Synopsis: Nativity of St. John the Baptist [A, B, C] Introduction: Birth of John the Baptist is a Sabbath Year Feast, that is, a feast that we celebrate on a Sunday only once every seven years. It is an important feast in the sense that his is one only three whose birthdays we commemorate. The… Continue reading »
Synopsis of O.T. 34 Christ the King Sunday Homily Introduction: It was Pope Pius XI who brought the Feast of Christ the King into the liturgy in 1925 to bring Christ, his rule and Christian values back into lives of Christians, into society and into politics. The Feast was also a reminder to the totalitarian governments… Continue reading »
Synopsis of OT XXXIII [A] Homily on Matthew 25: 14-30) Introduction: This penultimate Sunday of the liturgical year reminds us not only of the end of the liturgical year but also of the end of all things and of the preparations we need to make to reach Heaven. The main theme of the three readings is an invitation… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXXII Sunday on Matthew 25:1-13 Introduction: This Sunday’s readings bring the usual warnings about preparation for the end of our own world, the end of our own time and our passage to another world. They tell us that a searching, watching and evolving heart is essential for a lively, dynamic Faith in God. They… Continue reading »
Synopsis: O T XXXI Sunday Homily on Matthew 23:1-12 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed and loving service to others in the community without expecting honor or rewards. Today’s Gospel is a warning against hypocrisy and status-seeking, given to the early Church… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXX (A) Sunday Homily Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is the greatest commandment in the Bible, namely to love God and express that love in action by loving Him living in our neighbor. Scripture lessons: The first reading from Exodus explains the second greatest commandment, namely, loving one’s neighbors, especially the underprivileged. The chosen people of… Continue reading »
Synopsis of OT XXIX Sunday Homily on Mt 22:15-21 Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the nature of our obligations to God and to our country. The readings show us how, with God’s help, we can be ideal citizens of both earth and Heaven. Scripture lessons summarized: In the first reading, Isaiah the prophet… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXIV [A] Homily on Matthew 18: 21-35 (L-17) Introduction: Our readings for this Twenty-Fourth Sunday concern forgiving our offenders and getting reconciled with them. All three readings today remind us of the path to forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation and challenge us to walk this, the only Way to Life. Scripture lessons: Sirach, in… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXIII [A] Sunday Homily on Mt 18:15-20 (L/17) Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is God’s command concerning spiritual responsibility and our individual accountability for others in our families, parishes and community, which rises from our identity as God’s children and hence as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are, therefore, the “keepers” of our… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXI [A] Sunday (Matthew 16: 13-20 (L-17) Introduction: We might call this Sunday “Power Sunday” because the main theme of all three readings is that God is the Source of all authority. God shares His authority with elected civil rulers to serve the people and with the Pope and the other Church leaders… Continue reading »