7/5/26 Citizens, Not Subjects

Homily from the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Citizens must live with conviction, responsibility, and courage. On the 250th anniversary of our nation, it is a moment to stop and reflect on our identity. Are we "subjects" or are we "citizens"? Are we "American Catholics" or are we "Catholics who are citizens of America"? And what would it be to live as a citizen without the virtue of patriotism? Mass Readings from July 5, 2026: Zechariah 9:9-10 Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14Romans 8:9, 11-13 Matthew 11:25-30

Homily from the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time The necessary risk we must take. Jesus calls us to love Him first. To place Him ahead of every other goal or desire in our lives. In order to answer the question "What are you living for?", we have to take the risk of knowing what we are NOT living for. Mass Readings from June 28, 2026:2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 Matthew 10:37-42

Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We will need Humility and Hope. The moment will come when we will all stand before the Good and Holy God in judgment. This truth can fill us with fear, but there are two virtues we need more powerful than fear: humility and hope. Mass Readings from June 21, 2026: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35Romans 5:12-15 Matthew 10:26-33

Homily from the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Precisely as strong as it needs to be. When Jesus sends out His Apostles in His Name, He also gives them all of the strength and ability that they are going to need. He continues to give us the same: precisely the strength that we need at every moment. Mass Readings from June 14, 2026: Exodus 19:2-6 Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5Romans 5:6-11 Matthew 9:36—10:8

Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). To have the Real Presence in the Eucharist, one needs the Apostolic priesthood. Corpus Christi is an important feast for an important Reality. We know that Jesus was clear when He taught about His Body and Blood in the Eucharist...yet this true Presence requires the true ministerial priesthood that Jesus established with His Apostles. Christ's followers are divided, but He continues to desire our unity. Mass Readings from June 7, 2026: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 Psalm 147:12-15, 19-201 Corinthians 10:16-17 John 6:51-58

Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. God is not a problem to solve, but One to be trusted. The Holy Trinity is the term that we use to try and convey the Mystery of Who God ultimately is. But no definition will suffice. And no explanation could possibly capture God's fullness. God is simply beyond anything that we can conceive of or imagine...but He has revealed Himself and called us into relationship with Him. Even if we do not fully grasp Him. Mass Readings from May 31, 2026: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 562 Corinthians 13:11-13 John 3:16-18

Homily from Pentecost Sunday. God always answers our prayers, but our prayers do not control or convince Him. We can say that "prayer works", but we must be very careful to know what we mean if we were to utter such words. Mass Readings from May 24, 2026: Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 341 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23

Homily from the Ascension of the Lord. "It is better for you that I go...". Is that true? Jesus told His apostles that it was better for them that He ascended to the Father; that it was better for them if He left them. But why? Mass Readings from May 17, 2026: Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20

Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Hope that is not tested is hope that cannot be trusted. How do we grow in hope? Saint Paul tells us: through affliction that leads to a new level of trust in the God who loves us. Mass Readings from May 10, 2026: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Psalm 66:1-3, 4-7, 16, 201 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21

Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter. What is this in light of eternity? Our perspective either helps us see things clearly or muddies the waters. The only way forward is perspective, and not just any perspective, eternal perspective. Without eternal perspective, our hearts will never find rest and we will always be searching for our true purpose. Mass Readings from May 3, 2026: Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-191 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12