homilies

Are we willing to risk using our talents to build the kingdom?

Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Jim homily

4 minute read

The Parable of the Talents is part of two chapters in Matthew’s Gospel dedicated to the coming of the kingdom. Jesus uses several images to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven will be like. Last week, we heard about the ten virgins, five who were foolish and five who were wise; today we hear about three servants, who receive talents according to their ability. Both parables illustrate the importance of being prepared and putting the gifts God gives us to good use.

Will Our Lamps Be Burning Bright When the Lord Comes?

Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Jim homily

2 minute read

Three main themes run through our readings today. They are prudence, perseverance, and patient hope in the resurrection. The first two are built upon hope in the world to come. Christianity is really one of the only religions that starts at the end and works its way backwards. In other words, we always keep our eyes fixed intently on where we are going, and Jesus assures us, “Where I am going you also know the way.”

The Two Great Commandments & Our Role

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Jim homily

7 minute read

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the two great commandments: To love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. He concludes, “The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” In other words, everything handed on to us in the 10 Commandments and the Mosaic Law, can be followed by loving God and neighbor. Our reading from the Book of Exodus is an excerpt from the Social Laws promulgated by Moses. It forbids the…

World Mission Sunday: I Have Called You By Name

Twenty-Nineth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Jim homily

4 minute read

Today is World Mission Sunday, and we thank God for His mercy on all missionaries, and the people they serve around the world. Today, we highlight the great commission of Jesus, who as he ascended into heaven commanded his disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20a). We are the recipients of that teaching, which was handed…