08/30/15 Showing Up

Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The one thing that makes the most difference is completely in your control.

There are countless areas of life that are beyond our control. We can't control how others will act, what our roommate will be like, or when our big breaks will happen. But we can control whether we show up or not. For His part, God has made His promise: He will always show up. He is not God "over there", but God "with us."

Mass Readings from August 30, 2015:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

08/23/15 Cattle Prod

Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Being a disciple requires that we decide whom we will serve.

It can sometimes be easier to decide whom to serve when there is clear opposition. When Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, their enemy was obvious. Then, it was clear that they needed virtue and knowledge, to be strong and courageous. But what happens when there is no obvious "enemy"? In that case, it is even more crucial to make the decision...or the decision will be made for you.

Mass Readings from August 23, 2015:
Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

08/16/15 A Bad Investment

Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

You know you are meant to live forever. Why aren't you living like it?

Some people can go through their whole lives not knowing the real reason they are alive. Others may know the reason, but they live as if they don't. The Bible has a special word for that second kind of person: "fool." The "game of life" can be lost by someone who is merely foolish just as easily as it can be lost by someone who is evil. You are made to win. Which means you are meant to live as someone who is wise.

Mass Readings from August 16, 2015:
Proverbs 9:1-6
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58