Fr. David Hogan: Recent Episodes
David Hogan
An opportunity to reflect upon the mysteries and truths of the Gospel in the midst of the peaks and valleys of everyday life.
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our second reading from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans cautions us amid the noise of every day living, "do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing, and perfect."
Yes, listening to the will of God is difficult. So too is doing God's will, but much is at stake. St. Matthew reminds us, "what profit would there be to gain the whole world and forfeit your life?" God's grace is sufficient such that St. Paul boasted in his weaknesses that the power of Christ may reign in his life! It is important to take some time in prayer and silence to reflect upon where God is inviting you to renew your mind.
Scripture Readings for September 3, 2023
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus' question, "who do you say that I am," was raised squarely in personal terms. This question to his disciples must have taken them by surprise because it brought out directness and suspense as a moment of truth between friends.
Peter's response was rewarded with the promise of a new covenant. God willing, we shall rejoice in that we were not silent as well, but said something with our lives and the "shouts of our hearts." We hope, in the end, the Lord himself will be our reward.
Scripture Reading for August 27, 2023
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Mike Schmitz, in his podcast, "Catechism in a Year," speaks about a therapeutic deistic god in which much of our culture has come to believe the kind of role God plays in our lives. A therapeutic experience makes us feel good like watching our favorite talk show while deism is understood to mean a supreme being who exists but is distant.
The reason why a therapeutic deistic god is so appealing is because this kind of philosophy gives human beings the false notion that we can do whatever we want when we want to do it while still feeling the love of god.
Gratefully, this is not the God of the Bible nor is it the God of our lived experience.
When we look at our Gospel for today, we read about a beautiful miracle story in which a persistent women approaches Jesus while asking Him to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. Jesus clearly becomes a causative agent in the healing of this young girl.
We see time and time again throughout human history, an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God who freely enters into humanity and into our daily lives. Having encountered the Lord, where would be a good place to invite Him into your life?
Scripture Readings for August 20, 2023
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Why does't Jesus stop the storm first? This is a fascinating question as we reflect upon the chain of events that took place in this Sunday's Gospel. Clearly, Jesus' primary concern is not the storm, but Peter's reaction to it. One thing is certain, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
You and I cannot escape every storm, but know that Jesus is always by our side, a rock that will not crack, a beacon that never dims, and a friend whom nothing compares to His worth.
Scripture Readings for August 13, 2023
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Psalm 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Without vision men perish. Therefore, Peter, James, and John were invited into an incredible experience; a glimpse into the glory of Jesus after His Resurrection from the dead. Jesus offers His disciples this moment of peace, hope, and joy, to remind them that the crosses bore in this life do not ultimately end in death, but are a means through which we enter the glory of the Father.
Peter, James, and John must have returned to Mt. Tabor in their minds and hearts several times to be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. You and I, as disciples of Jesus, can do the same as we listen to God's word, participate fully in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and minister to people who need God's love.
Scripture Readings for August 6, 2023
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
2 Peter 1:16-19
Matthew 17:1-9
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday's Gospel highlights two great mysteries: the problem and overcoming of evil. A man once asked Mother Theresa why God did nothing about eliminating evil. She replied, "He did. He made you."
As we continue to face the challenges and complexities of modernity, we have great strength rooted in Jesus Christ. May people of faith unite all around the world so that all may hear the sound of freedom.
Scripture Readings for July 23, 2023
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-30
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Matthew's account of the parable of the sower and the seed offers people an opportunity to evaluate the state of their own souls with regards to the reception of faith. Some seed will fall on rocky ground, some seed will be choked by thorns, and some seed will fall on rich soil producing thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold. Despite the trials, trauma, temptations, and troubles of our modern society, those who are not simply hearers, but doers of God's word will grow in wisdom, age, and grace before God and man. Blessed are those with ears who can hear.
On a business note, as I transition to my new assignment, homily recordings will still be uploaded on apple podcasts and this podomatic website. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during this time of transition.
God's peace and blessings!
Scripture Readings for July 16, 2023
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 65:10-14
Romans 8:18-23
Mt 13:1-23
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
A philosophy professor once told his students that, "there has never been a time in human history where a good man can't live." As much as you and I would like to believe this statement it's becoming more and more difficult to live this reality as Christian disciples. Nonetheless, Christ enters our broken world, putting an end to sin and death, while also encouraging and inspiring his disciples what is whispered in the darkness proclaim on the housetops.
Scripture Readings for June 25, 2023
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Romans 5:12-15
Matthew 10:26-33
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
The Catholic Church in America, just yesterday, began the Eucharistic revival. A revival that is not simply intended for programing, but a revival intended to turn minds, bodies, and souls back to the source of life itself. How important such a movement is, not just in America, but all around the world. The Holy Eucharist is most certainly Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity, but also food for the journey. May God help Americans have a deeper appreciation, reverence, and love for the bread of life.
Scripture Readings for June 11, 2023
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Psalm 147:12-15, 19, 20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58
1st Sunday in Advent
Welcome to the season of Advent and our invitation from the Lord to awaken to the things that truly matter. Unfortunately, advent is one of the most difficult seasons to celebrate as it is overshadowed by Christmas sales and busyness. Some people will remain numb and victims of their own habitual behaviors because they do not want to face the reality of their lives.
People are afraid to look at what is actually happening and the choices they are making. Many times people are afraid because of the countless times they have been disappointed. Yet, as we begin this new liturgical year, I invite you to pray for the courage to face the reality of your lives. I invite you to awaken to the deep spiritual truths of human existence. May this advent season bring greater self-awareness and renewal as God's people everywhere say, "O Come O Come Emmanuel."
Scripture Reading for November 27, 2022
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Today's Solemnity reminds us of what Christianity is all about. Jesus truly is the King and Lord of our lives. This Sunday affirms our utter dependence upon Him. At the same time though, Americans do not like the relationship similar to human rule such as monarchies and such. Which is why we fought for our freedoms in order to avoid this type of rule. Yet, Christ's lordship is not rooted in domination, persuasion, and fear but rather love, peace, and nonviolence. May we take some time this week to evaluate where Christ is not the Lord of our lives and invite Him in!!!
Scripture Reading for November 20, 2022
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122:1-5
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
This coming week we celebrate Vocations Awareness for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. To be an Altar Christus (another Christ) in the world begins with prayer, is sustained by hope, and lived with great joy. Priesthood is demanding, yet one of the most fulfilling ways to live life. Through prayer and discernment, may God continue to send more laborers into His vineyard, as the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.
Scripture Readings for November 6, 2022
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
2 Thessalonians 2:16—3:5
Luke 20:27-38
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, whose profession was a chief tax collector. His public reputation as a sinner was well known. Despite his disrepute, Zacchaeus actively sought to find the Lord. And so he climbed a sycamore tree. The encounter between him and Jesus became a source of hope for all sinners. It is important to note, Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the midst of his sin and still wanted to spend time with him. So too, does Jesus see us in the midst of our sin.
From this lived encounter Zacchaeus was never the same. Have you had a personal encounter with the Lord? Does shame and guilt keep you from growing in your faith? Take courage and comfort knowing God willingly enters into sinful humanity to heal and set us free.
Scripture Readings for October 30, 2022
Wisdom 11:22—12:2
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13, 14
2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2
Luke 19:1-10
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
This Sunday's Gospel presents two different attitudes of prayer: self-righteous and humble. Through the lenses of the pharisee and tax collector, Jesus helps his followers understand that the latter went home justified and not the former. As people of faith, we would like to think and believe that we always come to God in humility, but the reality is our prayer is a combination of both. May we rekindle the great sinners prayer spoken by the tax collector: "Lord, have mercy on me a sinner."
Scripture Readings for October 23, 2022
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 [7a]
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday's Gospel is one of the most iconic in all of Sacred Scripture: Jesus healing ten lepers. After healing them, Jesus' question is rather obvious: where are the other nine? Many of our greatest blessings come after a period of trial, suffering, or difficulty. It seems however, that when we do receive a response to our prayers, we fail to return with gratitude. Let's be among those who always return to God in gratitude and thanksgiving!
Scripture Reading for October 9, 2022
2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 98:1-4
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
As Christians, we do not know much about the minor prophet Habakkuk from any other book in the Bible. He prophesied the coming Babylonian army and its destruction of Judah. Habakkuk carried a heavy message and therefore spoke out on behalf of Judah.
During uncertain and chaotic times, Habakkuk both anticipated an answer from God, and he was willing to wait for a response. During these trying times, know that Christianity is a full contact sport. May God assist all Christians in bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth!
Scripture Readings for October 2, 2022
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
What makes a person trustworthy? Is it simply telling the truth or are their other factors involved? In today's Gospel we read about the unrighteous steward, who squandered his master's wealth, yet becomes a noteworthy example of stewardship. May God help us to act with integrity in season and out of season.
Scripture Readings for September 18, 2022
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Human beings are always in relationship with God and others, albeit a healthy tension. Prayer allows for the opportunity to see the bigger picture in which God's grace is acting in real ways. Accepting the invitation to be prisoners for Christ similarly to St. Paul, the cost of discipleship leads men and women to freedom.
Scripture Readings for September 4, 2022
Wisdom 9:13-18
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17
Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
At the heart of what St. Ignatius of Loyola learned from his time in a cave near Barcelona, and what he teaches through the spiritual exercises is this idea of detachment. Detachment comes into to play, when Jesus instructs his disciples to take the lowest place in today's Gospel. This is not simply musical chairs, but rather an opportunity toward greater human freedom and flourishing!
Scripture Readings for August 28, 2022
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
The word discipline has a negative connotation for many people, but discipline for the sake of our relationship with God and others is a perfect exercise of wisdom. Discipline is not primarily about pain and suffering, but about habitually practicing behaviors and choices that lead to a full and abundant life in God.
This Sunday's Gospel addresses one of the biggest concerns people may have: who will be saved? Given the complexity of the question Jesus challenges His disciples to strive to enter through the narrow gate. May God assist us in our journey, which for man is impossible, but for God all things are possible.
Scripture Reading for August 21, 2022
Isaiah 66:18-21
Psalm 117:1, 2
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Luke 13:22-30
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
In a world gone wrong, those who are in line with the spirit of God will be opposed. In today's Gospel, Jesus spoke about coming to set a fire on the earth, and how he wishes the earth was already blazing! Will you allow Christ to burn away old patterns of sin in your life in order to receive new life within the Kingdom of God?
Scripture Readings for August 14, 2022
Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
Psalm 40:2-4, 18,14
Hebrews 12:1-4
Luke 12:49-53
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings for this Sunday highlight waiting and being ready for the coming of God into our lives and at the end of time. Jesus encourages us to pay attention to this present moment and respond to the the Spirit of God. In doing so we will be ready!
Scripture Readings for August 7, 2022
Wisdom 18:6-9
Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Luke 12:32-48
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus taught the apostles one of the most treasured prayers we can say as fellow believers: The Our Father. Though the apostles were already men of prayer and virtue, they sought to grow in greater confidence and intimacy with God the Father in Heaven. I could not think of a better motivation to do likewise!
Scripture Readings for July 24, 2022
Genesis 18: 20-32
Psalm 138: 1-3, 6-8
Colossians 2: 12-14
Luke 11: 1-13
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The marvelous story of the good samaritan taken from purely the literal sense, one can easily miss out on the spiritual implications of God reaching out to fallen humanity.
Truth be told, God enters into our own god forsakenness to raise us up and bring us back to life through the sacramental life of the Church! It is now our mission to go and do likewise!
Scripture Readings for July 10, 2022
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First world principles reinforce in the importance of self-sufficiency and individualism. Today's Gospel counters this philosophy by stressing the importance of a community of believers who are sent out by Jesus Christ to proclaim the Good News!
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8
Scripture Readings for July 3, 2022
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
On a basic level, physical nourishment such as food and drink provide a certain level of satisfaction, while on a deeper level spiritual nourishment which comes from a relationship with God provides another kind of satisfaction. When Luke's Gospel account states that all ate and were satisfied from the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, this begs the question where does our satisfaction truly come from?
Scripture Readings for June 19, 2022
Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11-17
Holy Trinity Sunday
The archdiocese of St. Louis is in the midst of an important strategic planning effort. Much like the intention of Jesus' prayer in John's Gospel that all may be one as He and the Father are one, so too does the leadership and people of the archdiocese seek unity as the people of God.
Scripture Readings for June 12, 2022
Proverbs 8:22-31
Psalm 8:4-9 [2]
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
Pentecost Sunday
If ever there was a time we needed discernment and guidance instead of our own stubbornness and arrogance, now is the time!
The Holy Spirit will not only assist us in this transformation, but also help us to see that there is more to life than scarcity and fear.
Come Holy Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth!
Scripture Readings for June 5, 2022
Exodus 19:3-8
Psalm 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-30
Romans 8:22-27
John 20:19-23
Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven (Seventh Sunday of Easter)
Have you ever wished that you knew more about the ways of God? Did you ever wish that God would give you a heads up about the future? Not only did Jesus' apostles and disciples have these thoughts, but we have them well.
During Jesus' life on earth, including His Ascension into heaven, Jesus wants to remind humanity one simple truth; there are things in life we are not meant to know.
Scripture Readings for May 29, 2022
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
Luke 24:46-53
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today's Gospel, though short in length, challenges people to evaluate their biases and prejudices towards loving others. Love is a commitment to life in choosing to lay down one's life for another person in real and tangible ways.
Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ sums up this call to love rather well:
Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love
in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.
It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends,
what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.
Scripture Readings for May 15, 2022
Acts 13:14, 43-52
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
Revelation 7:9, 14-17
John 10:27-30
Fourth Sunday of Easter
The early Church seemed to have been quite chaotic as a result of Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead. Therefore, the teachings about the resurrection brought forward jealousy and division among the Jewish people. Paul and Barnabas understood this and continued to work diligently and prayerfully for the kingdom of God. How can we be a source of welcome and peace with regards to the faith?
Scripture Readings for May 8, 2022
Acts 13:14, 43-52
Psalm 100:1-3, 5
Revelation 7:9, 14-17
John 10:27-30
Third Sunday of Easter
Jesus' threefold question certainly addresses the three fold denial that Peter made, but the questions also necessitate an action of service made through self-gift. After you have denied our Lord's goodness, identity, or plan what's your response?
Scripture Reading for May 1, 2022
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19
Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy)
One of the greatest accomplishments of St. Pope John Paul II was to establish the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy. Thankfully we do not celebrate human mercy, but God's unconditional, overflowing, and abundant mercy. Therefore, when we allow stubbornness to lock the doors of our hearts, what are we willing to do in order for God to enter into our lives?
Scripture Readings for April 23, 2022
Acts 5:12-16
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19
John 20:19-31
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
The Lord is Risen...He is Truly Risen! Alleluia!
Acts 10:34, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-24
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9
Palm Sunday
As Holy Week is upon us, in what ways are you stepping into the arena of suffering in your life? In what ways are you hesitant to engage? The great lesson from the cross is that not only are all things possible by the grace of God, but God's power is made perfect in weakness.
Scripture Reading for April 10, 2022
Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14—23:56 or 23:1-49
Fifth Sunday of Lent
We have reached the conclusion of Dante's journey up Mount Purgatory. What assists us in getting from the peak to heaven is flight. May God continue to help us turn away from these deadly sins by acquiring the lively virtues.
May the newly acquired virtues further assist us in reaching the source of life itself. Know of my prayers for you as you continue to make strides in your daily lives towards the blessings of Godly living.
Scripture Readings for April 3, 2022
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126:1-6
Philippians 3:8-14
John 8:1-11
Fourth Sunday of Lent
This Sunday's Gospel is the retelling of the famous Gospel passage: The Prodigal Son. Having experienced the lowest moment in his life, the younger son experienced a holy moment when confronted with his own sin. God willing you and I can experience similar moments as well on our journey through life. May God strengthen us to turn away from sin and back to the father's embrace!
Scripture Readings for March 26, 2022
Joshua 5:9, 10-12
Psalm 34:2-7, 9
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Third Sunday of Lent
Continuing on through our lenten journey, this Sunday's homily focuses on another two of the seven deadly sins and seven lively virtues. Sloth and gluttony are not only common, but socially acceptable in society. Dante invites us revisit these age old vices and ask God for insight and strength to overcome them through the virtues of zeal and asceticism.
Scripture Readings for March 20, 2022
Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Luke 13:1-9
2nd Sunday of Lent
The Transfiguration is a great reminder and hope of why Christians go through seasons like lent. Lent is certainly a time of purification, but lent is also a time of preparation for the life to come.
Eternal beatitude (happiness) is when we will encounter the living God and behold Him face to face. In order to reach this place of peace and joy, we must ascend up the mountain with the help of God's grace and the gift of a spiritual guide.
Scripture Readings for March 13, 2022
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Luke 9:28-36
First Sunday of Lent
Jesus' time in the desert provides for us mere mortals not only the secret to endure temptation, but also the secret to gain victory over our sinful inclinations. The temptations that Satan used to divert Jesus from His mission and identity are the same temptations we face as well: pleasure, power, and honor. As we continue our expedition through the desert, may the Holy Spirit lead us back to our true identity as God's beloved sons and daughters, for He alone shall we serve.
Scripture Readings for March 6, 2022
Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15
Romans 10:8-13
Luke 4:1-13
Ash Wednesday
As we begin the holy season of Lent it is important to remember these three steps in order to grow in holiness. These three elements: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving not only help us to grow spiritually during this particular journey. As Catholics, we are also invited most especially to encounter the living God!
Scripture Readings for March 2, 2022
Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, and 17
2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Gospel is a continuation of Jesus' sermons to His disciples. When Jesus asks us to rend our hearts and not our garments, He is asking us to look at our inner attitudes and behaviors. Instead of looking at external appearances and words alone.
This is of course challenging because it is much easier to give ourselves a pass when it comes to our behavior and judge someone whom we do not even know imprudently. Until we remove the wooden beam from our own eye it is nearly impossible to properly identify the splinter in our brother's eye.
Scripture Reading for February 27, 2022
Sirach 27:4-7
Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45
Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
For the average reader of today's Gospel, it seems like Jesus is offering His disciples some pious platitudes about how to live the Christian life. Often times, the most common sense principles in the Bible are the most difficult to follow. "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6: 27-28.
Christians can falsely believe, after reading similar passages, that becoming holy punching bags are essentially to becoming Jesus' disciples. Instead, Jesus' invitation to His disciples is to take the high road and to love people deeply. Let us open ourselves to the gift of humility that will allow us to change our lives.
Scripture Readings for February 20, 2022
1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Luke 6:27-38
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time
In Today's Gospel, Jesus Christ boldly proclaims his famous sermon on the mount. In order for you and I to be Jesus' followers, there must be a renewal of our minds, hearts, and souls.
As you reflect on these readings, where in your belief system do you see a need for conversion especially if parts of it are rooted in sin?
Scripture Readings for February 13, 2022
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 1:1-4, 6 [40:5]
1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Luke 6:17, 20-26
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Luke's Gospel, we hear of a familiar story in which Jesus not only asks Peter to cast his net out into the deep, but for Him to be His follower. Likewise, when Jesus enters onto the scene of our lives, He follows a similar pattern, only this time we are not catching fish, but becoming fishers of men.
Scripture for February 5, 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17
1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13
Luke 4:21-30
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
This past week on January 25th, the Archdiocese of St. Louis launched the All Things New pastoral initiative. This initiative is meant to include every parish in the Archdiocese. Certainly, such a historic moment in our local church, there can be cause for concern. At the same time, what a great opportunity to move forward together in hope and trust in the Lord.
Scripture Readings for January 30, 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17
1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Luke 4:21-30
Third Week in Ordinary Time
As we begin this new liturgical year, the Gospel readings will be taken from St. Luke. St. Luke was a physician so many of accounts have to deal with some form of healing. In today's Gospel Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee where He reads the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. How incredible the news to hear that, "today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing!"
Scripture Reading for January 23, 2022
Nehemiah 8:2,4-6, 8-10
Psalm 19:8-10, 15
1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
The wedding feast at Cana was not only Jesus' first public miracle, this miracle inaugurated God's mission to invite humanity into relationship. When Mary says, "they have no wine," she is speaking on behalf of the entire human race. Eventually, we come to moments in our lives where there is nothing left to give. Fittingly, it's when our lives are overworked, stressed out, and filled with anxiety that we look for answers.
When Jesus addresses Mary as "woman," a seemingly disrespectful term in our modern times, Jesus is addressing her as the new Eve. Mary is the mother of all the living. Therefore, being the mother of all the living, Mary wants all of humanity to experience the intoxication of God's divine life. As the headwaiter proclaims, "but you have kept the good wine until now!" Maybe you and I are "trying" too hard. Where are we willing to Let Go and Let God?
Scripture Readings for January 16, 2022
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 96:1-3, 7-10
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
John 2:1-11
The Baptism of the Lord
It is important to note that Jesus Christ did not need to be baptized. Baptism is for humanity as a result of original sin. By His baptism though, Jesus makes holy the waters of every baptism that will take place following His. Baptism is the beginning for the Christian who journeys from death to new life.
Scripture Readings for January 9, 2022
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22