Made Known

Abide in Hope

Advent homily (from 3rd Sunday of Advent - Dec. 11, 2022) about the disciples of Jesus' attitude of abiding in hope, rather than fear, in the midst of change and uncertainty.

Mary and the Spousal Nature of the Church

Homily from The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary shows us who the Church is meant to be as the spotless bride without spot or wrinkle.

 

The Eucharist as Pledge of Eternal Life

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.

Eucharist: The Blood of the Lamb

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.

In Memory

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.

It Is the Presence

The Eucharist as the True Presence of Jesus

Homily from October 2, 2022

Coming to Our Senses

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?

The Cross: The Wisdom of God

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.  

Raising the Standard as High as the Cross

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.  

The Purifying Fire of God

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.