Sunday, August, 29, 2010: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14:1, 7-14

"You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." These are the words of today's second reading from the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is filled with Eucharistic imageries. It presents Jesus Christ as the High Priest. Unlike the Jewish High Priest who year after year offers sacrifices for the atonement of his own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus Christ has offered the one perfect sacrifice. His sacrifice is not in atonement for his sins. He is perfect and sinless. His sacrifice is in atonement for our own sins. ...

Sunday, August 1, 2010: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

Two weeks ago, I told you that God is interested in finances and material possessions. While there are only 275 verses on prayer, 350 verses on faith, 650 verses on love, there are 2350 verses on finances and material possessions. Today's first reading and gospel are a teaching on material possessions and finances. It is important for us as Christians to know the proper place of material possessions in our lives. In our world people are very crazy about possessions. We have allowed them to determine our lives and to tear us apart. Marriages are ruled by how much possessions ...

Sunday, July 4, 2010: Isaiah 66:10-14c, 19-21; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

“Peace be with you!” (R/. And also with you.) “Thank you!” I see by your response to my offer of peace that my peace rests upon you, and I may stay in this house. I’m glad that I do not have to shake the dust of this house from my feet! Better yet, I now may eat and drink what you offer, without asking for special meals. And what you offer in this house is a meal fit for a king, because it is a meal that is prepared by a king, and served by a king. In this house is ...

Sunday, June 27, 2010: 1Kings 19:16b, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-18; Luke 9: 51-62 (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.)

Last week, the readings focused on call and identity. Through baptism, we are clothed in Christ Jesus and because of that, we are rightfully the sons and daughters of Abraham, heirs of the promise. Today's readings turn our attention to responding to the call. Now that we have been called, what next? As Christian people, we must accept that invitation and live as people of the light. Baptism is a significant moment in the life of a Christian but it is not the end of the Christian life. It is not an automatic ticket to heaven. It is not just ...

Sunday, June 20, 2010: Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9: 18-24

Today's readings focus on call and identity. Through our baptism, we have been called into a new family, the family of Jesus Christ. At baptism, we are signed with the Cross of Christ and claimed for Jesus Christ. We receive a new identity, we are now children of God. In baptism, we are clothed with Christ - we reject a life of darkness and sinfulness and we become children of the light. Baptism is a powerful moment in the life of every Christian. It is a radical rejection of the past and a total acceptance of a new life, a ...

Sunday Homilies

Sunday, August, 29, 2010: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14:1, 7-14

“You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” These are the words of today’s second reading...

Sunday, August 1, 2010: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

Two weeks ago, I told you that God is interested in finances and material possessions. While there are only 275 verses on prayer, 350 verses on faith,...

Sunday, July 4, 2010: Isaiah 66:10-14c, 19-21; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

“Peace be with you!” (R/. And also with you.) “Thank you!” I see by your response to my offer of peace that my peace rests upon you, and I...

Sunday, June 27, 2010: 1Kings 19:16b, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-18; Luke 9: 51-62 (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.)

Last week, the readings focused on call and identity. Through baptism, we are clothed in Christ Jesus and because of that, we are rightfully the sons...

Sunday, June 20, 2010: Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9: 18-24

Today’s readings focus on call and identity. Through our baptism, we have been called into a new family, the family of Jesus Christ. At baptism,...

The Pope to the victims of abuse

Benedict XVI: Knowledge only grows if one loves the truth