Homilies about money

A Missionary Appeal from Tanzania: Building Schools, Wells, and Future Priests

Father Constantine

This homily, delivered by a visiting Augustinian priest from Tanzania, focuses primarily on a missionary appeal. While acknowledging the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the priest dedicates the majority of his time to explaining the needs of his community in Tanzania, specifically requesting donations to build a boarding secondary school for boys and girls, drill water wells in rural areas, and support seminarians. He emphasizes that supporting these initiatives is a way to show love for God and neighbor.

Are You Playing Both Sides? The Danger of a Divided Heart

The homily uses the Old Testament story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal to illustrate the danger of having a divided heart. It challenges listeners to examine where they place their trust, beyond God, in things like financial security, property, or family, and to commit to giving God their whole heart, mind, and strength.

Are Money and Power Your False Gods? A Homily on Modern Idolatry and Discernment

The homily begins by explaining the first reading from the Book of Kings, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal, emphasizing God's power and the call to reject false gods. It then connects this to the Gospel, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of the law who frees us from the bondage of sin and the allure of modern idols like money and success. The homily transitions into an open discussion among attendees, where they share personal experiences and reflections on discerning truth, dealing with political idolatry, and applying commandments in contemporary issues like gay rights and war.

The One Law Jesus Came to Fulfill: Love God and Neighbor

Joseph Equir

The homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, with the core law being love for God and neighbor. It contrasts the worship of false gods, like money and power, with the worship of the one true God, who proved himself through Elijah's challenge. The priest urges listeners to align their thoughts, words, and actions with love and to recognize God in those in need.

Why Our Parish Needs Your Help: Fixing the Learning Center and Beyond

Father Ser

This homily, delivered by a deacon and then a priest, focuses primarily on a diocesan capital campaign called "You Will Be My Witness." The deacon shares personal anecdotes about the deteriorating condition of the parish's learning center, including electrical issues and plumbing failures, to illustrate the urgent need for funds. The priest then provides additional context about the campaign, emphasizing the importance of supporting both parish and diocesan needs, and clarifies that it is a fundraiser, not an assessment.