Wisdom from St. Ben's: Recent Episodes
St. Benedict Church of Wild Rice
St. Benedict’s of Wild Rice is a small parish with a big heart. It is located in Horace, North Dakota, and traces it origins to a log cabin church built in 1870.
Early episodes featured Fr. Jared Kadlec, a caring and humble servant of God, who brought his weekly homilies to light as a way to keep parishioners engaged and informed during the early days of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
In mid-2020, Fr. Andrew Jasinski followed Fr. Kadlec as pastor.
Homily from November 26, 2023, Solemnity of Christ the King.
By receiving Jesus as the king of our lives, we become more like him.
Homily from November 19, 2023, Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The Lord has entrusted his kingdom to us according to our ability.
Homily from November 12, 2023, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“The bridegroom is coming. Go out and meet him!”
Homily from November 5, 2023, Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus warns us of the danger of vain-glory.
Homily from October 29, 2023, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Homily from October 22, 2023, Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Homily from October 15, 2023, Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Those who were invited were not worthy to come.”
Homily from October 8, 2023, Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Despite our shortcomings, the Lord still has hope in us.
Homily from October 1, 2023, Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus challenged the leaders of his day to have remorse. We should examine how we have fallen short of leading others to Jesus.
Homily from September 24, 2023, Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
As God is generous with us, we are to be generous with each other.
Homily from September 17, 2023, Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Forgive your brother from your heart.
Homily from September 10, 2023, Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Pray for the courage to correct your fellow Christian in love.
Homily from September 3, 2023, Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
Homily from August 27, 2023, Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Sadly, authority can be usurped and abused. However, there is legitimate authority that brings us freedom.
Homily from August 20, 2023, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
A woman’s relationship with Jesus heals her daughter.
Homily from August 15, 2023, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We, Christians, believe in the resurrection of the body.
Homily from August 13, 2023, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Listening for God in times of turmoil.
Homily from August 6, 2023, the Transfiguration of the Lord.
God enters history, that we might be divine for all eternity.
Homily from July 30, 2023, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
What have we learned from the parables? Are we spiritual free to follow Jesus?
Homily from July 23, 2023, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus addresses the mystery of good and evil existing together.
Homily from July 16, 2023, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Why is God’s word not effective in our lives?
Homily from July 9, 2023, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus invites into the same intimacy he enjoys with his heavenly Father.
Homily from July 2, 2023, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward.”
Homily from June 25, 2023, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
What fears do we have which prevent us from following Jesus whole-heartedly?
Homily from June 18, 2023, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus sees a need, and invites to pray and to be an answer to prayer.
Homily from June 11, 2023, the Body and Blood of Christ.
Receiving the Eucharist, “We become what we eat.”
Homily from June 4, 2023, Trinity Sunday.
The LORD cried out, “The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.”
Homily from May 28, 2023, Pentecost.
“There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit.”
Homily from May 21, 2023, the Ascension of the Lord.
The Holy Spirit reveals to us where Jesus went after he ascended into heaven.
Homily from May 14, 2023, Sixth Sunday of Easter.
“The Father will send you another Advocate to be with you always, whom the world cannot accept.”
Homily from May 7, 2023, Fifth Sunday of Easter.
Like living stones, be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices.
Homily from April 23, 2023, Third Sunday of Easter.
Jesus invites us to open our hearts in faith.
Homily from April 16, 2023, Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday.
At every Mass, we hear Jesus say, “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.”
Homily from April 9, 2023, Easter Sunday.
Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness.
Homily from April 7, 2023, Good Friday.
Jesus shows us that the way to live is through death.
Homily from April 6, 2023, Holy Thursday.
The sacraments of service enflesh God’s service of us.
Homily from April 2, 2023, Palm Sunday.
Jesus was betrayed, tortured and died. Can he be God?
Homily from March 26, 2023, Fifth Sunday of Lent.
Jesus laments our loss, seeks, and sets free.
Homily from March 12, 2023, Third Sunday of Lent.
Jesus raises a woman from a physical way of thinking to a spiritual life.
Homily from March 5, 2023, Second Sunday of Lent.
God the Father reveals who Jesus is and who we can become.
Homily from February 26, 2023, First Sunday of Lent.
Jesus wins our victory over the devil.
Homily from February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday.
Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with God, the Father.
Homily from February 19, 2023, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Imitating Jesus’ love of his enemies.
Homily from February 12, 2023, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
Homily from February 5, 2023, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, with guest priest Fr. William Slattery.
Prepared to go out as salt and light.
Homily from January 29, 2023, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The Beatitutdes: the road to happiness.
Homily from January 29, 2023, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Homily from January 15, 2023, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
As we reflect on the person of John the Baptist, we realize that the first task of a prophet is to listen.
Homily from January 8, 2023, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
“We have come to adore Him.”
Homily from January 1, 2023, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
“The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.”
Homily from December 25, 2022, Christmas Day.
Christmas shows us that God comes to us in poverty because He loves us.
Homily from December 18, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Advent.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”
Homily from December 11, 2022,Third Sunday of Advent.
Here is your God, he comes to save you.
Homily from December 8, 2022, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
“Hail, Full-of-Grace.”
Homily from December 4, 2022, Second Sunday of Advent.
John the Baptist said, “the one who is coming after me … will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Homily from November 27, 2022, First Sunday of Advent.
“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
Homily from November 20, 2022, Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Jesus is king on the cross.
Homily from November 13, 2022, Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“It will lead to your giving testimony.”
Homily November 6, 2022, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The end of the world … and beyond.
Homily from November 1, 2022, All Saints Day.
The saints in heaven remind us of our true home in heaven and pray that one day we will join them.
Homily for October 30, 2022, Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus says, “Today, I must stay at your house.”
Homily from October 23, 2022, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“I have kept the faith.”
Homily from October 9, 2022, Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Your faith has saved you.”
Homily from October 2, 2022, Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Increase our faith.”
Homily from September 25, 2022, Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
God judges justly.
Homily from September 18, 2022, Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Living the virtue of religion.
Homily from September 11, 2022, Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“There will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Homily from September 4, 2022, Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
To be Jesus’ disciples, you must be free from love of others, yourself and things.
Homily from August 28, 2022, Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
You have approached Mount Zion,
and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and countless angels in festal gathering,
and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,
and God the judge of all,
and the spirits of the just made perfect,
and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,
and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.
Homily from August 21, 2022, Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.”
Homily from August 15, 2022, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary, our Mother, has gone before us in heaven, which she intercedes for us.
Homily from August 14, 2022, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us.
Homily from August 7, 2022, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Homily from July 31, 2022, Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Life does not consist of possessions.”
Homily from July 24, 2022, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time/
“Lord, teach us to pray.”
Homily from July 3, 2022, the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Missionary disciples pray, go and rejoice.
Homily from June 27, 2022, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“For freedom, Christ set us free.”
Homily from June 19, 2022, Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Melchizedek, being a priest of God Most High, blessed Abram and God Most High.
Homily from June 12, 2022, Trinity Sunday.
“When the Lord established the heavens I was there, … I was beside him as his craftsman”
Homily from June 5, 2022, Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
And a special announcement from Bishop Folda.
Homily from May 29, 2022, the Ascension of the Lord.
Jesus ascends to heaven, but remains with us until the end of the world.
Homily from May 22, 2022, Sixth Sunday of Easter
Jesus promises to send his Spirit and his peace.
Homily from May 8, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Easter.
“My sheep hear my voice and follow me.”
Homily from April 24, 2022, Second Sunday of Easter.
Jesus shows mercy to his Church on Easter.
Homily from April 10, 2022, Palm Sunday.
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Homily from April 3, 2022, Fifth Sunday of Lent.
Jesus wrote on the ground. In response, they went away one by one.
Homily from March 27, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Lent.
“We must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
Homily from March 20, 2022, Third Sunday of Lent.
Moses asked God, “What is your name?” We can call on the name of our God.
Homily from March 13, 2022, Second Sunday of Lent.
“They became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice.”
Homily from March 2, 2022, Ash Wednesday.
“Your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
Homily from February 27, 2022, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus said, “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Homily from February 20, 2022, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
For more information about the God’s Gift Appeal (the annual appeal in support of the Diocese of Fargo), visit www.fargodiocese.org/godsgiftappeal.
Homily from February 13, 2022, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The Beatitudes: a self-portrait of Jesus.
Homily from February 6, 2022, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The graces of encountering God, receiving his forgiveness and participating in his mission.
Homily for January 30, 2022, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
St. Paul gives a description of Christian love, a portrait of Jesus.
Homily from January 16, 2022, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“Do whatever he tells you.”
Homily from January 2, 2022, Epiphany.
“Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.”
Homily from January 1, 2022, Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church.
Homily from December 26, 2021, the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.”
Homily from December 24, 2021, Christmas Eve
“Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”
Homily from December 19, 2021, Fourth Sunday of Advent.
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Reflection from December 12, 2021, Advent Penance Service.
John the Baptist invites us to consider our works of justice.
Homily from December 12, 2021, Third Sunday of Advent.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.
Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2021.
God the Father chose us in Jesus, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and immaculate.
Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021.
The Word of God came to John in the desert.
Homily from November 28, 2021, First Sunday of Advent
The first phase of Advent: convert.
Homily from November 21, 2021, Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Is Jesus king?
Homily from November 14, 2021, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“When you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gate.”
Homily from November 7, 2021, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. … From her poverty, she contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
Homily from October 31, 2021, Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
“What is the first commandment?”
Homily from October 25, 2021, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”
Homily from October 17, 2021, Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
Presentation from the celebration of 150th Anniversary of the parish: “The History of St. Benedict’s Church of Wild Rice” by Paul Richard.
Homily from October 10, 2021, Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor; then come, follow me.”
Homily from October 3, 2021, Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“What God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
Homily from September 26, 2021, Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Are you jealous for my sake?”
Homily from September 19, 2021, Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent.
Homily for September 12, 2021, Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Homily for September 5, 2021, Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus took the deaf man off by himself away from the crowd.
Homily for August 29, 2021, Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Observe the statutes and decrees carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence.
Homily for August 22, 2021, Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do you also want to leave?”
Homily for August 15, 2021, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.”
Homily for August 8, 2021, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Jesus gives us his flesh.
Homily for August 1, 2021, Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus is the true bread from heaven.
Homily for July 25, 2021, the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus gives us communion.
Homily for July 11, 2021, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus summons his disciples and sends them out.
Homily for July 4, 2021, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus was amazed by their lack of faith.
Homily for June 27, 2021, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do not be afraid. Only have faith.”
Homily for June 14, 2021, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
“We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Homily for June 6, 2021, Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
“I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Homily for May 30, 2021, Trinity Sunday.
God reveals himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Homily for May 16, 2021, Solemnity of the Ascension
Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God
Homily for May 2, 2021, The Fifth Sunday of Easter
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Remain in me.”
Homily for April 18, 2021, the Third Sunday of Easter
Jesus rises from the dead so that we can have new life in him.
Homily for April 11, 2021, Divine Mercy Sunday
Jesus reveals Divine Mercy through his resurrection.
Homily for April 4, 2021, Easter Sunday
Through baptism we accept the Easter mystery and our responsibility toward the brothers and sisters of Jesus.
Homily for April 2, 2021, Good Friday
The Paschal Mystery: God dies in order to gain new life for us.
Homily for March 19, 2021, the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is humble before the mysteries of God.
Homily for March 8, 2021, the Third Sunday of Lent
Jesus was angry when the temple was turned into a “marketplace”. Do we have the courage to invite him to set our body, “the temple of the Holy Spirit”, in proper order?
Homily for February 21, 2021, the First Sunday of Lent
We are saved through water, because Jesus went through the water before us. During Lent we learn to imitate Jesus better through life.
Homily for February 14, 2021, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus says, “I desire it. Be made clean!”
Homily for February 7, 2021, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus knows about our suffering and responds to it. He brings salvation from sin and its effects.
Homily for January 24, 2021, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
God is faithful to his mercy. Let us protect this basic tenet of our faith.
Homily for January 17, 2021, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Speak, Lord, for your servant listens.
Homily for January 10, 2021, the Baptism of the Lord.
We who believe that Jesus is the Christ have been begotten by God.
Homily for January 3, 2021, the Solemnity of the Epiphany
The three Wise Men respond in faith to a natural sign, Sacred Scripture and an angel. Others respond very differently.
Homily for December 25, 2020, Christmas.
The external gift of the birth of Jesus, our savior, is matched by the internal gift of faith.
Homily for December 20, 2020, the Fourth Sunday of Advent
A reflection on three themes from the Gospel: piety, the Davidic dynasty, and the Holy Spirit. We continue to experience God presence in the world today through our devotion to Mary our Mother, the enduring nature of His Church and the working of the Holy Spirit.
Homily for December 13, 2020, the Third Sunday of Advent
”My soul rejoices in God, my Savior.”
Homily for December 12, 2020, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego 489 years ago. She came and through a series of signs communicated love from heaven. These signs still speak to us today.
Homily for December 8, 2020, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is the Dawn of Salvation.
Homily for December 6, 2020, the Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah the prophet is told to “Give comfort”, as God reveals himself as the savior of his people. John the Baptist continues this mission to call people to repentance. This Advent we are to be converted, so that we can in turn comfort God’s people.
Homily for November 29, 2020, the First Sunday of Advent.
More than 600 years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah speaks for the people and yearns for God to come as their savior.
As a missionary to the Italian immigrants in the Americas, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini helped them stay loyal to the faith they brought to the New World.
The parable of the sheep and the goats concludes Jesus’ public teaching and gives the criterion on which our lives as Christians will be judged.
Jesus entrusts treasure to us. He rejoices when we are fruitful. We are condemned if we are afraid and hide his treasure.
Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 24, 2020
It was triumphant when they entered the city because the Eleven were deeply united in faith and charity. They go to the upper room and they devote themselves to prayer.
Fourth Sunday of Easter - May 3, 2020
Christ is the Good Shepherd; he calls his sheep by name and leads them forth. This is what Jesus means when he says that the Good Shepherd walks ahead of his sheep, and that the sheep follow him "because they recognize his voice." Good Shepherd Sunday celebrates the fulfillment of "the promise made to us" that God will send a Shepherd who will give us life "more abundantly."
Third Sunday of Easter - April 26, 2020
The disciples on the road to Emmaus hear the Scriptures interpreted in a way that had never occurred to them before. It causes their hearts to burn within them. The first sign of love is this: that Jesus has given us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink.
Divine Mercy Sunday - April 19, 2020
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord - April 5, 2020
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. Jesus comes to receive his cross. It is a tremendous gesture showing all peoples his love for them openly, because this cross which he is receiving is their cross. He takes the burden of the whole world upon himself.
Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 29, 2020
As we cover crosses and images throughout the church this Sunday of which remain covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday and until the beginning of the Easter Vigil, we hear Martha tell Jesus, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the son of God, the one who is coming into the World."
Third Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2020
What was the Samaritan woman looking for in those six men? "The woman is made aware of what in actuality she has always known but to which she has not always adverted: that she thirsts for life itself.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 16, 2020
I have come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly (JN 10:10). I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No."
The Presentation of the Lord - February 2, 2020
Mary and Joseph present their newborn Child in the Temple. The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the "light to the nations" and the "glory of Israel", but also "a sign that is spoken against" (CCC 529).
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 26, 2020
The first thing that Jesus does when he moves to Capernaum is to see out companions. In the unity that Simon, Andrew, James and John experience through their friendship with Christ, they become certain that “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 19, 2020
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John immediately recognizes that Christ is the one the world has been waiting for.