Fr. Mark Bernhard's Homilies: Recent Episodes
Fr Mark Bernhard
Fr. Mark presents the third and final installment regarding our parish mission: To offer a life-changing encounter with Jesus so all might be rescued and have abundant life. It is here that he introduces the Rescue Project, which you can learn more about here: https://notredameparish.org/the-rescue-project/
The environment in which we live can play a role in who we become. Fr. Mark encourages individuals and families to ask themselves, “What social norms do I follow that contribute to my spiritual deafness?” Although the secular environment is powerful, the Gospel is more powerful.
Ephesians 5 is a crucial passage in understanding God’s will for Christian marriage. Fr. Mark encourages married couples to remember that their marriage is a sacrament and to call upon God for help.
The Assumption of Mary proclaims the truth about the human body. Fr. Mark explains how this feast can be a revelatory moment in realizing the possibility of living a chaste life.
Our culture has lost a sense of mystery. Fr. Mark describes the importance of mystery and the harm of a grumbling disposition. He encourages us to surrender to the mystery of God and receive the nourishment which God wants to give us.
Given our secular culture, the need to be in Tip-Top shape is great. Fr. Mark encourages us to raise the bar and be consistent so we can live in a manner worthy of the call we have received.
In Fr. Mark’s first homily at Notre Dame, he shares 3 promises and the convictions that will drive him during his time as a pastor.
On Divine Mercy Sunday Fr. Mark explores the question: why does the resurrected Christ still have His wounds? He looks at three of the reasons that St. Thomas Aquinas gives and how we are to look at the glorious wounds of Christ.
Father Mark explains to the kids at St. Mary's school that sometimes it is okay to break the rules.
Our goal is to go deeper with Christ; this is a life-long process. Fr. Mark explains that the process always contains Gethsemane moments and the process must include death. As Jesus approaches His aim, He shows us how to better embrace the process.
Many parishioners took the step in the desert this past week by clearing some much-needed clutter and distractions; many were convicted that their phones and screen time keep them from going deeper. Now we go into the silence and engage in the battle of prayer. Fr. Mark gives us a tool to help us go deeper.
The world is making us accustomed to staying shallow rather than going deep. We were created to go deep with Jesus, that only happens through prayer and silence. Fr. Mark invites us into the desert to clear the clutter and distractions that keep us from going deep with Christ.
In the gospel today we see Jesus teach and act with authority. Fr. Mark encourages us to submit to God’s supreme authority and then gives two practice steps to resist the devil in our day-to-day life.
The city of Nineveh was on the verge of collapse due to a breakdown of the moral framework. Jonah was sent by God to preach repentance in the city. Before Jonah could go to Nineveh and preach repentance he has to learn three important lessons. Father Mark encourages us to learn these same lessons so as to bring about healing and conversion in our nation.
On the feast of the Holy Family Fr. Marks shares the importance of normalizing the faith in the home. He challenges us to consider the areas where we have not been scrappy enough.
God came quietly and secretively, born in disguise behind enemy lines so as to rescue us. Fr. Mark encourages everyone to take a Christmas assessment to determine what side of the line they are on.
Fr. Mark delivers the school Mass homily to the 3rd graders on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
The message of John the Baptist is contrary to the message of the world. Fr. Mark explains that it’s okay to feel bad about ourselves if that motivates us to get rid of the things that are bad about ourselves.
Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 to respond to the rise of secularism and nationalism. The result of believing things that were not true led to a lot of death and destruction. Fr. Mark warns us not to drink the two cups of Kool-Aid that the world is offering us right now. We need to obey God and have the right outlook on death.
On the Solemnity of All Saints, Fr. Mark encourages us to choose wisely the heroes that we have. Heroes play a role in who we become and we all must play our part to end the crisis and become a saint.
In saying “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God” Jesus teaches that all things, even politics, ought to be informed by strong and clear religious principles. Due to sin, there are many injustices that need attention in our nation; triage is needed. Fr. Mark encourages us to think with the mind of Christ and the Church when forming our conscience for the upcoming election.
Pride and laziness contributed to the Chief Priests and Elders not repenting and turning from their wickedness. Fr. Mark explains the importance of self-knowledge and 'putting in the work’ in overcoming sin and progressing in the spiritual life.
There is nothing worse than receiving God’s mercy and not giving it away. When it comes to forgiving others, everything is at stake; if we don’t forgive, we don’t get forgiven. Fr. Mark explains a false notion of forgiveness and the harm it can do and offers tips to help us forgive those who have harmed us.
Last week Jesus chose Peter to be the one to build His church on; this week we find out that Peter is a bust because he resisted sacrifice. Fr. Mark explains the harmful consequences when we don’t habitually think with the mind of God in terms of sacrifice. He encourages us to look for opportunities to daily deny ourselves so we don’t become a bust.
The Prince of Tyre thinks he is a God; he thinks he sits on a godly throne. Over and over again the Bible tells us that pride will destroy. We need to be given the same straight talk the Prophet Ezekiel gives the Prince of Tyre.
In the Gospel today (Matthew 15:21-28) we hear a battle between Jesus and a woman where He draws her in. Fr. Mark explains the importance of expressing our longings and desires to Jesus; this battle is painful, but the battle must be routinely engaged to become whole and integrated.
St. John Vianney was a simple country priest, but by elevating the mundane, he was an antidote to the chaos in 19th century France. Fr. Mark challenges us to look at the mundane things in our lives and see them as opportunities to sanctify ourselves and the world around us.
The disciples feel the weight of responsibility when Jesus asks them to feed the crowds themselves. Fr. Mark explains that responsibility and dependency are two crucial components to any Christian's walk with Christ.
It doesn’t take much effort to notice all the evil at work in the world today. Fr. Mark explains three principles that can be drawn from today's Gospel (Mt 13:24-43) in order to combat evil.
In the gospel today, MT 12:14-21, we see Jesus intentionally walking away from an argument that was brewing. Fr Mark asks us to be like Jesus towards people in our life, be it at work, at home with our family, friends and our kids wherein we see that the end goal of discourse is to aim for a healthy conversation and not arguments; conversations that lead towards the conversion of hearts.
In the Gospel today (Mt 11:28-30) Jesus asks us to learn from Him. Meekness is best understood as power under control. How quickly do we snap and lose control with family members? Fr. Mark encourages us to ask Jesus to harness us so we become meek.
In the Gospel this morning Mt 11:20-24, Jesus rails off some harsh words to those who have seen mighty deeds but are still unrepentant. With every blessing comes a degree of responsibility. Fr. Mark encourages us to feel the load of responsibility so as to repent and be a saint.
In unpacking the parable of the sower, Fr. Mark explains that if we don’t meditate regularly on the scriptures we will resemble toxic soil. Jesus is generous in giving forth His word to bring about growth and change in our lives. Fr. Mark gives three barriers that keep us from reading the scriptures: intimidation, time, and acedia. Fight through these barriers and come up with a game plan as to when you will meditate on the scriptures.
Fr. Mark Bernhard shares brief words of introduction as he joins the St. Mary community in Mokena. Fr. Mark challenges us to take rest in Jesus by embracing His paradoxical call of taking on His yoke.
Father Mark shares his final words for the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy. As he heads to St. Mary in Mokena, Father Mark offers words of thanks and gives a few last appeals based on Jesus’ words in the Gospel.
The siege of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. was a result of disobedience to God’s word. The lesson from today’s readings is simple: be obedient to God’s word. God’s word orders reality and is the foundation of our existence.
Chances are that you and I are thinking way too small on the kind of impact God wants us to make on the world. On the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, we hear about God’s desire for his servant to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:1-6). Fr. Mark reminds us that whether we are engaged to be married or looking toward retirement, God’s plan is far greater than we could dare to imagine.
There are numerous things that we put a lot of effort into; how about prayer? Prayer presupposes effort. Father Mark encourages us to understand properly that prayer is a battle. The paragraphs from the catechism he exhorts us to read are 2725-2745.
On the feast of Corpus Christi, we hear Jesus tell His disciples to eat His flesh and drink His blood. Father Mark explains why watching Mass from home on a computer is lame; he offers three things for us to keep in mind as we return back to Mass.
Barnabas was the “The Guy” before fading in the background and allowing Paul to flourish. There would be no Paul without Barnabas; there would be no Paul without the humility of Barnabas. Father Mark exhorts us to fight against any ego inside of us; to fight any desire within us that wants people to applaud us. Father Mark encourages us to pray the Litany of Humility. https://www.knightsoftheholyeucharist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Litany-of-Humility.pdf
In our 1st reading (1 Kings 18) Elijah asks “how long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” The same question is asked of us today. What parts of my heart straddle the line and limp along with different opinions? Father Mark encourages us to submit to Jesus; He is Lord.
Elijah was told by God that he would be sustained after heading to Cherith. Elijah was obedient to God, yet the brook ran dry. There are times when we are obedient to God, but things still go bad. Father Mark asks us to consider what we do when the brook begins to run dry.
In our 1st reading today (2 Tim 4:1-8) we hear from the last chapter of the last letter Paul writes before being killed. Father Mark explains that Paul’s last words to Timothy are fitting for us today.
Living Above Reproach In the 1st reading today (2 Tim 2:8-15) St. Paul exhorts Timothy to be "eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.” Are you living above reproach? Are there any ongoing sins in your life that would bring shame if they were made public? Our world needs people to live above reproach, doing so leads others to Christ.
Father Mark breaks open the 1st reading today and explains that for Peter it comes down to one thing, sanctity!
In the midst of more and more ugliness in the world, one wonders how to proceed. Father Mark explains that beauty will save the world. As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, Father Mark encourages us to ask the Lord for the fruits of the Holy Spirit so as to live and act beautifully.
In the 1st reading, we see the Scribes and Pharisees fighting with one another so much that their eyes are taken off their mission. Jesus knows we have this tendency toward in-fighting—whether that be in politics, in the church, in families, etc.— so he prayers for unity. This kind of in-fighting takes our eyes off the mission. Fr. Mark challenges us to consider if our words sow seeds of unity or disunity in our relationships and community.
Having the approval of others is good, normal, and healthy. However, the craving for approval can turn harmful. Many of us are slaves to what others think of us. Father Mark encourages us to stay rooted in the reality of Jesus; that the heart of Jesus knows each of us. The pull to seek the praise of men falls to the wayside the further rooted we are in the reality that we are His.
In our 1st reading (Acts 18:1-8) Paul, while in Corinth, meets a married couple named Aquila and Priscilla. They were a great help to St. Paul in his ministry and did much in spreading the Gospel. Father Mark gives us three takeaways from the things we know about this power couple.
Paul and Silas are thrown into a cell and their feet shackled (Acts 16:22-34); they served as a bridge for the jailer’s conversion. Father Mark explains the need for pre-evangelization in the world today. People need shallow entry points where they can establish trust and thereby have their hearts ready to encounter Jesus.
We are intense and passionate about a lot of different things. How intense are we toward the things most important? Father Mark encourages us to have a Michael Jordan intensity with keeping God number one and family number two. Given the anti-Christian creed in the world, he offers suggestions in seeking help. Father Mark explains that the most powerful help at our side is the Advocate which Jesus promises us in today's Gospel.
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John 14:15-21
Below are the items Father refers to _Marriage Course page which has the video he refers to and registration link https://olmercy.com/mc/ [Starts Friday 5/22 @ 7:30pm]
_Virtual Narthex Small Groups After Mass [Starts Sunday 5/24 right after Mass] Keep an eye out for the sign up to be released this week.
_Bible Study on: Jesus: the Way, Truth & Life [Starts Tuesday 5/26 @7pm] https://study.ascensionpress.com/studies/…/registrations/new
_Bible Study on: The Bible Timeline Study [Starts Wednesday 6/3 @pm] https://study.ascensionpress.com/studies/…/registrations/new
In today's homily, Father Mark explores God’s command to work and His command to love. He explains that both commands bring with it the desired result.
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Saint Isidore & John 15:12-17
Encouragement Anyone? Our 1st reading today (Acts 14:19-28) is flooded with encouragement. It’s amazing how little encouragement we need to keep persevering. Father Mark exhorts us to encourage others today and to be encouraged by Jesus’ words in the gospel.
In our 1st reading (Acts 13:44-52) we hear that “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” The people’s hearts were moved the following Sabbath and want to hear more of the power of the Gospel. This is the same cry we hear from Philip in the Gospel when he asks Jesus to show him the Father. Father Mark encourages us to pause today in order to rest in the trinitarian love our hearts were created for.
Today we hear Paul given the opportunity to share the gospel with the Jews in the Synagogue (Acts 13:13-25). The ball was placed on the tee for him to swing, and swing he did. When our children or grandchildren ask us why they have to go to Mass, will we be ready to swing away?
When given to Christ, your wounds become a Badge of Honor
Today we hear from Luke’s account of Jesus appearing to the apostles. Father Mark explains why the resurrected Jesus still has His wounds. May we also be quick to show our wounds to Jesus; they then become a badge of honor to show a hurting world.
Lean Back into Jesus’ Chest. Father Mark contrasts Peter and John’s reaction in the face of fear. Peter’s fear caused himself to distance himself from Christ. John leaned back into Jesus’ chest. Father Mark encourages us to spend time today imagining ourselves resting our head on Jesus’ chest.
Center Stage
There is a tragic element to our humanity. Father Mark reflects on how pain and suffering seems to be taking center stage these days. Jesus’ passion and death speaks into the tragedy of our humanity. Father Mark encourages us to watch Jesus closely this week as He takes center stage and goes to work.
What Are We Suppose to Look Like? Today we hear (Acts 11:19-26) what the early church looked like. Church communities were formed by individuals responding to the gospel. Hearts were pieced and convicted which led to different living from the world. Is that what our parishes look like today? Does Our Lady of Mercy look that way? Father Mark encourages us to be the change when we come back to church.
Weak Spots in the Wall
Even though Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ victory over Sin, Death, and Satan, the battle continues. Satan lurks around like a thief, looking for weak spots in our wall in order to break in and cause havoc. Father Mark explains that the Good Shepherd comes with his rod and staff in hand to protect and heal us by His wounds.
Difficult Teachings
Not much has changed over the years, difficult teachings of Jesus don't become less difficult as time goes on. Many leave the church because of church teachings that are hard. Father Mark encourages us to double down, reflect deeply on John 6 with Jesus, continue to believe in, and grow our devotion in Him, in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Manna and God’s Initiative
In today’s gospel, Jesus refers to manna. Father Mark explains how manna was miraculous food given by God to sustain the wandering Israelites. The manna is a prefiguration to Jesus’ own flesh He gives to sustain us on our journey.
Stop and Think
If the crowd would have just stopped and thought, they would seen the mighty works of God. Father Mark explains how important it is in the spiritual life to ‘stop and think’. We tend to move throughout the day so fast that we don’t realize God’s love for us; we even move fast through prayers, not thinking and expecting the Spirit to come. The gift of the Holy Spirit is always available to us if we would just stop and think.
What’s Essential Anyways?
Father Mark describes how the locked church doors are an image for modern man casting God as non-essential. When God is viewed as non-essential, sadness, and despair reign. In the Gospel today, the two disciples find themselves saddened before Jesus restores their hope. Father Mark gives two challenges to share the gospel to those who are searching for answers in this time of the pandemic. For further reflection, please see the following Scripture verses he points to: Acts 2:32 “God raised this Jesus; of this we/I am a witnesses” 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;" Luke 24
Celebrating the Feast of St. Mark gives us an opportunity to recall the communion of Saints. The victory of Christ death and resurrection has been realized, but the trials of life continue. Father Mark encourages us to tap into the fellowship of the Saints while in lockdown. Take a listen.
Where Are You Being Stingy?
The inner life of God is one of self-donating love. The Father pours everything he has into the Son; the Son everything into the Father. Father Mark explains that we are created to give of ourselves in a move of self-donating love. Where we were once excited to give ourselves as a gift we perhaps have grown stale, stingy. Where are you stingy in making yourself a gift? Relate this to Christ, receive from the Triune God, be refreshed, then be the gift. Take a listen
Don’t be a Nicodemus!
In today’s gospel, Jesus continues his conversation with Nicodemus. Nicodemus is clueless; his mind in on earthy things where Jesus speaks of heavenly things. Father Mark explains that the spiritual world is incredibly active. Unfortunately, most of us don’t meet Christ throughout the day because we live as practical materialists.
Companions of Jesus
Peter and John are recognized by the scribes as companions of Jesus. Father Mark explains that companionship with Jesus is the first step to evangelization and having an impact on our circle of influence.
No one calls our name the way Jesus calls our name
In today's Gospel we encounter Mary Magdalene weeping outside the tomb. She doesn’t recognize the resurrected Christ until she hears Him say her name. Let us take time today to hear Jesus call our name as no one calls our name the way Jesus calls our name.
Come See Jesus. Death was on the mind of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on the very first Easter morning. Similarly death is on our mind this Easter morning due to the pandemic. Father Mark explains that Satan is the ultimate invisible enemy who hold us ransom. Jesus rose from the dead, which means we will not die. Now the invitation is for us to come see Jesus.
Holy Thursday We’re Hurting and You’re Hurting
Father Mark explains how all Priests are hurting during this time being away from their people. Time away from the Eucharist is also causing the laity to hurt. On this Holy Thursday, where we commemorate the institution of the Priesthood and the institution of the Eucharist, Father Mark suggests that in the hurting there can be great spiritual growth and renewal.
A Good Father Keeps His Promises
Father Mark explains the situation the Israelites find themselves during Babylonian Exile. The prophet Ezekiel gives the people hope by proclaiming God’s outrageous promises.
“Never tasting death” If Jesus is God then everything He said is true. Father Mark encourages us to spend time today with the claim Jesus makes in the Gospel today, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.”
Who you calling “Not Free?!?” Father Mark reflects on the 8th chapter of Gospel of John. The Jews take issue with being told they aren’t free. This is our common reaction to Jesus as well. It is only remaining in Jesus where we find freedom.