Homilies about courage

Are You Called to Be a Saint? A Radical 'Yes' to God

Father Daniel

The homily, delivered on the Sunday after Pentecost, emphasizes that all Christians are called to be saints, not just canonized figures. It highlights that sainthood is about a radical 'yes' to God's plan, not merely avoiding sin. The speaker shares a powerful personal anecdote about meeting a confessor of the faith who endured torture, illustrating the courage and Holy Spirit's strength needed to live out this 'yes' in daily life.

Archbishop Casey: Why You Need to Take a Leap of Faith

Archbishop Robert Casey

Archbishop Casey delivers a homily centered on taking a 'leap of faith,' using his personal story of jumping off a cliff as a teenager and his vocational calls to the priesthood and episcopacy as metaphors for embracing God's will. He encourages the confirmation candidates and the entire congregation to move from fear to faith, isolation to communion, and to become proclaimers of good news, emphasizing the joy and gratitude found in trusting God.

Their God is My God: The Power of Faith in Martyrdom and Mission

Bishop Michael Barber

The homily recounts the story of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians martyred by ISIS in Libya for refusing to deny Christ, and how a Ghanaian non-believer was inspired by their faith to declare, "Their God is my God." It then connects this to the evangelization of Native Americans in California by Franciscans, who also recognized God through nature and voluntarily converted, spreading the faith among their tribes.

The Holy Trinity: Not a Problem to Solve, But a Relationship to Live

Father Tom Ryan

The homily emphasizes that the Holy Trinity is not a complex theological problem to be solved, but a relationship to be lived. Through a personal story of encountering aggressive dogs while running, the priest illustrates how the Father creates, the Son saves, and the Holy Spirit stays with us, providing peace and strength in moments of fear and uncertainty. The core message is to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, especially when facing difficulties.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets

Father Louis Cameli

The homily connects the dramatic story of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal to Jesus' teaching on fulfilling the law. It emphasizes that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, interpreting 'law' not as mere rules but as a covenantal relationship with God. The homily encourages listeners to commit to this faith and find their fulfillment in Jesus.

How Two NBA Players Show Us How to Be Salt and Light

The homily uses the example of two New York Knicks basketball players, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, to illustrate the Gospel message of being salt and light. It emphasizes how their authentic friendship and willingness to take responsibility for their actions allows their light to shine, inspiring others. The homily connects this to the widow of Zarephath, highlighting that even with little, God can use our offerings to uplift others and reflect His light to the world.

Don't Be Embarrassed to Be Salt and Light

The homily emphasizes the Gospel message of being "salt of the earth" and "light of the world," particularly in the context of challenging societal views. The priest uses the parish's experience with Pride Month and live streaming as an example of not being embarrassed to proclaim the Gospel and stand for what is right, even when facing criticism. The discussion then opens to the congregation, who reflect on the nature of God's mercy and the role of the vulnerable in carrying out the Gospel mission.

Is Your Cell Phone a False God? A Challenge on Distracted Driving

The homily challenges the congregation to recognize the 'false god' of cell phones, particularly when used while driving. Drawing a parallel to Russian roulette and Elijah's challenge to choose between God and Baal, the priest argues that driving distracted is not a skill but a dangerous gamble, fueled by pride and a false sense of safety.

Choose God: Why Decisive Faith Matters Today

The homily emphasizes the importance of decisiveness and consistency in faith, drawing parallels from Elijah's challenge to the Israelites to choose between God and Baal. The priest stresses that true Christians and preachers must be bold in speaking the truth and serving God, rather than seeking popularity, and that all of God's commandments are equally important for salvation.

Why You Must Stand for God, Even When It's Hard

The homily emphasizes the importance of confronting evil and standing for God, drawing parallels between Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and modern-day challenges. It encourages listeners to prioritize pleasing God over worldly acceptance, even in the face of persecution, reminding them of the blessings promised in the Beatitudes for those who live righteously.

Are We Too Stiff-Necked to Change the World?

Father Enrique

The homily reflects on humanity's 'stiff-necked' nature, constantly repeating mistakes and engaging in conflict despite God's immense love and sacrifice. It challenges Catholics to live out their faith actively in thought, word, and deed, emphasizing the need for courage to transform the world and be true Christians in all aspects of life, rather than being distracted by worldly noise.

You Are Already the Light of the World: How to Shine with What You Have

The homily emphasizes that we are already the salt of the earth and the light of the world, not that we might be someday. Drawing on the story of the Widow of Zarephath, it encourages listeners to offer the little they have with trust and generosity, rather than waiting for perfection or abundance. The core message is to let our current light shine, trusting God to multiply our small efforts.

The Mystery of the Trinity: How God's Love Conquers All Fear

This homily explores the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, emphasizing God's presence as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit from creation to salvation. The priest explains how God's spirit and word were present at creation, how Jesus became man to save us, and how the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers. He concludes by urging listeners to embrace love as the core of their faith, mirroring the Trinitarian love, and to overcome fear by being conscious of God's constant presence.

Why Jesus Didn't Abolish the Old Law

The homily connects the Old Testament story of Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal with Jesus's fulfillment of the law. It emphasizes that God is the one true God who answers prayers, unlike false idols, and that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to bring a new covenant, transforming some old laws while upholding the core commandments.

Finding Miracles When You Have Nothing Left to Give

The homily challenges the notion that we can only be a light to the world when things are going well. Drawing on the story of the Widow of Zarephath and the example of Hispanic immigrants, it emphasizes that true faith and miracles often emerge when we give to others even when we feel we have nothing left to give, trusting in God's providence.

Overcoming Fear to Find Grace in Awkward Encounters

The homily reflects on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and taking risks, especially in awkward or unfamiliar situations. The priest encourages listeners to overcome fear and be open to moments of grace that arise from interactions with strangers, seeing them as opportunities to be the light of Christ.

Why Your Faith Can't Be a Secret: Being Light in the World

Father Vincent

The homily emphasizes that faith requires full commitment, drawing a parallel to betting where one commits more when the odds are 'sure.' It then focuses on the call to be 'light' in the world, asserting that true discipleship cannot be secret and must actively dispel darkness. The priest stresses that Christian goodness should be attractive and inspiring, leading others to glorify God, rather than being a rigid or unapproachable form of holiness.

Be Salt and Light: Living Your Faith Actively

The homily encourages active participation in faith, emphasizing that Christians are called to be 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the world' by sharing their gifts and living out their purpose. It draws inspiration from St. Ephraim, who served the church amidst persecution, reminding us that our actions should glorify God, not ourselves.

Trinity Sunday: Why Your Faith Demands Action, Not Just Belief

The homily emphasizes that belief in the Gospel, specifically John 3:16, calls for action and proclamation, not just passive acceptance. The priest uses an analogy of declaring items at airport customs to illustrate the importance of openly declaring one's faith, even if it brings challenges like persecution or rejection. He connects this call to action to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to share the unchanging message of salvation received from the Father through the Son.

How to Trust God When You Feel Alone in Your Faith

The homily reflects on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, drawing parallels to times in Church history and individual lives when the true faith seems to wane. It emphasizes that faith is not a human institution but endures through God's power, encouraging listeners to remain faithful and trust in the Lord even when feeling alone or frustrated.