Pilgrim Priest: Recent Episodes
Fr. Joel Sember
Have you thought sermons were boring? Think again as Fr. Joel unpacks the word of God for today’s audience. Fresh, local, and live takes on the Gospel for our world. A new homily every Sunday.
Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (A) Romans 8:35 is a great passage to memorize. St. Paul has experienced all kinds of anguish and distress but the love of God has conquered it. The Romans will need to believe in God's love to survive the coming persecution.
Isaiah 5 is about how the people trusted in themselves and bore rotten fruit. Isaiah 55 shows that God will restore and renew the people once they have been purified. Even our sins don't separate us from the love of God!
If we rely on ourselves and to avoid anguish, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness and all the rest... we will bear rotten fruit.
If we trust in God, then he will bring us through anguish, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness and all the rest, and we will bear great fruit... and conquer overwhelmingly!
(2 Aug 2026)
Going Deeper: Memorize all or a part of Romans 8:31b-39
31b If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
33 Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36 As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things,* nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Ordinary Time, 16th Sunday (A) You come to Mass most Sundays, and even Holy Days of Obligation. You try not to swear or drink too much or gossip. You are learning to pray and you want to follow Jesus as faithfully as you can.
Meanwhile you know many people--friends, coworkers, your children, siblings, even a spouse--who don't seem to care. They spend every Sunday working, sleeping, or doing basically everything but coming to church. Maybe they drink, gossip, and swear as much as they like. Jesus doesn't seem to care.
If that's the situation you find yourself in, than this parable is for you. Good seed and bad weeds are growing side-by-side. The Master isn't doing anything about it. But he has a plan: "Let them grow until harvest time. Then we will save the wheat and burn up the weeds."
This parable is taken from daily life in Palestine. The people relied heavily on wheat. A clever local weed called darnel looks just like wheat. But when the heads form, you can easily tell the difference.
What is the big difference between weeds and good crops?
The wheat, or any other crop for that matter, produces something that is useful to others. They have a gift to give. The crops are givers.
The weeds have nothing to give away to anyone. They are in it for themselves. The weeds are takers.
To God, the world looks like a field full of weeds and wheat. The world is full of givers and takers. At the moment, it may appear that following Jesus and living for others makes no difference. God seems to be indifferent to this situation. But there will be a reckoning, a final judgement, a harvest. When Jesus tells us, "Do not judge," he is not saying there will be no judgement. He is saying that we are sitting in his seat. He is the judge, and he knows the truth of every human heart. We need to trust in God's final judgement.
So why is he waiting? God is waiting for the fruits to appear. He is giving us time to weed our hearts so we can start producing good fruit. It's not just those other people that need time to produce; God is waiting for us. He made us good seed. We are meant to bear good fruit. But the enemy has sown weeds in our hearts. If we don't weed our hearts, we will bear bad fruit. And we will face the fire at harvest time
(19 July 2026)
Going Deeper: Focus on cultivating your own heart and don't worry about the other people.
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Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (A) When scripture talks about a gardener, a vineyard owner, or a sower, we are meant to think of God. God "gardened" the world into existence by speaking his word. The world simply receives God's word and does what he says.
Human hearts are more complicated. Matthew chapter 12 shows much opposition to Jesus's word. In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus changes his preaching style. He keeps preaching the truth, but now in riddles or puzzles. You won't be able to receive it if your heart is not open.
We have a responsibility to cultivate the soil of our hearts. The hard soil makes me think of friends, family, and media that scoffs at or dismisses Catholic faith. The rocks are like the hurts and wounds that lurk under the surface. We need to open to God's word the places that have become fossilized by self-protection and self-reliance. Finally, the weeds can speak to all the places where our schedules are overgrown.
God has put a lot of care into you... is he seeing any fruit? We need to cultivate a heart that is ready to receive and grow God's word.
(12 Jul 2026)
Going Deeper: Can you think of any birds you need to shoo or weeds you need to pull?
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Ordinary Time, 13th Sunday (A) God sees us and he rewards hospitality. A woman of influence feeds and houses Elisha. He wants to reward her, so he promises her a son. God sees the desire of her heart even though she refuses to acknowledge it. He gives her the gift she doesn't even dare to dream about. Then he takes the boy away from her; then he gives him back to her.
Is God being cruel? God knows that our deepest desire is for God himself. Here at Mass, Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. He does this so that we will welcome Him into our hearts and into our homes. He wants to transform us so that we can welcome others and truly love them. God welcomes us so that we will welcome him so that we can welcome others.
God sees, God knows, and God understands. And he will give you what you most deeply desire.
(28 Jun 2026)
Going Deeper: Read 2 Kings 4:8-37 for yourself. There's a further reference in 2 Kings 8:1-6.
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Ordinary Time, 12th Sunday (A) You spend a couple hours playing in the basement building the world's most amazing marble track. Then along comes your brother... and maliciously smashes everything! How do you respond? You might yell, cry, call him names, go smash something of his... or you might go tell Mom everything. This Mom has the time to listen and she really understands. And she assures you that she and Dad are going to take care of it.
We could go a step further and imagine that your mom was watching the whole time. She saw your creativity and your delight. And she knew what your brother was thinking. God heads off evil more often than we realize. But he doesn't save every marble track.
God sees everything. We always have his attention, because he never stops loving us. Even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without him seeing it. God is watching everyone. This gives Jeremiah confidence when his friends turn against him. God wants the nation of Israel to trust in him and live their covenant by caring for each other and the poor.
We need to live our lives with the confidence that God is watching at every moment. Even if mom didn't see, even if dad wasn't there for us, God sees everything and he is there for us. The Lord sees you and he understands.
(21 Jun 2026)
Going Deeper: What does Christian fatherhood mean to you? Listen to Tony's and Steve's reflections and then draft a brief reflection of your own.
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Ordinary Time, 11th Sunday (A) The Israelites leave Egypt, cross the Red Sea, and spend a year and a half at the foot of Mt. Sinai. It is here that God gives them the Law and they become "The Chosen People."
Christians believe that we, too, are the chosen people. But we also believe that we have been given authority and a mission to bring the love and truth of Jesus Christ to all peoples. Every Christian participates in the mission work throughout the world. Fr. Augustine Adetola shares the needs in his home Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. They focus on education, health care, and basic services.
Some give by going and others go by giving. Pray for the mission work of the church throughout the world and donate to support the missions.
(14 Jun 2026)
Going Deeper: Learn more about the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode.
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Trinity Sunday (A) God is one divine nature but three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father IS self-giving love and when he gives himself away, that gift is the Son. The Son gives himself back to the Father, and their mutual love is the Holy Spirit.
The Church believes that every human child is a gift from God. The proper response to the presence of a child is to receive, cherish, and protect that gift. As children grow, they are able to give love as siblings and brothers, then as spouses, and finally as parents. We start with receiving the gift and then we grow into the role of the Giver.
God's beautiful plan doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes parents are too busy, distracted, or selfish to really receive their child as a gift. Children can grow up thinking they have to earn love and seeing each other as competition. And then it's hard for them to cherish their children as a gift. And the cycle continues.
How can we break the cycle? By discovering the Fatherhood of God and the Motherhood of Mary. Through Baptism we are incorporated into the Trinity. Our true identity must be rooted in God's love for me. When we find our Home in the Trinity, then we are able to make an ever more perfect gift of ourselves.
(31 May 2026)
Going Deeper: When do I least feel like a gift? What would it look like if I were able to, "Find my home in the Trinity?" How can my words and actions more reflect the reality that my spouse, and my children, are a gift?
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Pentecost Sunday (A) God is a community of love. We were made by love and for love; we were created to live in God's community. God's one desire is to draw us into communion with himself. Our sins have made us both unworthy and unable to participate in God's community. So Jesus comes to reconnect us with God. He does this first "in the flesh" by being God and Man. He offers himself as the perfect sacrifice to free us from our sins. Then he sends us the Holy Spirit, which is the fire of God's divine love. As a spirit gives life to the body, so the Holy Spirit gives life to the church.
When we gather at Sunday Mass, we are gathering around the "camp fire" to be warmed by the love of God. So many of us are standing outside the fire of God's love. When we come into the fire, it hurts but it heals us, it frees and reveals us: Standing inside the fire!
The Holy Spirit wants to set us on fire so that each of us can burn with the love of God. God's one desire is to bring us into communion with him. So why do we keep standing outside the fire?
(24 May 2026)
Going Deeper: Learn the Veni Sancte Spiritus for yourself.
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Easter, 6th Sunday (A) The Sunday Lectionary is designed around the idea of promise and fulfillment. In the Gospel, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles shows what happens when the Holy Spirit comes in power. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit, "the Paraclete" which means "one who is called alongside of you." The Spirit helps Christians in our needs.
One day at Faith Formation we played a game, "Pin the flame on the Apostle." We blindfolded the students and spun them in circles. But then they called alongside of them a sighted classmate who could whisper in their ear and give them guidance. Most of them did a great job with the help of a Paraclete.
The Spirit comes to teach us that we are not orphans. We don't need to protect ourselves, provide for ourselves, or guide ourselves because we have the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit!
(10 Mary 2026)
Going Deeper: Plan a Pentecost Party. Play "Pin the Flame on the Apostle."
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Easter, 5th Sunday (A) How can every vocation be special? Each rock that makes up St. Hyacinth Church is a unique shape, size, and color. The whole church is built of unique, unrepeatable stones. Every stone is special! In a similar way, each and every person has a special vocation.
These vocations all have something in common. Every Christian shares in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, which means we offer sacrifice, sanctify the world, and connect heaven and earth. You bring the offering of your life to the altar, I offer it to God, receive Jesus, and give Jesus back to you. Then bring Jesus out with you into the world.
The one big obstacle to all our vocations is egoism, that is, believing that my life is all about me. It prevents me from accepting the shape that God has created me to be and from giving myself away.
How do you find your vocation? Practice listening to the voice of God today. Learn to live with Jesus and for Jesus each and every day. If you are really living your Christian life well, whoever has seen you has seen Jesus.
(3 May 2026)
Going Deeper: Pray to be freed from egoism, so that you can live each day with Jesus and for Jesus.
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Easter, 4th Sunday (A) Happy Good Shepherd Sunday, which could have also been called "Sheep Gate Sunday." Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. I think we often associate the word "vocation" with recruiting people to be priests and nuns. But the first vocation, the first "call" we receive, is the call of Baptism.
I was recently listening to a podcast on the idea that Judaism is about love. Mr. Shai Held says that love is an orientation, that is, a choice to engage the world with a particular stance or attitude. Through Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, every Christian is called to love God and incarnate God's love in our attitude towards others. Our Baptism is a call to a life of self-giving love. Through Baptism, I learn to lay down my life for others.
All the secondary vocations are calls to particular ways of self-giving love. Marriage is the call to give yourself to your spouse. Single people can serve others in their family and community. Religious life is a call to self-giving love in and through a community. Priesthood is a call to self-giving love after the model of the Good Shepherd. Each of us is called to that stance, posture, or orientation of self-giving love after the model of Jesus Christ. Are you following the call?
(26 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: How would you describe in your own words what the stance, posture, or orientation of self-giving love means? In what ways are you living this well, and where do you need to improve?
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Easter, 3rd Sunday • The Road to Emmaus is one of my favorite stories. It's possible that a married couple, Cleopas and his wife, are walking together. They are feeling discouraged and have been walking away from the church. Seeing Jesus in the Eucharist causes them to come back to the church.
Do you want to see the risen Jesus? Then follow these three steps from today's Gospel:
- Be really honest with Jesus. Put your burdens in front of him.
- Receive what Jesus wants to say to you. Are you making time each day to read the Word of God?
- Invite Jesus deeper into your life.
When we realize the Risen Jesus really is walking with us, we can say, as St. Peter does: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.... You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
(19 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: How is the Holy Spirit calling you to invite Jesus more deeply into your life?
DUCCIO di Buoninsegna, Road to Emmaus (scene 26) 1308-11 Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena | Thank you to those who come to our services in person. | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.
Easter, 2nd Sunday (Divine Mercy) This weekend the Diocese of Green Bay made public the new priest assignments. Today I read a letter from the Diocese informing the people of our parishes that our current assistant, Fr. Kamal Gopu, will be leaving us on May 4th. Our new assistant, Fr. Michael Thiel, will be starting on July 1, 2026.
The Diocese does not usually tell the story behind the decisions, which can cause confusion, doubt, and hurt feelings. St. Peter says, "In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I don't enjoy trials, but as they often expose our weaknesses. They can also prove us and purify us.
The Risen Jesus brought great peace, strength, and unity to the early Christian community. With Jesus, they could face every trial. Transitions bring grieving and new opportunities. The same Risen Jesus stands in our midst and offers us peace when we are ready to receive it.
(12 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: How do the trials you are facing look or feel different if you know that Jesus is with you?
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Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord • If Easter Sunday were just a one-day celebration, our current wintry weather would really dampen the celebration. But we began preparing for this celebration 40 days ago with the start of Lent. And Easter Sunday itself is the final day of a three-day journey, beginning with Holy Thursday and continuing on Good Friday.
The Shroud of Turin testifies to the brutality of the crucifixion, all that Jesus would have suffered. It also testifies to something else... you would have needed 34 trillion watts of energy to create this image. Was that the moment of the Resurrection?
The Holy Fire miracle happens every Holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Easter reminds us that Jesus is with us and his light will always conquer the darkness.
I think most of us want to get to the end of our life and look back and say, "That was worth it!" How can we guarantee that our life can be successful? Easter reveals Jesus's secret for success: We are God's children, and doing our Father's will will lead to the most successful life possible. The Resurrection is an invitation to new life right here and right now.
(5 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: How would my life look different if I let go of the need to be strong, smart or successful, and chose to follow the will of God in my life?
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Good Friday • We experience many different forms of suffering: illness, tragedy, the death of loved ones. But the worst kind of suffering is to have no sense of our purpose. Each one of us is a gift, hand-made by God and given to the world. But the world often does not receive us as a gift. On Good Friday, Jesus is completely and totally rejected. Even though the world rejects him, he knows that his gift is safe in the Father's hands. No one can take away his gift; he gives it freely and generously.
You are worth it. Jesus died for you. No matter where you have been or what you have done, Jesus still sees you as a gift. Your gift is meant to be given back to God. When we unite our sufferings back to God, they find their meaning and purpose in the cross of Jesus Christ.
(2 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: How can each of the kinds of suffering you experience be united to Jesus on the cross?
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Holy Thursday • The Paschal Lamb was a sacrifice and a sacred meal. It's blood saved the Israelites from the Angel of Death. It died for them, so that they could live. Then the people then consumed the sacrifice with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. We give people we love mementos of our love. Jesus reminds us of his love by giving us his very self.
Before you consume this meal, ask yourself: "Am I willing to give in the same measure?" We must love others as we have been loved. We wash feet, and then we invite those whose feet were washed to wash the feet of their loved ones. We love because he first loved us.
(2 Apr 2026)
Going Deeper: Have a family Last Supper moment by the husband washing his wife's feet, then the parents can wash their children's feet.
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Palm Sunday (A) Today, Jesus looks like a king. He fulfills the prophecy of Zachariah 9:9. Following Jesus, and accepting his kingdom, gives us freedom from all the kingdoms of this world. Even donkeys are marked with a cross! It's easy to follow Jesus when everyone is cheering for him. But will you keep following Jesus when things get hard? If we follow Jesus and accept his kingship, then our lives will also be marked with the cross.
After the reading of the Passion
How can God be a good Father if he lets us suffer? How could God be a good Father when he lets Jesus die on the cross? Jesus believes that his Father is a good Father. He believes that if he's doing his Father's will, God will be with him, he will have the strength to accomplish it, and it will be worth it in the end.
Peter wants to do God's will, but he is relying on his own strength. Judas thinks he has everything figured out; he knows better than God. Peter falls back on Jesus' love for him, while Judas has nothing to fall back on. Whenever we are suffering, Jesus suffers with us and for us. We can unite our sufferings to Jesus on the cross. Here in Holy Week, let us turn our sufferings into sacrifices.
(29 Mar 2026)
Going Deeper: How do the sufferings you experience in your life look differently if you know that God is with you, he will give you the strength you need, and those sufferings will be worth it?
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Lent, 5th Sunday (A) It is never too early to plan your funeral! At least write a few things down: what church, what cemetery, what funeral home, what do you want to wear at your funeral?
Jesus totally disappoints his friends. They tell him that their brother, his friend, is sick. He totally ghosts them. Jesus doesn't show up until after the funeral is over. When he finally turns up, his friends say what we've all thought a time or two: "Lord, if you had been here my brother, sister, parent, child... would not have died!"
Jesus cries with them. Then he offers them new life. Whoever has Christ, has life. Jesus calls his friend by name... and gives him new life. The human race has been "tied" by burial bands. Jesus wants to untie us and set us free. We cannot expect to rise with Christ if we have not died with Christ. Are you prepared for your funeral? Are you prepared for your Friend to raise you from the dead?
(22 Mar 2026)
Going Deeper: Make a funeral plan. Talk to your loved ones about it. Then talk to them about the Resurrection of the Dead and Life Everlasting.
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Lent, 3rd Sunday (A) Our annual parish Lenten retreat talked about discipleship, stewardship, and evangelization. Let's watch Jesus as he shows us how to evangelize.
Jews and Samaritans don't get along, so Jesus starts with something they have in common. Jesus knows that she is thirsty. All this time as she has been searching and thirsting, Jesus has been the one she has been looking for.
The Samaritan woman has been blocking the flow of God's life by her selfish lifestyle choices. She tries to change the subject to an argument about religion. Jesus points out her deep desire to be a worshiper of the true God.
She leaves her water jar. She no longer needs to ask the things of this world to satisfy her because she has found the source of true life and true love.
When we are trying to evangelize, we need to first remove the obstacles that prevent us from truly receiving the life of God. We need to recognize how thirsty we are, and unblock ourselves from all the ways we have tried to satisfy our own thirst with something other than Jesus.
Jesus was sitting on the well. God was standing on the rock in front of Moses. In a similar way, Jesus is already present in the lives of those we love. He can do for them what we cannot do ourselves.
Evangelization is not about convincing people that we are right. It's about helping people we love discover how thirsty they are, and then showing them where to find the spring of life-giving water.
(8 Mar 2026)
Going Deeper: Listen to Roxane Salonen interview Peter Andrastek about how to evangelize and the lay vocation. How is God calling you to evangelize? You can also read Bishop David's letter on sharing Jesus with others.
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Lent, 2nd Sunday (A) Lent does not exist for itself. It exists to prepare us for Easter and new life in Christ. On the way into the desert, the nation of Israel stops for a mountain-top experience. The Israelites have been brought out of Egypt but they still have Egypt in their hearts. Are we the sort of people that have to wander in the desert because we don't trust God, or are we the new generation that trusts in God?
Jesus gives his three closest disciples a mountain-top experience. I had a mountain-top experience in adoration this past week. When did Jesus become real for you? Save your mountain-top moments. Keep going back to them. Here are three ways you can do that: 1) Make a commitment to come to Mass on Sunday. When you do, kneel down and reconnect with a place where you felt that God was with you. 2) Make time to come to confession so you can look Jesus in the face again. 3) Make time for adoration. Save those mountain top moments; you'll need them as we go back down into the desert.
(1 Mar 2026)
Going Deeper: When did God become real for you? How has he revealed his presence to you? How is he trying to strengthen you for your combat in the desert?
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Lent, 1st Sunday (A) Adam is given the job to "keep" the garden (the Hebrew word is shamar). Adam fails to guard both the garden and his wife.
Jesus feels abandoned by God. He falls back on the lessons God taught the Israelites in their 40 years in the desert. Jesus is guarding and protecting his true identity, and God's true identity as his loving Father.
We do not conquer sin and death by figuring out the techniques that Jesus used. Instead, we conquer sin and death by joining Jesus in HIS victory over sin and death. We need to guard and protect our true identity this Lenten season. Guard your mind: "Take every thought captive to obey Christ." Guard your words. Guard your actions. Guard your true identity in Christ.
(22 Feb 2026)
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Ash Wednesday • Would you want a boyfriend or girlfriend who loved you half-heartedly? How many of you would want to play on a team with half-hearted teammates? Do you want to live in a family who loves each other half-heartedly?
Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were half-hearted Catholics. Then an angel appeared to them to prepare them for Mary's visit. That following spring, on May 13, 1917, Mary appeared to them. She told them they needed to pray and do penance for the conversion of sinners. They began to pray many rosaries and make many sacrifices, including giving away their lunch to other poor shepherd children. They were praying, fasting, and giving alms.
During Lent, we not only do penance for our own sins, but also for the sins in the world. Our prayers, sacrifices, and alms-giving can make the world a better place. Stop living a half-hearted life!
(18 Feb 2026)
Going Deeper: How would your life be different if you loved God with your whole heart? How does Lent look different if your sacrifices are not just for you, but for the whole world?
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Ordinary Time, 6th Sunday (A) Campus ministry is thriving at UW-Oshkosh thanks to your donations to the Bishop's Appeal and the Raising Vocations collection. Missionaries are reaching college students with the love of Jesus, and those students are themselves becoming missionaries on college campuses around the U.S.. You might have heard this sermon: "You're not holy enough; try harder!" That's not really the Gospel message. Our intellect was designed to know the truth and our will was designed to choose that which is good. Sin darkens our intellect and weakens our will. It's easy to believe lies, and even when we know the truth, we don't always do it. Whenever we make good choices, we become more free. Whenever we make evil choices, we become less free. We are working with darkened intellects, weakened will, and we are being harassed by an evil genius bent on destroying us. Fortunately, God gives us the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills. The Gospel is not saying, "Try harder." Rather, Jesus is pointing out to us that it's not enough for us to follow the rules. Our hearts must also be transformed. Let us say YES to the Holy Spirit and his truth and goodness. Let us say NO to even the little lies and all the small ways we don't fully love. (15 Feb 2026) Going Deeper: "Holy Spirit, where is it that you want to bring me into more freedom and truth and goodness this Lenten season?" Listen to Msgr. Shea's keynote at Seek 2024, "Why Are We So Depressed?" AdobeStock_254749271 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.
Ordinary Time, 3rd Sunday (A) Jesus is the light. By the light of his love, we can see our own lives more clearly. We know that we were made by love and for love. Love moves us into communion and community. From the very beginning of creation, Adam and Eve were able to receive one another as a gift. But after sin happens, they fall into the trap of using and being used. This leads to rivalries, jealousies, and divisions.
How can we give ourselves completely to one another? We need to start by giving ourselves completely and totally to God. God will teach us that we are a gift an will help us make a gift of ourselves to one another free of fear and using.
Married couples are a light to the world. Let your light shine!
(25 Jan 2026)
Going Deeper: Do you know any married couples whose love really shines? How do you see God's love through them?
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Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (A) Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of our Lord's Baptism. This week, the readings speak to us of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is the sacrament most closely connected to the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was Baptized by John in the River Jordan, me came out of the water and the Holy Spirit landed on him like a dove. The Holy Spirit remained with him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "His whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him 'without measure.' This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah's, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people.... Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn."
Ordinarily, the Bishop is the one who confers the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Bishop is a successor to the Apostles who were present at Pentecost. This practice shows that the Christian who is confirmed is in Communion with the local Bishop, who is the guarantor and servant of unity, catholicity, and apostolicity in his church.
The Bishop traces a sign of the cross on the forehead of each person to be confirmed and says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." A seal in the ancient world was a mark of ownership. St Paul tells us that God has put his seal upon us. It shows ownership and protection. And it is permanent. Like Baptism, Confirmation can be received only once. It marks the person as a Christian. The catechism calls this "an indelible spiritual mark" which means that your Confirmation cannot be erased by any power.
What are the effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation? "It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: - it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"; - it unites us more firmly to Christ; - it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; - it renders our bond with the Church more perfect; - it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross."
The Syriac liturgy of Antioch expresses the epiclesis for the consecration of the sacred chrism (myron) in this way: "[Father . . . send your Holy Spirit] on us and on this oil which is before us and consecrate it, so that it may be for all who are anointed and marked with it holy myron, priestly myron, royal myron, anointing with gladness, clothing with light, a cloak of salvation, a spiritual gift, the sanctification of souls and bodies, imperishable happiness, the indelible seal, a buckler of faith, and a fearsome helmet against all the works of the adversary."
"Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. the latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.
"To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.
Each candidate for Confirmation is accompanied by a sponsor, a fellow Christian who has already been Confirmed, is at least 16 years old, and is himself living a good example of faith in the Holy Spirit. Each candidate also chooses a patron saint and is Confirmed in the name of the saint. So we have an earthly helper, a fellow Christian, and a heavenly helper.
We need to keep and preserve the gifts that God gives us. We must all work to grow in a more intimate union with Christ, and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit.
(18 Jan 2026)
Going Deeper: Read about the ordination of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8.
1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." Read more in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no.s 1285-1381.
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Baptism of the Lord (A) We naturally love that which is good. Therefore, you should love yourself. Rightly-ordered self-love is the fruit of seeing your own goodness and loving that which is good. You should desire your own continued existence and your own flourishing. You are not the source of your own goodness. We love our Creator as the source of our goodness. And when we look around at others, we see that they are also good like us, and we love them. So love of others and love of God flow from love of self. Do you see how important it is to love yourself rightly?
This is exactly why the Devil attacks your value! Most of us struggle to love ourselves rightly because the Devil keeps attacking our value and dignity. Note: disordered self love is when I falsely think I have more goodness than anyone else. I might even think I am better than God himself. That is disordered self love because it's not rooted in the truth. This isn't what we are talking about.
So how can we learn to love ourselves rightly? The human community must welcome each person and love that person as God does. The human community needs to be transformed. It is transformed by the love of God. Finding and experiencing God's love is essential for us to learn to love ourselves rightly.
Jesus got a good start because Mary and Joseph created a good family environment. But at his Baptism, he still needed to hear his Father say, "Son, I love you, and I'm proud of you." We all need to hear these words. And we need to live in this love. Repeat after me: "It is good that I exist." Now turn to your neighbor and tell them, "It is good that you exist."
(11 Jan 2026)
Going Deeper: If yourself were a friend of yours, would that friend feel loved by you? Two podcast episodes that inspired this topic: Restore the Glory Podcast Episode 139: Philosophy and Healing w/ Fr. Matthew Rolling and Interior Integration for Catholics 173: Aristotle and Aquinas on Proper Self-Love.
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The Epiphany of the Lord • Marco Polo claims to have seen the incorrupt bodies of the three magi. God is directing a great drama and each of us has a special role. Everyone else is fighting to be the star of the show. But we recognize that the true star is Jesus, with Mary as Best Supporting Actress.
Herod needs to be the star, and he will eliminate any competition. The Wise Men show us who is the true Star. They also teach us that we have a gift to give. Every Sunday at Mass, we present our gifts to the King and God, the healer of our ills.
(4 Jan 2026)
Going Deeper: What kind of gifts do you have to give at Sunday Mass? Read The Incorruptibles by Joan Carroll Cruz.
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Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord) • God is three Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is one person with two natures - human and divine. So can we call Mary the Mother of God? Yes, because she is the mother of a person, not a nature.
God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. - Sirach 3:2
A mother has authority over her children. Mary is fully human but she has been given special graces and blessings. She has been given authority as the Mother of God's family. Her authority extends even over the demons. As our new year begins, let us learn to exercise the authority we have in Christ, while we also live within the protection of Mary's authority.
(1 Jan 2026)
Going Deeper: Listen to Restore the Glory Episode 145: Deliverance and Healing (Part 1) and learn for yourself about Mary's authority over even the demons.
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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (A) We are each special, hand-made, and unique. When God creates children, he wants them to be welcomed into the world by a family.
Right from the beginning, the family is under attack. Adam doesn't protect the garden. He and Eve disobey God. They begin living lives of isolation, self-protection, and self-reliance.
How does Joseph manage to best Herod? Joseph is a good father to God's son because he is an obedient son of the Father. He does not rely on his own strength, wisdom, or abilities, but on God.
Fathers and mothers are called to be visible signs of God's invisible love. We are all imperfect images of a perfect God. How do our actions contribute to a more or less holy family? Men, let us learn to be obedient sons to our heavenly Father so we can be the best fathers to our earthly families.
(28 Dec 2025)
Going Deeper: Do your rules for your children reflect God's high standards and his unconditional love? What would a man look like if he was striving to be an obedient son of God the Father?
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Christmas Eve • I decorated my tree on Christmas Eve. It was a journey through my life history. As we listen to the genealogy of Jesus, we get a brief summary of the history of the entire Bible. Only one name is repeated. Each person is a unique link on the chain that leads to Jesus. You are precious and unique. God delights in you and rejoices in you.
Not all of us are faithful. In fact, most of us are not faithful some of the time. God was faithful to his side of the covenant even when the ancestors of Jesus were not faithful to their side of the covenant. God sent his Son so that we could be born again.
We don't always get the things we ask for from God. Even when we don't get what we wanted, we always get the gift we needed. Jimmy learned an important lesson when his little brother proved a better gift than a bicycle.
Many of us will leave Jesus at church and not take him home with us because he doesn't fit our expectations or our lifestyle choices. But those who are willing to take him home will realize that he's exactly what they always needed. Because only this gift can save you.
(24 Dec 2025)
Going Deeper: When did God not answer your prayers with the gift you were hoping for? What did he give you instead of what you asked for?
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Advent, 4th Sunday (A) A young King Ahaz faces a complicated and difficult political situation. He doesn't need a plan, a strategy, or powerful allies because God will be with him. God wants to give him a sign, but he doesn't want a sign. Does he feel ashamed? Is he trying to be the one in control? Is he afraid to trust? Or maybe me thinks he doesn't matter.
Whatever difficult situation, challenge, or darkness you are facing, God is with you. The answer you are looking for is not a present under a tree. God himself is the answer to your prayers. Watch and wait for him.
Jesus's life on earth was itself a sign. He has been guiding the human race with wisdom and love since the beginning, and he will be with us until the end of time. In a similar way, Catholics sometimes think that the Eucharist is the only place we can find God. This is simply not true. God is everywhere. He made everything. The heavens tell his glory and the earth is full of signs of his wisdom, power, and love. But we have become so scientific-minded that we have forgotten how to read the signs all around us. The Eucharist is not the only place when can find Jesus. It is a sign to look for him everywhere.
St. Joseph needs a sign. He is willing to leave Mary and take her shame with him. In Joseph we see true manhood: a willingness to sacrifice for others. He is also a sign of the coming sacrifice that Jesus will offer for me and for you. Joseph welcomes Mary, and Mary brings Christ.
No matter how messy your heart or your home might be, do not be afraid to welcome Mary. She will prepare a place for Emmanuel, God-with-us.
(21 Dec 2025)
Going Deeper: slsl
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Advent, 3rd Sunday (C) For twenty years, Franciscan missionaries labored in Mexico with very little success. Finally, God acted through Mary, and in 10 years, over 8 million Aztecs and Chichimecas became Catholic.
Zachary Feldker served as a missionary to teens through the Spiritus program. He often prayed at Champion Shrine and complained that God wasn't revealing his vocation to him. Finally, Mary spoke in his heart. All that waiting had put him in exactly the right place to answer the call.
We can get discouraged when God doesn't act promptly. We might think that God isn't listening or doesn't care. We need to wait in joyful hope for God to act. Trust me, when God acts, it will be worth the wait.
(14 Dec 2025)
Going Deeper: Read the story of the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe for yourself. Or read about the scientific study of the Tilma.
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Which Catholic teaching is the most difficult to accept? It's not the Immaculate Conception, the Incarnation, or Transubstantiation. Most people seem to have a really hard time with the idea that every child is a gift from God.
Thanks to original sin, every child is perfect and precious and also rather annoying. And we make things worse when we make our own sinful choices.
So when God wanted to send the most perfect gift, he made Mary not only precious and beautiful and loved, but also without original sin. Mary could spend her whole life being the good and beautiful person she was created to be.
Mary gave God the gift of herself, and God gave her an even more perfect gift: Baby Jesus. By giving his life on the cross, Jesus made it so that each of us can become immaculate, like Mary. Mary reminds us that we are each a gift. She reminds us to treat ourselves as a gift and to treat others as a gift. She also shows us that, by giving ourselves back to God, we can become a more perfect gift.
Going Deeper: Do you agree with Fr. Joel that this teaching is hard to accept? Why or why not?
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Advent, 1st Sunday (A) Winter was coming, but were you prepared? Advent was coming, were you ready? Jesus is coming; are you prepared to meet him?
Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters use today's Gospel to justify "the rapture." But in the days of Noah, the evil people were taken and the good people were left. The rapture is the opposite: the good people are taken and the evil ones are left. The Catholic church does not believe in the rapture. We believe that Jesus will walk with the good people through difficult times. "He who perseveres to the end will be saved."
When Jesus says, "One will be taken and one will be left," I think he means the experience of loosing those who were close to us.
How can we be ready when it's our turn? I recommend the old Catholic practice of seeing every bedtime as a little death. We never know if today is our last day on earth. Before you go to bed, prepare yourself to meet Jesus. Spend some time in gratitude. Where was Jesus present in your day? How did you respond to his presence? Say an Act of Contrition. Then make a resolution for tomorrow.
Winter was coming. Were you prepared? Christmas is coming. Are you prepared? Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet him?
(30 Nov 2025)
Going Deeper: Before bedtime, make three simple steps: Gratitude, Contrition, and Resolution.
Rest in Peace, Fr. Daren J Zehnle.
Introducing the New Album for 2026 Welcome to Season 16 of the Pilgrim Priest Podcast. This season is titled Breath Fire Light.
The new podcast year always starts with the first Sunday of Advent. I try to find a meaningful title for the podcast that reflects what is going on spiritually in my life and in the parishes. This year, the image that came to me was that of a fire that has almost burned itself out. There are just a few coals left flickering.
You breathe on the fire to breath life back into it. Then you add some kindling and keep breathing on it, coaxing it back into life. If you are successful, there is a moment when the kindling bursts into flame. Suddenly you have light!
Our parishes have grown cold and many Catholics are barely smouldering. We need the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and coax us into flame. When we catch fire, then we can start to be a Light to the nations again. Breath. Fire. Light.
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The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C) Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, a relatively new feast in the church year. It was added to the church calendar in 1925. It is not a celebration of the idea that it would be really nice if Jesus were our king. Nor does it celebrate the fact that Jesus will be a future king. Rather, this feast day acknowledges that all power in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. Jesus is king now, despite the fact that earthly kings, presidents, and CEOs currently appear to have much more power than Jesus.
God anointed King David, and later the people of Israel accepted his kingship. In a similar way, we get to pick our own leaders here and now, but God has picked the eternal king. We can decide if we will live in his kingdom. What do you need to entrust to the king? Some of us need to entrust our Sundays, our finances, a relationship, or our past. All of us need to trust him with our future. Today, entrust yourself, and all that you have, to the King.
(24 Nov 2025)
Going Deeper: Oriens starts next week. Join me for a pilgrimage through Advent and Christmas. Learn more at pilgrimpriest.us/book
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Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome • The consecration or dedication of a church building sets it apart for the worship of God. Every Christian is consecrated to the Lord. We were Baptized and Confirmed and received Holy Communion. The church is holy so we can be holy. We should be no less holy than our local Catholic Church!
Some of us are called to dedicate ourselves particularly to God. The men and women who join religious orders are "set apart" for the worship of God. They live here now as all will live in Heaven. When you come to the church, you should find Jesus. When you come to the priest, you should meet Jesus. When you come to any Christian, you should see Jesus there.
Are we willing to give God only a little, and keep the rest for ourselves? We are called to give--dedicate, consecrate--every part of our lives to God. These beautiful buildings dedicated to the worship of God speak to us of our true dignity and vocation.
(9 Nov 2025)
Going Deeper: Do you celebrate your Baptism anniversary? Does your local church celebrate it's dedication anniversary? My churches' dedication days are as follows:
- SS. James & Stanislaus: October 11, 1920
- SS. Mary & Hyacinth: March 3, 1935
- St. Wenceslaus: October 25, 1953
- St. John: September 1, 1957
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All Souls Day • The dead are not so very far away. They have a message for you:
"What you are, I once was. What I am, you will be."
I want to start my homily by talking about funerals. Funerals and Baptisms have more in common than you might realize. We greet the body at the door, we sprinkle the casket with Holy Water, and we unfold a white pall over the casket. Jesus receives all of our concerns and burdens, and covers us in his own holiness. Finally, we are given a lit candle, the Light of Faith, to light our way to heaven.
Our Baptism starts us on our journey to God's kingdom. We then spend the rest of our life preparing for our funeral.
We are deeply connected with the spiritual world, but we are often unaware of this aspect of our existence. When the soul leaves the body, it sees it's own state. Souls that said "No" to God, and that was their final answer, begin immediately to experience hell. Souls that were free of all sin begin immediately to enjoy the happiness of heaven. And those that still had some attachment to sin enter a state of purification.
Salvation isn't finished yet. On the last day, at his Second Coming, Jesus will return in glory with his angels. He will raise the dead and put Heaven and Earth together forever. It will all go quicker than we think. Are you preparing for your funeral?
(2 Nov 2025)
Going Deeper: Go walk in a cemetery, pray for the dead, and reflect on your own funeral.
Join me for the final year of Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas learn more at PilgrimPriest.us/book
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Solemnity of All Saints • What are we celebrating today? The Preface for All Saints explains:
For for today, by your gift, we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother, where the great array of our brothers and sisters already gives you eternal praise. Towards her we eagerly hasten, as pilgrims advancing by faith, rejoicing in the glory bestowed upon those exalted members of your Church to whom you give us, in our frailty, both strength and good example. And so we glorify you with the multitude of saints and angels, as with one voice of praise, we acclaim...
The word Saint is the French word for, "holy." I looked it up in Greek and I found three related words:
- Hagios means holy, set apart, different.
- Hagos: awe-inspiring, wonderful, amazing.
- Hagnos: clean, innocent, modest, perfect.
Holiness is not fundamentally the fruit of our hard work. It is a gift from God: gazing at the face of God and being transformed by his love.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us a description of his own face. He is poor in spirit, he mourns the disconnection between us and God, he is meek, he hungers and thirsts for righteousness, he is merciful, clean of heart, and a peacemaker. Lastly, Jesus is persecuted. This is what we look like when we become holy in God's likeness.
"God, help me to be what you created me to be."
Holiness is not an escape from this world. It is living fully in the world according to the true destiny and purpose of this world. As pilgrims let us hasten towards our heavenly homeland to join the saints, receiving from them both strength and good example.
(1 Nov 2025)
Going Deeper: What deceased holy person, canonized or not, gives you both strength and good example?
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Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (C) Welcome to our Stewardship Commitment Sunday. When it comes to stewardship, I feel like the little old lady who is constantly badgering the judge. "Turn in your card!"
When God doesn't answer our prayers, we need to step back and notice our underlying need. The Lord wants to grow deeper in a relationship with us. We are often not open to receive the gift of Jesus himself. The good times and the bad, the sickness and the health, can all be opportunities to grow closer to God. But we need to be persistent in prayer if we want to see growth happen.
Our annual Stewardship Renewal is not fundamentally about Time, Talent and Treasure, but rather about growing closer to the Lord. "Lord, show me how you are inviting me to grow closer to you through my Time, Talent and Treasure commitments in 2026."
Do you ever feel like you're not having an impact on the world? When you make changes to your own life, you also change the world. Thank you for changing the world today!
(19 Oct 2025)
Going Deeper: If you are a member of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, please turn in your Stewardship Renewal card or fill out your commitment online through the parish website.
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Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Naaman the Syrian is powerful, wealthy, and successful. But his strength and wealth are not enough to make him healthy. He encounters love and truth through his obedience to God's will, and experiences wholeness and communion.
When we started our stewardship program, I thought everyone else needed to learn stewardship. The program is helping me learn to trust in God, be grateful, and be generous with God's gifts. Being obedient to God leads to healing. Even the sufferings, burdens, and challenges that we face are really gifts from God.
(12 Oct 2025)
Going Deeper: If you are a member at the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, please turn in your stewardship renewal card next weekend. Consider committing yourself to a daily Rosary.
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Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (C) "I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord." Was the prophet Habakkuk looking over my shoulder as I watched the evening news?
We come to Sunday Mass to get a new vision, a vision that is different from the evening news or your social feed. God appears not to intervene because he is more concerned about the state of your soul than about the state of the world. Let's consider an attitude adjustment.
First, how do we look at the global and national news? Some people like to use the lens of "Spiritual Warfare." By this, they mean that the Devil has a secret plot to undermine the Church and take over the world, and we have to act now to stop him! But that's not how the Church sees the world. Our Father is still in control, and he is quietly working things out for our good.
We spend a lot of energy on the big-picture things we have no control over. And we miss chances to change the world immediately around us. I'm an advocate of Stewardship because I believe that it can be an antidote to our consumer culture. It starts when we are grateful for God's gifts. Then we can be generous with the time, talents, and treasures that God has given us. The more we give, the more we will see ourselves as a gift.
If I'm trusting in myself, my resources, and my smarts, then I only have a limited amount to work with. But even the smallest amount of faith gives us access to the infinite power of God. Faith enables us to act with power, love, and self-control. And when we have done great things by God's power, we can simply say, "I was just a faithful steward."
(5 Oct 2025)
Going Deeper: Take some time to re-evaluate your life. "Am I really living as a Steward?" Am I taking care of my little world, and trusting God with the big picture?
Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas 2025
New tiers and a new donation model at Patreon.com
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Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (C) I saw a lot of amazing things on my pilgrimage to Italy: medieval towns, Pope Leo, three Eucharistic miracles, the four major basilicas... but the most amazing thing was our Italian bus driver, Pino. I used to think that Italian driving was highly competitive. But I watched Pino and the other drivers cooperating with one another.
Do we see the world through a lens of competition or cooperation? Many of our political leaders today see the world as winners and losers. Jesus has a message for us: The winners of today will be the losers of tomorrow, and the losers of today will be the winners of tomorrow. St. Francis of Assisi chose to be poor today and became wealthy in eternity. Emperor Nero tried to be the big winner, but St. Peter was victorious. St. Wenceslaus was a loser to sibling rivalry, but he was the big winner in the final analysis.
Pope Leo invites everyone to pray the Rosary for peace during the month of October. I just started a commitment to a daily Rosary, and I want to encourage you to do the same. The Rosary will help you be grateful and generous.
(28 Sep 2025)
Going Deeper: Consider a commitment to a daily Rosary.
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Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Anti-venom comes from animals who were poisoned but survived. Jesus drank the poison of our sins and it killed him. But he rose from the dead and now his body is the antidote to sin and death.
Grumbling is a kind of poison. If left unchecked, it will kill our spirits. When you suffer, look at the cross. Know that Jesus suffers with you and he suffers for you. You can unite your sufferings to Jesus. It is a good habit to have a cross in every room in your house.
(14 Sep 2025)
Going Deeper: Hang up a crucifix in a prominent place in your home. Spend 15 minutes gazing at a crucifix and sharing your burdens with Jesus.
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Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (C) We think we are free, but many of us are slaves. We are burdened by the needs and worries of the flesh. The book of Wisdom says, "For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns."
In today's Gospel, Jesus seems to be adding more burdens: Hate your family, take up your cross, and renounce all your possessions. In reality, Jesus is not adding more burdens, but lifting burdens from us. He is setting captives free.
Think of the times we worry about our family and friends. If Jesus is the most important person in our lives, all our other relationships will find their proper order and place. We all face suffering. But if we carry our crosses with him and for him, our burdens will be lighter. We all worry about our material possessions. But if we follow Jesus, he will make sure we have what we need.
I find marriage to be a useful illustration of this "all-in" principle. Can a husband say to his wife, "I love you, but my mother is more important than you. My family, my friends, these are all more important."? I tell you, his marriage will not last long. A wife needs to be the first and most important woman in her husband's life. Then the other relationships will find their proper places.
How many would want to be married to a spouse who says, "I will be with you when things are easy, fun, and comfortable, but I will be leaving as soon as things get hard?" Even in marriage we must take up our crosses daily. Lastly, the possessions of one become the possessions of both when you are married. Some people are trying to be married as a kind of side job. Marriage only works when both spouses are willing to go "all-in".
In a similar way, many of us are trying to follow Jesus as if it were a side-job, something we do after we've done everything else. But it's only when we are willing to be "all-in" disciples of Jesus that everything else falls into place.
(7 Sep 2025)
Going Deeper: Join me for Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas this year. Learn more at pilgrimpriest.us/book
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Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (C) Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the guests at the banquet are observing them carefully. Jesus is also watching them. He offers some sage advice, a radical suggestion: fight for the lower spot. Make yourself as humble as possible, and wait for the host to exult you.
Two news stories shocked me this week. The first was the shooting at Annunciation Catholic school in Minneapolis. The second was a priest of the Madison diocese who was arrested for pursuing an illegal relationship with a young girl. I don’t know a lot about these situations. And it’s always dangerous to judge things at a distance. But, with those caveats, I want to hazard a guess. I bet that deep down, both the perpetrators in these terrible situations had, at some point, refused to accept their own poverty. They looked for ways that they could grasp at that would make them feel powerful.
St Francis of Assisi grew up the son of a wealthy merchant. He liked expensive clothes and throwing lavish parties. He decided he wanted to be a knight. His father paid a pretty penny for a new suit of shiny armor and off he went to win glory in a local war. Instead he was captured and put in prison. He was held for ransom.
There in prison he began to have a change of heart. He realized that fighting for the best place at the table was not working for him. He realized that Jesus chose poverty. He decided to choose poverty. When he was released from prison, he started praying a lot and dressing like a beggar and begging for food. As you can imagine, the town thought he had gone crazy. But in reality, he was falling in love.
Francis chose poverty because it made him like Jesus. Jesus chose poverty because it made him like us.
You see, deep down we are really poor. The richest, most powerful man on earth will die and lose everything. We are all poor little creatures. And we can respond to our poverty one of two ways: Grasping at more so we don’t have to feel poor, or childlike trust in the Father's love with a gratitude that feels no need to possess.
When we grasp at things, we can only hold so much in our own two hands. And it's all slipping through our fingers. As my empire expands, that reality doesn’t really change. I only control so much and it can easily be lost, stolen, or corrupted.
When I live in childlike trust of my Father, I own nothing of my own, but the wealth of his kingdom is also mine. Paradoxically, by choosing to accept my poverty and see myself as a grateful steward, I become unimaginably wealthy. I don’t own anything but Daddy owns the sun, the moon, the stars, and the whole planet. And he lets me use whatever I need whenever I need it.
When we choose the path of childlike trust, then we can turn and be generous to others. Today Jesus holds a banquet and invites the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. He wants you to do the same for others.
(31 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: Reflect on Psalm 131: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
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Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (C) Tent-camping is the best kind of vacation, because when you come home, your ordinary life feels like a luxury vacation! Fr. Michael is a very disciplined camper. He taught me the importance of doing the important things first, then relaxing and enjoying yourself afterwards.
When we hear the word "discipline", we think of punishment. But the Latin word actually means, "instruction." Discipline is about teaching ourselves, and others, to put first things first. Whe first discern what is important. Then we train ourselves to say "Yes" to the good and important things and "No" to the bad and less-important things.
In this context, the other two readings make more sense. Jesus is telling us that we need to keep doing the important things regardless of how others are acting. Jesus himself is the narrow gate. The bar is high, but God is generous. Focus on the important things, and do your work well. That is how we strive to enter in.
(24 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: Want to add more discipline to your life? Not eating meat on Fridays s a great place to start. If you already observe meatless Fridays, consider adding a fast day or two in your week.
Thank you Cathy who on August 6 celebrated 1 year as a Patron.
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Ordinary Time, 20th Sunday (C) Leadership isn't cool. People lead badly when they start trying to look good. Jesus wasn't worried about being cool. Jeremiah wasn't worried about being cool. When we are called to lead, we can't worry about trying to be cool.
Thank you, men, for coming to Mass today. The world tells you that you should be anywhere else but here: fishing, working, having fun, or sleeping off a hangover. But you are here because you know that you can only be a good leader for others if you let Jesus lead you.
August 17 is the feast day of St. Hyacinth. He teaches us that whatever Jesus calls us to, Jesus will also give us the resources to accomplish the call. If we are trying to lead with our own smarts, we will never be strong enough on our own. Let us heed the call to leadership by allowing Jesus to lead us.
(17 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: How can being a follower of Jesus make you a better leader?
Listen to Patrick's podcast about not being cool and here's another one about the GOAT leader.
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Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass during the Day) • Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. There have been many incorruptibles through history that are awaiting the resurrection. Mary is the ark of the new covenant. As David welcomed the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, so Jesus welcomes his Ark, Mary, into the Heavenly Jerusalem.
The Ark preserved a jar of manna, the tablets of the Law, and Aaron's rod. In a similar way, we need to preserve moments when we have seen God working in our life.
God is producing a great play, the "Theo-drama", starring Jesus with Mary as Best Supporting Actress. We each have a special and unique roll, which we discover and live when we let the Holy Spirit direct us. We need to allow Jesus to be the star of the play. This helps us escape our "ego-drama." Mary humbly fulfills her roll and God exalts her. Living our roll well lifts us up and everyone else along with us.
(15 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: What would it mean to play your humble roll well?
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Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (C) Today we hear a witness from one of our Diocesan seminarians. He helps us see that faith is not a made-up fairy-tale. When we see the world through the eyes of faith, WE SEE IT AS IT REALLY IS. The reason why faith is comforting is ultimately because it's actually true. Jesus is real. We can trust him. Jesus promised he would rise from the dead. And his promises came true.
"Walk with me," Jesus said. By faith, Logan walked away from his girlfriend and began attending daily Masses. By faith he joined the Kairos year. Logan has learned the incredible joy that comes from walking with Jesus every day.
Jesus is leading us somewhere. We are pilgrims; this is not our home. The things here and now are passing away and we need to use them in a way that prepares us for eternal life.
Some people think that faith isn't rational. That's not true; faith is above reason, but not contrary to it. IF you believe that God exists, AND that he offers a heavenly homeland, THAN the most rational thing would be to trade the pleasures and comforts of this life for the blessings and security of eternal life. It is supremely IRRATIONAL to believe that God exists and that heaven is our homeland and still live for the here and now. Jesus is trying to save us from living irrational lives.
Jesus is real. You can trust him. Walk with him today. You won't regret it!
(10 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: How are fear, selfishness, and shame preventing you from walking more closely with Jesus?
Consider participating in the Diocese of Green Bay's Annual Raising Vocations collection.
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Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (C) What's in God's wallet? Certainly not cash, credit cards, receipts, or insurance cards. The only thing in God's wallet is photos of his kids. Lots and lots of photos, because God has lots and lots of kids. And he knows each one's name and their story. God loves every child like an only child.
The Catholic Church believes that every person has a dignity and value that comes from God himself. There are so many temptations not to recognize the dignity and value of every human being. There are many obvious ways that human dignity is attacked: genocide and racism, abortion, suicide, and eugenics. Then there are less obvious ways, such as IVF and surrogate motherhood. Lying, gossip, the exploitation of workers, and the mistreatment of immigrants all attack human dignity. "There can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person's dignity and without respect for his or her rights." (Pope St. John Paul II)
"Holy Spirit, show me the true value of every person, starting with myself."
"Holy Spirit, how are you calling me to uphold the dignity of every person in my community, state, country and world?"
(3 Aug 2025)
Going Deeper: Thank you Fr. Paul Timmerman for helping with this homily. Reflect on the following quotes:
Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti "The dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances, not because that dignity is something we have invented or imagined, but because human beings possess an intrinsic worth superior to that of material objects and contingent situations. This requires that they be treated differently."
Declaration of the Infinite Dignity of Human Dignity (2024) "Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter. This principle...underlies the primacy of the human person and the protection of human rights. ...the Church resolutely reiterates and confirms the ontological dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed in Jesus Christ. From this truth, the Church draws the reasons for her commitment to the weak and those less endowed with power, always insisting on "the primacy of the human person and the defense of his or her dignity beyond every circumstance."
Vatican II Gaudium et Spes #27: "Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia or wilful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed. They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are supreme dishonor to the Creator."
St. John Paul II in the encyclical the Gospel of Life (pp 101): "There can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person's dignity and without respect for his or her rights."
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Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (C) I was away on a Steubenville youth conference. I had the privilege of listening to Bishop Barron preach on how Jesus is like the Good Samaritan. My favorite part of the homily is that the Catholic Church is kind of like the inn. We are helping those wounded by sin recover from their injuries.
(13 July 2025)
Going Deeper: Can you find me in the picture? Learn more about the Steubenville Conferences.
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Ordinary Time, 14th Sunday (C) The Jews think that Jerusalem is invincible because they are the Chosen People and they have the Temple. But they fail to obey God and He allows Babylon to destroy the city. Many are tempted to adopt the lifestyle and beliefs of the Babylonians. But God calls his people to continue to be faithful to him while living in a foreign land.
The Christians of Galatia are living in a pagan world soaked in sex, violence, gluttony, and every kind of material excess. St. Paul encourages them to keep living for Jesus.
Today, our situation is surprisingly similar to that of the Jews in Babylon or the Christians in Galatia. We live in a secular pagan culture soaked in sex, violence, gluttony, and material excess. Many are tempted to adopt the lifestyle of our neighbors. But God is calling us to be missionaries.
How can married couples be missionaries? First, they need to be disciples of Jesus. Second, they trust in their Father to provide for their needs. Third, their trust in God allows peace to live in their hearts and their homes. Fourth, we cannot let the world's rejection of Jesus cause us to question his value. Fifth, we can trust that God will protect us.
Finally, you don't have to be the perfect Catholic married couple in order to be missionaries of His love. As long as you are a disciple of Jesus and abiding in his love, God can use your "yes" to serve his kingdom. May the peace of Christ reign in our homes!
(6 Jul 2025)
Going Deeper: What married couples have been missionaries to me? How can they inspire me to live more deeply for Jesus? How can I be a witness of the love of Jesus to the world around me?
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June 30, 2025 • Today I celebrate the eighteenth anniversary of my ordination as a Catholic priest. Babies born the year I was ordained a priest are now graduating from high school! I have a few thoughts to share about priesthood.
Blessed to be a Blessing
Saturday I attended the ordination of Fr. Nico Stellpflug. At the end of the ceremony, he gave his first priestly blessing to the Bishop who ordained him. After Mass, members of the congregation lined up to receive his blessing. A priest is blessed so that he can be a blessing to others. You, too, are a gift! And the gift that is you is a gift that was meant to be given away.
Not the Perfect Catholic Priest
I thought I was supposed to save the world by being "the perfect Catholic priest." Today's scripture reading (Monday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time) tells us that Sodom and Gomorrah would have been saved if there had been just ten righteous people living there. My job, and yours, is to be in right relationship with God, ourselves, others, and the world. All God needs is our individual "yes" to his call and he will take care of the rest.
Lived in Community
My individual "yes" to God matters every day. But I am also called to be part of a community of love. My church family teaches me how to be a priest. Thank you for the ways that you have shaped and continue to shape my priesthood. My priesthood has been a blessing to me and I hope it has also been a blessing to you.
(30 June 2025)
Going Deeper: How are you a blessing? How do you use your gifts to bless others?
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C) We cannot have deep, meaningful relationships with other people unless we are willing to be vulnerable with them. When we know our own worth, then we will be able to open up and share with others even if they don't always receive us well.
The Eucharist shows that God is willing to be vulnerable with us. Satan knows that God hurts when we are hurting ourselves and hurting others. God became vulnerable when he became human, and his vulnerability continues in the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus knows that a deep, meaningful relationship is not possible without vulnerability. So He chose to be vulnerable first in hopes that we will not be afraid to open up and be vulnerable with him.
(22 Jun 2025)
Going Deeper: The podcast I was referring to was Episode 157: "Grifter" from Darknet Diaries podcast. Jack does a whole intro about his Defcon party. A large number of these hacker types like Grifter grew up in divorced families, had ADHD, and spent unhealthy amounts of time on computers. Also notice that the trajectory of his life changes when he joins a community that is intentional about forming virtue in its members (in this case it was the Air Force). Later on in life, he continues to live by those same virtues.
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Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (C) The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. There are not three gods, but one God. We call this mystery, "The Holy Trinity".
Human beings are body, mind, and spirit. When our spirit is led by the Holy Spirit, it can lead the body and mind into a harmony, a communion, a human trinity.
The family is husband, wife, and children. When the husband listens to God and to his family, he can lead the family into unity. A healthy family balances the individual gifts of each member with the community.
In Communism, the individual is virtual annihilated by the community. In modern Western culture, the community is annihilated by extreme individualism. Society needs healthy families in order to recover a healthy balance of individuals in communion.
Christians are members of the Holy Trinity. From within the communion of the Trinity we can recover harmony in ourselves, our families, and society.
(15 Jun 2025)
Going Deeper: When do you experience harmony in mind, body, and spirit? When and how do you experience disunity?
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Pentecost Sunday (C) We are made for communion. We are called to communion. But you can't force anyone into communion. God respects our free will so much that if we say "No" to him, he won't override us. This is why we don't pray for the souls in hell; it's too late for them to change their minds. I firmly believe two contradictory things: 1) You need to be perfect, free of all sin and sinful habits, in order to enter heaven. 2) Jesus died for every person and God offers salvation to every person. We find ourselves right in the middle between the impossible goal and the impossibly generous gift. Will we allow God to make us worthy of eternal communion?
Evangelization should be motivated less by a fear of hell and more by the love, joy, and peace we have found in communion with God and others. Imagine a church where every member were set aflame by the power of the Holy Spirit and formed and equipped to share the good news with others. That is my dream! "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love."
(8 Jun 2025)
Going Deeper: Read the SERVE magazine or the blog at the Family Missions Company.
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Ascension of the Lord • We know that the earth is a giant sphere suspended in outer space. The ancient people thought of the world like a snow globe. Jesus is ascending to the highest point of the universe. From there he can see everything and lead his people to victory.
The cloud of God's glory leads the Israelites out of Egypt, meets Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai, and takes up residence in the newly-consecrated Temple of Solomon. The cloud appears at the Transfiguration. So when Jesus is hidden from their sight by a cloud, it means that he has moved into the presence of God.
How can Pope Leo the Great say, "Jesus had not left his Father when he came down to earth, nor had he abandoned his disciples when he ascended into heaven"? It's almost like Jesus and the Holy Spirit are two sides of an old-fashioned two-car elevator. When Jesus walked the Earth, the Holy Spirit kept him connected to his Father. Jesus ascends and the Holy Spirit descends. Now the Holy Spirit is here with us keeping us connected to Jesus and the Father.
Jesus is the head; we are the body. We could say that the Body of Christ has its feet on the ground and it's head in the clouds. We, the Body of Christ, is suffering, dying, rising, and ascending into heaven. Meanwhile, our head is safely home and leading us there. Let us pray for a greater communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Place your hands over your heart an repeat after me, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the heart of your faithful, and kindle in me, the fire of your love."
(1 Jun 2025)
Going Deeper: Reflect on these words from Pope Leo the Great: "Even the blessed apostles, though they had been strengthened by so many miracles and instructed by so much teaching, took fright at the cruel suffering of the Lord's passion and could not accept his resurrection without hesitation. Yet they made such progress through his ascension that they now found joy in what had terrified them before. They were able to fix their minds on Christ's divinity as he sat at the right hand of his Father, since what was presented to their bodily eyes no longer hindered them from turning all their attention to the realization that he had not left his Father when he came down to earth, nor had he abandoned his disciples when he ascended into heaven."
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Easter, 6th Sunday (C) The First Reading is from the Sixth Sunday and the Second Reading and the Gospel are taken from the Seventh Sunday.
God's deepest desire is to be in communion with us. We can find happiness in many places. But we can only find fulfillment in communion. Our communion with God started with our Baptism when we were dunked into the very life of God. It deepened when we received our first Holy Communion. God is in us and we are in God.
The consumer mentality makes me a black hole, endlessly pulling people, things, and experiences into my orbit. But grasping does not lead to lasting fulfillment. Communion happens when we can enter into a relationship of mutually self-giving love. We are helping to bring people into communion with God so they can also experience true communion with themselves, others, and creation.
Jesus is praying for us! He lives every day in deep, intimate communion with his Father. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live every day in deep, intimate communion with the Trinity. Come, Holy Spirit!
(25 May 2025)
Going Deeper: What would it look like to soak more deeply into God's love?
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Easter, 5th Sunday (C) Our parish exists for one reason: Communion. Through Baptism we are "dipped" into God's love for us. When we receive Holy Communion, God enters us. So we are in God and God is in us. That's the very definition of communion!
Today Jesus tells us, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." I think many of us nod and smile at these words without realizing what they mean. We think Jesus is telling us to be nice, to tolerate others, to be accepting and inclusive. In reality, Jesus is inviting us to first receive his love and love him back in the same way: total, faithful, fruitful, and free. Our love for Jesus pulls us into communion with him. His love for others pulls us into communion with them.
Communion will never be perfect here on earth. But we need to keep investing in it. The Apostles are sent out by a community, they create little communities, and they return to a community. Is your parish a place of Communion?
(18 May 2025)
Going Deeper: What does Communion mean to you? Does it feel safe? Is it something you long for? What would it practically look like?
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Easter, 4th Sunday (C) Even from the very beginning, children need a felt sense of safety and security in order to thrive. Physically speaking, we live in a very secure country. And yet, we seem to be suffering from an epidemic of anxiety. Jesus offers a sense of safety and security that no one can take from us. Look how Paul and Barnabas feel safe even amidst persecution and riots. The Good Shepherd will lead them safely to eternal life.
I want to take a little time to do an imaginative exercise. Pause the podcast and come back to it if you're driving or in the middle of something. First, start by picturing a favorite image of the Good Shepherd. Then, picture yourself as one of his little sheep. Share whatever worry, concern, or anxiety you are experiencing right now. Then ask Jesus, "Is there something that you want me to know?" Receive whatever it is he wants to give you: peace, a sense that he is with you, etc. Then spend a couple minutes in gratitude.
(11 May 2025)
Going Deeper: Learn more about the John Paul II Healing Center.
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Easter, 3rd Sunday (C) This Gospel is one of my personal favorites. It was given to me on a Teens Encounter Christ retreat in 2004. John chapter 20 ends with these words:
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
It's a perfect ending. Roll credits. Then chapter 21 opens with one final scene, like those after-credit scenes in the MCU movies. Captained by Peter, the church is sailing into the Resurrection. Jesus is waiting there with a banquet. St. Augustine tells us that the Greeks had identified 153 species of fish and therefore people from every language, culture, and race are invited into the Kingdom.
Three times Peter confesses his love for Jesus and is given his job description as the first Pope. Peter must love Jesus and he must care for the flock. If he follows Jesus faithfully, he will eventually die for Jesus as Jesus died for him.
This Wednesday, the Cardinals will enter the Conclave to elect a new pope. They will begin by celebrating Mass at 10 AM (3 AM Central Time). Cardinal Re, the same Cardinal who celebrated Pope Francis’s funeral, will pray, "O God, eternal pastor, you who govern your people with a father's care, give your church a pontiff acceptable to you for his holiness of life and wholly consecrated to the service of your people."
Is this not the same job description that Peter was given? At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the highest-ranking member of the College of Cardinals who is under the age of 80 and eligible to enter the conclave, addresses the cardinals: "After having celebrated the divine mysteries, we now enter into conclave to elect the Roman pontiff. The whole church, united with us in prayer, invokes the grace of the Holy Spirit so that we elect a worthy pastor of the entire flock of Christ." Let us pray for a Pope who loves Jesus and will feed and tend His sheep.
(4 May 2025)
Going Deeper: Spend some time this week praying for the election. You might use this prayer, taken from the Mass for the election of a Pope:
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
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Easter, 2nd Sunday (Divine Mercy) Happy Doubting Thomas Sunday! The early church fathers saw Sunday as the first day of the New Creation. Christians rest on Sunday as a preparation for the eternal Sunday, the great Easter that is heaven.
Jesus appears on Sunday and offers his Apostles peace. He breathes into them the Spirit of life, a new divine life. He is, "the first and the last, the one who lives." Once he was dead, but now he is alive forever and ever. He I holds the keys to death and the netherworld. Our Almighty Lord is humbly walking with us in our everyday life.
I hope that every Christian has experienced the love of Jesus for himself. Our eyes need to be opened to the ongoing presence of Jesus in our daily life. The most important way that Jesus is present is in Christians. People in the Acts of the Apostles are seeing Jesus in Peter. On February 11, 2001, I saw Jesus in Pope St. John Paul II. Most people will come to believe in the Risen Jesus when they see him in you!
(28 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: Where, or in whom, have you seen the Risen Jesus?
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Easter Sunday • We have three reasons to be happy for Easter. The first reason is what we move from fasting to feasting. Happy "feaster" everybody! The second reason is that we can dress up nicely and have a good day with family and friends and our church family. And the third reason to be happy is that Jesus has risen from the dead. The Resurrection means that we can find hope even in our most hopeless places. It is hard for us to appreciate how truly hopeless Good Friday looked to Jesus' first disciples.
When did God become real for you? Did you ever have an experience that moved you from believing in God just because that's what you were told to knowing for yourself that God exists? For me, the death of Pope John Paul II was a time when God let me know he was with me.
The Risen Jesus is with us and he wants to walk with you every day. If some guy in India died and then rose again, it wouldn't impact you very much. But what if your best friend rose from the dead? That would change your life! The reason why many only experience Easter as a nice day is because they don't know Jesus personally.
Your friendship with Jesus is what makes Easter great. Easter is proof that, even after we have rejected him, God still desires Communion with us. We are often unaware of how deeply we desire communion. We were made for a life of Communion with God himself. The invitation of Easter is to die to the old life of self-reliance and isolation and rise to a new life of communion with God and reliance on God. The harder we try to live for ourselves, the less fulfilled we feel. The more we see ourselves as a gift and give ourselves back to God, the more fulfilled we feel.
Jesus desires a deep, personal communion with you. What do you want?
(20 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: Our Communion with Jesus should transform us into visible images of his invisible love. If you're doing life well, your wife and kids should see Jesus in you. How much do you really look like Jesus?
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Good Friday • Our own Good Friday experiences can cause us to doubt that God is a good father. The Passion reading is full of people acting out of self-protection and self-reliance. Jesus, on the other hand, continues to trust in his Father's Presence, Providence, and Protection. Do you live like Jesus, trusting in your Good Father, or do you live like those who killed him?
(18 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: How would your life, and your death, look different if you lived the way Jesus does?
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Holy Thursday • God is with us! He is with us in the happy Christmas times, the intimate Holy Thursday moments, and our tragic Good Fridays. No matter how much we run from him, abandon him, or choose everything else besides him, God is still with us! And he chooses us.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, but he still washed his feet and did everything he could to show love. If only Judas had been able to receive God's love. If only Judas had chosen Jesus.
The Christian life is not about trying to do well on the "final exam". It is, rather, that we need to learn to see that Jesus is walking with us. Sin has closed our eyes, ears, and heart to God's presence in our world and within us. We won't be able to share the love of Jesus with others if we ourselves have not received it.
I want to share with you a Eucharistic miracle I experienced at St. Wenceslaus. It was the Sunday after Fr. Kelly's funeral, and a number of large hosts were left in the tabernacle. I dumped the ciborium into the second host bowl on the altar and then thought, "That wasn't smart. Now all the large hosts are on the very bottom of the host bowl." I had wanted to use them up at Mass. I moved some small hosts to the first host bowl, and then when I looked back, all the large hosts were neatly on the top of the first host bowl.
This tiny miracle reminded me that God is with us. May this year's Triduum experience open your eyes, ears, and heart to God's presence.
(17 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: Do you live your daily life in Communion with the God who is with us, or do your daily choices and anxieties reflect a life lived as if God wasn't there? How have you noticed Jesus walking with you in your daily life? In whom do you most clearly see Jesus?
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Palm Sunday (C) Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, also known as "Passion Sunday." First we read Luke's account of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then we read this same Gospel's account of the death of Jesus. God the Father calls Jesus to total self-giving love. We were made by love and for love. We only find fulfillment in self-giving love. So why can't we love like Jesus? Fear and selfishness become obstacles to truly loving. As we read the Passion reading, we notice how many of the characters are motivated by fear or selfishness or both. God wants more for us. He wants us to build our lives on the rock of His love so we can truly love as we were created to live. Our savior is not afraid to die for us. Let us not be afraid to live for him.
(13 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: In what ways do fear and selfishness prevent you from loving others as Jesus loves you?
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Lent, 5th Sunday (C) The Pharisees have set a trap for Jesus. They can accuse him either of breaking Roman law or of breaking Mosaic law. Jesus cleverly escapes their trap by stating, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
But first, he starts writing in the dust with his finger. What was he writing? Scholars have been fascinated by this question. I have heard three different theories of what Jesus is writing. The first is that he was writing the sins committed by the scribes and Pharisees.
The second theory is that Jesus is writing the text of the law in question. I know of two places in the Bible that reference punishing adulterers: Lev 20:10: “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death." Deut 22:22: “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman; so you shall purge the evil from Israel." Notice that the law requires both the man and the woman to be put to death. The Pharisees are only selectively applying the law.
A third theory comes from the scripture scholar Jeff Cavins. John chapter 7 comes before John chapter 8. In that chapter, Jesus has secretly visited the temple for the Feast of Booths. Jesus starts teaching in the Temple. The chief priests and the Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus.
John 7:37 says, "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
Afterwards, the officers return without arresting Jesus. They say, "No one ever spoke like this man."
The next day, Jesus is again teaching in temple area. The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery and interrupt Jesus' teaching. What is Jesus writing in the dust? Well, Jeremiah 2:13 says, "my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
Jeremiah 17:13 says, "O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake thee shall be put to shame; those who turn away from me shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water."
Jeff Cavins thinks Jesus is writing the names of the accusers. The names of the chief priests were listed in the temple from oldest to youngest. They all leave, beginning with the eldest.
The prophets were always reminding God's people that they had a covenant with God. When the Israelites worshiped false Gods, the prophets likened their unfaithfulness to adultery. Jesus is essentially telling the leaders of Israel that by rejecting him, they are guilty of the same crime that this woman is guilty of.
Let's look again at Jesus's words: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” There is, in fact, one among them who is without sin: Jesus himself. Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth, the true judge, and the only one qualified to mete out justice. He alone can stone her. He instead offers her mercy and the chance at a new life.
As Pope John Paul II said, "We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures. We are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become images of his Son." Our true identity is God's love for us. Despite our sins, we have not erased our capacity to become images of the Son.
The offer of mercy costs Jesus something. In fact, when he dies on the cross, Jesus dies for her so that she can have new life. He pays her penalty so she can go free.
St. Paul was one of those Pharisees who was not afraid to throw stones at sinners. But then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. He realized that he, too, was a sinner. He stood before Jesus as Jesus wrote in the dust, then straightened up and looked at him and said, "Go, and do not sin any more."
Imagine for a moment that someone died in your place. Someone offered his life so that you could live. Would you not feel a sense of gratitude, and responsibility? Would you not feel that you needed to make it worth his while? Jesus died for Paul. Paul now lives for Christ. He spends the rest of his life living, and dying, for the One who died for him.
Every time we put something else first in our lives, we too are guilty of adultery. Jesus remains faithful and he dies in our place. How will you live for him?
(6 Apr 2025)
Going Deeper: What do you think Jesus was writing in the ground? What would he write if YOU were the one being accused and condemned?
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Lent, 4th Sunday (C) We are not expecting the father to welcome his prodigal son home again. We can all be like the prodigal son sometimes. We waste the father's gifts on ourselves and our pleasures, only to find ourselves empty and unhappy. In our desperation we turn back to our Father and he loves us and welcomes us home. We often turn around and start wasting God's gifts all over again.
Other times we are like the older brother. We do all the right things, but we do so out of duty or obligation. We don't realize how much God loves us.
God our Father is always gazing at us with love. We must learn to live in the gaze of the Father. His love reconciles us and entrusts us with the message of reconciliation.
The Israelites eat manna in the desert until they can finally eat from the produce of the Promised Land. We feed on the Eucharist as we journey to eternal life. There the Father will run to embrace us. He will give us a ring and sandals and a robe. We will shake our heads and say, "I was not expecting that!"
(30 Mar 2025)
Going Deeper: Can you work and play today, knowing that the Father is always gazing at you with love?
Welcome Pete & Patty as new Patrons. Shout out to Barb for today's joke.
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Lent, 3rd Sunday (C) Moses is rescued from death by a mini-ark and is adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. When he witnesses injustice, he first tries to dominate and control, then he runs and hides. God meets him in the desert in the burning bush. He is terrified by the power of the Egyptian government, but he lets God lead him. His impossible mission is wildly successful.
We feel inadequate because we are inadequate. The world is too big for us and God asks us to do impossible things. We tend to respond by dominating and controlling or running and hiding. Instead, we can let God lead us. God sees you. God hears you. God knows well what you are suffering. And he has come down to free you from this land of slavery and lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey. Let him lead you.
(23 Mar 2025)
Going Deeper: Notice this week when people around you use dominating-and-controlling tactics or running-and-hiding to address their inadequacies. How would your life look different if you let God lead you in these situations?
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Lent, 2nd Sunday (C) You shouldn't start a journey if you don't know what the destination is. Lent is a journey and today we are shown the destination. Where are we going? First, we are headed to Easter! We fast now because we plan to feast later. It's a little easier to be disciplined about our sacrifices if we remember that Easter is not so far away.
Easter is a celebration of new life. As the world comes to springtime, we also want to experience new life spiritually. Moses teaches us that new life comes from being faithful to the commandments.
Easter is a also a celebration of the most perfect sacrifice offered to God. Elijah reminds us of the importance of offering a pure sacrifice to the one true God. Each one of us joins our own sacrifices to the sacrifice of Jesus. The most perfect sacrifice comes from the offering of our hearts.
Finally, and most importantly, our destination is eternal life. This life is like a great Lent in comparison to the Easter of Eternal Life. The Law and the Prophets point us to Jesus Christ who is the fullness of the Father's glory.
(16 Mar 2025)
Going Deeper: How does the "light at the end of the tunnel" give you courage and hope?
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Lent, 1st Sunday (C) On May 10, 1940, the Nazi German Army invaded Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. By May 21, German forces had trapped the British, Belgian, and French field armies along the northern coast of France. The British withdrew to Dunkirk, the closest good port, in a desperate attempt to evacuate the army across the English Channel. German tanks and dive bombers were closing in.
Winston Churchill had just taken office. He was not known to be religious, but at the request of King George VI, a national day of prayer was declared in England. The people didn't really know exactly what they were praying for, as the media had not reported the desperate situation. Inexplicably, the German army halted for three days. They were worried about the marshy ground and getting over-extended. It gave the allied armies just enough time to build defensive fortifications.
Meanwhile, a massive sea operation was taking place. Ordinary people took their boats and yachts across the channel to assist the evacuation. Often very rough, the waters were as smooth as glass. German bombers assaulted Dunkirk and destroyed much of the town and the docks. But the smoke from the bombing hung over the beach, obscuring the operation. The RAF flew squadron after squadron across the channel to provide air coverage. A force of 40,000 French fought to the death against wave after wave of German tank attacks.
Imagine being trapped on the beach between the sea and the war. To calm themselves, soldiers started singing hymns. One had memorized Psalm 91 and recited it from memory. Many other soldiers knew it and they began saying it too. Soon whole companies were chanting, "He who dwells on the shelter of the most high, and abides in the shade of the Almighty..."
By the 8th day, 338,000 men had been evacuated. The evacuation is considered a miracle. Historians believe this was evacuation was one of the key reasons why Hitler lost the war.
Where do you turn when things look hopeless? Do you run and hide? Do you give up? Or do you turn to God's word? Jesus has spent 40 days in the desert. He's hungry, tired, and he feels abandoned by God. It is precisely when he is down that Satan pounces on him. Jesus responds, not with his own words, but with the Word of God. God's word is on his lips and in his heart.
A quarter-century ago, me and my fellow seminarians would pray Psalm 91 as part of Night Prayer every Sunday night . To this day, I know the Psalm by heart. It is there when I need it. Have you committed any favorite hymns to memory? Do you know any psalms by heart? When your back is against the sea and your enemies have you surrounded, where will you turn?
Going Deeper: Pick a psalm that speaks to you and recite it morning and night. The version I know of Psalm 91 comes from the GRAIL psalter.
Psalm 91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High * and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: “My refuge, * my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”
It is he who will free you from the snare * of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; he will conceal you with his pinions * and under his wings you will find refuge.
You will not fear the terror of the night * nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness * nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, * ten thousand fall at your right, you, it will never approach; * his faithfulness is buckler and shield.
Your eyes have only to look * to see how the wicked are repaid, you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!” * and have made the Most High your dwelling.
Upon you no evil shall fall, * no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, * to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you upon their hands * lest you strike your foot against a stone. On the lion and the viper you will tread * and trample the young lion and the dragon.
Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; * protect him for he knows my name. When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,” * I will save him in distress and give him glory.
With length of life I will content him; * I shall let him see my saving power.
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Ordinary Time, 8th Sunday (C) Imagine looking back on your Lent from the perspective of Easter. Is it easier to give up candy now if you remember that Easter candy is coming? In a similar way, how will your life look different from the perspective of eternity? The trials of this life expose what is in our heart. They also give us opportunities to trust God and to love and give and sacrifice. Without God, I am nothing but a small pile of dust. "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Cor 15:58)
(2 Mar 2025)
Going Deeper: Consider your Lenten sacrifices as a response to the love God showed you at Christmas and other times in your life. Also, consider your fasting and sacrifices from the vantage point of Easter feasting and eternal life.
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Ordinary Time, 6th Sunday (C) Today we hear an excerpt from the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49). Jesus admonishes us to "love your enemies" and "do good to those who hate you." At first glance, these words look like admonishments that any teacher or guru might give to his disciples. He wants us to be kind to others, right? Look again... these words seem like a terrible idea. Why would I turn my other cheek and give expecting nothing back? Why is Jesus expecting us to respond to evil in a way that is so impractical and unwise?
We can expect three key things from a good father: protection, providence, and presence. When Adam and Eve first lived in the garden, they trusted God to protect them, provide for them, and be present to them. Then they sin and fall into isolation, self-reliance, and self-protection.
David is on the run from King Saul. Saul is an especially tall, handsome, and good-looking guy. But he relies on himself and is not obedient to God. Unlike Saul, David trusts God to protect him and provide for him. He resists the urge to take matters into his own hands.
Every time the parishes have needed to hire a staff person, God has provided. One of our parishioners experienced God's providence and protection through an abusive marriage and a difficult divorce.
Jesus is inviting us to realize that God is a good father and we can depend on him to protect us, to provide for us, and to be present to us.
(23 Feb 2025)
Going Deeper: This week, try to notice the times that you choose self-protection and self-reliance, and the times that you choose to trust in God's providence, his protection, and his presence.
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Ordinary Time, 5th Sunday (C) Peter looks good on the surface; he has a good life and a successful career and he's not interested in what Jesus is offering. But underneath, Peter is not so good. He feels like he is failing at fishing and failing at life. Even deeper down, though, Peter is Very Good. He is loved by God and he hasn't ruined God's plans for his life.
Jesus invites Peter to "put out into the deep." He is not only calling him to go fishing, but also inviting Peter to move below the surface, through the layer of "not good", into that place of "Very Good".
Many couples look like they are good. But underneath, things are not so good. For national marriage week, consider ways that you can move together through the layer of "not so good" into the deeper place that is Very Good.
(9 Feb 2025)
Going Deeper: How is Jesus inviting you personally to "put out into the deep?" What would it look like to go deeper into your own heart with Jesus? What would it look like to go deeper into your marriage or other relationships?
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Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation of the Lord) • Today we celebrate Candlemas, the final feast day of the Christmas season. Mary received God's gift, helped to grow this gift, and now gives him back to God.
This is what parents do when they have a child Baptized. They give their child back to God. The parents are given a lit candle and told: "Receive the light of Christ. Parents and godparents, this light has been entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly, so that you child, enlightened by Christ, may walk always as a child of the light, and persevering in the faith, may run to meet the Lord when he comes with all the saints in the heavenly court."
They love their children so much that they want them to live forever. The light of faith has to be carried, nourished, and protected so that it can grow brighter and carry us to heaven. All of us are called to light the world by burning with the sacrificial love of Jesus.
(2 Feb 2025)
Going Deeper: Do you know someone who shines with the light of Christ? Read and reflect on Fr. Joel's poem, "A Swedish Candle."
Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation of the Lord) • Today we celebrate Candlemas, the final feast day of the Christmas season. Mary received God's gift, helped to grow this gift, and now gives him back to God.
This is what parents do when they have a child Baptized. They give their child back to God. The parents are given a lit candle and told: "Receive the light of Christ. Parents and godparents, this light has been entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly, so that you child, enlightened by Christ, may walk always as a child of the light, and persevering in the faith, may run to meet the Lord when he comes with all the saints in the heavenly court."
They love their children so much that they want them to live forever. The light of faith has to be carried, nourished, and protected so that it can grow brighter and carry us to heaven. All of us are called to light the world by burning with the sacrificial love of Jesus.
(2 Feb 2025)
Going Deeper: Do you know someone who shines with the light of Christ? Read and reflect on Fr. Joel's poem, "A Swedish Candle."
Ordinary Time, 3rd Sunday (C) In addition to a sabbath day, Jewish law also prescribed a Sabbatical Year. Every seventh year, the land was to be left fallow and debts would be forgiven. After seven such sabbatical years, or 50 years, the Bible calls for a Jubilee. This was like a super sabbatical year. Slaves were freed and land that had been sold returned to its hereditary owners. The land is a gift from God and all human ownership is temporary. We all owe debts to God, and we are destined for freedom and not slavery. No one knows for sure if these jubilee rules were followed, but they depict a kind of heaven on earth of rest, freedom, and the chance to have a fresh start.
The Catholic Church has picked up the practice of the Jubilee. A Jubilee is the granting of a special plenary indulgence every 25 years. On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis began opening the Holy Doors of the four major basilicas in Rome. Local Bishops are also able to designate pilgrim sites. In our Diocese, Champion Shrine, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and St. Pius X Parish in Appleton are the designated pilgrimage destinations. Pope Francis hopes that we can experience peace, hope, an openness to life, a recovery of the joy of living. This jubilee has been entitled, "Pilgrims of Hope."
Today's first reading we see the Israelites listening to a reading from the scroll of the Torah. They are weeping because their hearts are moved by love: the love that chose them, that has been faithful to them, and has now brought them back to their land and allowed them to rebuild their city. God's love comes first, and our actions are a response to his love.
Dr. Scott Hahn responded to God's love by offering his children a jubilee, a chance to come clean without punishment. He had learned from Jesus that the relationship is what matters most.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus announces a Jubilee. When we draw near to Jesus, we experience the freedom, peace, hope and a fresh start. Jesus himself is the jubilee. "Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength."
(26 Jan 2025)
Going Deeper: Read and meditate on the words of Pope Francis in the bull Spes non confunditto open the Jubilee year of hope 2025.
Thank you to new Patrons Pete & Patty.
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Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (C) The Holy Spirit gives us many gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, varieties of tongues, interpretation of tongues. The Spirit gave Donal Walsh a deep sense of faith. His life was a gift, but he realized it was a gift that was meant to be given away. He died of cancer at the age of 16, but he used his short and difficult life to bless others.
At the wedding feast at Cana, the bride and groom find that their resources fall short of the demands. Fortunately, they had invited Jesus and Mary to the wedding. Like a good Mom, Mary is attuned to the needs of the couple. The servants obey Jesus. Once the six stone water jars are full to the brim, they discover an abundance that they never could have made for themselves.
When we try to build our own little kingdom, we will always run out of happiness. When we aren't afraid to faithfully serve each day, we find the Lord is turning our water into wine.
(19 Jan 2025)
Going Deeper: Perhaps watch this video of Donal Walsh and reflect on his legacy. What legacy will you leave?
Thank you to Patrons John & Judy, Todd, and Amanda.
Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.
Feast of Epiphany • The Feast of Epiphany is older than Christmas. Early Christians celebrated January 6th as three feasts in one: the visit of the magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and the miracle of water into wine at Cana. In the East, the Baptism of the Lord emerged as the most important of the three feasts. In the West, the Baptism migrated to next Sunday and Epiphany became "Three Kings Day."
What can we learn from this feast? Sometimes we need to seek Jesus. It could be a long journey. We will find him not so much in lofty places but more so in the humble places. The Wise Men receive Jesus as a gift and they give the gift of themselves back to Jesus. Gold symbolizes giving Jesus our very best. The frankincense and myrrh are the fruit of where the plants have been wounded. They symbolize giving Jesus our wounds, our very worst.
Christ was born in Bethlehem so that he could be born into your heart. "May we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity." Bring him your best; bring him your worst; allow him to transform you from the inside.
(5 Jan 2025)
Going Deeper: Know, dear brothers and sisters, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of Godʹs mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.
On the 5th day of March will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.
On the 20th day of April, you will celebrate with Joy Easter day, the Pascal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the first day of June will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ (May 29 is the actual Thursday). On the eighth day of June, the feast of Pentecost. On the 22nd day of June, the feast of the most holy body and blood of Christ.
On the 30th day of November, the first Sunday of the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Christmas, Holy Family (C) The Feast of the Holy Family reminds us that Jesus comes not only to restore us as as individuals, but also to heal our family. The four fundamental identities help to reveal God's original plan for the family. These identities have three characteristics:
- Relational. Each identity requires another; none are just my sense of me in isolation.
- Foundational. They build on each other and move us from receiving to giving.
- Gift. The identities are healthy when I receive the other as a gift and the other receives me as a gift.
Here are the fundamental identities one at a time:
- Child (son/daughter) -- The infant feels herself to be a gift. Parents welcome her and give her safety, recognition, reassurance, delight, love and belonging.
- Sibling (brother/sister) -- Siblings treat each other as a gift. They join the parents in receiving one another and loving one another.
- Spouse (husband/wife) -- Giving and receiving siblings, friends, classmates and co-workers prepares us to give and receive a total gift of self in marriage.
- Parent (father/mother) -- Marriage prepares a couple to receive children as gifts and to give to them without counting the cost.
Sin, wounds, and self-protection cause siblings to compete with each other for the scare resources of parental affection. Friendships become a choice and friends are rejected when they no longer meet my needs. Spouses use each other rather than giving themselves to one another. Children are no longer welcomed as gifts, and the cycle repeats itself.
Hannah receives Samuel as a gift and she gives him back to God (see 1 Sam 1 and 2). Jesus comes to heal our families. He does that by healing our fundamental identities. Jesus invites us to discover that our true father is God the Father, and our true mother is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Even after we our born, our belly button marks the place where we drew life from our mother. Mary is the relationship we need to grow in first. Mary will introduce us to Jesus and Jesus will lead us to God the Father.
(29 Jan 2024)
Going Deeper: Start a daily Rosary. Check in with your spiritual mother Mary once or twice each day.
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Christmas Eve • There was a time when your ancestors did not celebrate Christmas. Then one day, missionaries came to bring the good news of Jesus Christ. This was their message, "Your Father loves you and he wants you to come home." Remember how God made our first parents and put them in a beautiful garden? There were two trees in the middle of the garden, a good tree and a bad tree. They ate from the bad tree and had to leave the garden. They went out into the cold, cruel world. They learned to hunt and fish and farm, to make warm clothes and build houses. They also learned some really bad stuff: to lie and gossip, to steal and horde stuff, to beat each other up and steal their stuff.
But let me tell you a secret: no matter how far we wandered, we have never gotten out of our Father's back yard! When the time had come, God sent his Son Jesus into this cold, cruel world. He came to tell us that we have a Father who loves us and who wants us to come home.
Jesus not only shows us how to be God's children, but he also remains with us to help us. Remember how there was no room for Baby Jesus in the Inn? Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room in my heart and my life for Jesus. When Jesus comes to live in your heart, you can experience the peace and joy of Christmas all year long.
(25 Dec 2024)
Going Deeper: Sing this carol (or meditate on these words):
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.
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Advent, 4th Sunday (C) Imagine for a moment that you attended a school Christmas program but no one was listening to the director. Everyone was singing their own songs and trying to do their own thing. There would be chaos, frustration, hurt feelings, and a lot of giving up. Bishop Barron calls this the "Ego-drama." Each of us is trying to be a star in our own show that is written, produced, and directed by ourselves. We try to get everyone else to be the supporting actors in our show. But each of them wants to be the star!
The Bible tells a different story. We are part of the great "Theo-drama." This play is written by God the Father, directed by the Holy Spirit, starring Jesus Christ and Mary as Best Supporting Actress. Each of us has a special roll to play that is uniquely suited to our gifts and talents. When we accept our roll in the Theo-drama, we experience peace because we don't have to run the universe. Instead of competing with each other to be the star, we give joy to each other by supporting one another in playing their rolls.
In today's Gospel we see the joy that Mary, John, and Elizabeth experience. They are each living their own mission and all supporting one another in playing their part in the Theo-drama. Many people today are living life as if they had no purpose and no mission. They don't realize that they have a part in the play, and their part matters. Play your roll to the very best of your ability. This Christmas, Baby Jesus wants to teach us all how to be children again, each with a special part in the Theo-drama.
(22 Dec 2024)
Going Deeper: Have you experienced joy recently? What did this experience tell you?
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Advent, 3rd Sunday (C) The monastery cloister teaches us to keep part of our hearts closed to the world and open to heaven. The ancient and medieval world was familiar with the example of the wheel of fortune: One minute you're on top of the world, the next minute you are on the bottom. We need to move from the chaos of the outside to the peace at the center. Peace comes from being with Christ in the core of our own being. Joy comes from healthy connections with God and others. Stop trying to find security in your own power and possessions. That will just take you for another trip around the wheel of fortune. Seek the peace and joy that comes from Christ at the center.
(15 Dec 2024)
Going Deeper: Meditate on Philippians 4:1-9
Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. And I ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
Thank you Bill for being a Patron.
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception • St. Augustine first taught about original sin. He said that our first parents passed the infection of sin on to all their children. Humans have been all been born with this original sin. Except Mary, whom the Archangel Gabriel calls, "kekaritomene", or "the one who is fully blessed or gracious". She is completely free from the infection of sin even from the first moment of her conception.
When we look deep into our hearts, we see a desire for communion. We were made for communion with God, with one another, with ourselves and even with Creation. Communion means we want to dwell in God and have God dwell in us. Mary started from within God and then received God inside of her. We have the opposite experience: We start by welcoming God into us, and then he draws us into communion within himself.
(9 Dec 2024)
Going Deeper: When have you experienced the joy of communion?
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Advent, 1st Sunday (C) A felt sense of safety and security is necessary for us to find peace. When peace is missing, there are many ways we might try to manufacture it. Perhaps you surround yourself only with like-minded people. Try to control everything, get angry, or run and hide. Maybe you numb yourself or pretend that it doesn't matter.
God desires to make his people safe and secure. We receive this safety through knowledge of God's unconditional love and trust in his ongoing providence. The rest of the world may be terrified but Christians can continue to experience peace. We need to keep our eyes on our eternal goal. We need to remember that only God's opinion matters. Lastly, we need to stay vigilant, expecting tribulations.
Make time each week in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Share with Jesus whatever is burdening you and weighing on you. Then keep your eyes open for all the little ways that God is caring for you. Advent is not about God appearing when you are finally ready to receive him. Rather, God is already with you right now. Advent is the gradual opening of our eyes to realize his humble presence. It is the presence of Jesus that is the true source of our peace.
(1 Dec 2024)
Going Deeper: Welcome to Season 15 of the Pilgrim Priest Podcast! This year's album is titled, A Spirit of Power and Love and Self-Control. I know that is a mouthful. It is taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-7, "Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control." I picked this because it feels like the next logical step on my own personal journey of healing.
We can try and draw life from many sources. I had been trying to draw life from others' affirmation, from my own sense of accomplishment, from Mass attendance numbers and podcast downloads and many other externals. As I became more Rooted in Jesus Christ (2023), I experienced a lot of Freedom and Peace (2024). My relationship with Him was giving me the love and meaning that I needed, so I had the freedom to let the people around me be who they are and not who I needed them to be for me. In the course of writing my series on chastity, I realized that power, love, and self-control all go together. Self-control is not about flexing my ability to refuse things, but more about letting go of unimportant things so that my energy can go towards loving God and loving my neighbor. When we do this, we start to experience the incredible power that comes from genuine love. I now understand why St. Paul put these three things together in one spirit.
We have been given this Spirit, but we need to rekindle it. This year will be about rekindling the spirit of power, love, and self-control. What would your life look like of this spirit were blazing?
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Solemnity of Christ the King (B) There are three key figures in Old Testament society. The priest heals and sacrifices. The prophet teaches and preaches repentance. The king protects society from invasion and rightly orders life within the city.
We often think of Jesus as priest or as prophet. Today we focus on Jesus as King. Jesus tells Pontius Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world." How is Jesus different from the kingdom of this world? The kingdoms of this world use violence to enforce their will. Jesus allows people to choose or reject his kingdom. This world's kings want to control the truth. Jesus is the truth, and all who are of the truth hear his voice. Earthly kings want to be the highest power. Jesus submits himself to his Father. Kings sacrifice others; Jesus sacrifices himself. Jesus is a king who is also a servant. The kingdoms of this world are passing away; Jesus' kingdom is eternal.
We don't get to vote on the King, which is good, because we have a terrible track record when it comes to picking good leaders for ourselves. We do get to vote ourselves into his kingdom or out of it. When we let Jesus be the Lord of our life, he protects us and rightly orders our lives.
Blessed Franz Jägerstätter was convinced that serving the true King meant he could not participate the Nazi German war of aggression. He has been recognized as a martyr. Jesus is the Priest, the Prophet, and the King. When we let him be our King, we enter here and now into the Kingdom that is not of this world.
(24 Nov 2024)
Going Deeper: How does Jesus protect his people? Have you experienced his order within your inner world and also among his people?
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Ordinary Time, 33rd Sunday (B) Ancient people couldn't depend on much. Plagues, wars, earthquakes, death, and decay all dogged their lives. The heavens above appeared incredibly stable and predictable.
When Jesus says, "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken," what he means is that the dependable things are failing us. When everything else fails, we can still count on Jesus. His words are more dependable than heaven and earth.
A constant reminder of Jesus' dependable love for us is the gift of our guardian angel. St. Gemma Galgani could see her guardian angel. St. John Bosco was protected miraculously by a big black dog. Last month, inspired by the feast of the Guardian Angels, I wrote a song to my guardian angel. Let me sing it to you.
(17 Nov 2024)
Going Deeper: Try singing the song for yourself. It's set to the tune Old 100th (like All People That on Earth do Dwell).
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Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday (B) Jesus is impressed not with the size of the donation; he is impressed with a generous heart. A poor widow holds nothing back; she gives God her whole livelihood.
God has blessed me with gifts, perhaps less than I had hoped. The temptation is to hoard the little I have and use it for myself. God's invitation is to be generous with what we have and trust that he will give us more.
For many Americans, time is worth more than money. Don't be afraid to be generous with time for daily prayers and Sunday Mass. At Sunday Mass, we offer ourselves and all that we have to the Father, and receive his abundant blessings. If you are generous with God, you will have some left over. Give God the chance to earn your trust.
(10 Nov 2024)
Going Deeper: The word used for "livelihood" in the Greek is bios. Read and reflect on what it means (see BibleHub.com):
Usage: In the New Testament, "bios" primarily refers to the physical aspect of life, encompassing one's livelihood, possessions, and the duration of life. It is distinct from "ζωή" (zōē), which often refers to life in a more spiritual or eternal sense. "Bios" can denote the means by which life is sustained, such as wealth or resources, and can also refer to the conduct or manner of one's life.
Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "bios" was commonly used to describe the tangible aspects of life, including one's social status, wealth, and daily living. The concept of "bios" was often contrasted with the philosophical or spiritual life, which was considered of higher value in many philosophical traditions. In Jewish thought, life was a gift from God, and the way one lived ("bios") was a reflection of one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.
(bíos) is the root of the English term "biography," i.e. the record (account) of how we invested (or spent!) our physical lives.
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Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday (B) The first level of vocation is the Universal Call to Holiness. This means that we were made in the image and likeness of God, and God is love. We are called to allow the love of God to transform every aspect of our lives. Holiness is nothing other than living love in every aspect of our lives. The second level is the call to love in a specific and permanent state of life. Jesus is called to be the High Priest. Priests are called to reveal Christ's love to his church. Religious live totally for God, as we all will in heaven. Married couples love one another as Christ loves the Church. Each one incarnates God's love in a unique and permanent way. The third level is the ongoing discernment of loving God and neighbor in the practicalities of everyday life. This requires constant discernment. Fortunately Jesus is with us. Vocation is not really an equation to be solved. It is rather a call to be with Jesus and to live and love from this place of communion with Jesus. (3 Nov 2024) Going Deeper: How does each level of vocation build on the previous level? What would it look like if you totally lived God's love in every aspect of your life? Image ©PilgrimPriest.us | Over 13 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.
All Saints Day • Why have so many people left the Catholic Church? I think they have left because being Catholic made them less happy. It gets in the way of getting their way and having all the things and pleasures they want.
Getting what we want only makes us happy when we have learned to want that which is actually good for us. The happiness based on having things or fun experiences is the most fleeting source of happiness. It will naturally tend towards addiction.
Are there forms of happiness that don't disappoint? The happiness of a job well done is worth a lot of discomfort on the road to success. The Greeks and Romans taught us that the ultimate form of happiness is a life well-lived, that is, a virtuous life. The culture of self-indulgence erodes community. The culture of virtue and self-control demands, and builds, healthy community.
Above this level of happiness, there is a level that only Christians have access to. Believing Christians will come to know the warmth and light of Jesus' personal presence with them. This is the happiness of a life lived with Jesus. Christian community also reaches a new level -- being brothers and sisters in God's family.
The Beatitudes show us that, with the right attitude of heart, the challenging circumstances around us become an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. Even discomfort can be turned into a source of deeper happiness.
(1 Nov 2024)
Going Deeper: Are you more focused on the pursuit of happiness rooted in self-indulgence, or the pursuit of happiness rooted in self-control? How does Christian community contribute to your happiness? Have you experienced the happiness of a life lived with Jesus?
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Ordinary Time, 30th Sunday (B) Jericho often symbolizes the kingdom of this world. Bartimaeus can see with the eyes of faith that Jesus is the one he has been waiting for. He keeps calling Jesus until Jesus calls him, then he leaves everything to follow Jesus.
Jesus is leading home to the heavenly kingdom all who have heard his call and followed him. We gather at Sunday Mass to experience ongoing encounter with God's love and truth that brings us into wholeness and communion.
Jesus desires to give us emotional and spiritual healing, and eventually all physical healing. We need to keep calling on Jesus until he calls upon us: "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!"
(27 Oct 2024)
Going Deeper: How do you identify areas in your life that need emotional or spiritual healing? What do you do when you have identified those needs?
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Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (B) Stewardship is a great way of understanding the Gospel in our practical, everyday life. Christians are called to be like God. We can't possibly succeed, so the Holy Spirit gives us the power to love as God has loved us.
Consumers we are rarely grateful, because we have been trained to see the lack in our lives and to think that one more product will fix our problem. We see our value in terms of what I produce or consume or own. We see each other as competition. This is exactly where James and John are coming from. They want to grab spots at the top. Jesus says, "If you want the top spots, then you have to be willing to serve, suffer, and sacrifice."
If we are comparing, competing and complaining as consumers, then we are not living self-giving love. The Lord has already been a very generous and loving servant to all of us. We are now called to serve others as he has served us. Stewardship of Time is about quality time with God and with our family and friends. Talent are ways that you can use your gifts to bless others. Finally, Treasure is a great way to ask yourself, "Am I being generous?"
When I see how generous my parishioners are, you inspire me to be a better steward. Thank you for serving others as Christ has served us.
(20 Oct 2024)
Going Deeper: If you are a member of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, review the 2024 Ministry Booklet and then complete the 2024 Stewardship Commitment Card online. Consider all the subtle ways you find yourself playing King of the Hill with the people around you (It's good to play "king of the raft" sometimes, especially for boys, but it shouldn't be the primary way we understand our place in the world). Are you the best at Comparing, Competing, and Complaining, or are you excited to Serve, Suffer, and Sacrifice?
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Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (B) This weekend we kickoff our annual parish Stewardship Renewal. We ask every parishioner of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches to make at least one commitment each in the areas of Time, Talent, and Treasure. It's always good to re-evaluate our commitments.
What can our scripture readings teach us about stewardship? Adam names the animals. He is practicing on creation so he can be ready for a bigger stewardship. God gives him the gift of Eve, his equal but whom he also names. Marriage is a shared stewardship. The two become "one flesh", sharing everything with one another, and together exercise a stewardship of God's children. Parents desire to bring their children to Jesus so he can bless them.
In standing up for marriage, God is standing up for the children. We know that many marriages to do not reflect the beauty of God's plans. God himself meets us in the midst of our struggles. Jesus came into this world and suffers with us and for us. Just as Jesus was "perfected" by his sufferings, so we become perfected in the fight with our own selfishness. Let God be the master, and be content to be his servant. Even when we are unfaithful, the Lord is faithful!
Struggles are an opportunity to grow closer to God and to one another. Marriage is a gift that is meant to be given away; it is a blessing that is meant to bless others. Our stewardship renewal is an opportunity to once again take stock of our blessings. The greatest gift God gives us is not material or spiritual blessings but the gift of one another and the gift of Himself. How blessed we are!
(6 Oct 2024)
Going Deeper: Review your stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure, and your attitude towards other human beings in your life.
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Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (B) Many Catholics have no sense of the incredible gift they have received, nor the responsibilities that come with that gift. How would your life be different if you were able to live from your true identity as a child of God, temple of the Holy Spirit, and a part of the Body of Christ?
Traffickers deceive their victims into thinking they are loved. Then they manipulate, use and abuse them. Damascus Road Project loves trafficked women into their true identity.
On October 9, 1859, Mary told Adele Brice: "I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same. You received Holy Communion this morning and that is well. But you must do more. Make a general confession and offer Communion for the conversion of sinners. If they do not convert and do penance, my Son will be obliged to punish them.”
Our true identity is given so us not so that we can be better than others, but so that we can leave others better than we found them.
(29 Sep 2024)
Going Deeper: Watch or read and reflect on the Client Testimonials from Damascus Road Project.
Thank you Patrons Joyce and Sue!
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Ordinary Time, 25th Sunday (B) The Bible and our Catholic faith teach that life begins at conception and that every child is a gift from God. Every one of us is wanted, every one of us is willed, and we each reveal something special about God. “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”
Many parents nowadays don't want God to give them many of these gifts. Can we recognize that we are a gift? Can we recognize that the people around us are gifts? If a family sees children as competition with Mom and Dad's needs and wants, then we will see our siblings as competition, too. Then we turn around and pay doctors and scientists or surrogate moms so we can buy ourselves a "gift." The Bible invites us see ourselves and other human lives as God does.
(22 Sep 2024)
Going Deeper: Join us for this year's pro-life speaker Wednesday, October 15th, 2024, at 7 PM at St. John's in Antigo. Oriens 2024: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas is available for purchase now. Join me for a pilgrimage to Italy next fall. Click here to learn more.
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Ordinary Time, 24th Sunday (B) Which world religion is the true religion? You don't have to look at every religion, you just have to answer this question: Is Jesus who he says he is? Every other founder of a major religion has claimed to have a special insight or revelation from God. Only Jesus claimed to BE GOD. Most people accept that Jesus was at least a good and holy man. But that is the one thing that Jesus CANNOT be. He must be either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.
He proves his claim not only with his miracles but also by rising from the dead. Jesus is who he says he is, and that means you are who he says you are. You are a beloved child of God and you have nothing to fear. Isaiah has a confidence that comes from trusting the God who called him. When we have this confidence, we can be generous with those around us. Because Jesus is who he says he is, do not be afraid to do what he calls you to do.
(15 Sep 2024)
Going Deeper: Do you believe Jesus' claim to be God? How does this belief give you new confidence?
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Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (B) After an attempt at rolling my kayak, my ears had to be opened in order for me to hear clearly. Just because we can hear doesn't mean that we are really listening. What would happen if God actually spoke to you during your prayer time? Some of us might feel he was interrupting our prayers.
When working with foreign priests, I have learned that just because he says, "Yes" does not mean he has understood. I need to wait for further information to confirm he got what I said. I also need to not only listen to him, but try and truly understand.
Before the Gospel is read at Mass, we trace the cross on our forehead, lips, and heart. We are signaling our openness to what God's word wants to give us. Let us pray that we can not only hear God, but also listen and understand.
(8 Sep 2024)
Going Deeper: Reflect on the 12 active listening skills. How many do you practice regularly?
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Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (B) Is Jesus opposed to rituals and traditions? I see that Jesus has three objections to the behavior of the Scribes and Pharisees.
- Using external rituals to say, "I'm better than you." We can and should judge right and wrong behavior. But we cannot judge hearts. And we must not use external rituals to compare ourselves to others.
- The rituals and traditions must not become more important than the law of God.
- Our hearts are the important part. Our external actions should show what is in our hearts. When there is a disconnect, the heart is the most important part of the equation.
God wants to be with his people. When our actions are evil and our hearts are full of uncleanness, we will not be close to God. God has given us the rules so that we can be close to Him. Moses says, "For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?"
Not a single one of us by "trying harder" can fulfill the call to be like Jesus. This is we must, "Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls." God's own spirit will transform our hearts from the inside. From clean hearts flow clean actions.
Fr. Kamal has arrived in Antigo. He told me a story that reminded me of the power of praying together with fellow Christians. This power flows from our closeness with God.
(1 Sep 2024)
Going Deeper: Do you gather and pray as a family? Do you gather and pray with other Christian families?
Consider participating in the Red, White, and Blue Ecumenical Service on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Noon at the Langlade County Courthouse.
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Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (B) Why have so many people left the Catholic faith? Some left because they didn't experience the Catholic church to be a loving, healthy family. Others have left because they don't believe that we teach the truth. But the vast majority of people have left for one simple reason: they want to be happy.
We all know that I'll be happy if I get my way, getting to have the things I want and do the things I want to do. The Catholic Church tells me to do God's will, not my will. It tells me to give generously and not hoard my stuff. And it wants to ruin my weekends by making me go to church. Obviously, I'll be happier if I don't do that Catholic stuff.
I go tent camping for vacation. That way, my every day life feels like a luxury resort! The priests I went with insisted on not just celebrating Mass every day, but on also sitting for a quiet Holy Hour every day. I thought it would ruin the fun, but it turned out to be the very best part.
Your heart's deepest desire is to be with the Lord and to be with one another. Having stuff is only a means to an end and never an end in itself. Doing stuff is great, but it passes. The being with, the relationships, are the part that last. The Eucharist comes from God's deepest desire is to be with us, and to satisfy our deepest desire to be with Him and to be in communion with one another.
We who have accepted Jesus have a tendency to hedge our bets. Jesus becomes the ultimate life accessory, a means to me living the life I want. We all need to trust that God knows best. If we let him be "God-with-us", the having of things and the doing of things will fall into place. And we will find ourselves truly happy.
(25 Aug 2024)
Going Deeper: Join me for a Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy September 15-25, 2025. Learn more at https://prorometours.com/antigo/
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Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (B) The Eucharist looks like bread and it tastes like bread but it's really Jesus. Catholics have started to lose a sense of God's presence in the Eucharist. But first we lost a sense of the sacramentality of the whole world. Creation speaks to us about the Creator. Humans reveal who God is, and the nature of God reveals what we were made to be.
As we began to uncover the precise mathematical laws that govern creation, we started to miss the sacramental nature of the world. Many Catholics now see the Eucharist as the last refuge of God's presence in a secular world. My hope is that the National Eucharistic Congress will help us to recover the Eucharist, not as the last place we can find God, but rather as the interpretive key that unlocks the sacramental reality of everything.
Elijah wants to curl up and die. He needs a sense of meaning and purpose, and to be reminded that he is not alone. The Eucharist does these things for us. The Eucharist calls us to enter into Communion with God and to begin to live every moment of our lives from this place of Communion. I think that the reason so many Catholics have stopped coming to church is that they never learned to live from a place of Communion with God.
Where did I notice Jesus? Where did I let him do the "heavy lifting" -- things were easy, clear, and simple? Where did I experience struggle or difficulty? How did I respond? When I live my life with Jesus, he does the heavy lifting. In the places that haven't received the Gospel: Jesus, love me there.
(11 Aug 2024)
Going Deeper: Where have you seen God's presence in your daily life? How have you responded to his presence? Where do you need God to remind you of your meaning and purpose and that you are not alone?
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Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (B) The Israelites were well-fed slaves! We modern Americans think we are free because we can have whatever we want. The problem is, the more we want, the less satisfied we feel. I become enslaved by my desires. Only Jesus can satisfy the deep hungers in the human heart. This is why Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist. He invites us to move away from being gluttonous graspers to being grateful receivers and generous givers. Paradoxically, when I try to be the master, I wind up becoming enslaved. When I allow Jesus to be the master, I find that I am truly free.
(4 Aug 2024)
Going Deeper: Where do I find it most difficult to control my appetites? What is it I am really looking for?
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Ordinary Time, 17th Sunday (B) I notice three lessons from the multiplication of the five loaves and the two fish: First, we are hungry. Humans have many deep needs. We need to feel valuable, to know that we are good, to feel that we matter, to be seen and known by others, to live with security and a sense of justice, to have a life of meaning and purpose, to find peace and contentment, and to live in communion... to name some important ones. We are not honest with ourselves about how needy we are. We grasp at people and things around us to fill these needs. In doing so, we fall into the seven deadly sins. Secondly, we see that Jesus is attentive to the peoples' needs. Jesus sees you. Jesus knows the desires of your heart, and Jesus intends to satisfy you. Instead of grasping at things, you can pursue a relationship with him. Only those who make the effort to follow Jesus are actually fed. Thirdly, when we realize that we are needy, and what we have is not enough to satisfy us, the temptation is to grasp for more. Scripture invites us to take the little we do have and give it to God and others. God will be able to bless those gifts and make them more than enough. We will experience for ourselves that, "the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs." (28 Jul 2024) Going Deeper: Do you realize that behind the seven deadly sins are actually healthy, normal desires? Take a moment to reflect on one of the sins that you struggle with and what good, healthy, but misguided desire(s) might be feeding your desperate grasping. Image Source AdobeStock 60026006 | Over 13 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.
Ordinary Time, 16th Sunday (B) Bad leaders confuse and scatter. Good leadership leads to clarity, unity, and peace. The clarity comes from a respect for truth. The unity comes from the love for the sheep. Being led according to truth and love leads to peace. The Apostles are being good shepherds by bringing people to the Good Shepherd.
Have you seen the news about the National Eucharistic Congress? The whole Catholic church in the USA went away for a weekend with Jesus. The news from the congress is full of peace and joy, unity, and clarity.
I have three suggestions for how to follow your Good Shepherd:
- Realize that the Good Shepherd is walking with you. Learning to notice Jesus' ongoing presence in your daily life will lead to clarity, unity, and peace.
- Pray for your leaders to be good leaders.
- Each of us can lead our family, school, classroom, or friends. Lead like the Good Shepherd!
(21 Jul 2024)
Going Deeper: How have you seen Jesus' good leadership in the news about the National Eucharistic Congress?
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Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (B) The whole human race has a long love affair with self-reliance. We are convinced that a good, happy, and successful human life will be the fruit of our hard work and intelligence. Repent!
When Jesus sends his missionaries out two-by-two, he precisely prevents them from relying on themselves. They can only carry what they need for the day and they have to trust God for the rest. God's power enables them to accomplish so much more than they could on their own.
They are equipped with their true identity and also with the help of a fellow Christian. Self-reliance leads to isolation. Trusting in God leads to community. Lastly, what do we do when people refuse to listen? We must shake the dust off our feet. We cannot allow their rejection to cause us to doubt the value of Jesus. We are always tempted to fall back on self-reliance. Repent!
(14 Jul 2024)
Going Deeper: How has self-reliance crept back into your life lately? Make a list, then create some strategies to stop being so self-reliant. Hahaha gotcha there. Your hard work won't get you out of self-reliance.
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Ordinary Time, 14th Sunday (B) Life is not meant to be easy. The more we try to live a comfortable life, the more miserable we become. When Jesus comes to save us, he doesn't come to take away our pain and suffering. He comes to suffer with us and to suffer for us.
Have you had a moment yet when God became real for you? For many, it happened when they experienced suffering. The very thing we run from, the very thing we try so hard to numb and avoid, actually is the place we are most likely to experience God.
God needs to give us suffering, hardships, and thorns in the flesh to shake us out of our self-reliance. The "perfect Catholic mom" is the one who accepts her weaknesses and relies on God's strength, not on herself. A Christian man knows that when he is too weak to rely on himself, it is then that he is truly strong.
(7 Jul 2024)
Going Deeper: When have you experienced weakness such that you had no choice but to rely on God?
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Ordinary Time, 13th Sunday (B) Disintegration, disharmony, dis-ease, destruction... this is spiritual death. Through the envy of the devil it entered the world. As long as we remain in the devil's company we will experience all these things.
It's not that Jesus hands out cures to this or that problem; Jesus himself is the cure. When we are in his company, we experience integration, harmony, freedom and peace. Jesus enters some of the worst possible human experiences: chronic illness and the death of a child. He touches the sufferers and restores them to their true identity as beloved children of God.
On this day 17 years ago, I was ordained a priest at the cathedral in Green Bay. The biggest blessing of priesthood is when I can help people share their difficulty, burden, or pain with Jesus: They experience healing, peace, love and freedom. I get to be in the room as Jesus is curing the sick and raising the spiritually dead.
(30 June 2024)
Going Deeper: When have you felt spiritually alive? When have you felt spiritually dead? Do you know how to share your burdens with Jesus?
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Ordinary Time, 11th Sunday (B) What would you wish for if you only had one wish? I know exactly what I would wish for: that men would be good fathers. About 90% of the issues that wander in my office can be traced back to men who failed to be good fathers. We have a severe crisis of childhood, which is rooted in a crisis of fatherhood and motherhood.
The crisis of fatherhood came from a rejection of God's fatherhood. Men will only be good fathers to the extent that they are willing to be obedient sons of their Heavenly Father. Sometimes we see God as an authoritative father who is always disappointed, or an absent father who is never there for his children. God loves us unconditionally, but he also challenges us to be the best that we can be.
God takes young men and helps them grow into strong men and caring fathers. We, too, must help our young boys grow into men and our men grow into fathers. Today's Gospel speaks to the men who are trying hard to be good fathers but don't seem to be having an impact on their children or on society. The words that fathers speak are like seed planted in the soil. You cannot possibly know when they will grow and bear fruit. The mustard bush is like the good example of a father; it spreads imperceptibly but is unstoppable.
God has made us stewards of His most precious gift: the gift of human life. We must protect and defend the value of every human life. Father's Day is not just a day to celebrate fathers. It is also a day to call men to be obedient sons of God the Father and good fathers to God's children.
(16 June 2024)
Going Deeper: Do your words and example build up or tear down the dignity of God's children? Who has helped you to realize the true meaning of Christian fatherhood?
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Ordinary Time, 10th Sunday (B) We are the only critter in creation not comfortable in it's own skin. Why do humans wear clothes? The Bible says we started with original innocence. But then we rejected God's Fatherly authority and all started playing the Blame and Shame Game.
Jesus refuses to play the game. He lives a life of simplicity, innocence, and honesty. His lifestyle is so unexpected that people think he is crazy. If you follow Jesus, you too will become a scapegoat. But the power of this world is passing away. Those who do the Father's will become Jesus' family.
(9 Jun 2024)
Going Deeper: When do you feel naked and exposed? How do you respond to that feeling?
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Corpus Christi (Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ-B) This weekend the Diocese of Green Bay implements Bishop Ricken's pastoral instruction that allows the common cup on select feast days. We receive the whole Jesus no matter how we receive Communion, but Communion under both species is a fuller symbol of Jesus giving himself completely to us.
Jews don't eat blood because it was seen as the life force of an animal. St. Jean de Brèbeuf died so bravely that the natives who killed him ate his heart. They wanted his courage. It wasn't his physical heart that made him brave; it was his union with the Sacred Heart. He had learned to draw life from Jesus. When we enter into Communion with Jesus, the very life of God flows in our veins.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage processions began just a week or two ago. A reporter was asking people what fruits they were hoping to see flowing from this procession. One perpetual pilgrim said, “The reason that I applied and then said yes to this was in the hopes that I would become more like Jesus." The Eucharist is given to us so that you can become like Christ. Become what you receive!
(2 Jun 2024)
Going Deeper: Consider joining one of the national Eucharistic processions. Or spend extra time with Jesus in these pilgrimage weeks.
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Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (B) God created everything, but nothing created God. God simply is. There is no other God but him. The Trinity means that God is love and he is always pouring himself out in love.
Made in the image and likeness of God, we are made for a community of love. We can only truly fulfill our calling if we learn to live from within the love of the Trinity. We need to draw life from within the Trinity and pour it out for others.
Like two homeless brothers, you are an heir to the kingdom of God. We can put up with much hardship because we await an infinite inheritance.
(26 May 2024)
Going Deeper: What does it mean to remain in God's love for you? What kind of suffering or persecution would you face if you knew that an infinite inheritance awaits you?
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Pentecost Sunday • God wants to breathe life into us so he sends the Holy Spirit. We may not realize that when we desire true love, community, peace, and guidance, we are really desiring the Holy Spirit. We can always draw more life from God, so our prayer each day should be, "Come, Holy Spirit!"
This weekend, Bishop Ricken ordained six men to the permanent deaconate. Next week, two men will be ordained to the priesthood. The Holy Spirit seems to respond to the real vocations crisis in the church, that is, a crisis of Catholic marriages. Let us listen and respond to the way God invites us to self-giving love. Our "Yes" will inspire those around us to say, "Yes."
(19 May 2024)
Going Deeper: How is God inviting you to self-giving love in your daily life and vocation?
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Easter, Ascension (B) Jesus ascends into heaven. The ancients understood that he is now seated at the vantage point, from which he can see all things and direct his servants to victory. He has made our captivity his captive and has given gifts to men. These "gifts" are the prophets, Apostles, teachers and Evangelists that serve God's people and build them up.
Today, I particularly want to highlight the gift of motherhood. Mothers nourish and cherish life and help it to grow big and strong. In Christ, motherhood takes on a new dimension. Christian mothers are not only physically fruitful, but also spiritually fruitful, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
I don't know any woman who doesn't struggle with "Mom guilt". God is with us and he sees the big picture. Be whom you were called to be, and do the little that God is asking you to do, and your "Yes" will change the world.
(12 May 2024)
Going Deeper: How did your Mother's "Yes" to God change her, and you?
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Easter, 6th Sunday (B) Twelve of the last 14 years I have made a walking pilgrimage to Champion Shrine, the only approved Marian apparition site in Canada and the USA. This year I was hoping to join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for a few miles, but they are doing very few miles. I got my walking fix by completing my first ever Walk to Mary, a 22 mile hike.
Is devotion to Mary idolatry? No one was bowing down to the statue of Mary. Mary walks with us on our journey of faith. Mary was the first one to hear the Good News. She incarnated God's love into her daily life. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we too can incarnate God's love in our life. Mary will help you learn to love like Jesus.
(5 May 2024)
Going Deeper: Pray a rosary as a family, or even just a decade, each day during the month of May. See what Mary will do with your prayers.
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Easter, 6th Sunday (B) Twelve of the last 14 years I have made a walking pilgrimage to Champion Shrine, the only approved Marian apparition site in Canada and the USA. This year I was hoping to join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for a few miles, but they are doing very few miles. I got my walking fix by completing my first ever Walk to Mary, a 22 mile hike.
Is devotion to Mary idolatry? No one was bowing down to the statue of Mary. Mary walks with us on our journey of faith. Mary was the first one to hear the Good News. She incarnated God's love into her daily life. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we too can incarnate God's love in our life. Mary will help you learn to love like Jesus.
(5 May 2024)
Going Deeper: Pray a rosary as a family, or even just a decade, each day during the month of May. See what Mary will do with your prayers.
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Easter, 5th Sunday (B) Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We were grafted onto Jesus at our Baptism. We must remain in Him and draw much life from Jesus.
The branches need pruning. The gardener must get rid of overgrowth so the energy from the vine can go to making good fruits. Fathers need to be good pruners of their family. They need so start by pruning themselves. Prune your words, your actions, and your activities, and you will bear much fruit and become Jesus' disciples.
(28 Apr 2024)
Going Deeper: The priests recently attended a seminar on time management. We were told the time management is really priority management: you figure out what matters most and you put your time into that. Does the way you spend your time match up with your priorities? Ponder this question is you look over your schedule for the upcoming week.
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Easter, 4th Sunday (B) Turkey hunting in the state of Wisconsin opened this week. A turkey hunter is pretty much the opposite of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd knows us personally and loves us so much that he lays down his life for us.
The Good Shepherd calls his sheep. The first call or "vocation" that every Christian receives is the call of Baptism. I had the privilege of Baptizing a woman in the nursing home last week.
- Some of the Baptized are called into religious life as monks or nuns; this call is considered a perfection of the call of Baptism.
- Others are called to married love, to follow the Good Shepherd by laying down their lives for their spouses and children.
- Others are called to Holy Orders, to be servants of the people as deacons and images of the Good Shepherd as priests.
- Finally, we live for Jesus through our avocation, that is, our job or career path.
We can be confident that the Good Shepherd who called us will keep walking with us. Listen for his voice and follow him!
(21 Apr 2024)
Going Deeper: Do you see yourself as a gift? What are ways that your vocation(s) can more fully resemble the self-giving love of our Good Shepherd?
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Easter, 3rd Sunday (B) "Peace be with you," says the Risen Jesus! Here are five places Jesus wants to give peace: 1) Your past. The gift of new life means we no longer have to worry about our past. 2) Our future. The Risen Jesus will meet us at the end of our time and lead us to eternal life. 3) Our sufferings. We will have the strength to endure whatever God wills, and it will be fruitful. 4) Within us. When our spirits are obedient to God, our bodies are obedient to our spirits. 5) The community. Serving God enables us to serve one another. Peace with God enables us to have peace with one another and to bring peace to our neighborhoods.
How can we experience God's peace in our daily life? Mass is the perfect place to experience the peace of the Risen Jesus. The Rosary, particularly prayed while walking. And finally, some spring cleaning or de-cluttering of your home or car. When you make a space more peaceful, that space gives peace back to you every time you enter it.
The Risen Jesus is with you everywhere you go. There is nothing you have to face alone!
(14 Apr 2024)
Going Deeper: How do you experience peace when you come to Mass? Have you tried praying the Rosary and talking a walk? Do some spring cleaning/decluttering and experience a little peace.
Correction: The word peace* in Urdu is "Salam" (same vowel twice)
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Easter, 2nd (Divine Mercy) Sunday • At the resurrection of the dead on the last day, our wounds will all be healed. So why does the Risen Jesus still have wounds?
He is the healer, the medicine for all of us. The seal must be broken so his life can flow into us. Jesus lives his whole life without wounds. But in his passion he experiences all our woundedness and he takes it into himself, into his very body. His body heals our wounds, but the physical wounds are a visible sign that he has carried, and cured, our emotional and spiritual woundedness. We are meant to come to Jesus often and to keep drawing life from him. The Healer who was wounded so that you could be made whole. Show him your wounds.
(7 Apr 2024)
Going Deeper: Listen to the song by, Casting Crowns "Scars in Heaven."
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Easter Sunday Morning • Little children need lots of help and support. As we grow up, we become more independent. We move from needing our mom and dad for everything to needing them almost never. We seem to think the spiritual world works the same way: we "grow up" from praying all the time to only calling God when we are really, really desperate.
But we were never built to be independent in the spiritual world. Trying to be independent makes us feel like a little boy who wants to "do it himself," but can't seem to figure out how. We cope with our feelings of inadequacy by pretending to have it together and secretly using a lot of childish behaviors to manage our feelings.
The church's answer is we need to stop pretending to be grown-ups. Deep down we are still children. The world is big and scary and God never expected us to face it alone. We still need our Daddy, and he's right here for us. We also have a Mommy and a whole spiritual family. It was never God who kept his distance from us. It was us who told God, "I've got this. Go away. Stop ruining my life!"
Jesus shows us how to be a faithful Son of our heavenly father. He isn't even afraid of death because he trusts his Father to take care of him. The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is an historic fact that gives us hope and new life. It also points us to the future reality when God will raise us from the dead. But the secret of Easter is the present reality that Jesus is Risen: He is with us here and now. Learn to see the Risen Jesus in our everyday life. Look back on your day and say, "Jesus, where were you in my daily life?" You will discover that not only is he with us, but he is also within us. Happy Easter!
(31 Mar 2024)
Going Deeper: What does it mean to say that you can be the best possible grown-up by letting yourself be a Child of God? Do you know someone who did this well?
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Good Friday of the Lord's Passion • An item is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Something that is rare, unique, or has special value might fetch more than you would imagine.
What am I worth? If we let the world set our value, we will always find ourselves being cheated. Imagining bringing yourself into the Antiques Roadshow. Jesus looks you over and says, "Now this one is a special piece, a one-of-a-kind with a unique history. Yes, I would pay everything for this one, too." Jesus is willing to not only trade his life for yours, but to offer his life as a painful and bloody sacrifice.
What is Jesus worth to you? Do we find ourselves asking, "What's the minimum amount I need to fast? Is it OK to just commit venial sins? Is this Holy Day required?"
When the Bishops decided in 1966 that meatless Fridays would no longer bind under pain of sin, they intended for Catholics to continue to mark Friday as a special day of prayer, fasting, and works of charity. Every Friday should be a little Good Friday, just like every Sunday should be a little Easter. Jesus was willing to pay everything for you. How much are you willing to give to Him?
(29 Mar 2024)
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Going Deeper: Read the church's laws on fasting. Consider resuming the practice of meatless Fridays throughout the year as a small sacrifice for love of Christ. What are other ways Friday can be lived as a kind of weekly Lenten day?
Fast & Abstinence Page from the USCCB Website
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Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper • We often think of the past and the future as a straight line. Jesus is seen as an historic figure. Easter is a re-enactment of Jesus' death and resurrection. We might also conceptualize Jesus as a future event, his second coming in judgement. Meanwhile, we try to follow his example of a sin-free life until our judgement day.
However, it's much more accurate to think of time as a spiral, moving back over the same ground again and again but in new ways. The day and the week repeat themselves. The year is like a big spiral made up smaller spirals. While the earth spins on itself and around the sun, the sun remains a present reality, anchoring the earth and staying steady.
With this concept of time, we can begin to realize that Jesus is not just a past reality and a future reality. Jesus is a present reality, the one constant in our changing world. It's not just that once Jesus WAS Emmanuel, but rather that Jesus revealed that he IS "God-with-us". Our lives may be going around in circles, but Jesus is the ever-present and grounding reality. If we focus on the things spinning around us, we get really dizzy. Faith is about recognizing the stable patterns and relationships that underpin the instability.
Where is Jesus now? He's right here, working through my hands to bless, heal, wash and forgive you. Jesus also uses your hands to bless, feed, wash and serve. The Risen Lord lives within us and he gives his love to the world through us. Jesus washed my feet last year, and it's my turn to wash your feet. I have particularly invited men from our parish to have their feet washed. Those who have received washing should go home and wash their wives' feet, their mom's feet, or serve their elderly neighbors. During these three holy days, allow Jesus to love you, and let Jesus love others through you.
(28 Mar 2024)
Going Deeper: Consider starting a family tradition of feet washing to commemorate Holy Thursday. How can you allow yourself to be served by Jesus at Easter time? How can you serve others joyfully in the name of Jesus?
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Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (B) The people of Jerusalem are rolling out the red carpet for Jesus. By laying down their cloaks, they show their willingness to lay down their lives for Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, a young man leaves his linen cloth behind and runs off naked into the night. How many of us willing follow Jesus when Christianity is popular, but as soon as we see the cross coming, we run away into the night? The High Priest tears his garments. The veil in the Temple is torn in two from top to bottom. Joseph of Arimathea buys a linen cloth and clothes Jesus in it. The Passion exposes our true colors, and not only us, but also the whole world. Everything we try to keep for ourselves, we will lose. We can only keep that which we have given to God? Are you willing to lay down your life for the One who laid down his life for you?
(24 Mar 2024)
Going Deeper: Make this a quiet week. Turn off the TV; put down the phone. Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, do the Stations of the Cross, or read one of the four Passion readings from the Gospels.
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Lent, 5th Sunday (B) Being a priest in the modern world is very challenging. You need to live celibacy in a culture soaked in sex, convince Catholics to come back to Mass, teach the next generation not to abandon the faith like their parents did, save all the marriages, win the culture war, keep the buildings open, convince young men that this is a great career choice.... Did I miss anything?
But what if all that is just the mission I gave myself. What if God is calling me to basically four things:
- Love God, and love His people.
- Be an obedient son of the Father.
- Be a wise steward of my Father's gifts.
- Offer my life as a sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
I am not the Savior, but that I am called to join my sacrifices to those of the Savior. Today's Mass readings make more sense from this perspective. The covenant written on our hearts refers to the call to love God, and the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes it possible. Jesus learned obedience as he offered his life for the salvation of the world.
You cannot join Jesus in Easter Sunday if you haven't walked with him on Good Friday. Perhaps the struggles you are experiencing while trying to live your faith are actually indications that you are right where God wants you to be.
(17 Mar 2024)
Going Deeper: Prayerfully reflect on this quote from Gaudium et Spes:
- Sacred Scripture teaches the human family what the experience of the ages confirms: that while human progress is a great advantage to man, it brings with it a strong temptation. For when the order of values is jumbled and bad is mixed with the good, individuals and groups pay heed solely to their own interests, and not to those of others. Thus it happens that the world ceases to be a place of true brotherhood. In our own day, the magnified power of humanity threatens to destroy the race itself.
For a monumental struggle against the powers of darkness pervades the whole history of man. The battle was joined from the very origins of the world and will continue until the last day, as the Lord has attested.(8) Caught in this conflict, man is obliged to wrestle constantly if he is to cling to what is good, nor can he achieve his own integrity without great efforts and the help of God's grace.
That is why Christ's Church, trusting in the design of the Creator, acknowledges that human progress can serve man's true happiness, yet she cannot help echoing the Apostle's warning: "Be not conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2). Here by the world is meant that spirit of vanity and malice which transforms into an instrument of sin those human energies intended for the service of God and man.
Hence if anyone wants to know how this unhappy situation can be overcome, Christians will tell him that all human activity, constantly imperiled by man's pride and deranged self-love, must be purified and perfected by the power of Christ's cross and resurrection. For redeemed by Christ and made a new creature in the Holy Spirit, man is able to love the things themselves created by God, and ought to do so. He can receive them from God and respect and reverence them as flowing constantly from the hand of God. Grateful to his Benefactor for these creatures, using and enjoying them in detachment and liberty of spirit, man is led forward into a true possession of them, as having nothing, yet possessing all things.(9) "All are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's" (1 Cor. 3:22-23).
- For God's Word, through Whom all things were made, was Himself made flesh and dwelt on the earth of men.(10) Thus He entered the world's history as a perfect man, taking that history up into Himself and summarizing it.(11) He Himself revealed to us that "God is love" (1 John 4:8) and at the same time taught us that the new command of love was the basic law of human perfection and hence of the worlds transformation.
To those, therefore, who believe in divine love, He gives assurance that the way of love lies open to men and that the effort to establish a universal brotherhood is not a hopeless one. He cautions them at the same time that this charity is not something to be reserved for important matters, but must be pursued chiefly in the ordinary circumstances of life. Undergoing death itself for all of us sinners,(12) He taught us by example that we too must shoulder that cross which the world and the flesh inflict upon those who search after peace and justice. Appointed Lord by His resurrection and given plenary power in heaven and on earth,(13) Christ is now at work in the hearts of men through the energy of His Holy Spirit, arousing not only a desire for the age to come, but by that very fact animating, purifying and strengthening those noble longings too by which the human family makes its life more human and strives to render the whole earth submissive to this goal.
Now, the gifts of the Spirit are diverse: while He calls some to give clear witness to the desire for a heavenly home and to keep that desire green among the human family, He summons others to dedicate themselves to the earthly service of men and to make ready the material of the celestial realm by this ministry of theirs. Yet He frees all of them so that by putting aside love of self and bringing all earthly resources into the service of human life they can devote themselves to that future when humanity itself will become an offering accepted by God.(14)
The Lord left behind a pledge of this hope and strength for life's journey in that sacrament of faith where natural elements refined by man are gloriously changed into His Body and Blood, providing a meal of brotherly solidarity and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
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Lent, 3rd Sunday (B) The first three commandments are all about love of God and the last 7 are about love of neighbor. They all make perfect sense, with the exception of the third commandment. Why would God command his people to take a day off, especially people who were living hand-to-mouth?
God rested on the 7th day. We, who are made in the image and likeness of God, are co-creators for six days, and then rest with the Master on the seventh. If we refuse to rest, we are saying that we have to depend in on our own strength, ingenuity, and hard work. God wants us to trust that he is a good Father and he will provide for his children.
When we refuse to take a day of rest, we are allowing ourselves to become enslaved by the economy and our expectations. God wants us to to be free from unnecessary servile labor. God wants us to be rested and renewed and be re-created.
The New Testament adds a third reason, which is the Resurrection of Jesus. We prepare ourselves for the heavenly kingdom by worshiping God and resting from our labors. How would my whole week look different if instead of treating Sunday as "my day," I asked God, "What do you want me to do with YOUR day?"
(3 Mar 2024)
Going Deeper: Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Third Commandment, Paragraphs 2168 to 2195.
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Lent, 2nd Sunday (B) There are a number of disturbing passages in the Bible. This might be the most disturbing of all: God commands a father to sacrifice his son. In a kind of reverse psychology, he is teaching us not to engage in human sacrifice.
There are people that live life with radical trust in God. They believe that God is good, and that they are his beloved children. They believe in the power of redemptive suffering and hard times make them draw closer to God. St. Josephine Bakhita is great example of radical trust.
The rest of us have to wrestle with God. Job is honest about his sufferings but he won't reject his relationship with God. He wrestles until God gives him a new perspective.
Some people think you mustn't get mad at God. They bury their painful feelings under a façade of radical trust. Other people drift away from God; the relationship doesn't matter enough to stay with God.
The sacrifice of Isaac is a foreshadowing. God said, "Don't sacrifice your son; I'll sacrifice mine." God is good, and he does love you. In fact, he loves you so much that he would sacrifice his only Son, whom he loves, for your sake.
(25 Feb 2024)
Going Deeper: Much of the material from today's homily was taken from the excellent podcast episode How to Work Through Your Anger at God, Episode 107 of the Interior Integration for Catholics podcast with Dr. Peter Malinowski. Definitely worth your time to listen to it.
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Lent, 1st Sunday (B) Creation reveals a sacred order (hierarchy), with God at the top and human beings above the rest of creation but below God. We are part of a sacred order and we also have a sacred order within us.
Man is a unity of body and soul. Except that we don't often experience ourselves as a unity. We tend to experience the body and soul at odds with each other. Our physical side needs to be ordered by our spirit towards truth and goodness and beauty. If not disciplined, your body will become fat and lazy. Discipline means, "to train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control" (Merriam-Webster). The spirit must also care for the body and be attentive to its need for sleep, exercise, healthy meals, etc.
At the end of the flood, God restores his authority over creation and over human life. Human beings need to accept their place in the sacred order. We also need to work on the sacred order within us. We can go to a little hungry now because the great feast is coming soon.
(18 Feb 2024)
Going Deeper: What Lenten sacrifices will help put you back in right order?
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Ash Wednesday • Anyone can say, "I love you." How do we know if someone really loves us? Real love is when someone wants what is best for the beloved. And true love is when the lover is willing to put his beloved first. We know that Jesus is True Love because he sacrifices himself for us.
If we truly love Jesus, than we will not just say, "I love you," but we also have to sacrifice for Him. Prayer, fasting, and alms-giving are all ways to say, "I love you."
(14 Feb 2024)
Going Deeper: How can you live your Lenten sacrifices in a way that says "I love you" back to God?
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Ordinary Time, 6th Sunday (B) The leper must remove himself from the community in order to save the community. Jesus is the source of healing for the leper, who can go back and be a blessing to his community.
We often think of sin as a private matter. But the seven deadly sins not only hurt us, but they are also toxic to community. Think of the ways that Pride, Envy, Anger, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust both infect the host and also corrode relationships around him.
Turn to Jesus. Kneel before him in the Confessional and say, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Jesus will reach out his hand and touch you and make you clean.
Because sin involves the will, we need to invest our wills become healthy again. The three traditional "works" of Lent speed the healing of our souls. Fasting frees us from self-serving, prayer turns us to God, and almsgiving turns out outwards to others. Lent will help you to become more pure of heart and more a blessing to the community.
(11 Feb 2024)
Going Deeper: Reflect on the ways you might have "caught" Anger or any of the other deadly sins from the people around you. What Lenten practice might help you to find new life and bless others in this particular area?
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Ordinary Time, 4th Sunday (B) The APA tells us: Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure... Anxiety is not the same as fear, but they are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat.
Why is everyone so anxious these days? Right from pregnancy, a mother and father need to establish a sense of security for their children. The Bible recognizes that anxiety is a part of everyday life. You need to let your anxiety talk to you. The parts of us who are anxious need to share their burden. Then we need to move through that anxiety to a place of security.
So where can we find security? The very things we gravitate to when we feel anxious are probably making things worse. Security comes from safe, healthy relationships. But our human relationships will never be enough. Jesus is the rock who speaks with authority. He leads us to our true parents: God our Father and Mary our Mother. This is where we find the peace that passes all understanding.
(28 Jan 2024)
Going Deeper: Make time to thank God every morning for the gift of a new day, and talk to God about whatever part of your upcoming day might be making you anxious. At the end of every day, notice: 1) a blessing, 2) a challenge, 3) how God was with you, and took care of what you were anxious about, and 4) a way that you were Jesus to someone else. Begin and end each day with gratitude.
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Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (B) In today's first reading, Samuel hears a call from God. Perhaps we don't want God to call and interrupt, or perhaps we are trying to discern our vocation and we wonder if God lost my number. We need to listen with our heart. Here are five ways that God commonly speaks to us.
- Nature. The world around me is speaking to me of God. Our own bodies also have a lot to say to us. Learn to listen to nature and your body and respect them.
- Church teaching marks out a safe path for us to trod.
- Legitimate authority, like parents and priests, can help us hear God's voice. Even though Eli is not a great dad, his voice still sounds like God.
- Our conscience. That still, small voice in our head that speaks to us of what is true and beautiful and good.
- Daily prayer, especially with scripture. How often do we go to prayer expecting to talk but not making space to listen. Prayer needs to be a conversation.
Once we hear God's voice, we need to point Jesus out to others. Like John the Baptist, priests point out Jesus to their flock, and those people can point others to Jesus. Learn to listen with your heart.
(14 Jan 2024)
Going Deeper: Consider making a stop at your local parish church in the morning on the way to work, after school, or while running errands in town. Spend a few minutes talking to God about your day and then a few minutes listening with your heart.
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Epiphany of the Lord (Three Kings Day) On December 29, the Holy Eucharist was stolen from the Most Blessed Sacrament Perpetual Adoration Chapel in Oshkosh, WI. Since Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, was this a theft, or a kidnapping?
I recount for you the miraculous recovery of a stolen host in Cowley, Alberta. Father and the other searchers had a Eucharistic "epiphany."
The magi search for the newborn King of the Jews among a people who are not excited for his birth. The can see the light that the Jewish people cannot see. They continue to believe in the value of the gift even when others do not value Him.
Every Sunday, you come here to pay homage to the King of Kings and to place your gifts before Him. I pray that every Sunday might be an Epiphany moment for you. We all believe that Jesus is the answer, but when the rest of the world doesn't seem to value him, we can begin to doubt what we have here. Pray to see the Eucharist in a new light. Pray that we can each have a "Eucharistic Epiphany."
(7 Jan 2024)
Going Deeper: Read about the Eucharistic Miracle of Cowley, Alberta, Canada.
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Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God • Today we celebrate a very controversial title of Mary. Two Patriarchs disagreed about whether it was wrong to call Mary the Mother of God. The Council of Ephesus in AD 431 settled the debate in favor of this title.
We could not possibly honor Mary any more than God honored Mary. God raised this humble servant to be the Queen of the Angels. Mary shows us what God can go with us when we give him 100%. Mary will help you fully receive all that God wants to give you in the New Year.
(1 Jan 2023)
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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (B) We each image God in our own way. But we also image God when we form a community of persons in the family. When bonds of family love are secure, we can experience a pervasive sense of peace and joy. Family members are able to thrive and develop to their full potential. This heals the core wound of fear.
On the other hand, when the parents are not rooted in God's faithful love, the family experiences fear and insecurity which leads to self-protection. We develop pockets of woundedness that keep us from truly loving and being loved.
Spouses eventually realize that only the love of God that surrounds them can make their marriage succeed. Intimacy with God allows them to receive what they need to love one another. If neither spouse is willing to plug into God, they end up slowly draining one another.
Around the Holy Family are Simeon and Anna. They are grandparent figures. They show the love of the community that surrounds each family. The Holy Family offers us a glimpse into God's desire that our families be holy, holy, and happy.
(31 Dec 2023)
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Christmas Day • God created the whole universe. Then God created us in his image and likeness. You might think that between the two, God's goodness would be abundantly obvious. But humans throughout history have believed some pretty strange things. So God decided to reveal his face in the person of Jesus Christ.
The wise men present him with gifts because he himself is the most perfect gift. We continue this tradition of giving a birthday gift to Baby Jesus. The gift that he most wants is you. By dressing up nicely and coming to Mass, you present yourself to Jesus as a gift.
Sometimes we receive a gift and it's not what we were expecting. For many of us, the gift of the Christ Child at Christmas is not what we were hoping for. Maybe we wanted a bicycle, a cure for cancer, or some guidance. Instead, God gives us Baby Jesus once again. We might have to make changes to our lives if we brought him home. Best to leave him under the tree again.
What we don't realize is that Jesus is the answer, not to our wants, but to our deepest needs. We ask for peace and joy, and here he is. We ask for true love, and here he is waiting for you. We pray for guidance and here he is, waiting to walk with you. Instead of giving us the answer, he himself is the answer.
Jesus's birth in Bethlehem 2,023 years ago makes absolutely no difference to your life until you receive him in your heart. When you finally do receive him, this moment makes all the difference in the world. Merry Christmas!
(25 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: Prepare your heart, then present yourself for Holy Communion by giving yourself completely to Jesus as he gives Himself completely to you.
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Advent, 4th Sunday (B) Fr. Michael's patience helped to heal my wound of abandonment. After I got healing, I was able to be patient with him, too.
We were made by Love and for Love. But we didn't trust God and we started grasping for whatever we could get our hands on. God sends his Son Jesus to heal us at the very root. Jesus helps us to accept God's love for us at the very deepest level. His constant love reveals our wounds. Are you wounded by Rejection, Abandonment, Fear, Shame, Powerlessness, Hopelessness, or Confusion? Which of these wounds resonate with you most strongly?
God has given us the seven sacraments so that we can experience love in the very places we have felt wounded. Christmas is about opening our hearts to accept once again the healing love of Jesus, and then letting his love transform our hearts so we can become sacraments of God's love to others.
(24 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: If you live in the Wisconsin area, consider attending the Healing the Whole Person Conference in Milwaukee coming up April 11-13. Registration opens January 8.
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Advent, 3rd Sunday (B) If we sat down to list all the things that are wrong with the world, we would be here a while. Then we look at Christmas and it makes very little sense. How does one day with family opening presents fix any of the world's problems? The first Christmas makes even less sense: one more mouth to feed, and a homeless family.
You must understand that the Bible diagnoses the fundamental problem with the world as this: creatures have lost connection with their creator. We are children who have forgotten that we have a father. Without that fundamental relationship, we are lost and desperate. We grasp at things and overpower one another.
God responds, not with a plan to eliminate poverty or a vaccine to inoculate us against death, but by coming to meet us in the most innocent way possible. Jesus is willing to be the powerless creature that we refuse to be. Even though we have often forgotten God or kept him at a distance, God has never been far from us. The Incarnation is a visible sign of the invisible reality that God is with us.
When we begin to watch for the Lord to come, we begin to notice that God is with us. I pray you get to hold the Baby Jesus and fall in love this Christmas.
(17 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend 5 minutes in quiet prayer just holding the Baby Jesus. What is in His heart for you?
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Advent, 2nd Sunday (B) Watch out for fake news, and for calumny. Always check the sources! Before sharing information, ask yourself three questions: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it good? 3) Is it useful?
Lies can damage relationships. Don't believe me? Ask the Hallmark Channel! Just when a couple starts to believe in the possibility of love, their relationship almost gets torpedoed by "The Misunderstanding." There would be no "happily ever after" if they didn't seek out the truth.
We have become victims of an intentional disinformation campaign. God loves us and he wants us to be happy. In order to keep us from God, the enemy lies to us about ourselves and about God. Here are seven "core wounds" according to the John Paul II Healing Center, and the lies that cause them:
Rejection: I am unloved and unlovable; no one wants me; I am not good enough.
Abandonment: No one knows me or understands me; no one cares about me; I am alone.
Fear: If I trust, I will be hurt. I am not safe and protected. I can't trust anyone or anything.
Shame: I am bad, stupid, ugly, dirty, or worthless. I am broken beyond repair. I can't be forgiven.
Powerlessness: I am weak, powerless, trapped, and can't get out.
Hopelessness: The lie that nothing ever changes; I'll never have what I want. Life is meaningless; I have nothing to live for.
Confusion: Everything is confusing. I don't understand anything. It's up to me to figure things out, and I'll never be able to know.
The lies that I believe are there to protect me from being hurt, but in the end they are keeping God at a distance and not allowing him to truly love me. Pray for the grace to recognize lies and reject them.
(10 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: Pray the St. Michael prayer to be able to recognize lies to reject them, and recognize the truth in order to accept it:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
or:
Sáncte Míchael Archángele, defénde nos in proélio, cóntra nequítiam et insídias diáboli ésto præsídium. Ímperet ílli Déus, súpplices deprecámur: tuque, prínceps milítiæ cæléstis, Sátanam aliósque spíritus malígnos, qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in múndo, divína virtúte, in inférnum detrúde. Ámen.
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Immaculate Conception • Mary was conceived without sin in the womb of her mother. Let us break this dogma down into two pieces. First, where did sin come from? God is a giver. When he made us in his image and likeness, he made us to be givers, too.
Our first parents got tricked into taking something that didn't belong to them. They felt ashamed and they hid themselves. This is original sin. Even though we know that we were made to be givers, we all look for sneaky ways to take things that don't belong to us.
A great example is the gift of our sexuality. This gift is meant to be given away to the right person, someone who will receive my gift and make a gift of themselves back to me. But we often think I should be using this gift for ourselves.
Mary is given the gift of the Immaculate Conception. This means that she is always a giver and never a taker. Her gift is meant to be given away. She gives it back to God and He blesses her and makes her fruitful. She receives from God, and gives to the world, the most perfect giver, Jesus Christ.
Each of us is a gift. Let us learn to be receivers and givers, instead of takers and users. Let us give God the gift of ourselves today at Holy Mass.
(8 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: When have you felt used, when others took from you instead of treating you as a gift? What are some sneaky ways that you have used others instead of treating them as gifts?
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Advent, 1st Sunday (B) Last week I spoke about the three questions that will be on your Final Exam. If we are busy doing the things we are supposed to be doing, we have nothing to worry about. But are we really doing what Jesus told us to do? That is the question for our Advent season.
We know that God is with us. The world that surrounds us is His Creation. Are you watching for the reminders of his presence? Think back to last Christmas... what were the things you really enjoyed? Did you notice the light and peace of the Christ Child? How did God answer your prayers last year, care for you, and provide for you?
How easily we forget that God is with us. Watch for Him and remember where you saw him.
(3 Dec 2023)
Going Deeper: Do a review of your last Christmas. Maybe just scroll through a year's worth of pictures and notice where God was with you. Spend time giving thanks.
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Christ the King of the Universe (A) It's the end of the world and we all need to pass the final exam. If you have come to church the last three weeks, you now know the test questions.
- Are you Wise or Foolish?
- What have you done with the gifts I gave you?
- How have you treated the poor? The King of Kings is seated on his glorious throne and all the nations are gathered in front of him. The king judges the people on how they treated him. When they protest that they have never seen him before, he responds, "Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me."
It sometimes appears as if God is letting people get away with murder and everything else. We might prefer that God would sort things out right now and then there was no final exam and we all got a pass into eternity. On the other hand, we often act as though, since no one else as preparing for the test, we don't have to, either.
The truth is, no one gets away with anything. Our Teacher is present with us in humble and quiet ways. We are often not humble enough or quiet enough to notice him. Advent is a great time for us to learn to be a little more quiet and humble, so we can start preparing today for our final exam.
(26 Nov 2023)
Going Deeper: Are you ever guilty of thinking, "No one else cares about what God teaches, so I won't either?" Or, "No one as looking so it doesn't matter?" At the end of the world, what are some things you did secretly that will testify in your favor when they come to light?
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Ordinary Time, 33rd Sunday (A)
In the Parable of the Talents, the master only cares about money. He is thrilled with his servants who have learned to do as he does. The third servant is terrified of losing his master's money, and gets exactly the thing he was trying to avoid.
Our master is Jesus. What does Jesus love? He as certainly not a lover of money, power, pleasure, or popularity. Jesus loves God, and he loves God's people. If we want to be worthy servants of our master, we need to learn to love what Jesus loves.
I worry that many of us, like the third servant, more motivated by fear than by love. We allow God to love us to some extent, but then we bury our faith at home and at work. How many of us are excited about Thanksgiving because we have a wonderful opportunity to share God's love with our guests?
The "worthy wife" from Proverbs 31 is putting her love into action by caring for her husband, her children, and the poor. Her love has become "incarnate" in her everyday actions. If we want to be "good and faithful servants" at the final accounting, then we must love what our Master loves, and do what our Master would do.
(19 Nov 2023)
Going Deeper: When have I allowed myself to be more motivated by fear than by love, and buried my gifts instead of bearing fruit for the Kingdom? Do I know others who bury their gifts because they feel insignificant?
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Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday (A) The intellect is the faculty of the soul that is attracted to the truth. Everything looks true at first, but only that which as genuinely true will hold up to scrutiny. We need to develop good intellectual habits to scrutinize and retain only what is true.
The will is the power of the soul that is moved by the good. Society seems to believe, "It is good because I want it." The reality is the opposite. I want it because at looks good for me. Before we do evil, we must justify it; we convince ourselves that it is somehow good.
The fool will settle for things that look good. The wise person only wants what is truly good. Things that appear good will often turn out to not be actually good. With practice and humility, you can learn to avoid things that only appear good, and choose things that are truly good.
Wisdom begins when you realize that you are not wise and can ask for and receive help. In the last analysis, the only true and lasting good is God himself. If you learn to live wisely here and now, you will be able to enjoy God for eternity.
(12 Nov 2023)
Going Deeper: Are there areas in my life where I have allowed myself to be continually fooled by the appearance of good? What would an actually good choice look like in this area?
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Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday (A) In today's reading, the priests have "...turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction." God says, "I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people." And finally, the people themselves, "break faith with one another,
violating the covenant of our fathers."
Imagine what would happen if the doctors kept changing their teachings on healthy living to match whatever unhealthy habits were popular at the moment. We know what healthy sexuality looks like, but we priests are not teaching the truth for fear of what people might say. Consequently, the priests themselves have been terribly disgraced in this very area. And the people are suffering from broken marriage covenants.
I'm not here to make you feel bad. I want to apologize for at least five different ways your priests have failed you:
- Priests haven't been fathers. Your priests need to be, "warm demanders." How many priests have you known that really lived up to the name of "Father"?
- Priests haven't been good at teaching chastity because they haven't been good at living chastity.
- Priests haven't explained, "Why." There wasn't a good answer to this question until the Theology of the Body by St. John Paul II. He teaches that my sexuality is a gift that is meant to be given away, and not used for myself.
- Priests haven't walked with people who are struggling. We need to both teach the rules and also accompany people on the journey to healing and wholeness so they can live chastity well, without repressing or indulging.
- Priests need to do a better job introducing people to a friendship with Jesus. Friendship with Jesus has been to source of guidance, healing, and peace for me.
In this day and age, the biggest thing holding the Church back from experiencing new life in Christ is not being good stewards of the gift of our sexuality. I'm not here to throw stones. I want to help you get the healing that you need to allow you to experience the freedom and peace of true chastity.
(5 Nov 2023)
Going Deeper: Do you agree with Fr. Joel's definition of healthy sexuality? Why or why not?
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All Saints Day • St. Philip Neri was called the "Second Apostle of Rome." Most people in Rome in the 1500's were infatuated with worldly pleasures and the pursuit of power, fame, and wealth. They had decided being a Christian was boring. But there was one little problem: even though they had all grown up Catholic, most people had never met an actual Christian. Philip showed people that living for Christ was the most exciting adventure and the most fulfilling life.
Nowadays, most people have decided that Christianity is boring. They would much rather spend their energy on other things. But have they ever really met a Christian?
(1 Nov 2023)
Going Deeper: Have you experienced the joy of living for Jesus? How do you share that joy with others?
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Ordinary Time, 30th Sunday (A) We should love God and neighbor. But what do we mean by love? Too often the words, "I love you," actually mean, "You make me feel good," or "You look useful to me." Since God is love, we can only really learn true love from God himself.
For God, love is sacrifice. The crucifix is the most perfect image of true love. The Christian faith is powered by the living experience of God's love. Priesthood, fundamentally, is about helping people fall in love with a Person that they cannot see.
We as Christians are meant to incarnate the love of Jesus. When we fall in love with Jesus, and love others as Jesus loves us, then we make the invisible love of God visible to the people around us.
(29 Oct 2023)
Going Deeper: The Latin word for love was so corrupted by pagan sexual practices that Christians had to invent a new word, caritas (charity) to translate the Greek, agape. What words would you use to describe the way God loves us?
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Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (A) The king of Persia doesn't know God but finds himself an agent of God's plan to restore the Jews. The leaders of Israel know the true God, but refuse to cooperate with His plans. If Jesus really speaks the truth, shouldn't they be listening to him? Cesar is not a god, but God allows him to exercise power, so we should obey him.
What in nature as stamped in God's own image? We are! We who bear the image of God should be giving ourselves back to God. What will you do with the gift that is you? By living stewardship, we give ourselves back to God. How am I using the Time God gives me in ways that do not glorify Him? Are my Talents being used to bless others? When it comes to Treasure, how much do I want God to bless me? Go and do the same.
(22 Oct 2023)
Going Deeper: If you are part of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, fill out your Stewardship Renewal card and turn it in. You can also fill it out online. See the links at AntigoAreaCatholicChurches.com
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Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (A) The Wedding Feast of the Lamb is the greatest invitation we could possibly receive. So why does it seem that no one can be bothered to respond?
Let me share with you my vision of heaven. Picture a playground where all the children get along and play nice. God can easily build a playground where no one will be hurt or die. He cannot, however, keep us from hurting each other. That's why you will only be allowed to enter the playground when your heart is completely free of sin. God allows terrible things here so we will reject sin and evil.
Christians must show the world how to be God's beloved little children. Every Sunday, God throws a wedding feast for his Son. Many ignore the invitation and go away, one to his farm, another to his business. We who come to Holy Mass must allow our hearts to be changed on the inside.
(15 Oct 2023)
Going Deeper: In what ways is your heart ready for God's kingdom? In what ways is transformation still needed?
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Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (A) All parishioners are asked to turn in a stewardship pledge card on October 22nd. Our annual commitment to Stewardship is not about giving more, but being more intentional about what we give. Am I truly grateful for the gifts God has given me? Am I using those gifts in a way that glorifies God and blesses others? This is a question we don't just answer one time.
Today's Gospel shows us tenants who have started to think they own the vineyard. All the produce belongs to the Master, but the tenants can keep some of it. They want to keep it all. They go so far as to kill the Master's son.
I recently had a run-in with turkeys who thought they were the boss of the place. Be a good steward, not a turkey.
(8 Oct 2023)
Going Deeper: Have you been getting pushy or anxious? Review your use of Time, Talent, and Treasure.
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Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (A) The chief priests and the elders of the people are living lives of selfishness and vainglory. Would you rather have a priest who tried to be good, even if he didn't always succeed, or a priest who was just good at looking good?
When a bunch of guys get together, we tend to compare, compete, and complain. We all want to look good, so if I'm not looking good, it must be someone else's fault. Instead, can I see the face of Jesus in other priests? Can I be the face of Jesus to my brother priests.
Just like priests, many Catholics have responded to God's call with, "Yes, sir!"--but we didn't go work in the vineyard. Fortunately, God gives second chances if we are willing to be humble. You have a new opportunity this week to go work in the Father's vineyard.
(1 Oct 2023)
Going Deeper: When have I gotten stuck on my own appearance in the eyes of others? When have I been able to simply love and serve as God serves me?
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Ordinary Time, 25th Sunday (A) It's not fair! We are perfectly happy with our lot in life until we compare ourselves with others. I feel blessed and grateful that I get to live here and serve all of you. Until I look at other priests and think, "He's got a better deal than me."
God is generous. We need to be grateful and not envious. Bishop Barron reminds us: "One of the most fundamental statements of faith is this: your life is not about you. You’re not in control. This is not your project. Rather, you are part of God’s great design. To believe this in your bones and act accordingly is to have faith. When we operate out of this transformed vision, amazing things can happen, for we have surrendered to a power already at work in us that can do 'far more than all we ask or imagine.' Even a tiny bit of faith makes an extraordinary difference."
St. Paul and St. Ignatius of Loyola have both reached the place of complete indifference. They trust God completely to do what is best. Take good care of your corner of God's kingdom. Your reward will be out of this world!
(24 Sep 2023)
Going Deeper: Reflect on the First Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius of Loyola:
God created human beings to praise, reverence, and serve God, and by doing this, to save their souls.
God created all other things on the face of the earth to help fulfill this purpose.
From this it follows that we are to use the things of this world only to the extent that they help us to this end, and we ought to rid ourselves of the things of this world to the extent that they get in the way of this end.
For this it is necessary to make ourselves indifferent to all created things as much as we are able, so that we do not necessarily want health rather than sickness, riches rather than poverty, honor rather than dishonor, a long rather than a short life, and so in all the rest, so that we ultimately desire and choose only what is most conducive for us to the end for which God created us.
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Ordinary Time, 24th Sunday (A) Sometimes, we must do things that are counter-intuitive. When out water-skiing, don't pull the handle closer to your body. If you feel isolated and disconnected, you need less screen time, not more. If you worry what people will think of you, then you need less control, not more.
Forgiving my brother is counter-intuitive. Yet Jesus knows that we can't give our own lives the security, value, and love that we desire. The tighter I cling to my own ego, the more I make myself responsible for my own security and value. And the worse it gets. Forgiving others helps me to slide back into the sweet spot of gratitude and generosity.
(17 Sep 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend a few minutes talking to Jesus about what is on your mind and heart. Let yourself become more rooted in Him.
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Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (A) The Lord be with you! It is easy for us to forget that God is with us every day. Christmas reminds us that God-is-with-us, not just for 33 years, but forever. The Eucharist reminds us that the Word becomes flesh, and not only in our churches, but also within us.
Remain in His love! If I want to truly love others, I must first allow God to love me. From that place of being loved by God, I am able to truly love others.
Judgement and mercy go hand-in-hand in the heart of Jesus. God judges the wicked and invites them to new life. We must call out bad behavior and also invite people to true life.
If my brother sins against me... I remain in God's love. The door is open, mercy is offered, but I need to love him from a distance. I'm not going to let my brother's negativity move me out of God's love.
(10 Sep 2023)
Going Deeper: Where or how have you experienced God's love? What helps you to remain in his love?
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Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (A) What do you think, what do you feel, when you hear the words, "God's will"? If you have a negative reaction, then you have something in common with the prophet Jeremiah. His life was so hard that he becomes a foreshadowing, a prophecy, of the Christ.
Last week, we learn that Jesus is The Christ. This week he reveals that he will be a sacrifice, not a successful and powerful earthly king. Jesus does not see God's will as an outside imposition on his freedom, but rather as a path that leads to true life.
We too are made to be a sacrifice. "Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself." When I trust in God's plans, I lay down my life, and in the end get what I really wanted. Learning to discern God's will and trust in him is a process of intertwining that unfolds over time. Even St. Therese of Lisieux had to learn to trust God and fold her will into his:
“I realize as never before that the Lord is gentle and merciful; He did not send me this heavy cross until I could bear it. If He had sent it before, I am certain that it would have discouraged me . . . I desire nothing at all now except to love until I die of love. I am free, I am not afraid of anything, not even of what I used to dread most of all . . . a long illness which would make me a burden to the community. I am perfectly content to go on suffering in body and soul for years, if that would please God. I am not in the least afraid of living for a long time; I am ready to go on fighting.” (3 Sep 2023)
Going Deeper: Prayerfully reflect on Paragraph 24 from Lumen Gentium:
- God, Who has fatherly concern for everyone, has willed that all men should constitute one family and treat one another in a spirit of brotherhood. For having been created in the image of God, Who "from one man has created the whole human race and made them live all over the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26), all men are called to one and the same goal, namely God Himself. For this reason, love for God and neighbor is the first and greatest commandment. Sacred Scripture, however, teaches us that the love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbor: "If there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.... Love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law" (Rom. 13:9-10; cf. 1 John 4:20). To men growing daily more dependent on one another, and to a world becoming more unified every day, this truth proves to be of paramount importance. Indeed, the Lord Jesus, when He prayed to the Father, "that all may be one. . . as we are one" (John 17:21-22) opened up vistas closed to human reason, for He implied a certain likeness between the union of the divine Persons, and the unity of God's sons in truth and charity. This likeness reveals that man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.
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Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (A) Shebna, the Master of the Palace, has been building a monument to himself. God will replace him with a better steward. God sees three qualities in Eliakim that make him a good steward: he is a servant, a father, and dependable. By not serving himself, Elaikim will be a blessing for his family and others.
God has given you the gift of your own life, and made you a steward of his creation. If you are a husband, a father, and the head of a household, you have been entrusted with a great stewardship. God is looking for the same things from you as he was from Eliakim.
Do you want to be a great steward? I suggest three things:
- Make time for daily prayer. Prayer is a really important way for a man to admit that he needs help. In prayer God reveals himself to us, and also shows us who we are.
- Pay attention to your inner life. Others need to feel safe in your presence, to feel seen and valued, to be able to flourish. To do that for others, we need to de-clutter our minds and hearts, to Confess and forgive.
- Volunteer. It helps us move out of the downward spiral of "What's in it for me?" and into the spiral of blessed, grateful, and generous.
(27 Aug 2023)
Going Deeper: Does your stewardship more resemble Shebna or Eliakim? What is one way the concept of stewardship could change the way you see your own life?
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Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (A) I recently paddled down a whitewater section of the Wolf River. Among other things, I learned three important lessons that also apply to the spiritual life.
- Hug the rock. When you get stuck on a rock, you naturally try to push away from obstacle. Pushing away from the obstacle in a strong current will cause your boat to capsize -- and make things infinitely worse! Leaning towards the obstacle ("hugging the rock") keeps you safely above water until you can maneuver free.
In a similar way, we often push away from life's obstacles, but trying push the problems away often makes things worse. Leaning into the problems helps us to resolve them and then move on. - Look for the eddies. An eddy is a calm spot behind a rock or obstacle. You can pull your boat into these calm spots and catch your breath.
In a similar way, we often need to step out of the rush into a quiet moment of prayer and reflection. Choose silence and God will find you there, like he met Elijah. - Surf the waves. Right below the waterfalls, the current actually flows upstream. You can maneuver your boat into this spot and "surf" in the rushing current.
There are crazy times in life when you just can't "eddy out" into silence. Jesus will come to meet you, and help you find calm in the midst of the storm.
(13 Aug 2023)
Going Deeper: Do you make time in your life to choose silence? What helps you keep your peace even in the midst of a storm?
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At the Transfiguration, we see Jesus radiant with the glory of the Beloved Son. He wants to make your faces glow with love and joy. Listen to Him, and you will share His glory now and forever.
Ordinary Time, 17th Sunday (A) Young Solomon has just become king. God offers to give him one gift. What would you ask for? Success in war, fabulous wealth, a peaceful kingdom, popularity? King Solomon, however, asks for a wise and understanding heart.
Nowadays, there is an abundance of information but a critical shortage of wisdom. Our elders seem less wise and the young don't make time to listen to them. If you want to become wise, where do you start?
The first step of wisdom is realizing I'm not very wise. Being honest about my need for wisdom is the place to start searching. What are the things we have pursued that turned out not to be true treasure? Where have we found true treasure? Take time to sort things in your life. Throw out the bad fish and keep the good ones. Wisdom, at its deepest level, is seeing things as God sees them and loving what God loves. Draw close to God and you will become truly wise.
(30 July 2023)
Going Deeper: Ask for the gift of a wise and understanding heart.
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Why doesn't God do something about all the bad actors out there? You can only tell the weeds by the fruit they produce . God is waiting to see what kind of fruit will appear. Perhaps we are the ones who most benefit from God's patience.
Ordinary Time, 12th Sunday (A) Security leads to maturity. Maturity leads to purity, that is, to the ability to truly love people. Despite the appearances of security, many of us are affected by a deep feeling of insecurity. We might turn to money, success, or a spouse for a sense of security, but none can give us true security.
Jeremiah finds security in God's love for him. Through my 30 day retreat, God showed me that he had always been with me. Many of us think that God is mad at them or disappointed in them. The truth is that Jesus died, not for "everyone", but for each of us.
When you become rooted in God's love for you, no one can take it from you. Stay rooted in the security of God's love for you and you will bear much fruit.
(25 Jun 2023)
Going Deeper: Where to I look for for a sense of security? What experiences make me feel insecure?
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Ordinary Time, 11th Sunday (A) I just returned from my 12th pilgrimage to Champion Shrine. I feel most like a shepherd when I am on walking pilgrimage. I find myself counting my sheep and making sure they are all on the right track. A pilgrimage is a public witness to the importance of faith.
Jesus calls the Apostles by name and reveals the Father's love to them. Then he sends them out to their Jewish brothers. They must remind them who God is and who they are. We, too, must witness to brothers and sisters who have forgotten who they are and who God is.
When men fail to love as the Father loves, the people around them feel like sheep without a shepherd. Men must guide, provide for, and protect God's children. The most important step is to get down on our knees and admit to Got that we need his help. Love is our mission and God will help us to fulfill it.
(18 June 2023)
Going Deeper: How can you more intentionally love the ones around you with the heart of Jesus and Mary? How would your community look different if every Christian loved in this way?
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The Body and Blood of Christ (A) My First Communion was a bubbly, tingly experience. That was probably caused by the alcohol, and not so much the Holy Spirit. Other times with the Eucharist were more blessed. I think of attending holy hours with my father, being part of the procession in Orvieto, and seeing my life change through daily prayer in front of the tabernacle.
There are two key mistakes that modern Catholics make. Our Enlightenment worldview sees everything as matter, energy, and atoms. Catholics sometimes act as if the Eucharist were the only place that God is still present in the world. Instead, the Eucharist should open our eyes to see that we ourselves, the world around us, and fellow human beings are all sacramental.
We think of faith as a static, sitting-in-church kind of thing. Ancient Christians saw their faith as "the Way" and we were walking with Jesus on a journey to eternity.
My annual walking pilgrimage helps correct these errors. Time "on the road" changes your relationship with nature, yourself and others. It forces you to trust in Divine Providence. You get away from all the comforts that you consider essential, only to find that you are more happy without them.
The Eucharist reminds us that we were not meant for comfort, pleasure, or to feel at home here on earth. We are on a pilgrimage to eternity, and Jesus himself is the food for our journey.
(11 Jun 2023)
Going Deeper: Did your local Catholic parish celebrate a Corpus Christi procession? Have you ever experienced a pilgrimage for yourself? Consider planning or participating in a walking pilgrimage sometime soon.
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Most Holy Trinity (A) Communism sacrifices individuals to maximize the common good. Consumer capitalism maximizes individuality at the expense of the common good. Can we have both? Yes! The Holy Trinity is unique individual persons and at the same time a community of love. We are made in the image and likeness of God. That means that we were made to be unique individuals whose gifts contribute to the common good. We "fit" into a community.
Let's look at two communities that cherish individuality. The family is blessed with unique individual children who make up a community of love. Even at a young age children can begin contributing to the common good. A local parish church brings unique individuals into a common bond of love. In the family, and in the parish, the human community mingles with the divine community. Our uniqueness reaches its full potential in communion with God and others.
(4 June 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend some time celebrating the uniqueness of family members or fellow parishioners. How have their gifts blessed you?
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Pentecost Sunday (A) The Catholic Church year begins with Advent. We need a savior but we cannot save ourselves, so we watch and wait for His coming. Hopefully at some point you experience Emmanuel, God-with-you, during this season. We respond to his love by purifying our hearts an Lent, and dying and rising with Christ in Holy Week. After 50 days of Easter feasting, God sends the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is meant to be a renewal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why do we not experience the outpouring of the Spirit? Perhaps we are not open to receiving a gift from God. Say with me, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and enkindle in me the fire of your Love."
The Holy Spirit is life. Our life breath is a gift from God. As members of the Body of Christ, we must have the life of Christ flowing in us. When we pray, "Come, Holy Spirit," the sense is that I already have the life of God flowing within me. I want more of his life in me.
The Holy Spirit is love. He is the love between the Father and the Son. God loves us through the Holy Spirit, and then loves others through us. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives me the power to love others as Christ has loved me.
God's Holy Spirit is True Life. God's Holy Spirit is True Love. Perhaps today you will have powerful experience of God's love. Or perhaps you will simply experience a deepening of the life and love already given to you. Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
(28 May 2023)
Going Deeper: Where do I most need God's life in me? Where am I most in need of God's love? Invite the Holy Spirit to come into these places.
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The Ascension of the Lord (A) The Messiah will be a new King David and will restore the kingdom to Israel. When Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people shout, "Hosanna to the son of David!" Pilate is mocking them with the inscription over Jesus' head. Then he rises from the dead with all power in Heaven and on Earth. Instead of unleashing hell on his enemies, he ascends into heaven. Why?
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. When Jesus is in the flesh, he can only be in one place at one time. Now through the Holy Spirit he can be in all times and all places. He ascends so the Holy Spirit can descend. To find out what the coming of the Holy Spirit means, you'll need to listen next week.
(20 May 2023)
Going Deeper: Listen to the sequence for Pentecost in English or Latin and pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
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Easter, 6th Sunday (A) What does St. Peter mean when he says, "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts"? He is inviting us to set apart a special place in our lives for Jesus. Monasteries have a cloister that is closed to the world but open to the heavens. So our hearts must have a place that is open to the presence of God but protected from the world.
Mothers receive a tiny gift of life. They nourish and cherish it, and it grows into a 9-pound baby. In a similar way God's gifts often seem insignificant. But it we cherish them, they will grow strong. Set apart a time in your day and a place in your home for God. Every Sunday at Mass, open your heart to receive God's gifts and then save and treasure that gift.
(14 May 2023)
Going Deeper: Bring a journal to Mass, and journal the one gift you received today. Cherish that gift, meditate on it often, and see what will grow.
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Easter, 5th Sunday (A) We often think of a vocation is a special call from God. Some are called to be priests or deacons, to join religious life or marriage. Many of us keep our heads down and hope God doesn't call on us. Or maybe you have been waiting for a call and wondering why it hasn't come through.
Then you clearly weren't paying attention to our second reading. Jesus has called you to be a living stone in his temple. You are a royal nation, a holy priesthood. You offer to God the daily sacrifice of loving others and serving God in the world. Your sacrifices come together at Holy Mass. You receive the gift of Jesus and you take him to every corner of the county.
A television has nothing to offer unless it is tuned to a signal. In the same way, we are called to be tuned in to God so others see His image in us. Come to Mass; we have good reception. Make time to pray each day. Find ways to reduce the "noise" around you so you can tune in more easily. The Church doesn't just have a vocation; the Church is a vocation. Are you tuning in to your vocation?
(7 May 2023)
Going Deeper: Try fasting from screens and unnecessary cellphone or media usage and see if your reception improves.
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Easter, 3rd Sunday (A) You are driving home from church one day when you suddenly realize that someone is riding in the back seat! You panic, until he introduces himself as none other than Jesus Christ. "I've always been with you," he says, "but you were never able to see me until now." You spend the rest of Sunday together. Monday morning he is still with you, and he plans to join you at work.
As strange as this may sound, the Christian faith is built on this very idea. Jesus is with us, first, because God is everywhere. But secondly, the very same Spirit that connected Jesus with his Father also connects you to Jesus. And third, you became a member of the Body of Christ. You volunteered to reveal Jesus' presence in the world.
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had left the Christian community. But Jesus didn't stop walking with them. Eventually they have a "Jesus experience" and they turn around and run all the way back to the community. It sometimes happens that people who have given up on regular Sunday Mass encounter Jesus in a profound way. They return to church but sadly only a few parishioners have seen Jesus for themselves. Pray that you can see Jesus, and be Jesus, this week.
(23 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend the day with Jesus. How does it look or feel different?
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Easter, Divine Mercy (2nd Sunday) The world has moved on from Easter, but we Christians are staying close to the empty tomb. Today the Resurrection teaches us about God's mercy. Our English word comes from a price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise. It is a generous gift of God, like the ransoming of a captive. The Greek word is eleos (as in Kyrie, eleison). It means pity or compassion. The Hebrew word is khesed and it means God's covenant faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. The Latin word is misericordia and it comes from two words, misery and heart.
The very heart of mercy is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When we suffer, God suffers. As a visible sign of God's invisible suffering we see that the risen Jesus is carrying wounds in his feet, hands, and side. He responds to our rejection, not by rejecting us, but rather by reaching out with compassion and mercy.
Jesus has mercy on Thomas by giving him proof of the Resurrection. Jesus has compassion on us by giving us the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus meets us in Confession, shines light on our misery, and gives us the grace to never sin again. Mercy is Jesus sharing his heart with us. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!
(16 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Why does Jesus still bear wounds even after his Resurrection? Meditate on this question and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Easter Sunday • I have good news--the tomb is still empty! The empty tomb doesn't really prove the Resurrection. You have to notice the Risen Jesus working in the world.
Brenda Shepherd wanted to join the Catholic Church and she got a little help... from the Holy Spirit. When she joined the Church, she was so radiant with joy, you could see the Resurrection shining on her face. We know the Resurrection is real because of God's continued action in our lives and in our world.
Is our belief in God reflected in our schedule, our budget, or our choices? We often find that we have a hard time fitting Jesus into our lives. But if you put Jesus in first, everything else will fall into place. Start a new life with Jesus as the cornerstone.
(9 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Would anything in your life be different if you didn't believe in the Resurrection. Or, for those considering faith, what would change if you did believe in the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead?
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Good Friday of the Lord's Passion • Jesus was the most successful man that ever lived. Was he smarter, stronger, or tougher than the rest of us? No, Jesus was successful because he was obedient. He did his Father's will, and that's what made him successful.
We, too, will be successful if we are obedient. We need three things to succeed: Faith, trusting that our Father knows best; Hope, knowing that things being hard now often means it will be worth later; and Love, our Father loves us and calls us to love others. Gaze on a crucifix, meditate on Jesus' obedience, and ask for in increase of faith, hope, and love.
(7 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend some time in prayer before a crucifix. Meditate on Jesus' obedience and ask for in increase in faith, hope, and love.
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Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper • This Mass commemorates so many beautiful things: the welcoming of the holy oils, the institution of the Eucharist, and the gift of the Priesthood. Then we have to go and ruin it by washing feet. Thank you, Jesus, for finding a way to make us all feel awkward.
Last summer I attended a wedding reception where the groom washed his bride's feet. It was tender and beautiful and not at all awkward. Jesus is about to leave his disciples in charge of his Church. Jesus is the perfect Servant Leader, and he wants to give authority only to those who are willing to serve.
I wash feet so that you will know, "I got the memo." But I am also inviting the men, the husbands and the fathers of the parish, to do for others as I do for them. Go home and wash your wife's feet. Wash the feet of your children, the elderly, your employees, the poor among us. We who have authority are also under authority, me to my Bishop and all of us to Jesus. We report to the Lord, and he himself washes our feet. Let us do for others as Jesus does for us.
(6 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Go home and wash your wife's feet. Then husband and wife together should wash your children's feet. Are there people in your community who need their feet washed, symbolically speaking?
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Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper • This Mass commemorates so many beautiful things: the welcoming of the holy oils, the institution of the Eucharist, and the gift of the Priesthood. Then we have to go and ruin it by washing feet. Thank you, Jesus, for finding a way to make us all feel awkward.
Last summer I attended a wedding reception where the groom washed his bride's feet. It was tender and beautiful and not at all awkward. Jesus is about to leave his disciples in charge of his Church. Jesus is the perfect Servant Leader, and he wants to give authority only to those who are willing to serve.
I wash feet so that you will know, "I got the memo." But I am also inviting the men, the husbands and the fathers of the parish, to do for others as I do for them. Go home and wash your wife's feet. Wash the feet of your children, the elderly, your employees, the poor among us. We who have authority are also under authority, me to my Bishop and all of us to Jesus. We report to the Lord, and he himself washes our feet. Let us do for others as Jesus does for us.
(6 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Go home and wash your wife's feet. Then husband and wife together should wash your children's feet. Are there people in your community who need their feet washed, symbolically speaking?
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Palm Sunday (A) The Latin phrase, "Sic transit gloria mundi" (thus passes the glory of the world), is a sobering reminder that everyone who seeks the glory of this world will end up disappointed. Peter is worried about what people think of him; he winds up weeping bitterly. Judas is motivated by money; he hangs himself. Pilate is motivated by power; he winds up feeling powerless. Even the chief priests, who seem to have gotten exactly what they wanted, have set themselves up for the biggest disappointment in history.
Jesus does not seek the glory of this world. He does his Father's will and seeks the glory of God. Jesus can look back on the Passion and say, "It was worth it. It was all worth it. You were worth it." Joseph of Arimathea had spent a lot of money on a monument to himself. But then he turned it all over to Jesus. Do not seek the gloria mundi. Follow Jesus and you will be able to say, "It was all worth it."
(2 Apr 2023)
Going Deeper: Make plans now to attend the Triduum services: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil at your local parish church. I promise you the experience will change you.
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Lent, 5th Sunday (A) Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus, then the son of a widow from Nain, then finally Lazarus. The first had been dead a few minutes, the second many hours, and the third was a rotting corpse. Martha and Mary have enough faith to not give up on Jesus even when he seems to ignore them. Jesus wants to give them something more than a healing; he wants to give them a faith that is stronger than death.
Jesus goes right to the place where it hurts. "Show me where it hurts," he says. It hurts Jesus, too. We have to take away the barriers that keep this place rotting within us. We have to let Jesus raise the places we feel dead and hopeless. The human race has always been "tied up" by the fear of death. Jesus unties the human race and lets us go free.
(26 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: What has died in you? Where have you lost hope? And what are the barriers that keep Jesus from entering those places?
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Solemnity of St. Joseph • Today we celebrate the saint that was Jesus' earthly father and husband to Mary. His wife was sinless and his son was God, so if anything went wrong, clearly it was Joseph's fault. Why would God put someone in that situation? And how did Joseph manage to succeed at a seemingly impossible task?
Dr. Bob Schuchts writes in the book Be Transformed that Holy Orders is given to help us overcome the wound of confusion. This chapter made me uncomfortable for two reasons. First, because I exercise authority over my flock, and second because I must obey the authority of the Pope and my Bishop.
Those in authority must serve their people, not make the people serve them. It must be exercised an accordance with the truth, and motivated by love. Unity is the fruit of good authority exercised well. Most importantly, Joseph is obedient to God's authority. He knows that he cannot succeed on his own so he relies on God's guidance and power. Follow these guidelines and your authority will help bring unity.
(20 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: Who in your life has exercised authority well? In what ways have you suffered from abuse of authority? Ask St. Joseph to help heal those wounds.
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Lent, 4th Sunday (A) If something bad happened to you, according to Old Testament logic, you must have done something to deserve it. But what if you were born blind--were your parents being punished? No, says Jesus, this happened so that God's works could be made visible. Jesus then cures the incurable, symbolically fashioning new eyes for him from the clay. In doing so, he exposes the Pharisees who have eyes but refuse to see.
Let me share with you two healings that I experienced. I went to my healing prayer retreat with a sore back. Praying for healing didn't to anything for me... until I rejected my fears and renounced an inner vow. Then the pain and tension went away.
My family lived in five states when I was growing up. I was left with no home town. I had to go visit my old home and grieve the loss. After that I was finally able to feel at home again.
I feel confident that I can face other wounds in my life, bring them to Jesus, and experience healing and peace. Has God revealed to you any wounds that he wants to heal?
(19 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: Notice any area of your life where something hurts you more than it should. Have you prayed about it? What does Jesus want you to know?
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Lent, 4th Sunday (A) If something bad happened to you, according to Old Testament logic, you must have done something to deserve it. But what if you were born blind--were your parents being punished? No, says Jesus, this happened so that God's works could be made visible. Jesus then cures the incurable, symbolically fashioning new eyes for him from the clay. In doing so, he exposes the Pharisees who have eyes but refuse to see.
Let me share with you two healings that I experienced. I went to my healing prayer retreat with a sore back. Praying for healing didn't to anything for me... until I rejected my fears and renounced an inner vow. Then the pain and tension went away.
My family lived in five states when I was growing up. I was left with no home town. I had to go visit my old home and grieve the loss. After that I was finally able to feel at home again.
I feel confident that I can face other wounds in my life, bring them to Jesus, and experience healing and peace. Has God revealed to you any wounds that he wants to heal?
(19 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: Notice any area of your life where something hurts you more than it should. Have you prayed about it? What does Jesus want you to know?
Image Source | Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and pray about one person in your life who needs to hear this message| Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal | Thank you new Patron Fr. Michael from Minnesota
Lent, 3rd Sunday (A) Jews looked down on Samaritans as apostates from the true faith of Abraham. Jesus doesn't avoid them. In fact, he travels through their territory, finds common ground, and spends two days with them. God has not forgotten his Samaritan children.
Let's talk about paganism. The pagans had lots of gods. The gods were personifications of all the powers and forces that are outside of human control. The pagans tried to win favor with them so they could be blessed and not smitten.
On the contrary, Christians believe that there is only one God. All the forces of this world, and the spiritual world, are servants of God. Faithful, obedient servants in the case of natural forces and the angels. Rebellious, disobedient servants in the case of the demons. God is a Father who loves his children. Far from being insignificant, you can trust that God is moving heaven and earth to give you the very best.
I fear that far too many of us pray like pagans. We believe we need to get God's attention and somehow convince him to be kind to us. We take challenges as signs that God doesn't care. Far from it! The challenges are actually bringing us the best possible blessings.
God allows us to experience neediness so that we can turn to him, trust in him, and learn to rely more deeply on him. Instead, we often hate our neediness. We pray for God to take away our neediness so we can stop relying on him. You can see why God would not answer that prayer.
Instead, we need to listen to our neediness. Not just our surface neediness, but the yearnings of your heart. Our deepest desires were given to us by God and they lead us to him. Listen to the yearnings of the heart and let Jesus meet you at the well.
(12 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: What are your surface cravings? What are the deeper desires of your heart? Spend some time identifying what you really want. Let Jesus meet you at the well.
Image Source. I am indebted to Msgr. Tom Richter on Relevant Radio's The Inner Life for these ideas, though I can't point you to the exact episode. Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and pray about one person in your life who needs to hear this message| Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal | Thank you new Patron Fr. Michael from Minnesota
Lent, 2nd Sunday (A) At the Transfiguration, Jesus glows with heavenly light. Perhaps he is seeing the Beatific Vision? This fancy term refers to the fact that the saints in heaven see God and are overawed by his indescribable beauty and glory. Seeing God is the primary source of happiness in heaven.
Jesus gave up seeing the Beatific Vision when he became incarnate. Perhaps now, just a few weeks before his death on the cross, Jesus is given a glimpse of his Father's face. The disciples cannot see God but they see the glory of God reflected in Jesus. Even the reflected glory is so delightful that they want to stay there forever.
Right now, God the Father is gazing at you with the same love, delight, and glory with which he looks at Jesus. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of God's delight. I had a mountain-top experience through a retreat with the John Paul II Healing Center. The retreat team was very welcoming and loving. My fellow priests were wonderful human beings. In one way or another we each experienced God's delight in us.
As a result of this, the people I encountered seemed so much more delightful. It was like I could see God's delight in them, and hopefully they could see the light of God's love reflected in my face.
Believe it or not, Mass is meant to be a mountain-top experience. We leave our ordinary life and come to a special place where we can experience God's delight in us, his beloved children. Then we come down the mountain glowing with delight. May God make his face shine on you so you can be delight.
(5 Mar 2023)
Going Deeper: Reflect on the OCP Heritage Missal cover, which appears to be the same this year as it was last year.
image of the transfiguration with Jesus Moses and Elijah Thank you Dr. Bob, Bart, Sr. Miriam, Kim, Rick, Emily, Diana, and my fellow retreat participants. Image Source. Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and pray about one person in your life who needs to hear this message| Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
Lent, 1st Sunday (A) What can we learn from the temptation of Jesus? We can expect that Lent will be challenging. Temptations will be rolling up to your door. You can expect lots of opportunities to choose love and to be faithful to God.
The first two temptations begin, "If you are the son of God..." The devil is after something very specific -- he wants to steal Jesus' identity as Son of God. Will God really provide for you? Will God really protect you? You don't really have to obey your Father.
Our true identity is found in our Father's love for us. Lent is a time for us to say: "My Father will protect me, he will provide for me, and I choose to be an obedient son."
(26 Feb 2023)
Going Deeper: Check out the full-size version of this image at Wikimedia. There are a lot of little details like the devil holding a basket of bread, and his disguise that falls off when he flees. Perhaps meditate on the image and see how it speaks to you, a kind of "visio-divina" (like lectio divina but without the reading part).
Joke by Joyce. Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
Ash Wednesday • The Prodigal Son went off to a distant country and partied his inheritance away. Every night the father wondered where his son was and was he safe and well. The son didn't feel the distance between them until the money ran out. Then he came to his senses, got up, and started the long journey home. This is us. We run after the pleasures of the world. We are so busy trying to fill ourselves that we don't notice the distance between ourselves and God. One day we realize how empty we have become. The ashes on our foreheads say, "Today I woke up in the pigsty, and I come to my senses and started my journey back to my Father." (22 Feb 2023) Going Deeper: What are the ways you have tried to fill yourself, only to make the emptiness worse? What concrete steps can you take to make this Lent a journey back to your Father? Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
Ordinary Time, 7th Sunday (A) The biggest crisis of our time is not war in Ukraine, ongoing pandemics, or natural disasters. We are suffering from a crisis of identity. We don't know who we are. We don't know what we were made for. Consequently, we don't know what to do with ourselves.
Baptism teaches us who we are. In fact, it gives us not just one, but three identities. First, God adopts you as His child. Your Father will love you, protect you, guide you and provide for you. Second, you become a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will give you the wisdom to know the call of God and the power to accomplish it. Third, you become incorporated into the Body of Christ. And that means that you will suffer with Christ, responding to evil with good.
Are you living your true identity, or are you always going back to your fake ID?
(19 Feb 2023)
Going Deeper: Have a conversation with a spouse or friend about what these three identities mean for you. How can your Lenten sacrifices reinforce your true identity in God?
Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
Ordinary Time, 6th Sunday (A) "Thus says the Lord..." are the words Moses used when teaching God's law to the people. "But I say to you...", says Jesus, who claims to be the very God who taught Moses. Do you really want to be good, or are you willing to settle for looking good?
Haven't murdered anyone lately? Great! But don't feed your anger, don't insult, and don't name-call. Don't try to prove your own innocence lest you be investigated and all your faults be exposed. Quit while you're ahead.
It's good that you haven't committed adultery, but what have you been thinking in your heart? Don't feed the attractions to things that are not good.
Are you fully honest when you report on your taxes? Do you try and shape the narrative in a way that flatters you or makes others look worse? The Lord has created us to be simple, honest people. Every choice shapes us in a particular direction. Don't settle for just looking good. Focus on having a thoroughly good heart.
(12 Feb 2023)
Going Deeper: errere
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Ordinary Time, 5th Sunday (A)
I just took my Christmas tree down. I managed to make it last all the way to February 2nd. The Feast of the Presentation commemorates the moment when Mary and Joseph presented the Christ child in the temple. Only Simeon and Anna could see the profound meaning behind this ordinary moment. They see with the eyes of faith and they shine with hearts full of love.
We, too, are called to see with the eyes of faith and to shine with the Light of Christ. We may not feel very bright, but our "Yes" can help others to see more clearly and to shine more brightly.
(5 Feb 2023)
Going Deeper: Reflect on someone you know who sees with faith and shines with love. Consider ways that you can "catch the fire" by being a little more like them.
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Ordinary Time, 4th Sunday (A) Jesus is the new Moses, teaching the new law to the new Israel. He starts his teaching with happiness. What does it take to be happy? The word for "blessed" here in Greek is "makarioi", a happiness that comes from abundance. I look at all the blessings that God has given me and I feel happy; I am makarios.
Paradoxically, the first thing that makes me happy is being "poor in spirit". When I feel like a beggar, I can have confidence that God will fill my neediness with abundant blessing. The experience of hungering, mourning, and being persecuted is not pleasant, but we can be happy because we are confident that God will fill us and comfort us.
The next four beatitudes are things that I can develop: meek, merciful, clean of heart, and peacemakers. They are the fruit of a life lived with Jesus. When we look at Jesus on the cross we realize that the Beatitudes describe Him perfectly. When our life fits the beatitudes, we should rejoice, for we are where we are supposed to be and living the life were are meant to live.
(29 Jan 2023)
Going Deeper: Spend some time pondering the Beatitudes in front of a crucifix. Did I experience a "Beatitude moment" this past week, a moment when one of the Beatitudes described me and my life? How did I respond to that experience?
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Ordinary Time, 3rd Sunday (A) Why did the disciples drop everything to follow Jesus? They were expecting him to be the King, and his kingdom to be a kind of paradise on earth. Instead, Jesus went and got himself killed. Did they really want to follow a crucified Messiah? In the end, almost all of them did follow him to the cross.
We all want to be happy. But we end up looking for happiness like a blind pig rooting for truffles. Happiness seems to always elude us; the things we think will make us happy end up disappointing. Why can't we find the road to happiness? It happens to be the very opposite of what we would choose for ourselves. To find lasting happiness we have to take up our crosses and walk the way of self-giving love.
(22 Jan 2023)
Going Deeper: When did an unwanted sacrifice turn out to be an unexpected blessing for you? How would your life look different it you embraced your crosses instead of trying to run from them?
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Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (A) We are familiar with the term, "The Lamb of God," but do we truly know what it means? It means that Jesus is innocent and pure, a perfect sacrifice. Let's talk about sacrifice.
Adam and Eve have two sons (Genesis 4). The older son, Cain, raises crops. The younger son, Abel, tends sheep. They both bring an offering to God from the blessings God has given them. This is the principle of "first fruits." The second reason for sacrifice is atonement for sins. A third reason, found throughout the ancient world but not so much among the Jewish people, is sacrifice to obtain some blessing or favor from the gods.
The Jews had a special sacrifice that was also a sacred meal. It was the annual spring Passover where a lamb was sacrificed and then eaten. Jesus replaces the Passover lamb; he is the one true sacrifice offered once for all. Does this mean we no longer offer sacrifices?
The Christian life will always be lived in the key of sacrifice. Christians are called to unite themselves to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. At Mass we give God the sacrifice of our time and our money. In the bread and wine, you offer yourself to God. God blesses what we give and returns it so much better.
If we hang on to all our blessings, the pile of blessings shrinks. If we give some away or give back, God will bless you with more. Last week I went on a TEC retreat. I didn't really want to be there, but I sacrificed the time and God blessed me abundantly. When we join our lives to Jesus' sacrifice, we become so blessed that others will look at us and say, "Behold the lamb of God!"
(15 Jan 2023)
Going Deeper: I love the way this traditional Morning Offering moves from praised and gratitude to sacrifice ("crosses and contradictions") and a reliance on God's blessings and love. Learn this prayer by heart or write a Morning Offering in your own words.
Most Holy and Adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I firmly believe that Thou art here present; I adore Thee with the most profound humility; I praise Thee and give Thee thanks with all my heart for the favors Thou hast bestowed on me. Thy Goodness has brought me safely to the beginning of this day. Behold, O Lord, I offer Thee my whole being and in particular all my thoughts, words, and actions, together with such crosses and contradictions as I may meet with in the course of this day. Give them, O Lord, Thy blessing; may Thy divine Love animate them and may they tend to the greater honor and glory of Thy Sovereign Majesty. Amen.
(from Magnificat, PO Box 834, Yonkers, NY; January, 2023 (Vol 24, No. 11) p. 210)
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Mary, the Mother of God • Today is New Year's Day. It is also the 8th day in the Octave of Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Christmas is too great a feast day to fit into a single day. With Mary we "ponder these things in our hearts." Today we "zoom out" from the Baby Jesus and reflect on the spiritual motherhood of Mary. The Church believes that God has called his mother to be our spiritual mother. She is, in a sense, standing behind our earthly mothers. I encourage you to get to know your spiritual mother. We also see the spiritual Fatherhood of God in today's reading. First, we see God naming his Son, "God saves." The second thing we notice is that God adopts us as his children. The third thing we see is God blessing his children. This blessing makes perfect sense if you picture yourself holding a little baby. These words are what you might want for that child and what the child might want from you. In 2023 may you experience the love of Mother Mary and the love of God the Father. May 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! (1 Jan 2023) Going Deeper: Consider reading a book about Mary such as A Heart Like Mary by Fr. Edward Looney. Try starting each day by praying (or singing) an Our Father, and ending each day with a Hail Mary or a decade of the Rosary. Image Source ✵ The Oriens journey continues! | Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your family and friends | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
Christmas, Midnight Mass • Shepherds shiver in the cold. Wise men search the night sky for light. A young couple welcomes God's love and brings warmth and light into the world. The shepherds are warmed and the wise men are enlightened. They go home carrying His warmth and light in their hearts and sharing it with all they meet.
We gather to celebrate Christmas in a world that is cold and dark. We need to draw near the stable. We need to let God warm our hearts and enlighten our minds. Then we can sing "Joy to the World" and share his love with all people.
(25 Dec 2022)
Going Deeper: Spend some time in front of a nativity scene just basking in the warmth and light of God's love.
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Advent, 4th Sunday (A) When did God first prepare to give us Christmas? Tradition holds that the curse of the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15 is also a prophecy. A descendant of the first woman will one day destroy the power of the Devil.
God then promises King David that one of his descendants will have a kingdom forever. This son of David will also be a son of God (2 Samuel 7:8-17).
Ahaz, a descendant of King David, refuses to ask God for a sign. He is given a sign anyway, the sign of a virgin birth (Isaiah 7:10-14). The Messiah will defeat the Devil, establish a forever kingdom, be the son of God and born of a virgin.
But why does God send us a baby? We ask God for so many gifts, and instead of blessing us with peace or hope or any of those things, he offers us a baby. He wants to be Emmanuel, God with you. We shy away from letting God be with us because we either want to be in control or we are afraid that we are too much of a mess.
Mary and Joseph teach us to respond differently. Mary humbly accepts God's offer of relationship and she lets God take care of the details. One of the details is the fact that Mary happens to be married, and Joseph knows he didn't help make this baby. Joseph stands up and protects Mary and God's child. He is not afraid to take Mary and Jesus into his home.
We often ask for a sign of God's love for us. But we do have a sign: at every Catholic Mass, God becomes Emmanuel in the Eucharist. He is "God with us" in your local parish church. He wants to come live in your heart and in your home. This Christmas, do not be afraid to take Jesus into your home. Welcome a relationship with him, as Mary and Joseph did. Because all he wants for Christmas is you!
(18 Dec 2022)
Going Deeper: It is not fair to receive a gift if you are not willing to also give a gift. You cannot receive the gift of Jesus in Holy Communion unless you are willing to give yourself to him. Prepare yourself to welcome Jesus into your heart and home this Christmas.
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Advent, 3rd Sunday (A) A look around the world tells us that God is both a brilliant engineer and a creative artist. Then we look at ourselves and often see a mess. Did God screw up when he made me? I am unique and that means there is a special place in the universe that only I can fill.
If I fill a spot, then why do I feel empty? We are like kolaches without filling, we are "batteries not included." Only a relationship with God will fulfill us. So why do we keep God at a distance? We might think that I'm not good enough for God. Or we might think that God couldn't possibly be safe or satisfying.
Antigo Area Catholic Churches was featured in America Media's People of God documentary. We don't really want to give God 100%. And consequently, we don't ever really experience the transformative power of the Gospel. We try and fill ourselves but only feel more empty. We need to wait patiently until God comes to meet us and fill us with his love and joy.
Our second reading talks about the farmer being patient between the "early rains" and the "late rains." It gets dry between the rains and we can be tempted to do something to fill the emptiness. Instead, we need to remain patient and trusting. Wait for the Lord to come and fill you with the warmth of his love.
(11 Dec 2022)
Going Deeper: When have I experienced the emptiness that only God can fill? How have I tried to fill it myself? What does it feel like to wait for God to come and fill me?
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception • What can the Immaculate Conception teach us? Mary is first a disciple of Jesus. She listened to Jesus, she followed him to the cross, and she was faithful until the end of her life. She gives us an example of discipleship.
God is our Father, Jesus is our savior, and we are surrounded by spiritual brothers and sisters, the saints. There is one thing missing: a mother. God has chosen Mary not only to be the mother of his son, but also to be the mother of all his children.
Mary is also queen. The Kingdom of Israel had a tradition that the mother of the king was #2 in the kingdom. When Jesus takes the throne as a descendant of David, he follows the tradition of his native people and makes his mother the Queen. Jesus and Mary work together to bring us to the Kingdom.
We only have one Savior, Jesus. He saved Mary and preserved her from all sin for our sake. It is for your sake that Mary was conceived immaculately.
(8 Dec 2022)
Going Deeper: Have you experienced how much Mary loves you? Spend some time talking to your Mother today.
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Advent, 2nd Sunday (A) Every person is unique; each of us is handmade. We bear the fingerprints of God and we each reveal the face of God to the world. God made us for himself. We were meant to be filled with the light of Christ and to shine with the light of Christ. The emptiness we feel is not a sign that there is something wrong with us. We have a hard time remaining empty and trusting the Master to fill us and paint us. The emptiness makes us uncomfortable, so we stuff ourselves.
Tradition speaks of three sources of temptation: 1) The world. People around us aren't content to live simple lives. We think that we need to live overstuffed lives, too. 2) The flesh. Being empty is uncomfortable. 3) The Devil. God isn't the only spirit active in the world. The Enemy tricked our first parents into grasping instead of receiving. "The Tinder Swindler", so-called Simon Leviev, promised his victims a great life but just used them for their money. The Enemy does the same thing in reverse. The Lord of the Universe is already in love with us. But the Enemy tells us, "God doesn't care. There's something wrong with you. He won't fulfill you. You need to fill yourself." In doing so, we draw farther away from the true and only source of happiness.
The Enemy knows full well that only God can satisfy us. The harder we try to fill ourselves, the emptier we feel. Advent reminds us that we can't fill ourselves. The One who can fill us is already on his way. Wait for Him.
(4 Dec 2022)
Going Deeper: When and how does that feeling of emptiness manifest itself in my life? What are some of the lies I believe that make my try and fill myself? What people, activities, pleasures and things have I tried to use to fill that emptiness?
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Each of us is handmade. We were made by God; his fingerprints are all over us. We were made for God and only the King can fulfill me. Advent is a time to prepare, and not just for a family visit, but for a visit from the King himself.
What do you do when you feel inadequate? Saul first he ran away and hid, then he tried to make himself look good. God chose David to be the second king of Israel. David trusted God to help him. This is a great lesson for Bishops, priests, and parents.
Solemnity of Christ the King (C)
God chose Saul to be the first king of Israel, but he felt inadequate. First he ran away and hid. Then he tried to make himself look good. God chose David to be the second king of Israel. David also knew he was unworthy but he trusted God to help him.
A recent survey of US Bishops and priests reveals that many priests think their Bishop is more administrator than shepherd. Perhaps many Bishops feel inadequate so they try to make themselves look good. Others, however, see themselves as humble stewards of a gift they don't deserve.
Parents find themselves in a similar situation. Do they run away and hide, try to make themselves look good, or become humble stewards who trust in God's power? We know that no one is more powerful than Jesus. He doesn't run away and hide. He doesn't try to "save himself." He humbly submits to God's holy will. When we feel inadequate or unworthy, we should humbly serve in our King.
(20 Nov 2022)
Going Deeper: When or how have you tried to run away and hide or make yourself look good? What would David have done in the same situation?
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Ordinary Time, 33rd Sunday (C) Three little piggies all built homes. But only one home was built to last. God called us into the covenant. He will always be faithful to us. Will we be faithful to Him even when faith us inconvenient or unpopular?
Pottery is thrown and then fired in a kiln. Can we take the heat? A loaf of bread gets kneaded and left to proof. Then it gets punched down and kneaded again. The bread must rise again so it can stand tall in the heat of the oven.
The Thessalonians lived a good Christian life for a little while, but some were now becoming soft. Is your virtue solid? Do trials strengthen your faith or do they cause your faith to fall?
(13 Nov 2022)
Going Deeper: In what way did you experience trials this past week? How did you respond to those trials?
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Pottery is thrown and then fired in a kiln. A loaf of bread gets kneaded and left to proof. Then it gets punched down and kneaded again. The bread must rise again so it can stand tall in the heat of the oven. Can you take the heat?
Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday (C) November is a month dedicated to praying for the dead. Where does praying for the dead come from? Above our world is another dimension or plane of existence, what ancient people called the Spirit World. It is separate from the physical dimension but interacts with us. Modern people have gotten so focused on the physical world that they have lost almost all sense of this other dimension. Ask any group of people, though, and at least half of them can report a spiritual experience, something not explainable only by physical interactions. If does not take faith to believe that at death, people transition from this plane of existence to the spiritual plane. It's simply the most reasonable hypothesis for the available evidence.
It does, however, take faith to believe in the Resurrection of the dead. Where does this belief come from? Jews believed if they were faithful, God would bless them. But they were faithful unto death (see 2 Maccabees 7) and did not see the promised rewards. It must be coming, then, in a kind of second life. They offered sacrifices so the dead who had not been faithful would be forgiven and join in the resurrection (2 Maccabees 12:32-45).
Jesus tells us that he himself is the resurrection, and that he will personally raise the dead (James 5:24-29). He then rose from the dead as proof of his power and to show us our plan for the future. If we have died with Christ, we will also rise with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). That means if we want to experience Easter, we have to join Jesus on Good Friday. We are probably not going to be crucified so how can we die with Christ? Here are three ideas:
- Embrace your crosses. When we realize what a huge blessing our crosses were, we will wish we had even more of them, and that we had born our crosses with more joy and gratitude.
- Offer sacrifices. Every Catholic is required to offer some sacrifice on Friday, either giving up meat or alcohol or some other sacrifice. We should fast on Friday and feast on Sunday. Willingly suffer for Jesus, who suffered for you.
- Die every night and rise in the morning. Before bed, repent of your sins, make an Act of Contrition, and put your life into God's hands. If he gives you another day, rise to new life in Christ.
These are three simple ways to embrace the Paschal mystery every day and every week. If you want to share in the Resurrection, you must also share in the Cross.
(6 Nov 2022)
Going Deeper: Read the scripture references quoted above and reflect on what they mean to your every day life. Have you had any "spiritual experiences?" Share in the comments. Poll a group of people about their experiences with the spiritual realm.
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It is reasonable and logical to believe in a “spirit world” once you examine the evidence. but it takes faith to believe in the Resurrection. What is the Resurrection? Why do we pray for the dead? The answers affect your daily life more than you think.
All Saints • The term "Saint" refers to those who have officially been approved for public veneration by a Vatican process, which is referred to a "canonization." The word "saint" also comes from the French word for holy. It refers to all the "holy ones" who have arrived in heaven with God forever. Even though they are out of sight, we are still connected with them.
Let's try and picture us from the point of view of the saints. They are like the fans in the stadium seats as we fight on the field. They are like older brothers and sisters waiting for their little siblings to be born into eternity.
We were made by Love and for Love. The saints just did what they were made to do; they were the best at loving God and their neighbor. Some were very mean and selfish at first but then they changed. Some changed suddenly and others changed slowly. Eventually they were ready to enter heaven.
There is no bullying, lying, or cheating in heaven. So if you bully, lie, and cheat, you can't get into heaven. Because there is no evil in heaven, we have to be free of evil before you can enter heaven. You have to be a saint to go to heaven! The Holy Spirit helps us become what we were made to be. Just say Yes to God and No to the enemy, and one day some Catholic School student will be dressing like you for All Saints Day!
(1 Nov 2022)
Going Deeper: Picture your daily life from the point of view of the saints. Do some worries and troubles look a little smaller? Do some insignificant things suddenly matter more?
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Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday (C) What is the "Day of the Lord" that St. Paul mentions? At his second coming, the angels will blow the trumpets and Jesus will return in power and glory to "judge the living and the dead." Christians look forward to this moment and prepare both our souls and our bodies for eternal life.
At the moment of our death we know the state of our soul. This is known is the particular judgement. Then we have this final moment known as the General Judgement. We will all be gathered before the Jesus' throne: you and me, Pope Francis, President Biden, former president Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, everyone. We will all be judged by Jesus. Why, then, are we so worried about what other people think and so little worried about what Jesus thinks?
Zacchaeus is the least-worthy person in the city of Jericho. He has become wealthy by exploiting others. His wealth does not satisfy him. His heart yearns for something more. By running ahead and climbing a tree he shows an openness in his heart. Jesus invites himself into his home to show that no one is beyond God's mercy. God loves each of us and is looking for this same openness from us. Zaccheaus will trade anything for has friendship with Jesus. What are you holding on to that is keeping you from welcoming Jesus?
Jesus comes to meet us in humble ways and invite us to repent so that we can do well an the final exam. Here are three thoughts on how to prepare:
- Learn to respect the truth and live in the truth.
- Treat the poor, needy, and vulnerable with kindness and compassion.
- Do the best you can and then sit back, relax, and let Jesus take care of everybody else
(30 Oct 2022)
Going Deeper: The month of November is dedicated to praying for the dead. You can receive a plenary indulgence by praying for the dead, under the usual conditions. Go for a walk in the cemetery and pray for the dead.
-|-
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St. Paul was a Pharisee. Then he prayed, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." In the end his heart has been changed into the heart of a servant. Let’s talk about how each of us can have a heart more like St. Paul.
Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (C) What good would a cell phone be if it were always stuck on "Airplane Mode"? Cell phones were made to connect to cell towers. They can't really fulfill their purpose without a connection.
You were made to be connected to a higher power. Original sin means that we were born in airplane mode. We are so used to being disconnected that we get uncomfortable when a message comes through from the other side. No wonder we feel lost, anxious, and disconnected.
Our Gospel reading tells us to keep stubbornly asking God until we finally get what we want. I would also say it points to the need to stubbornly stay connected to God. We should use whatever means necessary to get good prayer reception. The "orans" position is kind of like those old "rabbit ear" antennas. As long as Moses gets good reception, the people of Israel keep winning. Do you see how important good reception is? I think it's really important to have a dedicated prayer space where the reception is better. If you already make time for prayer every day, consider signing up for an hour of Adoration once a week.
Each person plays a different role: Joshua fights, Moses prays, and Aaron and Hur support Moses. We are all called to serve the mission but in different ways. Joanna adds a brief reflection about her experience of living Stewardship.
(16 Oct 2022)
Going Deeper: Make a prayer corner in your home. Sign up for an hour a week of Adoration at a local chapel, or prayerfully consider your Stewardship commitment for 2023.
I didn't get a good recording of Kathy's reflection so I share Joanna's with you, instead. If you were giving a 2-5 minute witness talk on Stewardship, what would you say?
-|-
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Cell phones were made to be connected; they can't fulfill their purpose without a connection. You were made to be connected to a higher power. Original sin means that we were born in airplane mode. Let’s talk about fixing your connection.
Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Today we kick off our 2022 Stewardship Renewal. You might think that Stewardship is optional, something for those "involved parishioners" to consider. The fact of the matter is you don't get a choice to be a steward. If you are alive, you are already a steward. What kind of steward will you be: grateful, wise, and generous or grumpy, foolish, and selfish?
This annual Stewardship Renewal is an opportunity to reflect on how we have been responding to the call of stewardship. We find it helpful to reflect on three key areas:
- Time. Spend at least 1% (15 minutes) of quality time with God each day, and also time with family and friends.
- Treasure. How much am I giving, as a percent of what I receive? Am I being generous?
- Talent. A lot of us treat the church like a Wal-Mart. We show up, pay what we want and take Communion. A family is different. A family all pitches in and helps with the chores. If we are going to be a church family and not a Wal-Mart, then everyone needs to be pitching in and helping with a chore around God's house. You don't have to do 14 things. But if you are doing 14 things, you should reflect on whether they are all the right things for you.
The point of our Stewardship Renewal is not to get people to give more but to help people be more intentional with their giving. We all need to serve because we are made in the image and likeness of God and God is a servant. Let us be more grateful, wise, and generous stewards.
(9 Oct 2022)
Going Deeper: The Antigo Area Catholic Churches ministry booklet is available online. Flip through the book and prayerfully consider one way God might be calling you to pitch in and help.
-|-
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Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Today we kick off our 2022 Stewardship Renewal. You might think that Stewardship is optional, something for those "involved parishioners" to consider. The fact of the matter is you don't get a choice to be a steward. If you are alive, you are already a steward. What kind of steward will you be: grateful, wise, and generous or grumpy, foolish, and selfish? This annual Stewardship Renewal is an opportunity to reflect on how we have been responding to the call of stewardship. We find it helpful to reflect on three key areas: Time. Spend at least 1% (15 minutes) of quality time with God each day, and also time with family and friends. Treasure. How much am I giving, as a percent of what I receive? Am I being generous? Talent. A lot of us treat the church like a Wal-Mart. We show up, pay what we want and take Communion. A family is different. A family all pitches in and helps with the chores. If we are going to be a church family and not a Wal-Mart, then everyone needs to be pitching in and helping with a chore around God's house. You don't have to do 14 things. But if you are doing 14 things, you should reflect on whether they are all the right things for you. The point of our Stewardship Renewal is not to get people to give more but to help people be more intentional with their giving. We all need to serve because we are made in the image and likeness of God and God is a servant. Let us be more grateful, wise, and generous stewards. (9 Oct 2022) Going Deeper: The Antigo Area Catholic Churches ministry booklet is available online. Flip through the book and prayerfully consider one way God might be calling you to pitch in and help. -|- Image Source | Over 10 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal
We might think that Stewardship is optional, something for those extra-involved parishioners to do. If you are alive, then you are a steward. Don’t be a lazy steward. It’s time to start pitching in and helping with the family chores.
Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (C) Faith seems to be a key concept for Jesus and for Catholics. "If only I had more faith, like my Grandma." The Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds with a seemingly crazy rant about a mulberry tree and unprofitable servants. Whenever Jesus doesn't make sense, we need to come around and see things from his perspective.
Uprooting mulberry trees and planting them in the sea is an impossible task. You can't do it. All you need is to have faith that God will do it. When you do, amazing things will happen. People will praise you for the great job you did and you will say, "I am an unprofitable servant."
I trusted God to take care of a busy weekend and he give me the energy I needed. I trusted God with a bigger task -- raising money for a new church -- and God took care of it.
When we look forward, we sometimes see a whole mulberry plantation in front of us. But when we look behind us, we can see that God has provided for us. Faith helps us to keep walking the right path, or to stay put when we face hardships, until we see God come through for us. In the midst of another busy time I am learning to trust and wait for God to uproot the mulberry trees.
(2 Oct 2022)
Going Deeper: Every Saturday I sit and review my past week. I noticed that prior to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, I had two moments of joy and one moment of peace earlier in the week. I encourage you to pause each week to look back on your past week. Ask yourself:
- My biggest blessing in the past week was …
- My biggest challenge was …
- Where did I notice God, and what was he doing or saying?
- How did I respond to what God was doing?
- I felt God’s love most strongly when …
- I’m grateful for …
- This past week, my strongest sense, image, moment, or experience of God’s loving presence was …
-|-
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Today's parable has a simple message: rich people are going to hell. There is always more to learn from Jesus, let’s dig into this parable to find the good news and most importantly, tips to avoid hell.
The master commends the dishonest steward for has change of heart. The Master will be taking the stewardship away from you because you are going to die. Meanwhile, he is sending you opportunities to be generous. Here’s how to recognize them.
Sometimes I get frustrated when God has mercy seven times on others, but then I turn around and receive God's mercy for the 77th time. It's not enough for us to go to heaven. We also should be praying and offering sacrifices for the salvation of others.
Let’s talk about a runaway slave who isn’t truly free, and a prisoner who has found true freedom. In your search for freedom you have become a slave. St. Paul will show us that true freedom comes with serving Christ.
When have you felt poor? I don't just mean a lack of money. As creatures, we are fundamentally poor. When we embrace our poverty, we also experience greatness. Let me tell you the story of the Innkeeper's Daughter.
Jeremiah is rewarded for his faithfulness to God by being thrown into the bottom of a muddy cistern. Have you ever felt like that? The author to the Hebrews tells us what to do when we are down there.
The things of this world are like so many bubbles — you grasp them and they pop. So let’s talk about what will survive the end of the world. Invest in these things and you’ll be able to face the Apocalypse with confidence.
We will all stand before the judgement seat of God, and God is not going to be impressed with the size of your bank account. What will God be impressed with? What does it mean to be rich in what matters to God?
Jesus teaches us how to pray. First he gives us the right words to say. Then he talks about the right attitudes behind good prayer. Finally he tells us what we should really be asking for.
The soul of every person has a deep connection with God himself. We keep ourselves busy on purpose to avoid having to go to that deeper place. We have welcomed Jesus into our hearts but we don't sit at his feet and listen to him. Pause and listen.
This parable beautifully captures the generosity Jesus expects from his disciples. It also tells us about Jesus' love for us. He rescues you from sin, washing you in his blood and healing you with the sacraments. Go and do likewise.
Today we leap for joy that abortion is no longer a Constitutional right. We must continue to promote the Gospel of life in every part of society. Some of my practical suggestions may surprise you.
The Galatians are chewing on each other like two teenage sisters who are always mean to each other. How can we avoid consuming others as they consume us? Jesus shows us the answer.
God created all life, but he didn’t do it alone. He made us capable of procreating along with him, but we can’t do it alone. This point to the reality that we were made to live lives of self-giving love. The Trinity is our Mission!
What will it take to finally change the world? Jesus hasn’t gone so very far away. And He has given us a most precious and powerful gift. Learn how to use that gift and you will be the change that you are longing for.
Despite the outside appearances of peacefulness, our hearts are far from peace. Fortunately for us, peace is closer than you think. Here are four words that will help you find peace: Presence. Power. Plan. Past.
The drill sergeants constantly yell at the recruits to, "Move with purpose!" So many people have no sense of purpose. We were made for a purpose; let me tell you what it is.
What a wonderful God we serve! I love being a priest and encourage young Catholic men to consider a vocation. But there is a vocation that is even more important than priesthood.
Easter, 2nd Sunday • The Acts of the Apostles reports that Jesus' disciples worked many miracles. We might be skeptical, but the truth is that miracles continue today at shrines, as part of the canonization of saints, and at healing prayer services. I attended a healing prayer service and training through Encounter Ministries. I have since prayed with many people, some of whom have reported healings. What should we make of this?
Jesus works physical healings so that we will trust him with much more delicate spiritual healings. Jesus wants to give peace to the chronically anxious, hope to those in despair, and love to those who feel isolated and neglected. We are the doubting Thomases who don't realize how powerful Jesus is. We wander from one drug to another while Jesus patiently waits for us to trust him. Crazy thing is, it’s true. The miracles. The Holy Spirit. All of it. It’s All true.
(24 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: Where do I need to experience healing, hope, or peace? Where is Jesus inviting me to trust him?
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The healing work of Jesus continued with the Apostles and with us. Jesus works physical healings so that we will trust him with more important spiritual healings. We are the doubting Thomases who don't realize how powerful Jesus is.
Easter Sunday • Most of us here in church today probably think we know what Easter is all about. But if we were asked to explain it to a friend or family member, what would we say?
You have to read the entire Bible in order to really understand the Resurrection is all about. That's ok, I summarize. Remember the Garden of Eden? That's where the snake tricked Adam and Eve into eating from the wrong tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Because they ate from it, they started wearing clothes, had to deal with thorns, and were kicked out of the garden and lost access to the tree of Life.
We went from Paradise to a confusing and dangerous wilderness. But God has not forgotten his children. Once he had made all the necessary preparations he sent his only begotten son Jesus to come and rescue us. Jesus paid the price for our sins. Look at a crucifix and you see a man wearing a stitch of clothes and a crown of thorns and nailed to a tree between two thieves. Get the reference? The empty tomb means the price has been paid.
Easter is not primarily a celebration of what God did in the past but rather an invitation to new life. This new life is a life lived as a child of God, in friendship with Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. At Baptism you received the Light of Christ. Protect and nourish that light of faith. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also light up the world around you.
(17 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: When did God become real for you? Has something happened that moved your sense of God from something others told you about to something you had experienced for yourself? On the spectrum of friendships from BFF to acquaintance to someone you know distantly, where would you put your friendship with Jesus? What kind of friendship do you want with Jesus?
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We probably think we know what Easter is all about. But if we were asked to explain it to a friend or family member, what would we say? For many of us, “the faith” is something we belong to. But the Bible sees faith as a Someone.
Good Friday • I can think of three reasons why Jesus had to die on the cross. First, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Second, to defeat Satan, our ancient enemy. He undermines the kingdom of lies and selfishness by an act of radical trust and self-giving love. Third, Jesus is trying to win your love. We seem to be so convinced that God doesn't know me, can't love me, and couldn't possibly know what I am going through. Jesus dies a most miserable death in order to show us, "I love you this much."
(15 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: The service ends in silence. Spend this evening in quiet time.
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First, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Second, to defeat Satan, our ancient enemy. Third, Jesus is trying to win your love. Jesus dies a most miserable death in order to show us, "I love you this much."
Holy Thursday • The earthly life of Jesus is coming to a dramatic end. Jesus gathers his closet friends and gives them three precious gifts: the Eucharist, the Priesthood, and the commandment to love others as Christ has loved us. Fr. George and I will wash a few feet. I challenge all the men of the parish to go home and wash their wives' feet. Then husbands and wives together wash your children's feet.
Maybe Peter objected to having his feet washed because he wasn't keen on having to wash the feet of others. "The Priesthood," says St. John Vianney, "is the love of the heart of Jesus." The Eucharist is the heart of Jesus. And the Church is the beloved disciple, the one whom Jesus loves. As we gather at this banquet of love, consider what it cost to provide this meal. Are we prepared to love others as Christ has loved us? Are we prepared to feed others as Christ has fed us? Are we willing to wash the feet of others?
(14 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: Have a little family prayer service where the father washes his wife's feet, then together they wash their children's feet. If you live alone, call or visit a lonely friend or neighbor. Ask what they need prayers for and then pray with them.
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Jesus gathers his closet friends and gives them three precious gifts. As we gather at this banquet of love, consider what it cost to provide this meal. Are we prepared to love others as Christ has loved us? Are we willing to wash the feet of others?
Palm Sunday (C) The ashes we received on our foreheads said, "I will die with Christ. The pleasures and treasures of this world are like ashes compared to the inestimable value of friendship with Jesus." As Lent went on, however, we discovered we were more attached than we realized. We are unfortunately like Jesus' disciples who said, "We will die with you," then all ran away.
How is it that Jesus remained faithful when neither we nor the disciples were able to remain faithful? First, Jesus loves you more than he loves himself. Second, Jesus relies on his Father. The gift of life with Christ is worth any suffering, any sacrifice. Jesus wants you; "The Master has need of you." Pray for the grace to love Jesus more than you love yourself. Pray for the grace to rely on the Father and not on your own strength. Jesus will help us to die with Him so that we can also rise with Him.
(10 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: What have you learned from your Lenten "successes" and what have you learned from your "failures?" Apply those lessons to this final week of Lent.
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Lent has taught us how attached we are to the pleasures and treasures of this world. We are not unlike the disciples. I will show you why Jesus succeeded where we have all failed. He will help your Lent to end well.
Lent, 5th Sunday (C) The Gospel of the woman caught in adultery is remarkably similar to the parable of the prodigal son. The woman is surrounded by accusers. Jesus doesn't speak. Finally he says just one sentence that totally unmasks their hypocrisy. One by one, the voices become silent.
The women is left face to face with Jesus -- the sinful one with the sinless one. She expects condemnation. Instead Jesus offers her new life.
St. Paul himself experienced new life in a relationship with Christ. Do you find yourself surrounded by hostile and accusing voices? Turn to Jesus. Let him part the waters and lead you to freedom.
(3 Apr 2022)
Going Deeper: Spend some time face to face with Jesus in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament sometime in the next couple weeks.
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The woman caught in adultery is surrounded by accusers. Jesus doesn’t speak. One by one, the voices become silent. Are you feeling accused by your past failures? Let Jesus part the waters and lead you to freedom.
The Father's love never ceases to surprise us; it's like rose vestments on Laetare Sunday. Our life is a journey back to the Father's house. Let us learn to love others in the surprising way that the Father loves us.
The message of Fatima reminds us that God is still in charge and that our prayers and sacrifices make a difference. So stop looking at other people and expecting them to repent. It's time for you to start bearing fruit.
Moses and Elijah help Jesus to stand firm in his Father's love. The apostles are given two gifts to help them stand firm. Are you standing firm in your Lenten sacrifices? Today’s homily will help you.
Temptations are like a test. Will we grasp and keep things, or will we receive and give? Temptations are all around us but Jesus’ power is closer than you think. Let me share with you where to find this power.
Why do we put ashes on our foreheads? Ashes are a sign of death. Ashes are also a source of new life. Accepting the ashes means that I am choosing voluntarily to die with Jesus so that I can also rise with him to new life.
The police have special powers and play by special rules. They must use these powers to protect and serve society and not to serve themselves. A real man is one who protects and provides for others, not just for himself.
“Hurt people hurt people.” Those who inflict hurt on others have often themselves been hurt. Unless we forgive our enemies and do good to those who hurt us, we will get sucked into the cycle of hurt.
Much of the panic surrounding the coronavirus is rooted in a fear of death. The virus situation has forced us to face the reality of our own death. However, if our lives our rooted in God, we have nothing to fear.
The call of God is not so much a call to go somewhere and do something, but more fundamentally a call to be with him. You are called, purified, and sent. Be with the Lord on your mission this week.
Our world is growing cold and selfish. What can we do to stay warm? Jesus is infinite warmth and love. I will show you five ways to draw closer to the loving warmth of Jesus.
We say we believe in a loving God, but often time our images of God don’t match up with our actual beliefs. Jesus shows us God’s intentions and invites us to the banquet of heaven. How do you respond?
Jesus knows he is God’s Son but he still needs to hear the Father tell him, “Son, I love you, and I’m proud of you.” God sends his Holy Spirit so that we, too, can be well pleasing to our Father.
Jesus came for all people — poor shepherds and wealthy foreign wise men. Though you may not have the treasures they did, you are a gift, and you too can lay your treasures at the feet of the little King. Let me show you how.
The family is born from the sacrifice that is the total gift of self to the other. This sacrifice creates a covenant which is capable of revealing the face of God to their children and to the world.
How often we leave Jesus out of our family time, our daily lives, our Sunday plans, even our Christmas plans! The gift of Jesus is actually the answer to all your prayers. The only thing Jesus wants in return is YOU.
Peace only comes when we welcome the Christ Child. And Christ only comes to hearts that are humble, obedient, and oriented towards self-sacrificing love. Mary and Joseph will help you prepare your heart for Jesus.
This world is destabilized and collapsing from sin. God started a rescue operation. First he sent prophets, then his Son. We gather here in the refuge to breath the air of heaven and eat our weekly rations. Our savior is here with us. Rejoice!
Let me explain what original sin is. Then you’ll understand how it affects your life and the great gift that Mary was given from the moment of her conception.
The enemy has turned a beautiful season of peace and joy into a season of worry and stress. The enemy loves to ruin the beautiful things that God has created. Turn from your hurts, fears, and selfish pleasures to new life in Christ.
Creation is the first sacrament, but we have forgotten how to read the signs. We need to pick the right place and the right time to pray. Secondly, we need to be reading the signs of God’s love for us. Listen and I will teach you how.
You are running out of sunsets. How can we make the most of the time we have left? Live each day according to the values of God’s eternal kingdom values.
Stewardship Commitment Sunday is not about giving more, but about giving more intentionally and with more love. God has already blessed you abundantly, but I’ll teach you a little trick that will make God give you even more.
We know for certain that the dead will rise. We want to be in their number. Praying for the dead can increase our Faith in Jesus, our Hope in the Resurrection, and our Love for the poor souls.
My car manual and my auto mechanic help me be a good steward. God’s law helps me be a good steward, too. I’m joined by Kay who offers a beautiful Stewardship witness talk.
When I say Stewardship, you probably think of Time, Talent, and Treasure. But Stewardship is ultimately about how we can trade the need to be in control to find a little happiness, peace, and joy. How will you be a good steward of time?
We are sometimes afraid that we will not be strong enough… and we’re right! Jesus humbly accepted his weakness and relied not on his own strength. Jesus wants to teach you how to do this.
Today we are going to illustrate the main 'point' of the Gospel using two famous works of art. God is pointing at us, not to accuse of us sin, but to invite us into relationship.
Joshua and the Disciples are both concerned about others who don’t seem to be part of our team. Jesus is more concerned with you; Are you on God’s team?
We all want to be part of a great team. But are we willing to be honest, vulnerable, and genuinely open? Jesus is, and he shows us.
Where was God on September 11, 2001? Where was God when I was suffering? He was with me and wanted to carry my burdens. I share a few stories to remind us that God really is with us.
Jesus works physical healings to open us up to receive spiritual healings. How do your ears need to be opened? How does your mouth need to be opened? Jesus is still working miracles today.
Want to be miserable? All you have to do is think that getting my way will make me happy. I show you three reasons why it doesn't work and then propose a better path to happiness.
This is the last of five homilies in The Holy Mountain series. Our parish church is Bethlehem and we receive in our hands the Baby Jesus. God changes the bread into himself so that you, too, can be changed. How has Mass changed you?
Need the world’s best pick-me-up? Why not spend an hour in heaven and see how your life changes. Believe it or not, this offer is now available at a Catholic Church near you. Come and receive Jesus so that he can receive you.
I’ve made some mistakes in my life, now what? How can I stop falling into the same sins over and over again? And what does all this have to do with the offertory at Mass? Tune in and find out.
Mass is a pilgrimage to a holy place. Your local Catholic parish is the upper room; you become a guest at the Last Supper. The community is starving. Instead of spiritual cannibalism; turn to Jesus and be fed! Then turn and feed others.
A pilgrimage is a journey that changes us. In John 6, the people go out into the wilderness looking for more than everyday life. Mass itself is a pilgrimage. Open yourself to the more that God wants to give you!
You belong to God! So why are you so worried about providing for your own needs? Make time to pray each day and you will find you have time to accomplish the important things.
Do you think you know all about Jesus? Then you probably have him wrong! Today’s episode shares a parable about missing the point and then suggests three attributes that will help you.
Do you think you know all about Jesus? Then you probably have him wrong! Today’s episode shares a parable about missing the point and then suggests three attributes that will help you.
Priesthood has turned to out be unexpectedly challenging but also filled with unexpected blessings. Perhaps the greatest is getting to watch Jesus work miracles in the lives of my people.
Jesus has authority over wind and waves — certainly he can calm the storm raging around you. But perhaps he prefers to calm the storm within you. Allow your heart to find peace in the Heart of Jesus.
Ordinary Time, 11th Sunday (B) A good gardener knows each plant. Each one is special and precious and receives what it needs -- a sunny view, or shade, a lot of water, or a little, etc. God is a good gardener and we are each plants. We are each precious and unique and special to God. And yet, as Blessed Carlos Acutis said, "Each of us is born unique. But many of us die as photocopies." We have all tried to make ourselves like someone else. We idolized people that weren't happy and criticized ourselves for being different. You try to be like others because you were taught in school that you exist because of random chance and survival of the fittest. We think that our existence is an accident, that we have no inherent value. We treat like like a game of "survivor" and the least popular kids will get voted off the island. Instead of celebrating who I am, I feel that I'm not enough, and if I don't find a way to be more, I'll soon be eliminated. The truth is, the animal kingdom doesn't play by the rules of evolutionists. Each unique plant places a special role in the lives of the other plants and animals. They support each other and balance one another out. Problems happen when we move a foreign species into an ecosystem where it doesn't have a niche and it becomes an invasive species. Most extinctions are caused not by survival of the fittest but by human activity. Nature carefully conserves millions of unique species and balances them with each other. "We walk by faith and not by sight," says our second reading. And that means we need to have faith in God's goodness. We also need to have faith in our own value. Baptism not only wipes away original sin and makes a child Catholic. It also means you are adopted as a beloved child of God, incorporated as a unique part of the Body of Christ, and made a precious temple of the Holy Spirit. Imagine how your life would look different if you lived these truths each day? When we start living for ourselves and trying to survive, we become like weeds instead of productive plants. Don't try to be a photocopy of someone else. Be the beautiful plant that you were made to be. By being yourself, you will help others thrive and grow. (13 June 2021) Going Deeper: Go for a walk in a botanical garden or flower bed and marvel at the varieties you see there. Try to find one way to affirm the unique dignity of each of the people in your life.
A good gardener knows what each plant needs to flourish. God treasures each plant. Are you living by survival of the fittest, or being the beautiful flower God created you to be?
Through the gift of the Eucharist we become blood brothers with Jesus. He gives us food for the journey to Eternal Life. Walk with Jesus this week.
We long to belong; we were made for community. But being a family doesn't just happen, especially in a world of broken promises. How can you foster community? Phyllis has the answer.
Where is Jesus when we need him most? Every Christian is called to be a little Christ. Jesus is with them because Jesus is within us.
What do an ancient human burial from Africa, Mothers Day, God’s love for us, and a little orphan boy all have in common? Tune in to find out!
Your parents gave birth to you. They fed you and protected you. But they want even more for you — they want you to live forever! The only source for eternal life is closer than you might think.
I used to lie awake at night and listen for a sign that God was calling me to a be a priest. Instead, I would get a sign of how much God cares for me. Listen to my story and learn how to discern God’s will for yourself.
Peter preaches to the same people who shouted, “Crucify him!” He himself has received mercy. He wants them to also experience God’s mercy. Here are some practical tips for forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
The Risen Jesus offers the gift of peace. The first step is the forgiveness of sins. The second step is to enter through the wounds. Where are you in your friendship with Jesus? Divine Mercy is an opportunity to go deeper.
The Risen Jesus comes to walk with us on the road of life. He explains that our sufferings are all part of God’s beautiful plan. Are you content to just connect with Jesus on Easter Sunday? This year, ask him to stay with you.
Pontius Pilate is stuck between the Rock and a hard place. When he listens to Jesus he is sure he should release him. When he listens to the crowd, he finds himself confused and afraid. Are you listening to Jesus or the crowd?
Jesus changes the passover into the Eucharist. He changes the bread and wine into his Body and Blood. And he changes you into a beloved disciple. Will you let yourself be changed by his love?
The Passion of Jesus is not a sign of how tough he was, like some kind of Die-Hard Messiah. There are two things we can learn from his death and one important lesson to take home with you.
Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary • I prepared for this feast day by reading the Fr. Don Calloway book Consecration to St. Joseph. I disagree with much he had to say about St. Joseph, but I am still excited to consecrate myself to St. Joseph. I personally feel drawn to him as a model of spiritual fatherhood and especially a model for celibates. I think he has much to teach our modern world. Here are seven things we can learn from St. Joseph: His Silence teaches a wordy world that actions speak louder than words. His Obedience to God reminds us that we are meant to fulfill God's will and not assert our wills on the world. His Chastity teaches us the true meaning of human sexuality. His Manhood teaches men to be guardians and protectors of those in need and to sacrifice themselves for the good of others. His Hidden life shows that we do not need to conquer anything or climb the corporate ladder in order to have a successful life. His Poverty shows us our value does not depend on what we own, but on who we are in the eyes of God. His Hard Work and Craftsmanship show us how work means more than just making things or making money. Two things I want to leave you with: First, Joseph succeeded where Adam failed. Joseph was a faithful steward of his Lord who tilled the garden and kept it safe from harm. Second, Joseph is an Icon of God the Father. As the Father spoke his Word into the world, so the only word that St. Joseph is recorded to have spoken is "Jesus." (Matthew 1:25) Joseph leads us to Jesus. (19 Mar 2021) Going Deeper: What is your favorite image of St. Joseph? How does this image help lead you to Christ?
Covid shook the foundations of many things we thought were solid and reveled the depth of many things we thought were fragile. Jesus isn’t worried about the things we worry about. He shows us that we shouldn’t worry about them either.
There are seven things that St. Joseph can teach our modern world. He succeeded where Adam failed. He is an icon of God the Father. Joseph is not the savior but he leads us to Jesus.
Do your Bible-church friends accuse you of works-righteous? We know the feeling. Tune in this week to hear how you can respond to them — and how you should respond to Gods offer of salvation.
All of the commandments make sense except this one. But the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. This commandment will help you to love God and your neighbor. Bonus: You’ll stop hating Mondays.
Noah and his family listened to God and were saved. The rest of the world rejected God and perished. But then St. Peter tells us that God gave them all a second chance. Lent is an opportunity for all of us to have a second chance.
Depending on what you give up for Lent, you could arrive at Easter being skinnier, healthier, better-rested, more patient, or all kinds of other good outcomes. But there is one goal we should strive for above all.
A leper colony is a place where people feel unlovable, untouchable, incurable… so pretty much any city in America right how. Here's how you can make a difference in the lives of your neighborhood lepers.
Moses was the only prophet who ever saw God face to face. Now Jesus appears with the very authority of Almighty God, authority no demon can stand against. So why has Jesus not cast out my demons?
Why do come to Mass on Sunday? When did God become real to you? When did you fall in love with Jesus? This is the one thing that will make all the difference in your life.
We can’t figure out how to order at a drive-thru; how will you figure out your own life? It turns out that a great life is more about listening than it is about making your voice heard. Tune in to learn more.
We end the Christmas season with an invitation: Do you want to be full of the Holy Spirit? All you have to do is ask
New Years (Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God) • We survived 2020! And we've been given the gift of another year to praise, serve, and glorify God. Our lives are filled with blessings and challenges. Which ones do we save? What do we ponder in our hearts? The spiritual life also experiences ups and downs. St. Ignatius called this consolation and desolation. We need to savor the bright moments and take strength for the dark times. We can be confident that consolations are followed by desolations and desolations are followed by consolations. Here are three ideas for turning your burdens into blessings: Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, not just at one moment in history, but at every moment. No matter what 2020 threw at us, I was confident that Jesus would be with us. We need to learn that Jesus is with us not just at Christmas or in the Eucharist, but in all the ups and downs of your life. Choose gratitude. There are always things that will tear you down and things that will lift you up. Whichever one you focus on will tend to grow in your life. Start your own gratitude jar for 2021, and commit yourself to pondering the blessings. When you start feeling overwhelmed, pray the Surrender Novena. Trying hard to make things work out is a recipe for disaster. Your life only works when you realize that it is a gift. Give yourself back to God. Place your burdens and the altar and watch him turn them into blessings. Follow these three tips and you'll make 2021 the best year ever! (1 Jan 2021) Going Deeper: How was God with you in 2020? How had God showed you his presence this Christmas time? Save those good moments and keep pondering them in your heart. Powered by Patrons. Image Source: reddit.com
We survived 2020! No one can predict if 2021 will be a relief or even more of a challenge. But follow my three tips and your burdens will turn into blessings.
Jesus wants to come to you every day. Humbly submit to the Father’s will and receive the Christ child. This is the secret to holiness. It is also the secret to a holy family.
Covid has caused us to pray a lot. And we haven’t always seen the answers we were hoping for. But I want to assure you that God has heard all your prayers and he has wrapped up the very best gift he could possibly give you.
Advent, 4th Sunday (B) Right from the moment of the first sin, God was already planning to save us. God prepared our salvation from Abraham through Moses and King David. In the fulness of time God sent his angel to ask the virgin Mary, "Do you want to be who I made you to be?" With humility and obedience, Mary is submissive to the will of God in her life. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. It was all part of God's plan that the same Word who dwelt in the womb of Mary would also dwell in your heart. We were made by love and for love. You were made for friendship with God, a friendship so intimate and personal that it can best be described as Christ in me and I in Him. Today we will have an altar call. At Communion time, do not come forward if you are prepared to place yourself on the altar. You might think that's a lot for God to ask. Mary thought the same. But God has already given you everything. The birth of Jesus and his presence on the altar is like going down on one knee to pop the question. Will he find room in your heart? (20 Dec 2020) Going Deeper: What are you getting the Birthday Boy for Christmas? You probably thought of something for everyone -- except him. All he wants for Christmas is you. So wrap yourself up in his love and give yourself to Jesus this Christmas.
God became man in the womb of Mary. God wants to dwell in your heart. By receiving the gift of Jesus, you become a gift back to him. Will he find room in your heart?
We were made by love and for love. But we often choose not to love. Sometimes our mother needs to remind us where to find true life and true love.
Human traffickers use false promises, threats and coercion to ensnare their victims. They become so traumatized that they might not identify themselves or seek help even in public. It’s pretty much exactly how the Enemy has victimized you.
Behind the brilliance of Creation is the mind of a God who loves us. He shaped the world with beauty and brilliance. And finally, he created you. (Part 1 of 4)
We must each give an accounting of ourselves to God. Learn what Dick Estreen and George Clooney can teach us about the Last Judgement
Christians are not called to be good people; we are called to be God's people. Mission: Impossible? With God all things are possible!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in his wonderful face. You will see the Beatitudes shining there. And the more gaze at Him, the more you will look like Him.
The biggest problem facing America is not abortion or climate change or foreigners or terrorism. It’s so simple, a child knows this answer, but so deep that it’s at the root of most of our dysfunctions today. I’ll tell you what it is and how to fight it.
Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (A) God has chosen Cyrus, a pagan king and founder of the Persian empire, to accomplish his will. St. Paul reminds us that we were chosen by God. Do you know how God chose you? I know that I was chosen to be a priest. I went into seminary right out of high school. Two of my biggest faith moments happened when I was in Rome. The first was during a study abroad when I attended Mass at St. Peter's for the World Day of the Sick. I watched Pope St. John Paul the Great bless the sick people, and something clicked for me. The Church doesn't exist for herself; she exists for Jesus Christ. Several years later, I was comfortably through my second year at Mundelein Seminary. That's when Bishop Zubik asked me to go to Rome. I said "Yes" because I thought it was God's will, even though I was not at all excited. It was a big sacrifice, but I grew spiritually. God let me know I had made the right decision. My life is not about me. Your life is not about you. You were stamped with the image and likeness of God. Your life only makes sense when you give yourself back to God. Every Sunday at ever Catholic Mass, we have an "Altar Call." Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist, and we give ourselves to him in Communion. Render to God what belongs to God. (18 Oct 2020) Going Deeper: Did you realize that Communion was not just about getting Jesus, but also about giving yourself to Jesus? Prepare for your next Mass so that you can give yourself fully to Jesus in Communion.
The Catholic Church does not exist for herself. She exists for Jesus Christ. Your life, too, is not about you. Whose image and likeness do we find stamped in you? Then give yourself back to God!
All throughout scripture, God has just one plan, one dream. You are his dream! Today you are offered a seat at the wedding banquet. Do you go away to your farm or your business, or do you accept the call to be God’s holy people?
Christians need to be standing up and speaking out for all life, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. I will share with you one simple thing we can all do to stand up for the dignity of human life.
No one wants to be shut out of Heaven. So why do we shut Jesus out of our hearts every day? Jesus can not let you into his Kingdom if you haven’t let him into your heart.
Perhaps you’ve been a loyal subscriber to my podcast but in the last few weeks that I seem to have stopped releasing new episodes. It’s not you, it’s me. I moved to PilgrimPriest.us/podcast And I updated all the podcast services that connect with it. Except for one: the unsung hero of the podcasting world, the humble workhouse that is the RSS feed. If you subscribed directly to the feed, you were temporarily forgotten. But it’s easy to fix, just copy and paste this link into your feed reader: https://cms.pilgrimpriest.us/feed/podcast You’ll get to open several new episodes all at once: When Life Feels Like a Cross | #1045 Want to Love All People? Then Start Here | #1046 Remember to Keep Holy the Sabbath Day | #1047 If Covid Doesn’t Kill You, Something Else Will | # 1048 While you’re there, Subscribe to the new podcast feed and Sign Up for my mailing list. You could win a free copy of my book new book, Oriens. Thanks, Dad, for finding this bug.
There are only a few ways that all people are really and truly equal. Perhaps the most important is that when we die, we will all be equally dead. Here's one simple tip to help you make the most of your life while you still can.
The third commandment tell us to keep Sunday holy. That means to spend the day worshipping God and renewing our spirits. It doesn’t end with Sunday Mass, but worshiping God in church is a good place to start. Let me tell you why.
Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (A) Will God really give us anything we ask for, if we just get someone else to pray along with us? Probably not. But like so many parents, God just wants his children to get along. We are called to love our brothers and sisters. It seems easy until I realize that Donald Trump is my brother, and that Kamala Harris is my sister. Loving all people is basically impossible. Even loving my siblings can be hard. We know that Jesus can, and does, love all people. So invite Jesus to live in your heart. Invite him to love others through you. Start with that sibling or in-law that's particularly hard to love. I cannot correct someone I don't love. Once I love my brother, then I can go to him (or her) and say, "Your actions do not reflect how much God loves you. And I love you too much to stand by as you hurt yourself and others." If they won't turn from their wicked ways, you don't have to have a relationship with them. You stay with Jesus. Keep loving them from a distance and inviting them back to real love. (6 Sep 2020) Going Deeper: Do a brief survey of your immediate family. Is there someone particularly hard to love? Spend some time in prayer reflecting on God's love for them. Ask Jesus to give you his heart so you can love them with his love. - Check out my new book Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas available at Amazon or at your local Catholic bookstore. If you've already bought the book, please leave a review.
Loving all people sounds easy until I realize that Donald Trump is my brother and Kamala Harris is my sister. Even our biological siblings can be hard to love. Fortunately, Jesus has a gift for you that will help you love them as He loves them.
New parishes, new life, same old crosses. We dream of being the perfect Christian and wonder why we keep failing and falling. But God didn’t call you to be the perfect Christian. He called you to join Jesus on the way of the cross.
We all have gifts. Are you using your gifts to build yourself a nice tomb? You will be able to build up others when your life is built firmly on the rock that is Jesus Christ.
We have a tendency to pull away when God doesn’t seem to answer our prayers. Instead, draw closer to him with humility and humor. God is listening, and he does care. He just wants to give you even more than you’re asking for.
This feast day answers the two great questions of our lives: Where are we going? How do we get there? Mary shows us the four virtues we have to live in order to draw closer to Heaven. Mary is happy to help you walk to eternity.
I start a new assignment while covid rages. In the midst of the storms of our lives, the still small voice says to us: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”
Ordinary 17 - So much to do and so little time. How do we keep from getting dizzy? King Solomon asks God for a change of heart. I needed the same change of heart in order to survive a crazy assignment that was much too big for me. Now it’s your turn.
Ordinary 16 - After years of dreaming, I finally paddled my kayak from Oconto to Door County. You have been equipped for the journey to Eternal Life. But are you moving in the right direction?
Ordinary 15 - Let the seeds of print, mass-media, and bad example grow in your heart and you will turn out like Alessandro Serenelli. If the good seed of God’s word grows in your heart, you will become like Maria Goretti. What is growing in you heart?
Ordinary 14 - America became and independent nation because the colonies were interdependent on one another. In a similar way, we can only find true independence when we depend on God and support one another.
Ordinary 13 - Hospitality turns strangers into friends. I was blessed by your welcome and I hope you were blessed by my presence. As the Diocese moves priests, welcome the new priest as Christ. Today in the Eucharist, Christ welcomes you.
Ordinary Time, 12th Sunday (A) We just finished our 10th annual walking pilgrimage from Oconto to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, WI. Eleven people, five days, 56 miles, 150,000 steps and a load of blessings. We experienced the loving providence of God along the road in water, weather, and BOGO pints of custard. God is not a deadbeat Dad too busy running the universe to pay attention to His children. He is a loving Father who listens, cares for, protects and provides for his children.
The perfection of manhood is fatherhood. Fathers should reflect the Fatherhood of God. Know that God loves you, He cares for you, and He hears you. Pray for men to be good fathers, to protect and provide and guide us in the ways of God. Know that God the Father receives your prayers.
(21 Jun 2020)
Going Deeper: Next time you pray the Our Father, picture God the Father hearing you and receiving your prayer.
Corpus Christi (A) For the last twelve weeks we have been in this together, even though we haven't been able to physically be together. Finally we can be together as a parish community. Digital communication helps us stay connected but it's not the same as actually being together in flesh and blood.
God is always with us. But he wanted to be together, "in the flesh." So the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, as a man and in the gift of the Eucharist. Love isn't content to be at a distance; love wants to be with the beloved. And Jesus is willing to be with you no matter what. Jesus is not afraid of our racism and violence, viruses and death. Come forward and receive Jesus as if this were your first Communion, your last Communion, your only Communion.
(14 Jun 2020)
Going Deeper: Do I long for Jesus like he longs for me? To what lengths am I willing to go to be together with Jesus?
Trinity Sunday (A)
The Diocese is evaluating the feasibility of linking Oconto with Sobieski and having Oconto Falls and Stiles get a separate priest. Two issues have emerged that would need to be addresses: Oconto and Sobieski have 5 weekend Masses between them, and Sobieski for sure would need to drop a Mass. We would need a rectory for the priest in Oconto Falls. The Diocese has held listening sessions with staff and parish leadership regarding these issues.
One thing has emerged from these discussions -- people feel that the cluster of 3 parishes have been working well together. "You brought us together, and we have been doing so well together," people said. I had forgotten that Oconto and Oconto Falls used to be rivals. We put the bulletin together. We did walking pilgrimages and Care Ministry and the shelter meal together. We did Alpha and St. Vincent de Paul together. People started to know each other and feel comfortable in the 'other church.' They even felt comfortable going to a different Bible study if they missed the one at their church. "You brought unity," they said. One person summed it up: "We've gotten to know people from the other parishes and we've realized, they're not so bad after all." This is the journey of unity -- from "us" vs. "them" to seeing "them" as "us", too.
If you've ever driving on Highway 43 south of Sheboygan, you've seen the huge American flag flying at Acuity Insurance. Tuesday, a big storm ripped through the area and tore the flag in half. Many people saw pictures of the tattered flag and felt it was a symbol of our country and what is happening in the United States of America. We have become ever more divided. It seems as though America is getting torn apart.
The iconic Acuity Insurance flag in Sheboygan - the largest free-flying American flag in the country - has been torn in half after tonight's storms.
📷: Avdil Luma pic.twitter.com/89fUWlsF4d
— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) June 3, 2020
A few years back, some football players started taking a knee during the playing of the National Anthem. They were protesting what they felt was mistreatment of people of color, particularly young black men in America. It's the same complaint that led to the I Can't Breathe protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. The United States doesn't have a national conversation, we have a national shouting match. So different sides immediately started shouting at each other. The Packers chose a different tactic. Aaron Rodgers shared that the team had sat down together and had a good heart-to-heart. At the next game when they played the National Anthem, the players all stood together, arm in arm. He Instagrammed about it a few days ago:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
View this post on Instagram A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity before the game. It has NEVER been about an anthem or a flag. Not then. Not now. Listen with an open heart, let’s educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action. #wakeupamerica #itstimeforchange #loveoverfear❤️ #solidarity #libertyandjusticeforall #all
A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12) on Jun 3, 2020 at 2:08pm PDT
It turns out if you want people to stand during the National Anthem, you don't shout at them for kneeling -- you listen to them and you stand with them. When people don't feel heard or valued, they have a greater tendency to resort to violence. The Packers show us what it takes to sew the flag back together. The forces around us will naturally separate us. We have to work for unity. If we don't stand arm in arm, we will be torn apart. Do you really believe the words of our Pledge of Allegiance?
I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
America is only indivisible when it is a nation under God that is willing to offer liberty and justice for all. If there is only liberty and justice for some, then America will not stand. Let us kneel in prayer for all victims of injustice so that we can rise up and make positive changes in our country.
Thursday, Oconto held a protest over the death of George Floyd. It was believed to be the first of it's kind in the city. One of the organizers said her black friends had been profiled by police and she wanted to speak up for them. A group of concerned citizens held up signs and demonstrated for two hours. The full police force came out, all 9 of them. There was a counter protestor and even a heckler -- a man who felt he himself had been profiled by police. I want to commend our police for their peaceful presence, and I want to commend the protestors for not resorting to violence. This weekend also saw more protests in Green Bay and a continuation of the curfew. But it sounds like police chief Andrew Smith and protestors were working together. If we want to sew America back together, these are the kinds of things that need to happen.
Why should we bother to work on unity? The ultimate reason why we should work towards unity is not found in the pledge of allegiance but in the Creed: I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth. The ultimate "us" vs. "them" is the difference between the Creator and his creatures, between human and divine. But God isn't content to live at a distance from us. The whole mission of Jesus is to lead us back into unity with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I want to end with a little story, a grace I received to see for myself that the Father and the Holy Spirit are so united with God the Son that they give themselves to us in the Eucharist. The Trinity wants to welcome you into the ultimate Community of love. If the Trinity itself will welcome us, unworthy as we are, how could we refuse to welcome others into community?
God the Father from the Sistine Chapel(7 June 2020)
Going Deeper: The next time the priest holds up the host at Mass, picture the face of God.
Pentecost (A) Through the Holy Spirit we receive the forgiveness of sins that welcomes us back into the family of God our Father. The Holy Spirit incorporates us into the Body of Christ and brings out our individual gifts for the good of all. The Holy Spirit makes us His temples and bids us carry His presence into the whole world.
Today will be the first day since March 20th that many of you were able to receive Communion. Open your heart to Jesus, cherish Him, spend the week giving thanks for His love. Hold tight to the Sacred Heart and live in your identity as a child of God, and Peace will reign within you, too.
(31 May 2020)
Going Deeper: Spend half the week giving thanks for the gift of the Eucharist, and the second half of the week preparing to receive Holy Communion again.
Easter, Ascension of the Lord (A) I have accomplished many things in my 9+ years of service in these three parishes. But one of my finest achievements was putting new tabs on the Roman Missal. I did that all by myself without any help from anyone. The rest of my achievements were really our achievements, things that we did together, with me as the head and you the members of our parish.
In a similar way, Jesus is our head. When the head ascends to Heaven, the body remains on earth. It is like the Body of Christ has been stretched between Heaven and Earth. We, the members, must have a good connection with Christ, our Head. Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your connection with Christ.
(24 May 2020)
Going Deeper: Meditate on the words of our second reading:
Brothers and sisters:
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe.
Easter, 6th Sunday (A) We know that the work of the Holy Spirit creates the Church, the Priesthood, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. But the Holy Spirit is also working in this crisis. It is the Holy Spirit that has kept us connected to Jesus and to one another during this time of isolation.
Today, too many couples practice physical intimacy before they learn how to be emotionally and spiritually intimate. They often struggle with these deeper forms of intimacy. In a similar way, a lot of Catholics were prepared to be physically intimate with Jesus, but have not been taught how to be emotionally or spiritually intimate. We have been deprived of physical intimacy with Jesus so we can grow in spiritual and emotional intimacy with Jesus.
Everyone is having a hard time right now. We can get frustrated that things are opening up too slowly, or too quickly. We can feel that people are being too careful or too careless. During this time of crisis, please be kind to people. And please focus on being grateful. As of today, 0.2% of the population of the State of Wisconsin has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and 0.009% of the population has died. Those are big numbers for a disease, but those are small numbers in the overall picture. I'm not saying this to minimize the suffering of those who have been infected. I'm saying that we should be grateful for these numbers.
I haven't always been grateful for my parish assignment. In August, I will begin serving the three parishes in Antigo, WI. It makes me realize what an incredible blessing it has been to serve you for almost 10 years. The good work that I did here was Jesus in me, and me in Jesus.
Today Jesus promises, "I will not leave you orphans." Jesus isn't leaving. He will continue to walk with you and care for you through the hands of other priests.
The vast majority of the ministry that is done in these parishes is not done by me, but by you. You are the ones teaching your children their prayers, encouraging your co-workers, holding the hand of a dying person, being kind to someone who is struggling. You do far more ministry than I do. And your ministry too is Jesus in you, and you in Jesus.
Mother Mary Catherine used to be with the Missionaries of Charity. She once asked Mother Therese, the foundress of the order, "Why do you bow to each of us?" Mother Theresa responded, "I bow to Jesus in you." What a wonderful reason to be grateful! What a beautiful motive to be kind.
to the congregation
(17 May 2020)
Going Deeper: How have you grown in spiritual and emotional intimacy with Jesus during these challenging times?
Easter, Fifth Sunday (A) Mothers are made to hold others in their arms and in their hearts. Every month, a woman's body prepares a place for a potential child. Holy Mother Church also prepares a place for her children. You are chosen and precious and have a place prepared for you in Heaven. At your funeral, Mother Church will birth you into eternity and Jesus will be there to catch you.
The church is preparing to welcome people back within her walls. In the meanwhile, we need to be preparing a place for Jesus. Considering consecrating you home to Mother Mary, or learning the Pentecost Sequence (see the notes below). You are chosen and precious. You have a place prepared for you in church and in Heaven. Have you prepared a place for Jesus in your home and in your heart?
(10 May 2020)
Going Deeper: Learn more about the Consecration of the United States to the care of our Blessed Mother and download the guide for yourself in three different languages. Pray it as a family.
Learn to sing the Pentecost Sequence, Veni Sancte Spiritus, in English or Latin or both. Make your mama proud!
National Day of Prayer for the USA • Abraham Lincoln called the United States of his day to penance, prayer, and humiliation. What do we have to repent of? Our country has been guilty of exploiting human lives to ensure an abundance of cheap goods, food, and fuel. And there's more. What part of the Lord's Day actually belongs to God? We like to say that God is #1 in our lives but every Sunday we have a chance to prove it. Do we spend the first hour of the first day of the week on God, or on ourselves? Does it surprise us that God has deprived us of Sunday Mass? Does it surprise us to that we have been deprived of our beloved sports? God will bless America when America blesses God.
(7 May 2020)
Going Deeper: Read the proclamation and listen to a dramatization on Fox 11's Website
[image source]
Easter, 4th Sunday (A) Jesus is the leader we have been looking for. He loves his sheep, cares for them, and lays down at the entrance to the sheep fold. His own body saves the sheep from the dark and nasty outside.
Jesus does not promise that our lives, or our church, will be free of thieves and robbers. But he does promise that he will always be there. If we stay close to the shepherd, we will be fine. Be careful whom you listen to.
Yesterday I had a beautiful family wedding. I started looking back and wondering what I would have told myself from 20 years ago. I could have never guessed all the hard times ahead of me. But the most difficult moments were the most profound experiences of God's faithful presence. No matter what is going on outside, or inside, stay close to the Shepherd and you will find peace.
(3 May 2020)
Thank you Paula for your support! Congratulations on your May anniversaries and Happy Birthday to all the May babies!
Going Deeper: Go back through your old photographs and consider the you who was half your age. Write your younger self a letter. How has the Good Shepherd cared for you in the intervening years?
Memorize the 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(Version is the the Ignatius Bible)
Easter, 3rd Sunday (A)
Our leaders don't seem to have a handle on our public health crisis. We've lost our grip and we're flying off the handle. The Good News is that you don't need to have a handle on your problems -- God's got this!
God has always walked with us, from the Garden of Eden to the end of the age. God is walking with you right now. The struggles and sufferings you experience are not a sign that God doesn't love you or doesn't care. Rather, they are your participation in the Paschal Mystery.
Remember how we walked with Jesus from Holy Thursday through Good Friday and into Easter Sunday? That journey is called the Paschal Mystery. Now Jesus walks with you through your struggles and brokenness into the Resurrection and new life. In the words of Desireé: If we trust in the Lord, whether it's COVID-19 or cancer, God's going to hold all of it in his hands, and he wants to keep you safe and he loves you very much.
(26 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: Last week I told you to look for signs of New Life. Now tell me where have you seen God recently?
Listen to Desireé's Witness Wednesday talk from Spiritus Ministries.
Thank you to our latest Mission Partner Barb!
The preaching podcast soon be renamed Pilgrim Priest. Stay tuned!
Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday (A) We think that we will find peace when things change. If only the kids would go back to school, the business reopen, the sickness go away. Jesus appears on Easter Sunday and nothing 'out there' has changed. Yet Jesus says three times, "Peace be with you."
Peace comes from knowing the depth of God's love for us. Thomas had the hardest time believing, but he doesn't give up. In the end he believes more strongly than all the other disciples. Thomas shows us: Find Jesus, and you will find peace. You don't have to go very far to find Jesus. Just hang in there and the Lord will find you. Jesus invites Thomas to put his finger in his wounds. But Jesus wants to heal Thomas' wounds. Will you let Jesus put his finger in your wounds?
The Disciples were locked in the upper room. It wasn't a jail; it was more like a chrysalis. After 50 days they emerge as the Church, full of life and full of the Holy Spirit. Could this time of 'lockdown' be for you a time of transformation? Believe in God's love for you. Let Jesus heal you. Let him speak to your heart and say, "Peace be with you."
(19 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: Where are you seeing signs of new life? Share those with me and with your friends and family. Learn to sing the Easter Sequence for yourself.
Thank you Sally for your support.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord •
The book Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly begins with a story about a pandemic. Our existence is threatened by a pandemic, a pandemic of sin. It separates us from each other. It causes fear and hopelessness. It leads to death. And everyone's infected. We all have a strain of selfishness and self-centeredness that runs through what we say and do. We might say, "I'm a good person. I'm not infected. Surely it is not I, Lord?"
In order to cure sin, we needed the blood of a spotless victim. God gave his only Son, Jesus Christ. He is the cure, he is the antidote. He offers a blood transfusion, a heart transplant, to make us whole again. And it cost him his life.
On Holy Thursday I talked about the Eucharist. I said that the Real Presence of Jesus allows us to decode the other presences of God in the universe. When we can see God in bread and wine, we can also see him in oil and water, fire and wind. We can that the whole world, and we ourselves, are also a sacrament.
In a similar way, Jesus is not the only time that God has entered the world. Jesus is the visible sign of what God has always been doing. He has been walking with us from the beginning of time until eternity. He teaches us to reject selfishness and live a life of self-giving love. He is teaching us to die to ourselves as individuals and rise to new life in Him. And frankly, in a world filled with sin, self-sacrifice looks like death. We would be afraid to walk this road if Jesus hadn't walked it first. Jesus shows us that light conquers darkness, that life wins, that true love wins, and that we are invited to be part of the winning team.
Jesus also reveals the power we have to reject God's plans. Will you listen to Jesus and follow him, or reject him and go your own way?
Do this in memory of me! This is why Christians gather every year to remember the Resurrection. It is not just something that happened that one time a long time ago. It is rather the new life that God is offering us right here and right now, in this moment. He is inviting you to take up your cross and follow him, to die to yourself and rise to new life.
And it's not just a yearly thing -- it is a weekly and even daily invitation. Every Sunday is a little Easter. In fact, in Catholic tradition every Friday is a little Good Friday, a day to abstain from meat, or offer some other sacrifice. You should be fasting on Fridays and feasting on Sundays. It is a chance to die to yourself and to rise to new life in Christ.
In fact, every day is an opportunity to die and rise. Catholic tradition has long encouraged us to make an examination of Conscience and an act of Contrition before bed. We can die to the ways that I was selfish that day. Then in the morning we rise to new life in Christ. Christ is Risen! And we can rise to new life in Christ every year, every week, every day.
I want to close with a poem: How the Virus Stole Easter, from Kristi at the This Side of Heaven Blog.
(12 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: What in my life needs to end, to die? What is the new thing God is beginning or inviting me to this Easter? What does new life in Christ look like for me right now?
Image Source | Big thanks to my Easter livestream team: Dave & Cindy, John & Amy, Bill, Joyce, Sharon, Will
Good Friday of the Lord's Passion • Time and again the Jewish people were unfaithful to God. But God always remained faithful to them. Finally rejected by his people, abandoned and betrayed by his friends, Jesus hangs on the Cross. From his parched lips comes the cry, "I thirst."
He thirsts for you! Like he was thirsty when he asked the woman at the well, "Give me a drink." He thirsts for your faith, your love. He desires to satisfy you and to fill your life with meaning and hope. Though you have been unfaithful, God remains faithful. You cannot kill God and you cannot kill God's love for you.
Why would the Lord allow us to be exiled from our parishes? Why would he let his people be deprived of the Bread of Life? Perhaps he wants us to thirst for him. We have barely tasted the depths of Jesus' hunger and thirst for us. Isn't it time you gave him a drink? There is no other well that will satisfy you. Come and receive living water from his open side.
(10 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: Do you long for the Eucharist? How has this longing deepened your faith, love, and hope in Jesus?
Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper • Why is this night different from any other night? Instead of presenting the oils, renewing priestly promises, and washing feet, we are all celebrating at home. This gives me an opportunity to reflect on another symbol at Holy Thursday, that of the empty tabernacle. We start Mass with an empty tabernacle because it is like the Eucharist has not existed yet. You join Jesus at the Last Supper and, on this special night, he gives you his Body and Blood as food and drink. O Sacrament Most Holy!
Many Catholics have come to think of the Eucharist (with the other sacraments and the priesthood) as if it were the only presence of God in the world. This is not true, and it's not Catholic at all! Catholics throughout the centuries have seen the whole world as a sacrament of the Creator. Living things reveal God's creativity, order, and beauty. And above all human beings are a sacrament of God's self-giving love. We were surrounded by God's love and we live always in his Divine care.
Modern Catholics have lost this way of seeing the world. As science got better at looking at the stars and at seeing bacteria and viruses, we started to lose a sense of meaning and purpose to them. It was as though God's presence had retreated to the edges of scientific inquiry, to meet us only when we die and in some unlikely miracle.
The Eucharist is the decoder. Seeing God in a piece of bread is the key to seeing God everywhere, all around you. The whole universe continues to sing God's praises the whole world is filled with his careful craftsmanship. God has never left you. Jesus will truly be with you in your prayer corner today. Ask him to open your eyes to see the world as it truly is -- full of God's love for you.
(9 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: Science can tell us what things are, but it can't tell us what it means. How does the world look different when you see it as a sacrament? How does your present situation take on a different meaning when you know that God is with you?
Lent, Palm Sunday (A) Jesus enters Jerusalem and the city is shaken. The earth will shake when he dies (Matthew 27:51). The guards will shake with fear when he rises again from the dead (Matthew 28:4).
Recently our world has been shaken by the coronavirus. Our economy is shaking, our health system is shaking, and our lives feel fragile. My schedule and plans have been so shaken that it feels like being a new pastor all over again. You might feel like a new parent, or like starting your job all over again. Five things help me stay grounded:
- A good night's sleep and a consistent bedtime.
- Regular daily exercise, including time outside.
- Good healthy meals.
- Staying in touch with key family and friends.
- Daily prayer.
Jesus turns to his Father in the garden and again on the cross. The Disciples don't pray and their faith is shaken, but Jesus stands firm. Prayer isn't just about saying things to God. It's about being in communion of heart and mind with God. Have confidence that nothing can shake God's love for you.
(5 Apr 2020)
Going Deeper: Set up your own personal prayer space or prayer corner in your home. Make quality time for God every day. Check out our suggestions for celebrating Holy Week at Home.