1 Cor 9 he says that athletes deny themselves all sorts of things in order … Continue reading Deacon Bob’s Homily on the Cloud of Witnesses
Deacon Bob’s Homily on The Prodigal Son
"From beginning to end, the life of Jesus is His Father. It is impossible to separate Jesus from His Father. His whole life, His identity, His mission, all He does comes from His Father. And He wants that same intimate relationship for us. "
Trust and Confidence
Homily by Deacon Bob The small group that I’m part of talked about these readings last week and there’s a couple of things that need explanation. In the gospel (Mk 12:38-44), Jesus speaks of scribes who devour the houses of widows and as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. Scribes were experts and teachers of the … Continue reading Trust and Confidence
Facing Storms by Deacon Bob
Over the years I’ve taken several theology classes and on occasion I’ve read a scripture scholar who will say that the belief that Jesus is God is a later development. It’s in John’s gospel because that’s a later gospel, but it’s not in the earlier gospels, the synoptic gospels. In those gospels, Jesus is just … Continue reading Facing Storms by Deacon Bob
A Homily on Jurassic Park by Fr. Chris
Yes, you heard that correctly, the dinosaur movie. This is a homily that Fr. Chris gave to his Seminarians, but it can be pertinent to all. Gospel: Jn 10:11-18 Location: St. John Paul II Seminary You may remember the great, uh, spiritual classic, "Jurassic Park." John Hammond has discovered a way to bring dinosaurs … Continue reading A Homily on Jurassic Park by Fr. Chris
God Keeps His Promise (Deacon Bob’s Homily from the 4th Sunday of Advent)
In today’s gospel (Luke 1:26-38), we see the fulfillment of the promise made to David that we read about in the first reading. I’d like to reflect a little bit on the promises of God. I think it’s safe to say that all of us to some extent govern our lives according to God’s promises. … Continue reading God Keeps His Promise (Deacon Bob’s Homily from the 4th Sunday of Advent)
Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25)
A Homily by Deacon Bob... This is one of those gospel passages that has really good news, and really bad news. I’m going to end with the really good news. First, I want to talk about the guy who buried his talent. Notice that this guy ends up in hell not because he broke one … Continue reading Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25)
The 2 Greatest Commandments
I'm late in posting. Sorry! It is worth the read! Deacon Bob's Homily 30th Sunday, Cycle A (October 29th). In the gospel today (Matt. 22: 34-40), we have a scholar of the law test Jesus. Jesus has been doing a lot of teaching, he gave the sermon on the mount where he said– you have … Continue reading The 2 Greatest Commandments
God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways
Deacon Bob's Homily for September 24th, 2023 This (parable of the generous landowner) is one of those parables that shows us that God’s ways are not our ways. It does seem that the landowner (God) is unfair. The first group started working at 6:00 in the morning. The last group started working at 5:00 in … Continue reading God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways
Pain of Grace 