Blessed Sacrament Parish Community Homilies: Recent Episodes
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church - Midland, MI
Fr. Rob Howe's weekly Sunday homilies and the Gospel readings. Available for you if weren't able to attend at Blessed Sacrament or would like to listen again.
In this powerful homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the true purpose of the Christian Church: to evangelize by offering the world a tangible, transformative experience of God's love. He critically examines the current state of the Church in our country, noting how it often mirrors the judgmental attitude of the Pharisees and scribes rather than embodying Christ's teachings of love, compassion, and mercy. Fr. Rob challenges listeners to shift the focus from pointing out the faults in others to self-reflection and genuine love, as exemplified by Jesus. By embracing this approach, the Church can fulfill its mission to change hearts, lives, and ultimately, the world.
Gospel: Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Fr. Rob invites listeners to reconsider their judgments of the disciples' weaknesses as portrayed in scripture, encouraging a more introspective approach. Rather than criticizing their lack of faith, he urges us to recognize similar moments in our own lives where we, too, walk away from Christ—whether through stinginess, holding grudges, or simply letting the busyness of life interfere with our compassion. Fr. Rob reassures us that Jesus understands our imperfections and constantly offers his mercy, healing, and love, no matter how many times we falter.
Gospel: Jn 6:60-69
Fr. Rob draws a unique comparison between our relationship with Jesus and a protective friend, emphasizing how Christ stands by us as our ultimate protector. Reflecting on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the homily explores how Mary's close relationship with her son, Jesus, granted her the grace of being assumed body and soul into heaven.Fr. Rob highlights that, through baptism, we too are invited into this intimate relationship with Christ—a relationship that binds us to him, offering protection and the promise of eternal life. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the deep bond we share with Jesus and to celebrate the Assumption as a reflection of the glory that comes from being united with him.
Gospel: LK 1:39-56
Fr. Rob examines the true essence of the Eucharist, emphasizing not just the "what" and "how" of the sacrament, but more importantly, the "why." He reflects on the importance of understanding the Eucharist as more than just a ritual—it's a transformative experience that allows Christ to become one with us, strengthen us, and empower us to embody His presence in the world. The homily challenges listeners to embrace the deeper purpose of the Eucharist, urging them to let go of self-centeredness and truly live as the body of Christ, making His presence known through their actions.
Gospel: Jn 6:51-58
This week, Fr. Rob reflects on the significance of faith and trust in God's plan, particularly in moments of uncertainty and challenge. Drawing inspiration from the day's gospel, the message emphasizes how true faith goes beyond mere belief—it's about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His plan, even when the path seems unclear. This episode offers listeners a reminder of the power of faith to guide and sustain us through life's trials.
Gospel: Jn 6:41-51
In this episode, Fr. Rob delves into the truth that only God can provide the peace and contentment we seek. Join him as he reflects on this understanding through the lens of the week's readings and gospel.
Readings: 1 Kgs 19:4-8 | Eph 4:30—5:2 | Jn 6:41-51
Fr. Rob reflects on Jesus' miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish and what it means for us today.
Gospel: Jn 6:1-15
Sometimes we need to take a moment and recenter ourselves in the presence of Christ. Fr. Rob offers some insights about how to accomplish this.
Gospel: Mk 6:30-34
We are called to share the Good News of Jesus, but we are not called to do it alone. Fr. Rob reflects on how we are on this journey of faith together and what that means for us.
Gospel: Mk 6:7-13
It's hard to truly live out our faith because it can be a risk. Fr. Rob reflects on this uncomfortable reality and how we need to live with love despite what others might think of us.
Gospel: Mk 6:1-6
We are all made in the image of God, which means that we each have inherent dignity that cannot be taken from us.
Reading: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24
We all go through storms in life. Fr. Rob challenges us to listen to Jesus' words of be still when life gets overwhelming and to trust that God can calm the storms in our lives.
Gospel: Mk 4:35-41
How can we be like the mustard seed? Fr. Rob reflects on one of Jesus' most well-known parables.
Gospel: Mk 4:26-34
Abraham Lincoln quoted this week's gospel in one of his speeches, and it still applies today: a house divided cannot stand.
Gospel:Mk 3:20-35
The Eucharist is not a thing. The Eucharist is not an it. The Eucharist is a living, breathing, dynamic person, and each one of us, in relationship with the Eucharist, is called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Gospel: Mk 14:12-16, 22-26
Song version of the St. Teresa of Avila quote.
What does it mean to be human? The Trinity is a great place to start this reflection: complex, loving, creative. Fr. Rob suggests finding our own creative outlets to be more in tune with the Trinity and our humanity.
The Holy Spirit provides us with different gifts. Fr. Rob relates this reality to electric cars.
Gospel: Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15
The Ascension challenges us to look forward and embrace where we're going. With God as our guide there is nothing we cannot do.
Gospel: Mk 16:15-20
Fr. Rob is back and tells us the story of his ordination to the transitional diaconate. Let's just say it was anxiety-inducing for a multitude of reasons, but God provided.
Gospel: Jn 15:9-17
Fr. Pat O'Connor joined us for Mass this weekend. The readings for the weekend spoke of connection, and to illustrate that, he brought a heavy-duty chain.
Fr. Jack Johnson is our guest priest this week. He challenges us to think about how we, too, are shepherds like the Good Shepherd.
Gospel: Jn 10:11-18
The first disciples were able to see the resurrected Christ and have a meal with him. Present day disciples have the same opportunity: we see the resurrected Christ in our neighbors and around the table of the Eucharist.
Gospel: Lk 24:35-48
The opposite of faith is not doubt, the opposite of faith is certainty. Fr. Rob reflects on why doubt is a part of growing in our faith lives.
Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
The opposite of hope is despair, and as an Easter people we no longer have to despair, but trust in God's love, mercy, and hope for us.
Gospel: Jn 20:1-9
Fr. Rob focuses on Peter and Judas and how they react to their betrayal of Jesus. What can we learn from their responses?
Gospel: Mk 14:1—15:47
Life is a series of deaths and resurrections. Reflecting on these moments can help to prepare us for the Triduum, where we remember and commemorate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus knows us and loves us. Jesus loves us despite our deepest secrets and the burdens we carry. We know this because of the conversation with the woman at the well.
Gospel: Jn 4:5-42
We never know what God has in store for us. We just need to trust that the plan is great and he will guide us through it.
Gospel: Mk 9:2-10
We lie. We lie to others. We lie to ourselves. Lent is a chance to look at the truth and try to do better.
Gospel: Mk 1:12-15
Lent is a time to renew our faith life, not punish ourselves. Fr. Rob reflects on Lent and its goodness.
Gospel: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Fr. talks about the leper and what we can learn from him and his gratitude for Jesus in his life.
Gospel:Mk 1:40-45
Simon's mother-in-law, whom Fr. Rob named Bertha for his homily, gave us a wonderful example of what gratitude looks like - gratitude is tangible. It's an act. It's service to the Body of Christ, the People of God, the stranger, the widow, the orphan.
Gospel: Mk 1:29-39
Scripture comforts us in our times of need and challenges us when we think we're always right. God is always shaping us to be better disciples to share the Good News.
Gospel: Mk 1:21-28
Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Jesus called fishermen who thought they would never do anything great. They did small things with great love that transcended time. We, too, are called to do small things with the great love of God.
Gospel: Mk 1:14-20
Fr. Rob reminds us that we're all a little bit like Peter. Sometimes we get it, and sometimes we don't. But, the good news is that God loves us either way.
Gospel: Jn 1:35-42
Judas and Herod rejected the Good News. How might we embrace the Good New, embrace Jesus and live in the light?
Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
Mary held a lot of things in her heart throughout Jesus' life. Fr. Rob reflects on what we can learn from her and from keeping the memory of God's work in our lives at the forefront.
Gospel:Lk 2:16-21
We love our families but we don't always like them or agree with them. It's important to remember that Jesus was born into a family too and may have had similar feelings as you with your family. Fr. Rob reflects on this and what it means for us.
Gospel: LK 2:22-40
Go Lions! Fr. Rob relates the unexpectedness of the Lions clinching the division with the unexpectedness of a Savior being born in a stable, in the town of Bethlehem.
Merry Christmas!
Gospel: Lk 2:1-14
What were you like as a 16-year-old? What would you do if an angel appeared to your 16-year-old self? Fr. Rob reflects on these questions.
Gospel: Lk 1:26-38
Question everything - keep what is good, reject what is evil. Fr. Rob reflects on how asking questions helps us see God's presence in our lives.
Gospel: Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
How much do you prepare? For a vacation? For exams? For life? Fr. Rob reflects on his hunting preparation, and how we can prepare our hearts for Jesus's birth.
Gospel: MK 1:1-8
Where is the love? That's the question Fr. Rob poses in today's homily.
Gospel: Mt 18:15-20
In today's Gospel, we hear Peter give a wrong answer. Fr. Rob tells us a story about a time he felt the same way as Peter.
Gospel: Mt 16:21-27
Who do you say that I am? This is the question that Jesus poses to his disciples in the Gospel. It's a question that is still being asked of us today. Who is Jesus to you? Fr. Rob offers some background information on the setting of the Gospel to help us understand how profound this question was and still is today.
Gospel: Mt 16:13-20
If Jesus was to come back right now, Fr. Rob argues that he would be a dog lover. Listen in to find out why!
Gospel: Mt 15:21-28
Having a strong faith doesn't just happen. It requires a firm foundation and strong building blocks. Fr. Rob reflects on this and how Mary's strong foundation of faith led to our ability to know Jesus.
Gospel: LK 1:39-56
Did you know that dogs are more likely to run toward you when they're scared? Fr. Rob reflects on this and how it is similar to our faith journeys.
Gospel: Mt 14:22-33
Fr. Rob explains that sometimes we focus on the wrong things, much like Peter, James, and John in today's Gospel. When we focus on God even our most difficult times don't seem as overwhelming.
Gospel: Mt 17:1-9
How do you pray? Fr. Rob thinks he's been praying wrong all along after reflecting on the first reading.
First Reading: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12
Gospel: Mt 13:44-52
Fr. Rob tells us about his beer brewing experience, and what happens when you add too much yeast and how it is like the Kingdom of God.
Gospel: Mt 13:24-43
Sometimes the truth behind advice or the parables isn't always evident. Fr. Rob breaks open the parable of the sower, and why we shouldn't always be quick to dismiss unsolicited advice.
Gospel:Mt 13:1-23
What does it mean to be weary? How does faith help with it? Fr. Rob breaks open the Gospel to give us some insights.
Gospel: Mt 11:25-30
What is the litmus test for being a follower of Jesus? Fr. Rob offers a suggestion based on this weekend's Gospel reading.
Gospel: Mt 10:37-42
It's okay to admit we're afraid or that we are anxious. We can take refuge in knowing that God sees the big picture of our lives, and invites us to look at it too.
Gospel: Mt 10:26-33
We are still called to live out the great commission - to share the Good News with everyone we meet.
Gospel: Matthew 9:36—10:8
It's our parish feast day! Today, Fr. Rob reminds us all what it means to be Blessed Sacrament, to be the Body of Christ.
Gospel: Jn 6:51-58
What is the Trinity? Well, that's a mystery, but what we know for sure is the Love that comes from the Trinity permeates our lives.
Gospel: Jn 3:16-18
The Holy Spirit binds us together as the Body of Christ. We help each other to walk The Way of Jesus and into the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Rob reflects on this and shares a story about a Detroit Tiger's game.
Gospel:Jn 20:19-23
Fr. Rob learned a thing or two from his father. Jesus taught us a thing or two or three or a lot about the Father.
Gospel: Mt 28:16-20
Another guest presider! This time Fr. Pat O'Connor encourages us to follow the way. Disclaimer - he did not steal his One Way sign prop.
Gospel: Jn 14:1-12
Fr. Rob might not be familiar with sheep and shepherds, but he knows what it takes to raise and train a dog.
Gospel: Jn 10:1-10
In this week's Gospel, Jesus appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Fr. Jack Johnson was our guest presider this weekend and he offers a few thoughts as to what we can learn from this story.
Gospel: Lk 24:13-35
Those moments of doubt when it comes to faith... they aren't something to be ashamed of, but rather something that is meant to strengthen your relationship with God.
Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem was triumphant in more than one way. Fr. Rob reflects on the processional Gospel.
Gospel: Mt 21:1-11
Fr. Rob reflects on the death and resurrection of Lazarus in this week's Gospel.
Gospel begins at 00:00:26
Homily begins at 00:07:07
Gospel Reading: Jn 11:1-45
What is stewardship? How are we good stewards? Fr. Rob breaks open today's Gospel in light of stewardship and our call to love others.
Gospel: Jn 9:1-41
Jesus knows us better than anyone, and loves us for who we are... just like the Samaritan woman.
Gospel: Jn 4:5-42
Have you ever been stuck when it comes to your faith? Fr. Rob reflects on how the disciples got a little stuck in their mountaintop experience, and he shares a little story about how he got his Jeep stuck.
Gospel: Mt 17:1-9
Jesus is the Divine Physician, and Lent is like an annual check-up. Don't put it off.
Gospel: Mt 4:1-11
What does it mean to "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect"? Fr. Rob offers some insight.
Gospel: Mt 5:38-48
Fr. Rob breaks this long Gospel down into three parts:
- The Law
- Gehenna
- The Kingdom of Heaven
Gospel: Mt 5:17-37
Why would we hide good news? Doesn't the world need more good news these days? We don't necessarily like talking about things of faith, about the good news of our faith - Jesus gives us the solution. Fr. Rob reflects.
Gospel: Mt 5:13-16
What does a chocolate lab puppy have to do with this week's readings? Fr. Rob will break it down for you.
First Reading: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13
Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:26-31
Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a
Why did Jesus call fishermen instead of people with more power? Fishing takes patience and perseverance and those are two qualities of disciples! Fr. Rob reflects more.
Gospel: Mt 4:12-23
Fr. Rob reflects on how we are called to work with God in order to bring about the kingdom, much like John the Baptist.
Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
God is a God of surprises, we are a people who really don't like them. How do we let God's surprises impact our lives? Fr. Rob reflects on this and what Epiphany means to us.
Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
Mary's yes set a lot into motion. Her yes led to the greatest gift we've ever received. How are we saying yes to God?
Gospel: Lk 2:16-21
Merry Christmas! Our Savior is born and he is the greatest gift we didn't know we needed!
Is what we desire rooted in love? If yes, then it is from God. Fr. Rob breaks open the Gospel.
Gospel: Mt 1:18-24
You have a home here for Christmas! All are invited to celebrate the birth of Christ with us!Christmas Eve
4:00pm
Christmas Day
8:30 & 11:00am
Everyone can be an optimist if you look at where God is working in your life... even if you're a Detroit Lions fan. Fr. Rob reflects on the first reading from Isaiah and the Gospel for the third Sunday of Advent.
First Reading: Is 35:1-6a, 10
Gospel: Mt 11:2-11
What does repent really mean? John the Baptist is adamant about it. Fr. Rob unpacks this question and gives some insights into how we should live.
Gospel: Mt 3:1-12
Be prepared - you don't know what's going happen. Fr. Rob breaks open this weekend's readings.
Gospel: Mt 24:37-44
Do you want to make the world a better place? Love like Jesus. Fr. Rob breaks open the Gospel reading to inspire us to love more fully.
Gospel: Lk 23:35-43
We don't know the day nor the hour that the kingdom of God will be fulfilled. Fr. Rob speculates on when that might be... spoiler alert, not anytime soon.
Gospel: Lk 21:28
Sometimes we think we know more than we do. Fr. Rob shares a story from his past and relates it to the Sadducees in this week's Gospel.
Gospel: Lk 20:27-38
We are all called to conversion. Every single day. Fr. Rob reflects on what this means for us.
Gospel:Lk 19:1-10
"Believe what you read; teach what you believe, practice what you teach."
Gospel: Lk 18:9-14
What does this Gospel reading have to do with the movie Caddyshack? Give Fr. Rob's homily a listen and find out!
Gospel: Lk 18:1-8
Fr. Rob breaks open the story of the Ten Lepers in this week's Gospel, and reminds us that Jesus was first and foremost a teacher, a rabbi, who challenged people to know God's love in new and profound ways. How does the story of the Ten Lepers apply to your life?
Gospel: Lk 17:11-19
Fr. Jack Johnson joins us for Mass this morning, and reflects how our faith and Respect Life Month go hand in hand.
Gospel: Lk 17:5-10
We've all known suffering in our lives. What does Jesus' parable about Lazarus tell us about suffering and God's love? Fr. Rob reflects on God's love in the face of suffering.
Gospel: Lk 16:19-31
Song of Farewell
You cannot serve both God and mammon. Jesus has some tough words in this week's Gospel and Fr. Rob helps us to apply it to our lives.
Gospel: Lk 16:1-13
What is the golden calf in your life? How does it separate you from God? The Good News is that God's love reaches beyond our sin, our golden calves, and our brokenness. Fr. Rob reflects on what this means for us.
Ex 32:7-11, 13-14
Gospel: Lk 15:1-32
Jesus has some hard words in today's Gospel, but Fr. Rob tells us that it's about prayer.
Gospel: Lk 14:25-33
To love as Jesus loves means loving unconditionally and unselfishly. Fr. Rob reflects on this and the rest of the gospel in this week's homily.
Gospel: Lk 14:1, 7-14
What did Jesus mean by the "narrow gate?" Fr. Rob reflects on this image in this week's homily.
Gospel: Lk 13:22-30
Jesus never said being his disciple would be easy. Saying "yes" to Jesus doesn't guarantee everything will be magically wonderful. Fr. Rob reflects on why we should be followers of Jesus despite the challenges.
Gospel: Lk 12:49-53
When we hear today's Gospel reading, we usually think about being prepared for what comes next after this life. Fr. Rob challenges us to be prepared for the ways that God reveals his love to us in our daily lives.
Gospel: Lk 12:32-48
Everything we have is on loan to us from God. Fr. Rob reflects on what it means to be a good steward of the this loan.
Reading: Lk 12:13-21
Fr. Rob talks about the limitless nature of God's mercy and love as it relates to this week's Gospel.
Reading:Lk 11:1-13
Are you like Mary or Martha? Fr. Rob encourages us to find the balance between the two.
Gospel: Lk 10:38-42
Who is my neighbor and how am I to love them? As Catholic Christians, we are called to love our neighbor, even those we disagree with, not only in theory, but in action. We have to be the example to the world of what it means to love our neighbor. Will they know us by our love?
Gospel: Lk 10:25-37
There's no turning back. Once we embrace Jesus and his kingdom, there's only the future to look forward to.
Gospel: Lk 9:51-62
There's a lot of confusion about the Eucharist. Fr. Rob wants you to know one key concept about this mystery: the Eucharist is not a thing, it is a connection to God and one another.
This week's Gospel: Lk 9:11b-17
Easiest way to identify a Catholic? Watch for the sign of the cross. Fr. Rob reflects on what this symbol and reality means in light of the Trinity.
Fr. Rob reflects on the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. What is the Spirit calling you to?
Gospel reading:Jn 20:19-23
Fr. Rob reflects on the Ascension and what it means for us as disciples today. This week's Gospel: Lk 24:46-53
The Church is made of up human beings moving towards the fullness of God's kingdom. That means we're not perfect... yet. Fr. Rob reflects on how we manage being a part of the Church until we reach that perfection.
This week's gospel: Jn 14:23-29
What's the difference between flying a plane and being a disciple? Fr. Rob shares his story of flight lessons and relates it to this weekend's gospel: Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35.
Fr. Rob talks about his dog, Bentley, and how if Jesus was going to add some more parables to the Gospel, he might consider more dog stories.
We are all called to a life of service and friendship with Jesus. Fr. Rob reflects on this weekend's Gospel interaction between Jesus and Peter.
Fr. Jack Johnson celebrated Mass with us this past weekend, and reflected on what faith is during his homily.
Fr. Rob reads from the account of Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem from Luke's Gospel, and reflects on what this means for our own lives.
Fr. Rob reflects on the story of the man born blind and his witness to the power and love of Christ.
The first scrutiny takes places for our catechumens. Fr. Rob reminds us of how much God loves us.
Fr. Rob reflects on what it means to have an experience of God's profound love and grace. Where do you see God's love and grace in your life? How has it helped you?
What does Jesus' temptation in the desert have to do with our own journey through Lent? Fr. Rob explains.
We had a guest priest this weekend! Fr. Pat O'Connor joined us and shared his gifts and insights on this weekend's gospel.
Stop judging and you will not be judged; stop condemning and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and gifts will be given to you. Fr. Rob reflects on these words from Jesus in today's gospel and challenges us all to think about them as a prayer.
To be pro-life means to love all life. Jesus calls us to stand up for those who society would choose to ignore. Fr. Rob reflects on this and the gospel in this week's homily.
Reading I: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Responsorial Psalm: 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26
Fr. Rob reflects on the calling of the fishermen. How do we respond to God's call? Is it immediate or do we say "not right now, maybe later"?
Reading I: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
Responsorial Psalm: 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Love never fails. Everything we do must come from a place of love. Fr. Rob reflects on St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
Reading I: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
Reading I: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27
Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Fr. Rob reminds us that each one of us are wanted, precious, and loved - not just in the eyes of God, but in the family of faith.
Fr. Rob challenges us to listen to God, to have the faith of Mary, and respond to "Do whatever he tells you."
"If you seek a pleasant pennisula look around you." Fr. Rob relates the Michigan state motto to the magi and Herod.
The world needs hope. This is what we are waiting for on Christmas Day: Hope of the world, Emmanuel, God with us.
Fr. Rob reflects on the readings and how we as Christians need to step up and offer more mercy, compassion, and love in the world.
Fr. Rob borrows the catch phrase "keep your fork" from Bishop Ken Untener as he reflects on the readings for the first Sunday of Advent.
It feels as if society is more fractured than in the past. That we see those who dissagree with us in any way have become our enemies. Fr. Rob reflects on this and what Christ the King has to offer us.
Guest priest, Fr. Bert Gohm, reflects on this week's Gospel. He challenges us to look beyond the literal interpretation of the end time Scriptures. Instead, he wants us to see that these were written for a people in difficult times, like us, living through a pandemic.
Fr. Rob poses the question: "What do we contribute to the kingdom of God?" If your answer is very little, he challenges you to think differently.
In this week's gospel, we hear the great commandment- Love God and love one another. Loving each other is part of loving God. Sometimes in order to love others, we need to repent, which means to see things in a new way.
Are we clamoring for a place of honor? Fr. Rob reflects on James and John's request to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus, and what it means for our own journey of discipleship.
This week's Gospel: Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27. Things that are seemingly impossible for us become possible with God. What are things in your life that seem impossible?
It's easy to look the part of being a disciple, but it's much harder to actually live as a disciple. Fr. Rob challenges us to not just look good, but to actually be good. It's not enough to oppose the structures that hold people back like racism, systematic poverty, etc., but what are we doing to help erradicate them?