SYNOPSIS: EASTER VI [B] SUNDAY HOMILY Introduction: Today’s Scripture passages declare the profound truth that those who believe in Christ are to obey his commandment of love – “Love others as I have loved you.” When we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us remember with gratitude that it is generally our mothers who practice the agápe love of Jesus Scripture Lessons: In… Continue reading »
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 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 »
SYNOPSIS OF LENT III HOMILY ON JOHN 2:13-25 Introduction: Today’s readings from Holy Scripture teach us that Lent is the ideal time for cleaning out the Temple of our own hearts and to offer to God proper Divine worship by obeying the Ten Commandments. They also teach us that our New Covenant with God demands… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF HOMILY: LENT II SUNDAY MARK 9:2-10 (L-18) Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is metamorphosis or transformation. The readings invite us to cooperate with the grace of God with the assistance of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, by renewing them during Lent and to radiate the grace of the transfigured Lord… Continue reading »
LENT I SUNDAY (Gn 9:8-15; I Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15) Introduction: The primary purpose of Lent is to prepare us for the celebration of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. The Church tries to achieve this goal, leading her children to metanoia or true “repentance” by the reordering of their priorities and the changing of their values, ideals and ambitions, through fasting,… Continue reading »