Homilies about discipleship

Overcoming Our Fears to Answer God's Call

The homily reflects on Jesus' call to discipleship, emphasizing that our baptism is the start of learning from him and witnessing to the Gospel. It addresses the fears that hold us back from responding to this call, drawing parallels between Isaiah's purification and the disciples' fears of criticism or death. The core message encourages trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness, especially through the Eucharist, to overcome fears and respond to God's ongoing call to love and service.

Is Christ Your Greatest Treasure? A Homily on Valuing Jesus Above All Else

The homily emphasizes that true value lies in Christ, drawing from parables of hidden treasure and a pearl of great price. It challenges listeners to examine their priorities, urging them to place Christ at the center of their lives, not just as one value among many. The core message is that valuing Christ above all else leads to joy and freedom, distinguishing genuine discipleship from mere rule-keeping.

St. James: The Path to True Greatness Through Service and Suffering

The homily reflects on St. James' journey of discipleship, highlighting how he and John initially misunderstood Jesus' kingdom, seeking positions of power. The priest emphasizes that true greatness in Christ's kingdom comes through service and suffering, as exemplified by James becoming the first apostle martyred. He encourages listeners to surrender to God's grace and follow His plan, even when it involves suffering, to receive the grace of the kingdom.

How to Live as a Disciple: Kindness, Love, and Spiritual Nourishment

The homily emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is within us and is made manifest through our actions as disciples. Drawing on the parables of growth and the image of the Good Shepherd, the priest stresses the importance of continuous spiritual nourishment, kindness, and love in reaching out to others, especially those who are lost or difficult to love.

St. James and the Path to True Greatness: Service, Not Status

The homily focuses on the Feast of St. James the Apostle, using his life to illustrate that true greatness in the Kingdom of God comes not from seeking honor or privilege, but through humble service and sacrifice. It emphasizes that discipleship involves a 'bold yes,' growth through humility, and finding fullness in serving others, reflecting Christ's own example.

Are You a Disciple or Just Part of the Crowd?

The homily contrasts wickedness and goodness, emphasizing that the real distinction is not between different groups of people, but within individuals who at times do good and at times do evil. It highlights Jesus as the helper of the poor and unfortunate, calling believers to be disciples who actively choose good, love, and forgiveness, rather than merely following the crowd.

The Cup of Suffering: St. James and True Greatness in God's Kingdom

The homily reflects on the Feast of St. James, emphasizing that true greatness in God's kingdom comes through service and sacrifice, not worldly prestige. It highlights that God uses our weaknesses as 'earthen vessels' to manifest His power and calls us to embrace suffering and service, strengthened by the Eucharist, to unleash its full power in our lives.

Mary, the Handmaid of the Lord: A Call to Active Discipleship

The homily reflects on Mary's title as "Handmaid of the Lord" and how she gave herself completely to God's plan for salvation. It challenges listeners to emulate Mary's discipleship by actively seeking and doing God's will, rather than merely striving for personal salvation. The priest emphasizes that being a servant of God means looking beyond oneself to further God's will in the world.

Mary Magdalene: A Model for Enduring Love and Mercy

The homily uses Mary Magdalene as a model for faithful discipleship, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to Jesus even through suffering. It contrasts fleeting earthly desires with the lasting intimacy of God's presence and mercy, urging listeners to embrace difficult moments and extend mercy to others.

The Chalice of Suffering: What St. James Teaches Us About True Discipleship

This homily reflects on the Feast of St. James, connecting his initial ambitious request to sit at Jesus' right and left with his eventual martyrdom and the call to drink from Christ's chalice. It emphasizes that true discipleship involves daily dying to self and carrying the 'treasure in earthen vessels' so that God's power, not our own, is manifested through our weaknesses and sufferings.

True Discipleship: Serving with Humility, Not Seeking Glory

The homily reflects on St. James the Apostle, emphasizing that true discipleship means serving others with humility, not seeking personal glory. It highlights Jesus' gentle response to the disciples' ambition and connects this to the community's efforts in building their church, attributing its success to their unity, humility, and spirit of service, rather than individual talent.

Are You Following Jesus, Or Asking Him to Follow You?

The homily challenges listeners to live their faith openly and courageously, rather than trying to conform Jesus to their own lifestyles. It emphasizes that discipleship means allowing the Gospel to shape one's life and choices, and acknowledges that standing with Christ means facing opposition but never being alone.

Embracing Suffering: The Path of Discipleship

This homily, delivered on the memorial of St. Benedict, focuses on the call to discipleship and the redemptive value of suffering. It emphasizes that following Christ means embracing hardships and rejection, not out of masochism, but out of love, and trusting in God's eternal perspective rather than fearing human disapproval.

Are You Fertile Ground for God's Word? Making Your Faith Visible

The homily emphasizes that we are spirits incarnate, not just bodies, and our disposition to God's word is crucial for spiritual growth. Drawing from the parable of the sower, the priest challenges listeners to cultivate fertile ground in their souls by actively choosing to listen without distraction and allowing the word to transform their lives, making their Christianity evident to the world.

The Pilgrim's Path: Suffering and Service on the Journey to Heaven

The homily reflects on the Feast of St. James the Apostle, using the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of discipleship. It emphasizes that following Jesus requires selflessness, a willingness to suffer, and a commitment to service, reminding us that our ultimate goal is not earthly recognition but heaven, and that this journey should include concern for others.

Are You a Disciple? The Power of Prayer and the Parable of the Sower

Father William O'Donnell

The homily, delivered by a newly assigned associate pastor, focuses on the Parable of the Sower, distinguishing between passive listeners (the crowds) and active disciples (the apostles) who engage with God's word through prayer. The priest shares his personal conversion story from high school and emphasizes that a consistent prayer life, even starting small, is essential for discipleship and for allowing God's word to transform one's life and bear fruit.