Homilies about gratitude

The Priest Who Wears His Mother's Wedding Gown: Trusting God's Unseen Plan

Father Francis

The homily begins with a captivating personal story about the priest wearing a vestment made from his mother's wedding gown, highlighting God's providential plan in his vocation. It then transitions to the mystery of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing that some aspects of faith, like the Trinity and a priestly calling, cannot be fully explained but must be lived and trusted through faith. The priest concludes by expressing profound gratitude for his vocation and the community's support, reinforcing the idea that God's plan unfolds in unexpected ways.

The Holy Trinity: A Dance of Love We're All Invited To

The homily on the Holy Trinity emphasizes experiencing God's mystery through 'imagination' rather than just intellectual understanding. It portrays the Trinity as a dynamic 'dance of love' (pericorasis) that we are invited to join, encouraging us to see God's presence in all aspects of life and to live out knowing, loving, and imagining. The priest uses a personal anecdote about a three-year-old named Mira at a wedding to illustrate God's loving gaze and invitation to 'look' at the goodness around us.

Father Richard Graham: God's Radical Hospitality and the Invitation to the Trinity

Father Richard Graham

The homily explores the mystery of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing God's superabundant love that cannot be contained and is poured out upon humanity. Using Rublev's icon of the Trinity, the priest invites the faithful to enter into this divine communion, highlighting God's radical hospitality and the call to reciprocate that love. The homily concludes with a personal reflection on the priest's departure from the parish, expressing gratitude for the community's love and support.

Corpus Christi: Remembering God's Provision in Work and Eucharist

Padre Piersol

The homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi emphasizes the Eucharist as the work of Christ and calls for active participation and adoration. It draws a parallel between the Israelites' journey through the desert, their murmuring despite God's provision of manna, and our tendency to forget God's blessings in times of abundance. The homily concludes by highlighting work as a gift and a vocation, to be united with Christ's work in the Eucharist for spiritual growth and eternal life.

Are You Willing to Receive God's Provision, Even Through a Raven?

Father Ryan

The homily connects the readings about Elijah and the widow to the story of Adam and Eve, emphasizing God's consistent provision for our needs, even when it comes in unexpected or undesirable forms. It challenges listeners to have open eyes and hearts to receive God's provision as He intends, rather than how we might prefer it.

Beyond Nostalgia: Becoming the Body of Christ in the Here and Now

Father Kevin Tran

Father Kevin Tran's homily on Corpus Christi connects the concept of nostalgia with Israel's wandering in the desert, highlighting how we often romanticize the past while failing to recognize God's presence in the present. He emphasizes that the Eucharist is not merely a ritual but a literal participation in the body of Christ, urging parishioners to become the body of Christ by seeing Him in others and living a life congruent with their faith, making 'heaven' a present reality.

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.

Corpus Christi: Why We Must Never Forget the Eucharist

Father Gerard

The homily for Corpus Christi Sunday emphasizes the importance of remembering and not forgetting God's gifts, particularly the Eucharist. It highlights that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol but a true participation in Christ's body and blood, uniting believers with Christ and with each other, and offering a foretaste of eternal life.

My Mother's Enduring Faith: A Corpus Christi Reflection on Gratitude, Unity, and Love

Father George

The homily, delivered on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, emphasizes three dispositions for receiving the Eucharist: gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, a sincere desire for unity and reconciliation with others, and a commitment to spread Christ's love in the world. The priest shares a personal anecdote about his mother's deep Eucharistic faith, highlighting her as a living example of Christ's presence and strength amidst suffering.

The Unexpected Gift of Corpus Christi: Becoming More Like Jesus

Father Ethridge

The homily uses a personal anecdote about children gathering around the altar during an Easter Sunday Mass to illustrate the profound, yet often taken for granted, gift of the Eucharist. It emphasizes that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol or memory, but the real presence of Jesus' body and blood, transforming those who receive it to become more like Him.

The Greatest Love Story: Why the Eucharist Changes Everything

The homily celebrates the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, emphasizing its historical origins in the 13th century through Sister Juliana's vision and Pope Urban IV's decree. The priest highlights three reasons for the feast: to confirm belief in the Real Presence, to strengthen virtue through love and adoration of the Eucharist, and to make reparation for disrespect shown to the Blessed Sacrament. He encourages frequent, reverent reception of Holy Communion, stressing its transformative power and the importance of active, intentional participation in Mass.

The Eucharist: A Taste of Eternal Life Today

The homily emphasizes that the Eucharist is not just a promise of heaven, but a taste of eternal life and communion with God here and now. The priest uses the analogy of wine-making and soil conditions to illustrate that our hearts' disposition, characterized by radical generosity and a grateful heart, is crucial for truly receiving the transformative power of the Eucharist.

El Amor de Dios: Más Allá de las Palabras

The homily emphasizes that God's primary attribute is love, demonstrated by sacrificing His only Son for humanity. It challenges the faithful to reciprocate this love not just with words, but with actions like patience, forgiveness, and unity, especially in the face of life's difficulties. The priest encourages living a full, joyful life, sharing God's gifts, and being a good witness to others.

How to Truly Appreciate the Gift of the Eucharist

Father Reed

The homily emphasizes the profound and inestimable gift of the Eucharist, urging parishioners to appreciate it not as ordinary food but as the true body and blood of Christ. The priest uses an analogy of appreciating fine scotch to illustrate how we should slow down, savor, and allow the Eucharist to transform us, igniting our hearts with love for God and neighbor.

¿Cómo se revela Dios en tu vida? Lecciones de niños y la vida cotidiana

Padre Jorge

The homily explores the mystery of God's revelation, particularly the Trinity, through the innocent perspectives of children and the priest's personal pastoral experiences. It emphasizes that God's love, justice, and mercy are continuously present and active in our daily lives, often in unexpected and silent ways, urging listeners to cultivate a soft heart to perceive His grace.

Trusting God's Abundance: You Are the Salt and Light

The homily reflects on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, emphasizing God's provision and the call to trust Him, even when resources are scarce. It connects this to Jesus' teaching that we are the 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the world,' urging us to use our simple gifts to glorify God and reflect Christ's light to others.

The Mystery of the Trinity: God's Invitation to His Divine Family

Padre Pablo

The homily explains the mystery of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing that God is one, yet three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It traces God's revelation from the Old Testament's monotheism to Jesus' full revelation of God as a loving family, inviting humanity to participate in this divine life as adopted children. The priest warns against modern idolatry and encourages gratitude for God's greatness and our inclusion in His family.

¿Hemos perdido el enamoramiento a Dios? Redescubre tu primer amor.

The homily emphasizes the importance of rediscovering our initial love for God and life, moving beyond religious apathy and obligation. It encourages gratitude for life's blessings and calls for a transformation of the heart through the Holy Trinity to bring hope and joy to those who have lost their spirit, highlighting that life is best lived when shared.

Corpus Christi: The Real Presence and a Farewell to a Beloved Priest

The homily emphasizes that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the real presence of Jesus, who remains with us because of his immense love. It highlights that receiving the Eucharist calls us to become more like Christ in our actions, such as forgiving and serving others. The priest also delivers a heartfelt farewell to his parish community, expressing gratitude and reminding them that while priests come and go, Christ remains present in the Eucharist.

Corpus Christi: Why the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of Your Life

Father Carrie Bainy

The homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi emphasizes the Eucharist as the central reality of our faith, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey in the desert and our spiritual journey. The priest highlights the importance of believing in the Real Presence and actively participating in Mass, rather than taking it for granted, and encourages continued devotion to the Eucharist during summer travels.