Synopsis of Easter VI [C] (May 1) Homily on John 14: 23-29 (L/16) Introduction: Today’s readings show us the effects of the abiding presence of God in His Church and of His indwelling in each one of us. The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, tells us how the Holy Spirit indwelling… Continue reading »
Synopsis Easter V (April 24) Homily on John 13:31-33a, 34-35 L/16 Introduction: Today’s readings are about renewal and new things: The New Jerusalem, a new Heaven and a new earth, and a new commandment. The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, describes how the small Christian communities helped the work of renewal… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Easter IV Sunday (April 17) Homily on John 10: 27-30 (L/16) Introduction: The fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday, and it is the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.” The Scripture lessons for this day concern the role of the shepherds of God’s flock in the Church. Each year on… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Easter III Sunday homily John 21: 1-19 (L/16) Introduction: Today’s Gospel narrative shows us the rehabilitation of Peter, who denied Jesus three times in the courtyard of Caiaphas, repented and then received from Jesus the Primacy in the Church. The Gospel also shows us God in search of man, even when man tries to evade… Continue reading »
EASTER II DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY HOMILY Introduction: The readings for this Sunday are about God’s mercy, the necessity for trusting faith and the need for the forgiveness of sins. The opening prayer addresses the Father as “God of everlasting Mercy.” In the Responsorial Psalm we repeat several times, “His mercy endures forever!” (Ps 118). God revealed… Continue reading »
Holy Thursday evening Mass 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, to convey God’s forgiveness to repentant sinners and to preach the Good News of salvation, 3) the anniversary of… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Lent IV C (March 6) on 17-21; Lk15:1-3,11-32 (L/16) Introduction: Traditionally, the Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday (Rejoice Sunday). Anticipating Easter joy, today’s readings invite us to rejoice by being reconciled with God through repentance and the confession of our sins and by celebrating our coming home to be with our… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Lent III Sunday (Feb 28) Homily on Luke 13: 1-9 (L/16) Introduction: All three of today’s readings speak of God’s mercy and compassion in disciplining His children by occasional punishment and giving them a second chance in spite of their repeated sins. Although God’s love for us is constant and consistent, He will not save us without… Continue reading »
Synopsis: Lent II [C] Sunday (Feb 21) Homily on Luke 9:28b-36 (L/16) Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is metamorphosis or transformation. The readings invite us to work with the Holy Spirit to transform our lives by renewing them during Lent so that they may radiate the glory and grace of the transfigured Lord… Continue reading »