Bishop Donald DeGrood Homilies: Recent Episodes
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
A collection of homilies from Bishop Donald DeGrood, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls.
How does a humble farm boy with very little education become the patron saint of priests? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood recounts the life of St. John Vianney, his love for the Eucharist, harassments by the devil, and the spiritual impact he had on the souls he ministered to and continues to inspire today. Bishop DeGrood asks for the prayers of the faithful for our priests through the intercession of St. John Vianney, who is a holy role model for them.
Do you struggle to love and obey the commands of the Lord? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains how the graces we receive in Baptism and Confirmation allow us to be receptive to God's plan for our lives, and how trust and surrender to God brings freedom in all things, even in the trials of life.
Do you feel your heart changing? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains what happens when God purifies and changes your heart, and how you can cooperate with God as he works within your heart.
This homily also includes a special moment for four permanent diaconate candidates as they take the next step in their vocation journey through the Rite of Candidacy.
Is your soul open to the Lord? Or is your heart closed and hardened towards the Lord? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains the graces placed upon our hearts at Baptism that allow us to grow in spiritual fruitfulness, and how easy it can be to become distracted and discouraged from growing in faith. Will you allow the Lord to fill you with graces and water the seeds of faith in your heart?
Do you know the symbolism of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains what each part of the image means, and encourages us to allow the Sacred Heart to purify us.
Do you struggle to say "no" to sin and temptation? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood encourages us to stand up against evil and temptation like Christ did, and to grow in virtue and faithfulness to the Gospel.
How do we make ourselves worthy and let God live within us? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that we must continually pray and ask God for the graces we need, and how it is God who makes us worthy.
Mothers have a special and privileged role in bringing new life into the world. In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reflects on the beauty of motherhood and how mothers and mother figures enrich the lives of those around them.
Does everything going on in the world have you feeling unsettled and disturbed? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us God has everything in his control, and encourages us to stay informed, but to not let the things that are happening consume us and lead us away from God.
We have entered into the holiest week of the year. In this homily, Bishop DeGrood encourages us to enter into the mystery of Christ's Passion and draw from the well of grace and strength this Holy Week, and enter into the passion God has for our own lives.
At the moment of your baptism, you were infused with graces. Not only were you infused with graces, but God also took you unto himself. In this homily, Bishop explains the reality of what happens to the soul at Baptism and when a baby is consecrated in oil, and how, through the waters of Baptism and holy oils, God pours himself into the heart and soul of the newly baptized.
Do you struggle with Lent? Do you tend to mumble and grumble when being tested or when God is asking you to grow? As human beings, it's our tendency because of Original Sin to resist growing in our spiritual lives. In this homily, Bishop encourages us to seek the Lord and allow him to fill us with his grace.
Do you struggle with the season of Lent? Bishop DeGrood did too as a child. In this homily, Bishop reflects on his childhood experiences, how the struggles he experienced back then now reveal the pathway for grace in his life, and he offers his encouragement this first week of Lent.
Do you know someone who embodies the humility of Jesus? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reflects on the virtue of humility as the foundation of the spiritual life and how we need God to help us become humble like Christ was humble. Bishop reminds us that those who are humble are the most authentic. Do you want to be humble and authentic like Jesus?
When God's grace moves deeply within a soul, one can recognize it is of God. Even when we do not realize it, the heart yearns for deep connection with the Lord. In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reflects on the power of Christ's light and the power it has to draw any heart to himself.
Do you wish you had the courage to share your faith with a random person you encounter, or with your loved ones? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains why you can have the confidence to share the Good News with the people around you.
The baptism of Jesus is a profound mystery. Yet we do know Christ's baptism, and our own, opened the door to God's grace for us. In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reflects on the mystery and the extraordinary gift of the Sacrament of Baptism.
Is the joy and presence of God alive in your heart? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains how it is possible to be filled with the joy of the Lord even in the midst of hardship and reminds us that we are called to rejoice at all times and entrust ourselves to God and to live in union with him.
In an unjust world, we can take confidence in our Lord who is perfectly just. In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us of God's justice and encourages us to grow in the cardinal virtue of justice so we may treat those around us with the love of God, and rid our hearts of anything preventing us from loving others as God loves us.
On this first weekend of November where we remember the faithful departed, especially the souls in purgatory, Bishop reminds us that we are always in need of purification in this life and that we are not ready for heaven... yet.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. He hears the cry of those living in poverty, and of those who are poor in spirit. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on how we are called to hear the cry of the poor and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them, but we are also to remember our own poverty and need for the Lord.
There is an ongoing battle raging for life. A battle over the protection or destruction of life. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the ways life is under attack, from the unborn, sick and the elderly. But we are not without hope! Bishop also reminds us that the people of God are called to be like Aaron and Hur, who held up the arms of Moses, and support and stand beside our leaders fighting to defend and protect life.
Are you struggling in your faith? Does it feel like the fire for your faith has started to go out? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us that sometimes God challenges us in ways that require us to stir the fire of our faith so it can grow into an ever stronger passion and steadfast faith.
Are you disheartened by all the evil in the world? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that evil is overcome by good, and how humility and putting others before oneself combats evil. Never forget God will triumph in the end.
Do you wonder if you will make it through the narrow gate to heaven? Do you wonder how to make it through the narrow gate? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how choosing to follow Jesus and have a personal relationship with him will lead us to heaven.
Do you feel like you're in a deep cistern and not sure how things will get better? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the difficulties and uncertainties of life and the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus in the midst of struggles. In this homily, Bishop also reminds us that when we keep our eyes on Jesus he will give us everything we need, even in the darkest and most difficult struggles.
As human beings, we love pleasure and hate pain. We also love to have power over things and others, and we wonder why God doesn't think like we do and do things the way we want. Does any of this sound familiar? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explains where these desires come from, and why we should humble ourselves like Jesus and surrender our desires to God.
Has your understanding of justice changed over your life? Did you once see justice as others owing you everything, or doing what you want? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us that justice is a gift that is to be given what is owed to another. For example, it is just and right for us to give God his due honor, glory and praise at the Mass each Sunday, and to allow God's justice to flow through us on to others and be instruments of God's love.
Are you afraid to place your hope and trust in the Lord? Maybe you feel like the hope you have is running out. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us that God is hope, and that hope does not disappoint. But hope requires us to stretch and reach for God, like roots in a tree yearning for water. It is in going beyond ourselves and our trusting the Lord that we will be led to the source of life.
Do you struggle to ignore the voice inside you telling you that you aren't capable or aren't good enough to share your faith, teach religious education or have a holy marriage? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how spiritual inadequacy is a barrier to us growing in holiness and allowing God to fill us with the graces we need. Rather than allowing the devil to affirm our inadequacies, Bishop encouraged us to look to the example of Sts. Peter and Paul and rely on the angels, and above all God, in overcoming feelings of inadequacy.
As citizens of heaven, we are endowed with graces given to us at our baptism to receive and treat others with respect and dignity. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how justice and mercy are guiding virtues for enacting policies regarding illegal immigration.
Who is Jesus really? Through the process of conversion and understanding, we can understand who he is and be sanctified through the sacraments of his Church.
We are God's beloved. Unlike every other creature, we as human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how blessed we are to be made in God's image, and that Jesus willingly died for us.
Do you struggle to rejoice in the Lord despite the struggles of life? It can be difficult to rejoice in the Lord in hard times, but it is possible. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how God wants us to be filled with joy, even in the midst of the hardships, difficulties and disappointments of life.
Do you have a place in your heart for Jesus to settle into? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us how Advent is a time to prepare a space in our hearts for Jesus, and to be vigilant and diligent for the coming of our savior.
Are you ready to stand before the Lord? As our liturgical year comes to a close, we hear about the end of time. Are we ready? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us of the importance of preparing our souls for death and purifying our souls, looking to the example of the saints who have gone before us. May we put aside the things of this world, and pursue the Lord and allow him to purify and prepare our souls for eternal life.
God dwells in sacred spaces. In our beautiful cathedral and in the temple of our hearts. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of giving to God out of our poverty, and allowing him to work and dwell within our heart so that we may receive God's grace. Will you give God your poverty and trust that he will provide?
Do you struggle to be steadfast in your faith? This weekend in his homily, Bishop shared how an unexpected conversation inspired him in this man's steadfastness in faith. Still inspired, Bishop encouraged us to be steadfast in our faith and in doing what is right no matter how difficult it may be.
Did you know God wants to fill you with spiritual graces? Being filled with these graces will allow you to live a happy, healthy and holy life. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how the virtues of wisdom and prudence call for good things, and allow us to see and know what is good. When we have these virtues, we are able to go out into the world as ambassadors of God to promote the good and protect others.
What does it mean to have a happy, healthy and holy marriage? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how pouring one's self out for the good of the other, and receiving that same self-sacrificing love from your spouse, is what marital love looks like. But in order to give self sacrificing love, one must receive charity, or God's love. We are reminded that until we receive God's love, we cannot love others properly.
As a baptized Catholic, your prayers and sacrifices have spiritual power. You have the spirit of God alive within you, which gives you the grace to teach and share the Good News of God. And because you have been baptized in Christ you have the power to govern, to govern your life and advocate for others. Through your baptism you are a priest, prophet and king. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how your voice makes a difference in protecting the lives and well-being of others and your responsibility to protect and advocate for the innocent and vulnerable.
Are you free? Have you opened yourself to God's grace and the freedom that comes only from his grace? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the freedom that comes from complete and total surrender to God, and how he was reminded of this gift from an unlikely source.
As a child, did you like to pick and choose what you wanted to eat? Looking back can you see how your parents knew better than you did? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how we tend to pick and choose what we believe in our faith and sometimes oppose our heavenly Father who knows best. To help us better understand the Church's teaching on hard issues, Bishop encourages us all to cling to the fullness of Scripture and Sacred Tradition so we may better understand the Lord and trust that he knows what is best for us.
Have you opened your heart to God? Do you allow him to fill your heart with overflowing graces? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how allowing God to move within our hearts allows us to know we are loved by God, fall more deeply in love with God and to love more fully the people in our lives.
Have you ever thought of the Eucharist as the love feast of heaven? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how adoring our Lord in the Eucharist satisfies the deepest parts of our hearts and gives us a foretaste of heaven.
Our world is starving for the truth. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of sharing the truth. Not only is our world starving to hear the truth, people are asking to be told the truth, even about difficult issues on faith and morals. Bishop also reminded us that true love is charity, and love speaks the truth. Go out into the world and share the truth in love.
Do you celebrate your citizenship in God like you celebrate your citizenship as an American? This past weekend Bishop reminded us of the incredible gift we have in the inheritance of heaven as baptized sons and daughters of God. And as baptized Christians, we are called to share the Good News with others so that souls searching for true freedom may find it in the Lord.
Do you try to run away from or avoid the crosses the Lord gives you? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of embracing our crosses, dying to ourselves, remaining on our cross with Christ and allow him to come alive within us.
Did it seem like your parents were always telling you no? Why wouldn't they let you do what you wanted? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the tough love of his parents, how their "no" prepared him for growing in virtue, and how growing in virtue brought greater happiness.
Can you recall a time where you felt guilt, regret and shame? This is often our response when we do something wrong. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to stand strong against temptation, to protect those around us, and to live in the fullness of life and love.
Did you know the Holy Spirit infuses you with graces particular to your state in life and vocation? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how the Holy Spirit gives us graces, strength and consolations that are particular to the life God has called us to. We are reminded that the Holy Spirit does not only work through those with power and influence, but often times, in the most ordinary people around us. Don't underestimate God's ability to work through you.
What does it mean to have the Holy Spirit residing within us? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the consolation we receive when the Holy Spirit resides within us. We are encouraged to draw close to the Lord and ask him for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit so God may dwell within us.
Do you struggle with doubt? Do you doubt God's love and presence, or that he could forgive you of your mistakes and sins? Maybe you struggle to let yourself be free from the guilt and burdens of your mistakes. This weekend in his homily, Bishop acknowledged the spiritual difficulties of doubt, and encouraged us to have trust and faith in God's divine love and mercy. Run to the Lord, and receive his divine mercy.
Our world is filled with idolatry: the love of self and making oneself their own God. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained why idolatry is dangerous and destructive to our faith, our lives and to society. The good news is that Christ conquered sin and death and is now risen. May Christ rise in our hearts so we may live as God intended us to.
Have you ever wondered why it’s so dreadful to go to Confession? We should be thinking about the freedom, joy and peace we experience afterward! This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how the fear of Confession is likely rooted in insecurity and shame. This insecurity and shame can keep us from receiving God’s grace and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, even though we know we need it. As Easter approaches, Bishop reminded us that we still have time to reconcile with God and receive his forgiveness before we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection.
Do you live each day as if it's your first, last and only day? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of seizing each day and living intentionally. With the recent passing of Bishop Peter Muhich, bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City, Bishop DeGrood reflected on Bishop Muhich's dedication to the Church and to the faithful, even while in hospice. Inspired by Bishop Muhich's faith and love to the end, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us all to seize each day and live each day as if it's our first, last and only day.
Do you struggle to give to others, or give back to God? Do you prefer to give the small coins? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his childhood when he would always choose to give the small coins to the family Rice Bowl. As time went on, God showed him the joy that comes with giving generously. As our diocese prepares for our annual Catholic Family Sharing Appeal (CFSA), Bishop asks everyone to consider how the ministries funded through CFSA can bless others and give to the glory of God.
Life is filled with trials and sufferings. Job experienced great suffering in his life. Jesus suffered too. Our lives, too, are filled with hardships. But what are we going to do with our suffering? This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to not fall into the lies and traps of the world, but to turn to God and offer him our sufferings and to rise above difficult circumstances.
While Roe v. Wade has been overturned, the fight to protect life is far from over. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us of the inherent dignity of every human life from the moment of conception to natural death, worthy of protection at every stage. Now there is a new threat against the unborn in South Dakota. A petition circulating the state that is presenting itself as a pro-life, pro-family measure is anything but. If put on the ballot and passed, this amendment would codify abortion into our state constitution and our pro-life laws would be stripped and there would be no common sense laws that could be passed to protect mothers and their unborn babies. To do our part, Bishop is encouraging the faithful to pray, fast, offer sacrifices, educate themselves and others and if asked to sign the petition, decline to sign.
To read Bishop's statement visit: https://www.sfcatholic.org/bishop-degrood/statement-of-the-bishops-of-south-dakota-on-the-anniversary-of-the-overturning-of-roe-v-wade/
Whether we like it or not, we need to learn the virtue of obedience. Luckily we have the perfect model of obedience, Jesus. As humans, we struggle with obedience because it calls us to be humble. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop explained why obedience is crucial to our lives, and why it is a grace. He also explained how without obedience we will struggle to be virtuous parents, teachers, leaders and employees. With the example of the holy family, we too can learn to be obedient to God.
We are all in need of God's love, mercy and grace. He wants to bless us. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained what blessings are, why sin cannot be blessed, the key factors of blessings, what makes them valid, and why repentance and the desire for conformity to what God has revealed to us matter in receiving a blessing.
Has God placed it on your heart to visit the sick or imprisoned? Or to help those in need, or defend the defenseless? Have you responded to God's promptings? As baptized Christians, it is our call and responsibility to bring Christ to others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explains the importance of heeding God's promptings, and assures us it is never too late to respond to God's call. Will you answer God's call and bring Christ to those who need him the most?
Being responsible for another should be a sobering reality. Parents know this reality very well, but this responsibility comes in many forms. Business owners know this reality in managing their employees, as do children who care for their parents. Bishops and priests feel this too as they guide the faithful on the journey to heaven. But can the prestige of authority get to our heads like the Pharisees? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the necessity of remaining humble in positions of power and authority, and how the most humble among us can remind us of what it is to be grateful and humble.
One of the many struggles we face today is living out our identity as God created us, as his beloved sons and daughters. It can also be a struggle to respect the identity of who others are as God created them. It can be easy to convince ourselves of false identities about ourselves, or others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that when we stay rooted in our identity from God, we can know who we are and be able to see others for who he created them to be.
Do you or someone you have difficulty being selfless and sacrificial? In his homily this weekend, Bishop reminded us that what is "right and just" does not always mean what "good for me." Rather, we are called to seek for what is good for others. Bishop also reflected on a childhood memory and shared with us that it is through charity and doing what we would rather not do that we can help break our habits of selfishness.
Do you or someone you know struggle to feel like you have a place within the Church? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that all are welcome to the Catholic Church. He reminded us that when we come to encounter the Lord at Mass, we are to leave everything at the door and live out our baptismal call. Bishop also encouraged us to configure ourselves to the mind of Christ so we may love like Christ loved, and to die to ourselves for the salvation of souls and the glory of God.
Do you hang on to anger and resentment when someone hurts or offends you? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the negative impacts of hanging on to anger and resentment, and explained how unforgiveness is poison to the soul. To remedy the effects of unforgiveness, we are encouraged to go to confession, and offer forgiveness with sincerity of heart to those who have offended us.
Do you wonder what heaven will be like? Perhaps you think of perfect happiness. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encourages us to grow closer to God because as we grow closer to him, the more perfect our interior experience of life becomes. Bishop also encourages us to persist in our faith, persist in bringing our needs and desires to Jesus, and look forward to glorifying the Lord in heaven.
Can you recall a time in your life where you felt God's presence? What about a time where you were struggling in your life and you questioned God? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the highs and lows we experience in our spiritual lives, and encourages us to not give in to discouragement during difficult times. Will you trust God, and run to him when things get difficult?
Do you find yourself trying to figure out what the truth is? Through out history, and still today, there have been many influences that have claimed to be true. We would call the people behind these ideas false prophets. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to be on guard against people and ideals that lead us away from the one true God and his Church.
Without a doubt, we live in a world that is filled with evil. Despite all of the evil that plagues our world, God has blessed us with many graces. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encourages us to rise up against the evil of the world. Bishop also calls on all Catholics, Christians and people of good will to stand in the breach and protect the vulnerable among us, especially minor children who have been abducted and sold into child sex trafficking. With our eyes and ears open, we can fight evil with the power of God and protect the vulnerable among us.
Often times when we think of "the little ones" we think God is referring only to children. While he may have been referring to children, Jesus was also referring to those who let the spirit of God into their hearts. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reflected on what it means to be little. He also explained that God desires to live within us. And when we live in the spirit of God, the fruits of the Holy Spirit radiate through us.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. Some are called to live their lives set apart from the rest of the world through vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and consecrated life. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his call to the priesthood and what a gift it is to be a priest. He also encouraged us to pray for more holy vocations, and that many may answer God's sacred call for the salvation of souls.
Are you trying to live your life on your terms, instead of how God is calling you to live? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us how living on our terms does not bring us happiness. Rather, it brings us unrest. There is good news. God's faithfulness to us is unconditional, and he is waiting and willing to bring us back to himself and bring us ultimate happiness and fulfillment.
Do the feelings of fear and inadequacy keep you from sharing your faith with others? You're not alone. The apostles struggled too. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that God chose those who were least qualified to share the Gospel and worked through their inadequacies. God is calling you too, and will give you the graces you need at the moment you need them, and will help you overcome what hinders you from sharing your faith with others.
Even though God makes the truth available to everyone and asks us to live in it, not everyone accepts this. And in today's world, many who do live in the truth are persecuted or condemned by society. This weekend in his homily, Bishop highlights how our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph faced the same struggles. Bishop also explains how Mary and Joseph overcame these obstacles to living a devout life by living out the unique geniuses of a woman and man as God created them to be so they could be complimentary in their roles in raising Jesus.
How blessed we are to be baptized into Christ. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how being baptized into Christ sets us ablaze and empowers us to serve our parishes, pastors and the Church. Bishop also reminds us that we have the power to pray for the sanctification of others, and share in proclaiming the good news of the Gospel to others. We are challenged to allow ourselves to be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit.
One of Jesus' greatest desires is to bring peace to our hearts and lives. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how one of the greatest ways we as Catholics are privileged to bring peace is by being attentive to the youth and vulnerable adults in our communities. We are reminded of the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults as representatives of God.
In a world ailing from doubt and disbelief, the Resurrection of Jesus reminds us of Christ's power and defeat over sin and death. This Easter Sunday, Bishop reminded us that the Resurrection is too good NOT to be true. We are encouraged to move from doubt into faith, and grow in the supernatural virtues. Will you seek to grow in your faith and overcome your doubts?
Have there been times in your life where you've felt abandoned by God? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how suffering is an invitation to be like Jesus, and how God uses our suffering to sanctify us.
Is there something in your life that is keeping you in a spiritual slumber? In today's culture it is easy to let our faith go by the wayside or become lukewarm. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to allow the spirit of God to come alive within us, cast out idols from our lives and become fervent in our spiritual life. If we don't feed on the life of God, we will become like dry, weary bones that no longer has life. Do not be detracted from the things of God, which truly bring us life!
In today's society, it is difficult to discern what is truly going on. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to be discerning like Samuel- to discern God's will and not the will of ourselves or others. Bishop reminds us that growing in friendship with God is key, and to stay close to God's heart so he may shine light on devious strategies striving to trick or confuse us into sin and immorality.
Are you thirsting for more in this life? Are the things of this world not satisfying the longings of your heart? The Samaritan woman at the well longed for more, too. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reflected on Jesus' thirst and desire to save souls. Bishop also encouraged us to be intentional and take time to be in the presence of the Lord, and allow him to fill you with his love.
Is your heart restless? Are you searching for the thing that will bring you perfect and lasting happiness? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how we will only experience perfect happiness when we are in heaven, experiencing the beatific vision. There is hope in finding real happiness in this life, but it is only found in drawing closer to the Lord.
What is wisdom? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood explained how the supernatural gift of wisdom enables us to know things as God does. This allows us to be wise in the ways of seeing reality. Wisdom helps us relate to others, properly order our lives, and allows us to receive the supernatural virtues. Bishop also explained how wisdom inspires us to live out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
It is not easy to become more like Christ. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reminded us that the goal of our lives is to let Christ become more alive in us. This requires us to die to ourselves. This weekend's Gospel, the beatitudes, teaches us how to die to ourselves. Though difficult to live by, humbling ourselves as described in the beatitudes brings about greater happiness in the end.
Do you desire to be holy? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood explains how we are to respond to the desire to grow in holiness, and how it requires cooperation with the Lord and to seek that which is true, good and beautiful.
Does it amaze you that Jesus has a mother? Jesus, who in his divinity has always existed, has a human mother. That is something to marvel at. On this Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Bishop DeGrood talked about why Mary is the most dignified and honored human being. He also explains what we can learn from Mary and her disposition, and why art and statues often include an apple and a snake.
Did you know the words merry and Christmas have significant meaning? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood explained what these two words mean, and why they are significant to our lives.
Did you know knowledge is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Knowledge from the Holy Spirit allows us to judge correctly matters of faith and right action, so that we never wander from the straight path of justice. John the Baptist understood this. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood explained how knowledge rightly orders our lives: our thoughts, relationships, motivations, priorities and possessions. Ultimately, knowledge allows us to understand that all we want is God. During this Advent, Bishop encourages us to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to repent and prepare our hearts so God can dwell within our hearts.
Are you ready for the coming of Christ? This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us to walk in the light, awaken from our slumber and to put on the armor of light. Bishop also encouraged us to develop practices that will help us live in the light of the Lord and help us grow in the cardinal virtues.
You have a choice to make. To live your life with Jesus as the king of your life, or to serve yourself. This past weekend, Bishop DeGrood talked about what it means to live in cooperation with God's perfect plan, and what the pitfalls are of living for ourselves. Will you choose the path of Lucifer, who chose to serve himself? Or will you choose true freedom? The choice is yours.
Do you find it awkward to talk about your faith? Do you feel inadequate to talk about Christ and how you live your life for him? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood talked about being comfortable with feelings of discomfort and inadequacy. He also offered encouragement in living as a Christian Catholic in today's world, which can be hostile to the faith.
Have you ever wondered about life after death? Or what heaven will be like? This weekend's readings had a common thread: life after death. In the gospel Jesus tells us what it will be like in heaven. In his homily this weekend, Bishop DeGrood encourages us to stand strong in our faith, and to remember we are never alone on our journey to heaven.
Are you looking for love? Do you find yourself feeling unfulfilled with your efforts to find love? This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood talks about the desire deep within us to find fulfilling love. Like Zacchaeus, we too desire to be see Jesus, and to be seen by him. For it is only through the Lord that our hearts can be fulfilled. Bishop also reminds us that God sees our every effort to find him. Every time we pray, in our times of need, when we give him honor and glory at Mass, through our prayer practices and in our acts of charity, God sees it all.
Did you know the shepherd's staff had two purposes? It wasn't used just for walking. The end of the staff was used to keep dangers away from the herd, and the hook was used to reign in stray sheep. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood explained the correlation between Moses's staff and the bishop's crosier.
We are living in a time that is not so different from the apostles. Our society struggles to believe that there is one true God, and that there are objective truths. Ideologies such as secularism, relativism, agnosticism, witchcraft, etc. are on the rise. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood called us to be ambassadors of God's love, to discover the truth God has already revealed and to frequent the sacraments so we may bring God's love to the world.
Do you hate difficult and painful things? Most of us do. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reminded us that we are to bear our share in the hardship for the Gospel. He also reminds us to have faith and courage in the face of trial, difficulty and adversity.
What does it mean to be a good steward? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reflected on the virtue of prudence and the importance of giving our time, talents, treasures and the freedom that comes from giving.
Discipline and tough love can be difficult to deal with. Regardless of whether you're on the giving or receiving end of tough love, it can be hard. It's even more difficult in today's world to give discipline and tough love because of the influences of relativism. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the tough love of his mother, and how we need discipline in our lives. He also encouraged us to embrace the gift of discipline of the laws of God so that our lives might be rightly ordered.
The influences of the world are all around us, and they're powerful. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us to not grow weary, to not lose hope, or to give in to the cultural mindset of relativism. Instead, he encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of faith.
Our world is filled with false idols. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us to reflect on our own lives to see if we recognize any idols we may be hanging onto: technology, self-identity, politics, work, relationships, the list goes on. Are they more dominant in our lives than God? Bishop then points us back to God and encourages us to stay grounded in God so we don't create our own idols.
When you think about your childhood do you, like Bishop DeGrood, have your parents' voices ringing in your ears telling to do do, or not do, something? Do you wish you had listened to your parents? Because of sin and our human brokenness, we do this with our heavenly Father too. Bishop encourages us to rise above our human brokenness and listen to what God has clearly revealed to us.
This weekend in his homily, Bishop talked about the power and influence of spirits. Both good spirits, with a capital S (the Holy Spirit, God's Spirit), and evil spirits, with a little s (the devil, Satan and other evil spirits). Bishop also reflects on the sanctity of life and the family in light of the Supreme Court decision which overturned Roe v Wade, and encouraged us to respond to God's call in supporting mothers, fathers and children in need. This week, ponder these questions: 1. Who are we going to listen to? 2. Who are we going to allow to influence our lives? 3. How can you, as the hands and feet of Christ here on earth, help a mother, father or child in need and cultivate a culture of life?
On this solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop DeGrood unpacks the mystery of the Trinity. He also explains how we can relate to each person of the Trinity. Finally, Bishop encourages us to call upon the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our own way and express what is on our heart right now.
Can you think of a time in your life when you've eagerly anticipated a life changing event? Graduation, getting married, having a baby, or starting a new job are all examples that might come to mind. This week in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encourages and explains to us why we should have the same excitement and level of preparedness for the feast of the Ascension and the second coming of Jesus.
What does it mean for God to dwell with us? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that we are made for love and for God to dwell within us. With this reminder, we are challenged to be Catholics in whom the Word of God is alive within us in every aspect of our lives, and that we may seek the common good and not our own self interests.
On this Easter Sunday, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that from death comes new life, which is what we celebrate with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We are also reminded that God comes to us and wants to infuse us with his grace, but we must be open to receive it.
Have you ever steered clear of trouble because you feared what the punishment might be from your parents? Have you ever done this with God and going to confession? This week in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that Jesus didn't come to condemn us, but to make us righteous.
Does the way we dress impact not only our perception and disposition of the Mass but others as well? This week in his homily Bishop DeGrood explains how the way we present ourselves to Mass can tell those around us what our mindset is about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Is there a lot in this life you don’t understand? Whether it’s the thoughts of the people around you or God’s plan there’s a lot we don’t know or understand. This week in his homily, Bishop talks about the differences between doubt and seeking understanding. Tune in to this week’s homily to find out why seeking understanding is good and also a gift of the Holy Spirit.