Synopsis of Easter V [B] Homily on Jn 15:1-8 Introduction: Today’s Scripture selections emphasize the need for Christians to abide in Christ as a condition for producing fruits of kindness, mercy, charity and holiness. Scripture lessons summarized: The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, testifies to the abundance of spiritual fruits yielded by the apostles… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF EASTER IV SUNDAY HOMILY Introduction: On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, called Good Shepherd Sunday, we continue to reflect on the meaning of the Resurrection. This is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Today, we celebrate the risen Lord as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep…. Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS: EASTER III [B] SUNDAY HOMILY (Lk 24:35-48) L/18 Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the challenge to adjust our lives to the living presence of the risen Lord as we grow daily more aware of God’s presence within us and all around us as the Holy Spirit. This awareness should strengthen our hope… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF EASTER- II (SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY) HOMILY Introduction: The readings for this Sunday are about God’s mercy, the necessity for trusting Faith and our need for the forgiveness of our sins. The opening prayer addresses the Father as “God of everlasting Mercy.” In the Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118), we repeat several times, “His mercy… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Easter Sunday Homily on John 20: 1-9 (L-18) Introduction: Significance of Easter: Easter is the greatest and the most important feast in the Church for three reasons: 1) The Resurrection of Christ is the basis of our Christian Faith. It is the greatest of the miracles, for it proves that Jesus is God. That is… Continue reading »
Good Friday : Seven Words from the Cross (L/18) Biblical anecdote: Hagar at Beer-Sheba versus Mary at Calvary: “Let me not watch to see the child die,” (Genesis 21:16) lamented Hagar, after putting her child Ishmael, son of Abraham, down under a shrub, and then going and sitting down opposite him, about a bowshot away…. Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER HOMILY Introduction: On Holy Thursday we celebrate three anniversaries: 1) the anniversary of the first Holy Mass, 2) the anniversary of the institution of ministerial priesthood in order to perpetuate the Holy Mass, convey God’s forgiveness to repentant sinners and preach the Good News of Salvation, and 3) the anniversary of Jesus’… Continue reading »
“Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion” Mk 11:1-10; Mk 14:1–15:47 Introduction: The Church celebrates today as both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. Today’s liturgy combines contrasting moments of glory and suffering – the royal welcome given to Jesus by his followers and the unjust drama of his trial culminating in his crucifixion. Holy Week challenges us to remember and relive… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF LENT V (B) HOMILY JOHN 12:20-33 Introduction: Today’s readings focus on the approaching death of Jesus which Paul considers a priestly sacrifice and John considers the moment of Jesus’ “exaltation” and “glorification.” The readings offer us a challenge. Just as Jesus became the “Promised Messiah of Glory” and the “Conquering Son of Man” by offering his life… Continue reading »
Introduction: The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Lætare (Rejoice) Sunday, from the first words of today’s liturgy. As on Gaudete Sunday in Advent, rose-colored vestments may replace violet and flowers may grace the altar, symbolizing the Church’s joy in anticipation of the Resurrection of Our Lord. The central theme of today’s readings is that our salvation is the free gift of… Continue reading »