Fourth and final homily in brief series about the Eucharist

"Truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53).

Following the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 1382, 1384-87, 1391-95, 1402-05) we discuss the meaning of communion, worthy reception of Holy Communion, the fruits of receiving the Eucharist, and the Eucharist as the pledge of eternal life.

Third homily in a series on the Eucharist

The Eucharist as a Sacrifice.  The blood of Jesus poured out for us is our salvation.  "This is the blood of the new and eternal covenant" is a clear reference to sacrificial language.  The Eucharist is our communion in the blood of the Lamb.

Note:  While quoting the Catechism (para. 1366) , Fr. Dave mistakenly attributed a teaching to "one of the saints" when in fact it was from the Council of Trent.

The Biblical concept of Memorial is much more than simply remembering a past event.  The past event is made present to us.  The Eucharist is a Memorial.  At the Mass we remember and give thanks to God for all His works.  Even more, the event that we remember is made present to us.   Jesus' saving action - His Death and Resurrection - are here in our midst.

The Eucharist as the True Presence of Jesus

Homily from October 2, 2022

Like the Prodigal Son we face the decision to let life accelerate our alienation from the Father or to "come to our senses" and return to the Father.  What will you do?

This Sunday we hear one of Jesus' most difficult sayings about the cost of discipleship.  

Following King Solomon's prayer for wisdom, we ask to desire not human wisdom, but divine wisdom even above all the riches in the world.  

Homily from August 21, 2022

21 Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"  Jesus doesn't answer the question directly.  That makes us wonder:  From what attitude does this question derive?  Our Lord's answer seems to imply (in part) that He wants us to move from a minimalistic view of discipleship to a maximalist view.  

Jesus tells us that he wants to set the world ablaze with fire. He wants to cleanse the world of that which is evil through the purifying flame. 

Prayer helps us to grow closer to Jesus, who longs to heal us. Healing can be a slow process that is difficult to see unfolding, so we must trust in God through this process, and embrace the opportunities and the signs that He provides us with. And, when we are whole, we mustn't turn back to our former ways, but utilize our freedom to fully love God and others.

We are not meant to find others to blame for our woundedness; we are called to seek healing through Jesus Christ.