Homilies about freedom

Don't Turn God's Law Into Slavery: How to Live the Gospel of Love

The homily begins with a personal note about the priest's mother's injury, then delves into Jesus' teaching on fulfilling, not abolishing, the Law. It critiques how the Law was encumbered by human rules, losing its core of compassion, justice, mercy, and love. The priest uses the example of Elijah and the prophets of Baal to illustrate how people create their own gods and stray from God's simple message of love and freedom, urging listeners to regularly check if their actions align with these core principles.

Why Christians Must Be Different: The Evangelical Counsels as Paths to Freedom

The homily emphasizes that the Christian life should be distinctive, like salt, and informed by the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These counsels, though seemingly counter-cultural, are presented not as restrictions but as paths to freedom and a recognition that our lives are God's project, not our own.

La Ley de Dios: Un Camino de Amor, No de Restricción

The homily emphasizes that God's laws are not restrictive but are expressions of love, guiding us towards a life of freedom and joy. It uses the analogy of a parent's rule to protect a child to illustrate that divine commandments are meant for our well-being and to teach us how to love God and others more fully. The core message is that the purpose of the law is not restriction, but relationship, and that understanding this transforms our approach to faith and teaching.

The Trinity: A Mystery to Embrace, Not Explain

The homily reflects on the mystery of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing that it's a truth to be experienced and believed in the heart rather than intellectually dissected. The priest shares a personal anecdote about struggling to preach on the Trinity in seminary, realizing he was trying to 'possess God' rather than embrace God's self-giving love. He highlights God's love as the driving force behind creation, incarnation, and our freedom to choose love or walk away, ultimately finding peace and confidence in sharing God's love with others.

Freedom From and Freedom For: Mike's Journey from Hungary to Eternal Life

The homily for Mike Kecskes' funeral focuses on the concept of freedom, distinguishing between 'freedom from' and 'freedom for.' It highlights Mike's dramatic escape from communist Hungary as a 'freedom from' story, but emphasizes that his true 'freedom for' was found in his 46-year marriage to Linda, raising children, and worshipping God. The priest also shares a personal reflection on his own father's death and the idea that death, after the resurrection, becomes a remedy, stopping the ravages of illness and leading to eternal life.

The Four Dimensions of Corpus Christi: Loving Even Those We Don't Like

Father Nelson

This homily for Corpus Christi Sunday explores the multifaceted nature of the Body and Blood of Christ, encompassing the historical Jesus, the risen Christ, the Church as the mystical body, and the Eucharistic sacrament. The priest emphasizes that the Eucharist is a prayer for freedom and peace, and that receiving it transforms us to share God's love with others, even those we find difficult to love.