Open Wide the Doors: Recent Episodes
Fr. Daniel Belken
”Be not afraid, open wide the doors for Christ.” Episodes include homilies, reflections, and lectures given by Fr. Daniel Belken, who is a priest of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in Missouri, and has been ordained a priest since June 2020.
We all have storms- but what is going to help you and I get through these various storms?
We can eat, and drink, and have, and do all sorts of things- but nothing will ever amount to much when we meet Jesus- the object of our desires.
Facades can be beautiful things- even in organs- but maybe God is calling you to be authentic and reach true greatness instead.
The Gospel today seems so harsh to loving your relatives and family members... but maybe it isn't harsh at all!
When we receive the Eucharist- is that just for the long term effect, or are there some things going on that we cannot see?
Are we meant to stop at the basic idea of the Trinity, or is there more to the story- and the identity?
Why are the disciples staring at the sky- or why are we staring at anything less than heaven or what gets us there?
Maybe when the Lord says "If you love me, keep my commandments" there is more than we might think about on the surface.
Christ introducing Himself as the "way, and the truth, and the life" is the invitation we all need to hear. Are you and I on the way?
We've all seen the use of force, and we've seen the use of love- but which does Christ use as the Good Shepherd?
It seems so easy to judge the two disciples who could not see Jesus- but are they really so far from us?
Are we "in our bubble" or have we seen the tomb has been opened and what that means for us?
We don't like distance, not within ourselves, not in geography, not even in our relationships... isn't Good Friday just more distance?
We celebrate the priesthood and the Eucharist tonight, but why? What does it mean when Jesus says "He loved them to the end?" Is that the disciples, or is that us?
One liturgy- and two different phrases separated by mere minutes. What is the point that we can draw from this contrast?
From a simple phrase to "Offer it Up" to a consideration of how sin does limit our potential, discover how Lent works to free us from all that holds us back.
You've heard of "out of the box" thinking, but how about "out of the tomb"? Are you ready to do what Lazarus has done?
The blind man sounds like a miracle that is too good to be true- but maybe we are the blind man- and we need some help
We have free will- but how we use it has effect. How might our choices impact those around us, and how can we make better choices?
Having true freedom and free will- it is a blessing! But it is also a risk. What should we know about this component of our life that the Lord places into humanity?
The invitation that Jesus extends to the woman at the well isn't too far off from being our invitation. Will you accept it and reject everything else?
Even as we endure the strongest of temptations- Christ shows us the way to avoid them- and even avoid breaking a window or two along the way.
How easily we forget the love of God- and the Season of Lent offers us an opportunity to remember.
We love the feeling of comfort- but are we willing to take the effort to get it to last forever?
We are often told freedom is doing whatever we want, whenever we want. Being a disciple seems different... is it?
A star indicates more than three Magi might have thought- a series of "crises" that challenge them and push them. Can they push us as well?
We have more than one way to get to the Father- but have we recognized that this past year, and will we let her help us more this year?
We can often think of the Holy Family as an irrelevant or unattainable ideal. However, is there a better way to understand the way they may influence us towards living better family life?
Why does Jesus lie in a manger, and can that be a source of comfort and an invitation for us?
We often limit ourselves in our lives by a lack of faith- Joseph shows us how to be set free, and to live in a better way.
There are some joys that are deceptive- and some that are true. Are we ready to surrender the false joys for the ones that are true?
When we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, there is more to this celebration than meets the eye. Can it encourage us to change ourselves?
John the Baptist seems to be such a Lenten character- and yet, here he is in Advent, challenging us to repentance and conversion. Perhaps there is more work to be done for Christmas after all!
Life has a way of making one drowsy. Enter Advent- and we receive encouragement to start again!
What can this celebration of our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, teach us in our situation today?
In the midst of the frightening themes of apocalyptic nature, what should we take forward with us as Jesus speaks in the Gospel?
There is only one life-giving stream- and it comes through the Church- especially when we need it. But are we satisfied with this life-giving stream of grace?
It's one of many topics that many will claim a different point of view on- but perhaps the thought of purgatory is more of a revelation of God's goodness, than added difficulty in attaining Heaven.
You cannot hide things in your spiritual journey, nor distract God from them. So, in hearing this Gospel- is it better to act like we have it all together- even if that means trying to hide, or being honest in our brokenness, and letting the Lord see the "real" us?
So many things require persistence in life- what about prayer? What does that look like?
There were ten lepers, and only one returned, grateful and glorifying God. How does that have the potential to change not only how grateful we are- but also how much we have to be grateful for?
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is very strong in its language- what should we take away from it? How can a Ford Ranger help us along the way?
We try to do life on our own terms quite often- but what does the "dishonest steward" have to say about that?
In days when there is so much hatred and suffering- and even violence, the Cross stands firm- and even offers hope, if we let it.
We often bill holiness as misery and as something too unattainable. Yet, isn't it what is going to help us to be happy, and will set us free?
Calculate the cost! Being a disciple may cost more- and is worth more- than you expect!
Humility has recently been portrayed as something of a low self-esteem, or maybe thinking you're not worth anything at all. If Jesus tells us anything in the Gospel this weekend, maybe we don't understand it quite right, though.
Jesus says that He will cause division- and that doesn't seem to mesh with the version of Jesus we all know from the Gospels- does it?
We've heard of the Ascension, and we've also heard of the Assumption. Are both the same or different things, and how does that challenge us?
Do you know how close you are to the Kingdom of Heaven- or even how close it may be to you?
We know so little about St. Lawrence- and yet so much through the few parts of his life that we know. May he inspire us to virtue.
Aren't all things just vanity in this life, anyways? Perhaps not, if we begin to be rich in what matters.
Pray in a way that you may not do already- first, by praying; second, by being persistent; and third, daring to hope in the promise that your prayer can have an effect! Dare we to hope in that?
We can get so used to living in our comfort zone- what does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about that- and the call to heaven?
We are all running, likely, but are we running towards or away from the source of all things- and the one who can make us happy?
Peter and Paul are such powerful saints in the Church's history- do we have any hope of being like them at all?
In life we have so many "extraordinary" things that we enjoy- perhaps even some are dreams... what happens when they become ordinary? Should we let the Eucharist become ordinary and "mundane"?
When it comes to the Catholic faith, often it is cast in a bad light as a bunch of "rules" or technical jargon... isn't there more to it?
Pentecost features the Holy Spirit and all of its gifts- but what does that mean for you and I?
We've all seen some of the "greats" or "heroes" of our time- have we left those moments indifferent or changed? What about when it comes to the Gospel?
We are all looking for peace whether we know it or not, but we are likely looking in all the wrong places. From apps to social media, a lot of promises are made, and none are kept. Christ offers us true peace- it's up to us whether we want to surrender and have it!
Looking like a Christian may be a bit more of a high bar than you'd expect- not just a shirt or wearing something "Catholic." Jesus gives us encouragement to take this "look" on ourselves, with some instruction today.
We have all sorts of people who know us, but there is only one who truly does... but do we know and follow Him?
We spend too much time looking for other ways to be happy- the way we've been given in the risen Christ has been with us all along. Do we love enough to see it?
In worldly terms, "mercy" tends to be a feeling... but is that feeling what God wants us to experience and give one another?
Why didn't the disciples yet understand the scriptures? Why couldn't they find it in themselves to believe in the truly amazing things that had happened that Easter morning?
Why is this night different than any other? What do the events of this night do to change our lives?
What makes us different as Catholics? Amongst many things, there are two important ones that we celebrate on Holy Thursday.
What is all of this business about on holy week? Why a colt, and why so many of the other mysteries that we encounter?
If we are honest, we've all messed up (I have plenty of my own stories!). Do we handle those mistakes as fools, as liars, or as authentic disciples?
If you delve into the Prodigal Son, perhaps the path to understanding and receiving God's love isn't as complicated as we might make it out to be!
The 2nd Reading and the Gospel this weekend are a bit difficult to hear: why this harsh language from Paul, and from Jesus? Does it fit with how we know Him?
We are so used to seeing fleeting signs of glory, at least in a fleeting sense. Maybe it is time for us to behold a heavenly glory through the Son.
Temptations come in all sizes- but that doesn't mean that we cannot overcome them- does it?
There is so much more to Lent than simply a "self improvement project." Are you focused on God in these forty days and forty nights? Will you give Him the repentance that He is due, and enjoy eternal rewards?
A mere child, crying out in church, can teach us a lot more than you may think about having a pure tongue in worship of God and in service of our neighbor.
We are so used to following the "common" way of the world... but what do we do when Christ asks us to follow a different path- that is far more difficult?
There is a very clear split between the halves of today's Gospel- the ones who are blessed, and the ones full of woe. Why does it seem counter-intuitive in the eyes of so many?
I must beg your forgiveness for this homily- my voice is very under the weather at the moment, and so this episode is very short!
Peter is invited by Jesus twice- and Peter accepts with life changing consequences- and two boats full of fish. Maybe it's time to stop rejecting the Lord's call, and take up Peter's example!
The Presentation of the Lord emphasizes our need for Christ- who came to share in our humanity. Are we being changed by the Incarnation as a candle changes darkness?
If a pup knows what it is like to be loved- and is excited and overjoyed at that love- can we see the same thing happening between us and the one who fulfills us?
It all started with a question: as a priest have I seen miracles? Can we even see miracles like the Wedding Feast at Cana in our own day?
In a world consumed by wildfires, it seems that John promises a Baptism with the Holy Spirit... and fire? Is this fire something more than meets the eye- something that we need?
When something jolts us awake in the middle of the night- such as a Bethlehem star- will we change our ways?
There are so many ways to photograph our families- and we like to capture the good sides of our families! What if we are struggling with the bad sides- or feel there is too much brokenness in our own family? Can the Holy Family help?
Would A Christmas Carol have been the same even without Christmas? What does it teach us to do in our own celebrations today, and throughout our lives?
What can we expect to get from Jesus as we enter these last few days of advent? What will we find under the tree?
Notre Dame is back in all it's glory! But, perhaps the cathedral is less a reflection of our Lady, and more of a reflection of us, and our need of her intercession for us!
The ritual of cleaning the house to prepare for a Christmas tree is all for show if we don't undergo the more important work first: preparing for Christ.
We have to be vigilant and diligently watching so many different things in life to be effective, cows included. Shouldn't faith be amongst the first of them?
We shouldn't acknowledge Jesus as King and just walk away unchanged- should we? How should we respond?
Eventually the Father is going to reappear- but we don't know when. What are we supposed to do in the meantime?
In a world that is all about saving money on the things we buy, is there a better way when we find ourselves in front of the "temple treasury"?
It's all too easy to slide into just living up to the "status quo" in a life of faith, but is that actually possible with the two great commandments?
Bartimaeus is seeking the Lord in the Gospel- and nothing will stop Him. Can we be so determined in seeking Him out?
We are so used to taking in everything we can get our hands on- and James and John do the same. Maybe its not about that drinking in though...
So many things to own, to buy, and to have! What does Jesus have to say about these things?
Statistics show us being lonelier than ever before... can the Catholic view of marriage tell us why this might be happening?
What does greatness look like in the life of a disciple? Is it compatible with what we are called to be at all?
Is this what I signed up for? Likely the disciples had that question on their minds whenever Jesus told them to take up their cross. What does that mean whenever we encounter our crosses?
The Divine Physician doesn't just heal ills so long ago- so what does His healing hand do these days for us?
The Pharisees and scribes were focused on the law- and while law is good, perhaps there is a different way to understand it today- with Christ's help.
Disciples have walked away from Jesus before... but do we risk the same these days? What do we do when others have walked away?
In all of the brokenness in the world today, there is only one thing that will fix it all...
In the tough moments of life, there is only one true source of provision for us that truly matters. What's more- it's something only the Catholic Church has! What is it?
We have many basic needs in this life- and yet, Christ shows us the most important one we have: the Bread of Life.
What would it be like to see the multiplication of loaves happen today? Can't our Lord still satisfy our hunger?
So much hatred, division, and conflict show themselves in our world today. Many hate religion- and are angry with our God. Is there any solution?
While we may not get sent out two by two, we need to be like the Apostles, now more than ever before! What does that mean we do, though?
How are we to counteract the example of Jesus's native place, and even those that Ezekiel was sent to prophesy to?
When faced with sin, sickness, death, and so many other evils in this life- how are we to solve all of these problems?
We are so used to seeing growth everywhere- but what does that mean in a life of faith?
We've all seen the depictions: a devil on one side, and an angel on the other. What do we do when we feel that tension?
We are so familiar with the altar that we gather around for the Eucharist- but do we understand the deeper meaning and what can we do to prepare ourselves better to receive Christ?
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: it impacts life now more than you might think!
When the Holy Spirit came down, the disciples lives were changed. Is the Lord ready to change ours today?
Jesus gives us one life-changing commandment: love one another. The implications of that may be a little further reaching than one might think...
In a world that is all about being connected- is our connection with God currently good enough?
Our Lord is the "Good Shepherd"- and that changes things for us more than we can imagine!
Jesus appears to Thomas. The Apostles shared all things in common. The victory is ours in Jesus. What does all of this have to do with God's generous gift of mercy?
We are in a world that seems to be falling apart... how can we fix it? Is there a solution?
The women went and found the stone rolled away. The Lord has risen! What does that mean for us?
We celebrate two profound gifts tonight: the Eucharist and the priesthood. As we follow Jesus to Calvary, how does this impact us?
The celebration of Palm Sunday is twofold: the triumphant entry, and the exit to Calvary as the Lord is laden with the Cross. As we behold these mysteries this week, how do we behold them?
We hear about the grain of wheat that must die to live... what does that mean for us today?
John speaks of light and darkness in the Gospel... how are we doing on our Lenten observance to purify ourselves and to choose light?
So many hobbies and professions require focusing on weakness to hone our skills. Is faith any different, and what does that look like?
The leper came to Jesus- was healed and left. He got some things right- but what might he have gotten wrong?
Thomas Edison was known for a many things- does he have what it takes to help us live out the virtue of optimism, and also of hope?
Twice in the Gospel we hear this word "authority" in reference to Jesus. Is that a bad thing, and how might that challenge us to develop our faith further?
The Lord appears and three Magi offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What should we offer ourselves? How can we respond to such light?
Mary is an essential part of the Nativity scene: what does the Mother of God offer to all of us who gaze upon that scene?
The Holy Family is not an unrealistic ideal, but one that we should pursue, even in the messiness of life. Why?
We are preparing our homes for guests for the Christmas season... what does preparing our hearts for Christ look like?
There are so many things that promise happiness and joy in this life... but where do we turn when all of these things fall short?
We are all on a journey of faith... but how well do we follow that path? Are we good at inviting others into this journey as well?
"Watch!" That simple command from Jesus seems simple... but what does it require a believer to do to further seek out the Lord in this season of Advent?
Jesus is king, and yet so often described as a shepherd. How are these two things related, and what does that mean for us?
Whether five, two or one talent, each of us has gifts meant for the Kingdom of God. Are we using those gifts well?
There were ten virgins in today's Gospel, five foolish and five wise. Which ones are we called to be?
We often behold distressing situations in the Church. Has that changed from times past? What makes one consider a vocation in this day and age anyways?
Why the statues all throughout the church? Why celebrate those who have already gone before us?
We all have a choice: will we live focused on ourselves or upon our God and upon others?
The statistics for general anxiety are startling... does faith have an answer to this contemporary problem? Is the answer staring us directly in the face?
Is it enough to "see the church is still standing" or is there more to what Jesus desires?
The will of God is often thought to be something very cumbersome. How does the parable of the two sons encourage us to follow it, no matter where it leads?
The parable of the workers in the vineyard makes very little sense in our world today. What exactly does it all mean? Are we meant to be like those workers, or different?
Is life just meant to be about ourselves, or does Jesus have something more in mind than an ego-centric worldview?
Jesus does not promise the disciples a life of ease, but rather the share of a disciple which is denial, taking up our cross, and following the Lord. What does that look like in our own day and age?
When it comes to identifying who we are, we often strive to help others see us more clearly. Do the questions posed to the disciples in the Gospel do the same for Christ?
The Canaanite woman petitions Jesus with confidence that she will get what she asks for. Are we bold enough to pray in the same way?
Why do things look so bad in this life, and what does that have to do with weeds in the wheat?
Is faith going to produce result in us? Can suffering affect us living a life of faith?
We crave rest, relaxation, and consolation. Are we going to find the fullness of those cravings in anyone but God? Are we willing to go to Him to be satisfied in a world full of yokes and burdens?
We seek satisfaction all around us, but where is the one place that we can be truly satisfied and fully fulfilled?
Today, we celebrate the Holy Trinity as a Church. How does this lead us into communion, not only with God, but also with each other?
The disciples receive a gift of the Holy Spirit on this final day of Easter. What does that gift mean for us?
When the Lord ascends into heaven, does that mean we are left alone on our own journey? What are we to do when He ascends from our midst?
Philip goes out and experiences conversion of many people at his preaching. Is this even possible for us today?
We, as human beings, are geared to strive for greatness. Are we supposed to do the same in the spiritual life?
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep, but are we willing to listen and hear His voice?
The two disciples walk the road to Emmaus... yet, where are we headed in our own journey?
The Crucifixion depicts our Lord pouring our Blood and water... how is He also pouring out His Mercy to us?
The Mass tonight centers around light- what is the connection to our life today as we experience Christ's light?
Jesus gives us two sacraments and one commission... what is the connection they share in love?
We speak of Jesus as a King, and yet the Cross seems to contradict what we may think a king should do. What does Palm Sunday speak into that?
What does faith change about the concept of death and dying? How does Lazarus play into this concept?
We have end goals, but we may not know what it takes to get there. How does the Transfiguration change all of this and encourage us on?
Temptation is all around us- and some of it is quite strong. Should we give up and go home or is there more that our Lord wishes to offer to us in the face of these enticing forbidden fruits?
What does Rodney Atkins have to do with the readings this week? What do we need to be doing as we prepare to celebrate the season of Lent?
Rules, laws, and commandments. What is the end objective of all of these things, and how do they encourage us to enjoy God's love and live in a better way?
"You are the salt of the earth!" It sounds pretty great on its own, but what does this mean in our life, especially in a world of darkness?
Do we settle for the bare-minimum when it comes to faith, or are we encouraged to do more?
The people in darkness have seen a great light. How does that apply to Jesus, and how does that then apply to each of us?
John the Baptist returns this weekend in John's Gospel, and he testifies to Jesus. What does testimony look like for us, though?
The Nativity scene gives us so many different figures to look at, and yet Mary takes on so much importance. How can we be more like her in this Christmas Season and at all times?
We celebrate Christ's birth on this most Holy Day- how does that enter into our own reality and our own life?
"Rejoice in the Lord always! I shall say it again, rejoice!" The Third Sunday of Advent uses the word "rejoice" for it's theme, and yet, how do we receive that same word?
As a Church, we celebrate Mary being conceived without sin. Yet, we are not born with the same grace. Does Mary still give us something to imitate?
John the Baptist cries out "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What does this cry of repentance mean for us?
The "end of the world" seems like such a daunting time... what does this season of Advent challenge us to do in relation to that coming moment?
We celebrate Thanksgiving Day yearly as a nation, and yet, is there something deeper offered to us by our faith?
Jesus Christ is King of the entire universe. What does that mean for us as the Church's year draws to a close?
Malachi speaks of the Day of the Lord. Jesus speaks of the end times. What should we be working out in the meantime?
A mother and seven brothers. Saint Paul encouraging the Thessalonians. Jesus challenging the Sadducees. How are all of these selections supposed to point us to heaven?
The Church has canonized so many saints, yet what is the point of this solemnity? How does it impact us who are not yet saints?
We've heard the story of Zacchaeus since we were little. Is there a way, though, that we might be able to identify with him? What is God trying to teach us?
Jesus begins a rather harsh inditement of those who are convinced they are righteous, or that they have everything together. Should we be a people who "have it all together" or come to God, even in our poverty?
Moses persists in battle as the day draws on. The widow prevails on the judge who seemed unaware at best. What do we do when God seems quiet, or when faith isn't easy?
Naaman receives healing at the instruction of Elisha; ten lepers receive healing at the hands of Jesus. What does that mean for us in a modern world today? Do we really need to be healed?
The apostles approach Jesus with a simple petition: "Increase our faith." How do we make this petition our own prayer when we look at our journey of faith? What does it take to increase our faith?
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is one we have certainly heard before, but do we consider the warning that it gives us and the encouragement it affords us towards eternal life?
In this life, we are given so many different things by God our Father. Are they an end in themselves or might they lead us astray?
God can often be branded as an angry and harsh ruler looking for every minor misstep and infraction of ours. How might we be invited into a new perspective of Him, as well as reconciliation?
We have so many different commitments and things that we are dedicated to! Where does a life of faith fit in the mix?
We often hear this word "humility" in a very negative way. Why is it actually a virtue that gives us growth in our spiritual journey?
The kingdom of Heaven sometimes seems like a pipe dream. Or, perhaps just a free-ride. However, what does Jesus actually tell us it takes to enter Heaven, and how does that invite us to change our lives today?
Jesus speaks about this imagery of fire in the Gospel, and it is powerful what He desires to see flame up. How do we adopt that flame ourselves, and deliver it to our brothers and sisters effectively?
We have all sorts of different things in life that demand our attention. Work, projects, family, friends, and so many other things constantly call our name. How do we organize everything and set our sights on heaven?
Jesus encourages the disciples to guard against greed, and Ecclesiastes laments the temporary nature of possessions. What does this mean for us as people of faith?
The disciples have a simple request for Jesus: "Lord, teach us to pray." Is it such a simple request, or is it going to require more that what they might have thought?