Homilies about virtue

The Wheat and Weeds Within Us: Nourishing the Good

The homily uses the parable of the wheat and weeds to illustrate that both good and bad coexist within each person and in the world. It emphasizes that while sin is a part of the human condition, God has planted much good in us, and we should nourish these virtues. The homily concludes by highlighting the importance of small acts of kindness and the ultimate triumph of good.

Why God Allows Temptation: Growing Stronger Through Struggle

This homily explores the parable of the wheat and the weeds, suggesting that temptations, while not good in themselves, are permitted by God as opportunities for spiritual growth and virtue. The priest emphasizes that God's grace is sufficient to overcome temptations, transforming them into means of drawing closer to Him, much like St. Paul's thorn in the side.

God's Unending Patience: Cultivating Virtue Amidst Life's Challenges

The homily reflects on God's profound wisdom and mercy, emphasizing that God is patient and kind, always inviting repentance. It highlights the Holy Spirit's role in interceding for us in moments of weakness and the need to cultivate virtue amidst life's challenges, trusting in God's grace to coexist with evil with hope and compassion.

Why God Allows Evil: The Parable of the Weeds and Wheat

Father Gregory Holliki

The homily explores why God permits evil, drawing on the parable of the weeds and wheat. It posits that resistance to evil strengthens virtue, emphasizing that true virtue lies in choosing good despite the ability to do evil. The priest also discusses how God attracts us to goodness rather than merely threatening punishment, using the analogy of childhood discipline leading to socialization and holiness.

Why God Allows 'Weeds' in the Church: A Homily on the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

The homily addresses the common complaint about 'hypocrites in the church' by explaining Jesus' parable of the weeds and the wheat. It offers two reasons why God allows evil to coexist with good: the hope that 'weeds' (sinners) can be converted into 'wheat' (holy people), and that the presence of evil and suffering allows for the development of virtues like patience and charity in the 'wheat'. The homily emphasizes that while the coexistence is uncomfortable, it serves a divine purpose for growth and evangelization.

The Strength of Gentleness: How Humility Conquers Conflict

The homily emphasizes that gentleness and humility are not weaknesses but rather strengths, as exemplified by Christ's actions. Using an anecdote from a Nigerian TV show, the priest illustrates how responding with 'You are right' can disarm conflict and promote peace, urging listeners to cultivate virtues and avoid unnecessary arguments.

Speed Cameras, Divine Judgment, and the Habits That Determine Your Eternity

The homily uses the analogy of speed cameras and traffic laws to discuss divine judgment, emphasizing the importance of cultivating virtues and good habits in life. Drawing on the teachings of St. John Vianney, it highlights that our lives are a journey towards death and judgment, which will determine our eternal happiness or misery. The core message is to use the grace and time given wisely to remain in a state of grace, preparing for an inevitable judgment where our good and evil deeds will be accounted for.

Why Humility is the Mother of All Virtues

The homily, delivered on the feast of St. James the Greater, focuses on the virtue of humility, contrasting it with modern society's misunderstanding and aversion to it. The priest emphasizes that true humility is attractive, rooted in honesty, and essential for authentic human expression and successful communication, as exemplified by Jesus' response to the mother of James and John.

Why You're Not Perfect (And Why God Gives You Another Chance)

The homily emphasizes that all humans, despite their good intentions, possess both good and bad aspects, akin to the parable of the wheat and weeds. It encourages self-awareness of one's vices and the cultivation of cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude) and theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) to overcome sin and grow in God's grace, ultimately striving for sanctification and making God's glory manifest on earth.