Fr. Kyle White is Pastor at St. Leo the Great Church in Lafayette. We form missionary disciples by modeling intimacy w/ God and running together toward heaven. To learn more about St. Leo, visit stleolafayette.com
It's not your job to feed the 5,000. Your job is only to provide the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Imagine the freedom we'd have if we cared more about being faithful to God than about worldly outcomes.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
True wisdom is not about having all the information, but in having an attentive heart that notices the treasures of God and responds accordingly.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
When bad things happen to us or around us, we find ourselves wondering why God doesn’t just fix it. Jesus offers a mysterious answer to this question deep within us.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
The average American would probably define freedom a bit differently than the Christian. True freedom is not in escaping yokes, but in embracing the yoke of Christ.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
A Christian who doesn’t put Christ first is out of place. If we want to experience fullness of life, we must first enter into fullness of death to our constructed ego. This will be tough, as the cross is guaranteed, but the payoff is more than worth it.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
Most of us care more about what others think of us than about what God thinks of us. This not only prevents us from having a true conversion, but also burdens us with insecurity and fear. But the love of God has the power to cast away all fear.
Learn more about our mission at stleolafayette.com
There seems to be a growing interest in Catholicism among young people. Perhaps one reason for this is because they’ve been left empty by the promise of modernity, and Catholicism offers the only adequate response to their deeper questions.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
God has given us an extraordinary gift in the Holy Eucharist, but we too often take it for granted. Here are some minimum requirements for preparing to receive the Eucharist, as well as some practical tips to better prepare for Holy Communion.
For more information on our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
In a world of AI, what makes us human? The good news is that it’s more than intelligence alone. We are made for communion.
For more information on our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Sometimes the sacrament of confirmation can feel a bit anticlimactic when we compare it to Pentecost. But, the measure of the Holy Spirit’s action in us is not so much about emotional intensity, but about the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5).
For more information on our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Who is growing closer to Christ because of you? We all have influence over others, positively or negatively. How are you using it?
For more information on our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
When Christians persevere in hope, the Gospel spreads like wildfire.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
More than having all the answers or the perfect plan, our hearts are fundamentally longing for Jesus Christ.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We often make it more complicated than God does. In making decisions, we don’t have to approach it as a puzzle to solve, but a relationship to trust. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he respects our freedom.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We all know people who have left the faith. Some of them might have once had a strong faith, only until something happened that caused them to walk away. Jesus is drawn to these people, just as he was drawn to the disciples on their way to Emmaus.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The Risen Jesus enters into the upper room even though the doors are locked. He does the same for our hearts and says, “peace be with you.”
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The fundamental claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ truly died & rose from the dead. We have plenty of historical evidence to suggest that he did. There’s no room for middle ground here. He either rose or he didn’t.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Pontius Pilate gives us two options: the kingdom of the world v the kingdom of God. Which will you choose?
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
So many of us live as though we’re already dead, but Jesus calls us by name and loves us back to life. It’s time to start acting like it. **This is the final week of our series on conversion.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Although conversion includes a change in behavior, it’s so much more than that. True Christian conversion is about changing the way we see. Everything changes when we put on the lens of Christ.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The problem is not that we desire too much, but that we settle for too little. Deep within each of us is an innate desire for God, but most of us aren't able to tap into that desire because of so many smaller desires that keep our attention. Our desires need to be purified so that we can discover our thirst for the Lord, who thirsts even more for us.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
When God calls, fear surfaces where trust is thin. If we fix our eyes on Jesus, our fear begins to fade, trust begins to grow, and our hearts begin to heal.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Our hearts are divided because ew distrust Our Father. God wants to rebuild our hearts by regaining our trust.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Just as a good doctor addresses high blood pressure & high cholesterol, Jesus addresses the “smaller,” hidden sins because they are still indicative of poor spiritual health. If left unchecked and unaddressed, these tend to escalate into much larger problems.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
When Jesus says that we are the salt of the earth, he means so much more than simply “making the world a better place”. While that’s definitely true, there’s a deeper meaning connected to the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus was happy and he wants us to be happy. The Beatitudes are his instructions for deep, enduring fulfillment (makarios). Jesus not only taught them, but lived them out perfectly.
Although important, the call of the first apostles is but one moment of a much longer, complex story. Our conversion upon encountering Christ is a major event in our lives, but each day following should be a deepening of that conversion. The apostles give us much hope here.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
God created both faith and reason to draw us to Himself. The Magi used both to discover the Christ child. When the star and the scroll converge, the only proper response is worship.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We don’t honor our parents because they’re perfect. We honor them because love demands it. The 4th commandment never expires, it only matures through the seasons of life.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, but that’s sometimes overshadowed by a cloud of suffering. Whether this past year has been filled with great moments or difficult ones, we’re in this together. God is with us!
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Although we may feel unworthy of the task to which God is calling us, we can find encouragement in taking Mary into our hearts. Be not afraid to accept God’s mission for you.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
John the Baptist points out that something better than the Messiah is here. Just because things may not be happening according to our plan doesn’t mean that God is not present. In fact, he may be doing something even better.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Just like marathon training, growing in the spiritual life is a long, slow process. Patient endurance is key to building strength over time. You’ve already come this far - have hope in how much further God is taking you!
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
In the spiritual journey, many of us have been driving distracted, or worse, falling asleep at the wheel. Advent is our annual spiritual alarm clock.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
How is it that two people can look at the same thing, but see something completely different? Here’s how Pontius Pilate and St Dismas saw Jesus differently during his final moments.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Work has dignity because of the dignity of the worker. From the medical field to the construction site, and from the stay at home parent to the disabled veteran, every human person needs a sense of meaningful purpose. Without it, we lose an essential piece of what makes us human.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Three events converged this weekend: the conclusion of National Vocation's Awareness Week, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica this Sunday, and Veteran's Day coming up this Tuesday. What do all three of these have in common? Holy Zeal.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Even after someone experiences a conversion, they still sin because of their brokenness. We all need to go through a process of purification, and suffering can be the opportunity we didn’t know we needed.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Like the Pharisee in the parable, we tend to compare ourselves to others and lean too much into our spiritual resumes. The tax collector shows us the better way by praying The Jesus Prayer.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The most important, effective, and powerful thing that you can do for someone you love is to pray for them. Our prayers are like lightning bolts where divine power meets human surrender. Prayer is so much more than a mental health exercise. We pray because the world depends on it.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Gratitude is more than good manners. It keeps grace alive in us. Pride keeps us from happiness, but humility makes us grateful.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Our efforts will always fall short to some degree, but God’s favor doesn’t depend on our success or results. It’s freely given; and when his grace meets our limitations, something extraordinary happens.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Our lack of faith is not due to a lack of evidence, but to our hardness of heart. If you’re feeling doubtful, discouraged, or self-concerned, the solution to your misery may be surprising to you.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Why does Jesus praise the dishonest steward? Not for his dishonesty, but for his prudence. True wealth is not measure by how much we accumulate, but in how much we give away.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
One of the most powerful things that sets us apart as Catholics is how we approach suffering. Although we don’t go looking for it, we also don’t run away from it. Instead, we face it with faith. And when we do, we are healed. This is the mystery of the cross, and the reason why we elevate the crucifix as the primary icon of our faith.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
St. Carlo Acutis & St. Pierre Giorgio Frassati show us that holiness has nothing to do with age, status, or success. Even ordinary people in modern times can become saints by giving Christ everything.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Humility is about trusting God more than ourselves. Jesus is the supreme model of courageous humility.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We too often treat Jesus like a fair weather friend, even though he’s there for us through the thick and thin. Like a loyal friend, he’s there beside us as we strive to enter through the narrow gate.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus is on a mission to save you from self destruction and to give you life, but that is not fully experienced until we go through a process of purification. Be not afraid!
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Our interior peace is too often determined by external circumstances. But we don’t have to be emotional yo-yos, constantly fluctuating due to things outside of our control. When we trust in Christ, we are at peace and prepared for anything.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Sometimes our minds feel like a browser window with 30 tabs open. But how much of that is self imposed? Imagine if we spent less mental energy on the "vanity of vanities"
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Be persistent in your pursuit of Christ, because He’s persistently pursuing you.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
How different would the Martha & Mary story be if Martha would have simply asked Mary for help? Although most of us would prefer to avoid conflict in most cases, conflict resolution can save us from turning a small issue into a big one.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
People of every age, race, and economic status are at risk of experiencing a deep loneliness. What if we saw Jesus in the lonely and made a genuine connection?
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
What if we stopped comparing and started rejoicing? Instead of boasting in our skills, accomplishments, and accolades, we find real strength and courage in the cross of Jesus Christ.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Nothing can imprison someone who belongs fully to Christ. Sts. Peter and Paul show us real courage and true freedom.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Following Jesus is about both prayer and mission. Eucharistic adoration is one way that we follow Jesus. We do it not just to feel better, but because the world needs it. Here’s a handout on Eucharistic adoration.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Just as God is a communion of persons, so are we designed for community. Here’s a brief training on how to start and lead small groups. The handout can be found here
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Every baptized Christian has charisms of the Holy Spirit. Here’s a quick catechesis & training on how to discern your charisms and to use them for God’s kingdom. Handout can be found here.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus did not ascend into heaven to leave us, but to lead us. We are his body, the Church, and we share in his mission for the salvation of souls.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We may be tempted to seek to escape earth for heaven, but what if we changed our mindset to bridge heaven & earth now? Jesus Christ is the bridge, and we are the body of Christ, which means that we are called to bridge heaven & earth.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
As we prepare to enter our newly renovated church, we recognize some parallels with the renewal in our hearts. We are a work in progress, but reconnecting this summer will be the fuel that motivates us to keep growing.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Pope Leo XIV’s first weekend as pope falls on Good Shepherd Sunday. If we want peace in the world, it begins with Christ’s peace in our hearts.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
There may be plenty of reasons, but it’s a question worth pondering. Perhaps one reason, though, is because we’ve lost our sense of mission.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Surrender is not weakness. Surrender is giving space for Jesus to breathe new life within you.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Like a Trojan horse, Jesus entered the realm of death and destroyed it from within, releasing all the souls of the righteous. Satan never saw it coming. Even though we still live in the shadow of sin, suffering, and death, our hope is in the Risen Jesus.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
No on suffers like Catholics. For centuries, we have been proclaiming the mystery of redemptive suffering.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The ministerial priesthood is less about the things that a priest should do, and more about who a priest should be.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Judas did not become a betrayer overnight. He gradually got to the point of his ultimate betrayal little by little.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We sometimes feel caught between a rock and a hard place when we are asked to go along with something that we know is wrong. Condemnation or celebration seems to be our only two options. But Jesus shows us a third way in today's gospel. He neither celebrates the sin nor condemns the sinner.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
There is a divine fire within you that you probably too often neglect. There’s also a divine fire in the other person that we frequently fail to notice. What if we reverenced that fire in the same way that Moses reverenced the burning bush?
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus gives Peter, James, and John an early taste of his glory to strengthen them for the road ahead. We, too, are given moments of clarity and consolation from the Lord to prepare us for when times get tough.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Satan has the same tactics that he's always had. Although it worked for Adam & Eve, it didn't work on Jesus. We no longer belong to Adam & Eve - we belong to Christ, which means that we are not powerless in the face of temptation!
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
What we say matters, as well as how and why we say it. Here’s a list of 5 sins of speech from the insights of St Thomas Aquinas and some advice from Christ on how to overcome them.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The command to love our enemies is arguably the most difficult of all of Jesus’ teachings. How are we supposed to love someone who has hurt us?
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Sometimes it’s easier to surrender when something is completely out of our control. But what about the things that are a little bit within our control? Trusting in God is something in between clinging to control and completely giving up.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We sometimes speak of holiness as if it's something to accumulate, but that language can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Instead, the prophet Isaiah and the apostle Peter give us two great examples of what it means to be set apart.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus is the light in your darkness. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) connects the crib to the cross.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
God gives each of us specific gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ. We too often consider our purpose in life through the lens of what will make us happiest, but what if we instead considered God’s role for us in his kingdom? Each individual person has an essential and irreplaceable role in the Body of Christ, and discovering that role will lead to something greater than quick happiness.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Jesus’ first miracle is not an exorcism, nor a healing, nor an act of nature, but to supply wine at a wedding. Fundamental to Jesus’ mission is his identity as the divine bridegroom. Understanding this properly changes the way we understand our experience at Mass.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
We are experiencing an identity crisis, which is causing too many of us to feel lost, discouraged, and confused. The Father announces Jesus' identity at his baptism, which also tells us something about our identity. Instead of believing all the identity lies that the world tells us, we choose to believe what the Father says to us.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Why do you seek what you seek? King Herod and the Magi each sought Christ, but with different intentions. Sometimes we seek the wrong things in life, but sometimes we seek the right things with the wrong intentions. Instead, we want to seek the right things with the right intentions.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The Holy Family is not just an example that’s too idealistic to imitate. The Holy Family is your family, too. Jesus shares his family with us, and they make up for where our families fall short.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
The Christmas story is so much more than a sweet children's tale. It's a bold proclamation that God lowered himself to rescue us from the powers of darkness by elevating us into his divine life. Christ was born for you because he loves you that much. Do not forget your dignity. Merry Christmas!
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
While Christmas is supposed to be a time of happiness & cheer, sometimes family members have a way of robbing us of our joy. Taking Mary & Elizabeth as an example, here is one concrete way to discover joy in the midst of everyone we encounter, including the difficult people in our lives.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Anyone with a heartbeat knows that anxiety is just a part of life, but St. Paul tells us to rejoice always and to have no anxiety at all! He's not suggesting that we run away from the cross, but that we embrace Christ in the midst of our suffering. Here are two concrete things that we can do when we are anxious: a prayer of petition and a prayer of thanksgiving.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Advent is about embracing John the Baptist's desire to decrease so that Christ can increase in us. Here are three concrete ways to die to your ego so that you would have more room in your life for Jesus Christ.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Our hearts become weak and weary from overindulgence and all of our worries. Advent is a time to reset. Since Jesus tells us to pray for strength, we will strengthen our hearts these next 24 days.
To learn more about our mission, visit stleolafayette.com
Most of us have a few smaller fears that, although they aren’t debilitating, they tend to influence the way that we see the world and make decisions. Sometimes those smaller fears can prevent us from seeing Jesus in front of us. Today we surrender our fears, big and small, to Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
The apocalyptic passages in scripture are not meant to scare us, but to motivate us. Everything in this world is passing away, except the Word of God. Be not afraid to live for his Kingdom.
We tend to feel good when we give our time, energy, and money to a good cause… until it starts to hurt. Resentment can creep in when we give beyond our surplus. The story of the poor widow’s coin reminds us that the primary reason we give is not for our personal fulfillment, nor for economic benefit. The fundamental reason we give is to die to our ego so that we may learn the art of love.
Since American politics is often an emotional rollercoaster, we can be tempted toward one of two extremes: total disengagement or over engagement. Instead, Jesus gives us the commandment of charity, which is love of God and neighbor. The law of charity serves as our guiding light in everything, including our political engagement.
**Please forgive our sound quality this week. We are working to fix the issue before next weekend.
We tend to hold on to things, even if we know they aren’t good for us, because it’s what we know. But these things prevent us from approaching Jesus. The gospel demands a responds, and Jesus invites us to “throw our cloak aside” and follow him. Be not afraid. It’s time to be set free.
Most would agree that if something is important to us, it’s worth making sacrifices in order to achieve it or obtain it. But there’s a difference between making a sacrifice for personal gain and offering a sacrifice for God & for others. Jesus calls us beyond self-interest.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
When push comes to shove, most of us place our trust in our financial stability. We all want to trust Jesus, but our finances tend to have more of an impact on our sense of peace. But no matter how much wealth we have, putting our trust in material possessions ultimately gives us a false sense of security.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
The number one threat to marriages is the same top threat to our salvation: selfishness. St John Paul II speaks about the personalistic norm as a fundamental principal for human relationships. Persons are meant to be loved, not used.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of sin & scandal by acknowledging the reality of hell. Parents especially need to be on guard from leading their children to sin. Although God’s mercy is essentially the good news of the gospel, it’s not very good news if we don’t take seriously sin, scandal, and hell.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
For most of us, the single biggest obstacle in our spiritual life is our tendency to cling to control. We may have even tried to “let go & let God”, only to get discouraged when it got hard. But the way of Christ is different.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
We tend to flee from suffering at all costs, only to be frustrated in finding it to be unavoidable. Yet, by his cross & resurrection, Jesus gives new meaning to all of human suffering. We have a choice: to use it or lose it.
Discover more about our parish and our mission to Bridge Heaven and Earth here stleolafayette.com/mission
To help us reach our $250,000 Stuller Foundation matching goal for the church renovation, click stleolafayette.com/give
Our distractions make it difficult to hear the Word of God, which in turn makes us less confident in speaking God’s Word. In a spiritual sense, we become like the deaf & mute man in the gospel reading. Yet, even in the midst of all our distractions, there is hope.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
Jesus doesn’t say that all traditions are bad, but he does criticize the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. When traditions undermine the fundamental message of the Gospel, we got a problem.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
Much of evangelization is about making good invitations. I’ve see this done well, but also done poorly. Here are 5 things to avoid when inviting someone back to church.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
The Church’s teachings on marriage, family, and the body can be difficult to accept. Every conversation will be unique because every situation has its nuances. Although truth doesn’t change, we should always be evaluating and adjusting our rhetoric when speaking about tough moral topics. Jesus shows us how to speak with both truth & charity.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
Nutrition is often just as important as the training for Olympic athletes. We may not be elite athletes, but we are disciples called to be saints. The road to holiness does not happen by accident, but involves a firm commitment and divine nutrition.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
Some foods satisfy us more than others. The same can be said about media. Underneath our hunger for food, stuff, and entertainment is a deeper desire for God, who alone truly satisfies.
Our mission at St. Leo Lafayette is made possible because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at stleolafayette.com/give Thank you!
As the secular world celebrates an unlimited self-expression in the name of peace, it falls short in achieving a world without conflict. In contrast, Jesus calls us to strive for peace through an unconditioned self-gift, which leads to a tranquility of order. These two opposing worldviews were particularly on display at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress and the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, providing for a teachable moment.
Work & entertainment are both good, but they must be rightly ordered. Otherwise, our overindulgence in either one can lead to a constant distraction from the spiritual life. Beware of the vice of acedia, which restlessly avoids spiritual matters.
In one generation, Quebec went from being one of the most religiously active cities in the world, to one of the least. Just because we have a strong Catholic history & culture in Lafayette doesn’t mean that we’re immune from the same fate. We must evangelize.
Human strength becomes divine power when we focus on Christ. Instead of getting sad or angry about our limitations, what if we rejoiced?
Sometimes we doubt and wonder why we even bother, especially after repeated disappointments and let downs. So what's the point? The point is our transformation, and it's not a waste of our time.
We often don't believe in Divine Providence because we are too afraid to give him the chance to be provident. When we make space for God to act, he provides in ways beyond our imagination.
Sometimes we overcomplicate growing in faith. We feel like our emotional experience is the measure of whether or not we are growing. However, here are three failsafe ways to always be growing in faith, regardless of how you feel.
There’s no sin too great for God’s mercy… except for one. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can be understood as un-repentance or hardness of heart. This is the only “unforgivable sin” because it is a refusal to accept the mercy that God offers to us.
We tend to develop a “spiritual amnesia” as the days go on. Hence, it’s incredibly important for us to be continually reminded (”anamnesis”) of who God is and what he has done for us, which happens every time we go to Mass.
The health and vitality of a family is measured by the love and service each member gives to another. If we get this wrong, we will get evangelization wrong.
Holiness is measured not by extraordinary miracles, but by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. If these fruits are lacking in our daily lives, the solution is not to “try harder” or “do better”, but to rely more heavily on the Holy Spirit.
We often overcomplicate evangelization. Often times, people are only an invite away from encountering the Lord more personally.
There's something about sacred beauty that inspires us to do God's work. Please prayerfully consider supporting our church renovation project. To see our renderings, go to stleolafayette.com/revival
Most parents naturally protect their children from physical danger, but how many parents are concerned about their spiritual protection? Parents are the spiritual leaders of their families, which comes with a great spiritual responsibility.
The Risen Jesus has a glorified, human body. This points to our destiny, when our bodies will reunite with our souls on the last day. It also points to the profound dignity of every human person.
Sin causes real damage. Even though our eternal punishment may be forgiven through confession, the need for reparation remains. On Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus offers us a unique opportunity to make spiritual reparation for the damage due to sin.
If you could change anything about your life in order to make it more fulfilling, what would it be? Jesus is the Resurrection & the Life. He sets us free to live life to the fullest.
Imagine if you knew ahead of time that someone was going to hurt you. Would you treat that person any different? Jesus was free enough to give himself totally to those that he knew would betray, deny, and abandon him.
If you knew ahead of time how much something was going to hurt, would you do it anyway? Jesus was free enough to lay down his life for us.
It’s not easy being Christian, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Even though Jesus was troubled, he was not doubting, nor was he trying to avoid the cross. Instead, he freely chose the Father’s will.
Unless & until we experience the real damage of sin in our lives, God’s mercy doesn’t mean much. But when we take an honest look at the darkness within us, we find hope only in the light of Jesus.
Jesus transforms our experience of worship. Our worship is no longer limited to a particular time & place, but a lifestyle that we embrace at every moment.
In the details of scripture & the particular events of your life, God has a plan. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it. And yet, in his goodness, God gives us glimpses of hope to encourage us to persevere when times get tough.
Our mind is often the battleground for temptation. Pope St. Gregory the Great and St. Ignatius of Loyola share wise insight into conquering temptation like Jesus.
We may not have too many lepers these days, but we have plenty who feel alone, rejected, or outcasted. If that’s you, come to the One who won’t look away.
Jesus touches the misery of human suffering and transforms it into something beautiful.
Spiritual warfare is real. It's something to take seriously, but not something to fear. Here are 4 practical things that any baptized Christian can do to be set free from spiritual attack.
Following Jesus is hard. Sometimes we focus so much on all the things that separate us from Him that we get discouraged, but Jesus gives you a personal invitation today to lift up your eyes & to take one step forward.
The magi were led by the star, while King Herod was led by fear. The star was a sign from God that pointed toward Christ. In a certain sense, you are the star, called to point toward Christ so that others can encounter Him.
Parents have a nature authority given to them by God, but authority is not about power and control. Even though God has supreme authority, he chose to veil it by becoming obedient to human parents. If he can honor his parents, we can, too.
Even though our human experience tells us that people often make promises they can’t keep, God is a Father who always keeps his promises.
Fear can sometimes paralyze us from following God’s will. Mary & Joseph show great courage in the Christmas story. Their courage is not found in the absence of fear, but in the presence of Christ.
If we want to always be joyful, we must always be praying. But is that really possible? Here are 5 practical ways to pray without ceasing.
What is your measure of success? St Mark turns expectations upside down with a bold statement at the beginning of his gospel.
What if Advent was less about doing more and more about doing less? Ideally, prayer, family, and charity wouldn’t be a burden added to our to do list, but the fruit of a heart that is settled and at peace.
If we want peace in our world, nation, and family, it must begin in our hearts.
There is peace when Christ is King, and Christ reigns with charity.
Sometimes Catholics are the ones who need to be evangelized. Every moment of our lives should be an act of evangelization. If not, we quickly turn in on ourselves and forget what it means to be a disciple.
Has the fire within you dwindled? It may be because you are lacking in works of mercy. Concrete acts of charity are what distinguishes the prepared from the unprepared.
Jesus seems to say that we shouldn’t call anyone “father” except for our Father in heaven. If that’s the case, then why do we call priests “Father”?
Many of us struggle to love God and neighbor because we haven't seen it modeled well by others. Ideally, the family should be the primary place where we learn how to love, but more and more families are at risk of forgetting their main task.
What is the relationship between the Church and the State? Here is an overview of my role as a priest and your role as lay persons in matters regarding politics.
What distracts you from staying with the Lord? The Holy Trinity dwells inside of us, but we too often neglect to notice. St. Paul teaches us that the secret to contentment in good times and bad is our ability to remain with the Lord.
God exalts the lowly. That’s the pattern of Christ, the pattern of scripture, and the pattern of the saints. If we want to become great, we must first become little.
Justice without mercy is cruel. Sometimes, for the sake of restoring a relationship, it’s better not to keep score. The good news is that God is not a scorekeeper, he’s a good Father.
How do we know if we've actually forgiven someone? Sometimes it's helpful to first identify what forgiveness is not. Here are 4 things it isn't.
Jesus gives practical advice for conflict resolution, but the first step is the hardest. Here are 5 tips for navigating tough conversations with family members.
What should we do when our kids suffer? Is there a wrong way to help? Here are a few practical suggestions based on the gospel.
What should we do when our kids suffer? Is there a wrong way to help? Here are a few practical suggestions based on the gospel.
Our identity and our purpose come from God. They are gifts to receive, not something to achieve. Who we are and what we are supposed to do make no sense without Christ.
Have you ever felt like God ignored you? It seems that Jesus ignores the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel, but something deeper is going on here.
The apostles feared for their lives while they were caught in the storm, then they feared what they thought was a ghost. Yet, after Jesus walked on water, their anxious fears turned into a holy reverence.
God reveals his glory through the face of Christ. In his face, we find mercy, hope, & healing.
Some say everything happens for a reason, but St Paul seems to say something different. Although subtle, there is a difference between an optimistic belief in a cliche and a deep conviction of Christian hope.
How often do you have a conversation about the evil in the world? Some may say that they worry about their kids & grandchildren because of the way things are headed. Fortunately, Jesus gives us some hope in today’s parable.
Where’s the line between being free of anxiety and being irresponsible? How can we be good stewards with our resources without falling into an unruly desire for more stuff? Jesus offers a simple solution in the parable of the sower.
Physical rest is important, but beware of the idolatry of self-care. True rest is not in comfort, but in relationship.
Whoever finds control over his life will lose it, but whoever loses control over his life for my sake will find it.
When we deny Christ in small ways, we eventually deny Christ in big ways. If we want to have heroic faith on our death bed, we should start having heroic faith now. Be not afraid to be all in.
Jesus Christ is the model of masculinity. He shows us that the defining characteristic of masculinity is not success, but self-gift. Men are most fulfilled when their gift of self is not limited to a project or cause, but when it is made to living persons.
Jesus Christ is the model of masculinity. He shows us that the defining characteristic of masculinity is not success, but self-gift. Men are most fulfilled when their gift of self is not limited to a project or cause, but when it is made to living persons.
The amazing story of little Li, a young girl who truly understood that the Eucharist is so much more than a symbol.
If you think you fully understand the Trinity, there’s a good chance you’re falling into heresy. Yet, even though God is beyond our understanding, we can get a faint grasp of his inner identity because of what he’s revealed to us.
God is doing something special at St Leo. Our exterior upgrades are only a sign of something deeper that’s happening on the inside.
St Edith Stein, St John Paul II, and the late archbishop Fulton Sheen have each commented on the beauty, mystery, and dignity of the woman. Regardless of whether or not a woman has physically given birth, she is uniquely destined toward spiritual motherhood.
When we are struck by beauty, we are drawn outside of ourselves. St Peter builds on this theme by highlighting the transcendental reality of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.
A recent survey of newly ordained priests found that 86% of them decided to consider priesthood because someone encouraged them to do so. What would you say to a young man or woman asking for advice about whether or not to pursue a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? Unfortunately, many of us discourage these vocations without realizing it.
Jesus chose to stay with us after he rose from the dead, but our lack of faith sometimes prevents us from recognizing him. Fortunately, our eyes can be opened just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Our own sinfulness can become a source of mercy for others if we allow Christ’s wounds to meet ours. We cannot give what we don’t have. Before we can effectively show mercy to others, we may need to first let God show mercy to us.
Just as Christ humbled himself for our sake, what if we humbled ourselves to make this week different?
Those especially dear to God have it as their lot to endure suffering, as we see in the case of Lazarus. But be not afraid! We can either suffer on the way to calvary, or suffer running from it. The latter is way worse.
We often underestimate how our spiritual blindness affects our decision making. Instead of over analyzing all possible choices, what if we brought our spiritual blindness to the light of Christ?
Jesus reveals himself as a divine bridegroom to the Samaritan woman at the well. Even though she was perhaps the most unlikely character to receive such attention from the messiah, Jesus chose her on purpose to foreshadow his deep love even for the most shameful of sinners.
At the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals himself as a new Moses. Just as God revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai, Jesus revealed his divinity on Mount Tabor. God wants to reveal himself to us, too, but we are often too distracted to notice.
Jesus becomes a “new Adam” by conquering his three original temptations in the desert. We, too, experience these three temptations all the time. The remedies are fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
What does it mean to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect? To be perfect is not to be flawless, but to love completely. But before we can love completely, we must first allow ourselves to be completely loved.
There is a difference between the emotion of anger and the sin of anger. The same can be said about the attraction toward another person and the sin of lust. Emotions and desires are often involuntary, but the choice for or against God takes place in the heart.
We share in Christ’s mission to sanctify the world through our prayers and through our works of mercy. Offer your body as a living sacrifice to God the Father through Jesus Christ.
The Beatitudes are the countenance of Christ. We reveal the face of Jesus to the world by living these core values.
The Word of God is a person, Jesus Christ. There’s always more to scripture because it is alive. Here are 4 “senses” with which we can approach any given passage.
We need to be saved from our tendency to turn in on ourselves. Many of us are not free to love as we ought. If you feel like your love for others is lacking: Behold, the Lamb of God.
Christ has no hands and feet but yours. God chooses to reveal himself through his creation, especially through our humanity.
Mary knew the ending, but not all the details leading to it. This prompted her to treasure all circumstances and to ponder them in her heart. Imagine if we approached 2023 with the same posture.
The Christmas story is not so much about our journey to God, but about God’s journey to us. We don’t have to search any longer! God is here & now. He is with us!
There’s power in the name of Jesus. Yeshua means “The Lord saves.” Only the Lord can save us from ourselves.
Is the Gospel good news to you? If not, I wonder if we’re taking it for granted. Until we recognize the destructive power of sin in our lives, the Gospel message loses much of its meaning.
A lack of patience usually indicates a lack of love. St James and St Francis de Sales both give us some practical advice on how to be more patient.
Just as we get dressed for a new day, St Paul tells us to put on Christ for the age of salvation. Imagine how different our year ahead would be if we each woke up early every day for mental prayer?
We have a decision to make. We either believe that Jesus is God or that He is not. If He is God, then He is king of the universe and of our lives.
Our emotions tend to blind us from the bigger picture. We sometimes fight the wrong battles. Have you lost your focus?
There are 3 mains reasons why priests are typically not married: Christological, Ecclesiological, & Eschatological. It’s the third reason that Jesus speaks about in today’s gospel reading.
Sometimes we feel the pressure of having it all together before we are able to have a good relationship with God. But He wants to encounter the real version of us, not the facade of who we think we should be. Jesus did not die for perfect people, he came to seek and to save the lost.
We all sin, but that moment immediately following the sin is crucial. It’s the difference between heaven & hell. Beware of these 3 traps: making excuses, convincing yourself it’s no big deal, and comparing yourself to others who do worse.
The parallels between the story of Moses in our first reading and the story of Jesus’ crucifixion are stunning. Just as Moses interceded for the Israelites, Jesus interceded for all humanity on Calvary - and He continues to intercede for us today. We all have battles to fight, but some choose to fight them alone.
Gratitude helps us recognize the Giver behind the gifts. The Examen Prayer helps us live a lifestyle of gratitude. Here is a basic structure to the Examen Prayer: (BAKER) Blessings, Ask the Holy Spirit, Knowledge, Experience mercy, Resolution.
We all have trust issues, but Jesus says that with even a little trust in Him, we can do the impossible.
How quick are you to notice the needs of others? The more comfortable we are, the more difficult it becomes for us to even see them. Living divine mercy begins with paying attention.
How quick are you to notice the needs of others? The more comfortable we are, the more difficult it becomes for us to even see them. Living divine mercy begins with paying attention.
When we put our trust in wealth, we cling to self-reliance, which is just another name for pride. That self-reliance is a major barrier in a life of true freedom and communion with God.
We leave home every time we search for unconditional love in places where it can’t be found. If you find yourself far from God, it’s not too late to return home. We belong to the compassionate Father who sent His only Son to draw all things back to Himself.
This is arguably Jesus’ most difficult challenge. Is your love for God greater than your love for your family? Is it stronger than your love for yourself? Do you love him more than every single thing that you own? Jesus challenges us today to be all in.
When you come to Mass, how much pride do you bring with you? We all tend to err either toward presumption or despair. Instead, we want to come with a humble confidence.
Suffering is strength training in holiness. God does not cause evil, but he does permit trials so that we can grow. Decide now to take advantage of every opportunity. It’s better to suffer with Jesus than in spite of him.
Your primary role as a parent is to raise your children toward heaven. Your strategy may differ depending on the age of your child. I’d like to suggest that parent of babies should provide, parents of kids should teach, parents of teenagers should mentor, and parents of adults should evangelize.
Scripture speaks a lot about money and possessions. St Francis de Sales gives us three indicators on whether or not someone may struggle with the vice of greed. If you desire interior freedom and true fulfillment in Jesus: be grateful, be generous, and trust.
Jesus says, “ask and you will receive,” but what if that doesn’t match up with our experience? How do we make sense of unanswered prayers? In short, God typically responds to our prayers by saying yes, no, or not yet. Either way, keep praying!
Jesus didn’t rebuke Martha’s activity, he rebuked her anxiety. We want to have the heart of Mary with the works of Martha. Here are 6 things we can do now to have less anxiety so that we can stay at the feet of Jesus.
1. Pause
2. Surrender
3. Simplify
4. Pray
5. Study
6. Silence
Just this summer, a co-founder of a satanist movement in South Africa converted to Christianity. His conversion story has striking parallels to the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Every baptized person shares in the priestly mission of Jesus Christ and is therefore called to sanctify the world (CCC 873; 1Pet 2:5). Real evangelization happens through personal relationships. Start with your own circle of influence: who are your 3, 12, and 72? Witness to your 72, accompany your 12, and invest in your 3.
What are we to do now that Roe v Wade has been overturned? Here are 6 practical things we can do starting today - and they all boil down to one thing: charity.
Put Christ first
Be sensitive in our speech
Serve those who suffer
View abortion advocates as Jesus does
Be a witness of life
Prayer
We feel most loved when another person is totally present to us. God is love and He reveals his love by his presence. Ponder the love that is contained in the Eucharistic host and let love ignite within you.
There is only one God, but there are somehow 3 distinct, divine persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since each of these persons are 100% God, we can’t say that there are 3 parts to one God. Instead, we know that each of them are equal and eternal, yet somehow truly distinct. While this is beyond our human capacity for understanding, what we can grasp is that God is an eternal, active relationship of love - each person giving themselves totally to one another. If we are made in the image and likeness of God, then we, too, are called to give ourselves totally to others. Only in a freely given, authentic act of love do we discover the true meaning of what it means to be human.
How is it that so many of us receive the sacraments, but still feel like our faith is in a rut? Sin brings death, but the Holy Spirit brings life to the fullest. If you feel like there’s something missing in your life, perhaps the answer is a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Holiness is possible, but it won’t happen on accident. Here’s a gut check question: where are you going? Put differently: what is the primary goal that you are trying to achieve in your life? The answer to this question determines how you spend your time, how you make decisions, and how you interact with others.
True peace is not the absence of suffering, it’s the presence of love. Jesus offers a peace that’s far greater than the world’s.
Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is the world so obviously messed up? What, if anything, has been done about it? And if anything has been done, what is our role in all of it?
A mother shares in the rescue mission of Jesus Christ. Our mother, Mary, models this well by receiving her child as a gift, entrusting him to God, and suffering with him to the end. If you are a biological, adoptive, or spiritual mother, you, too, can image God as savior. Happy Mother’s Day.
Jesus does not interrogate us when we sin. Instead, he invites us to make a choice to let Him love us. If we have the courage and faith to make this decision, we will be changed forever.
We all experience darkness to some degree. Divine Mercy is the light that shatters our darkness. This simple prayer is appropriate in every circumstance, especially when all seems hopeless: Jesus, I trust in you.
Jesus continues to pray with His Body, the Church.
Holy Week Preaching Series: Jesus Prayed. Easter Vigil.
Jesus prayed multiple prayers of mercy from the cross.
Holy Week Preaching Series: Jesus Prayed. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.
Jesus prayed a prayer of “anamnesis” (liturgical prayer) during the Last Supper.
Holy Week Preaching Series: Jesus Prayed. Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday.
Jesus prayed a prayer of intercession through his High Priestly Prayer (Jn 17).
Holy Week Preaching Series: Jesus Prayed.Tenebrae Service on Spy Wednesday.
Jesus prayed a prayer of surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane.Holy Week Preaching Series: Jesus Prayed.Palm Sunday.
How do we simultaneously love the sinner and hate the sin? Since every situation is unique, there is no easy answer. But with charity and truth as our guide posts, and Jesus as our guide, we can creatively achieve both demands of the Gospel.
There may be a number of reasons why people are hesitant to go to Confession, but our need to experience tangible forgiveness remains. God is a compassionate Father and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
God’s name given to Moses reveals to us that He can be found in all things. But it takes a lot of humility to discover God at all times. Instead of turning in on ourselves, we desire to make a habit of turning toward God and discovering Him even in the most difficult circumstances.
What motivates you through suffering? Nothing can compare to the glory of God’s love. Today we pray for a glimpse of that glory. Draw me, Lord, by the power of your love - and we shall run through the cross into the Resurrection.
How do we fight temptation? BIT by bit with God’s grace. Be firm in the beginning, Inform wise spiritual persons, and Turn to the Father.
If someone were to read a transcript of everything you’ve said in the past 24 hours, what would they say about you? Words are powerful and Jesus challenges us to take that seriously. Lent is a great time to cleanse our hearts and our lips.
They say that hurt people hurt people, and healed people heal people. Jesus challenges us to have mercy even on those who don’t deserve it because the measure with which we measure will be measured out to us.
If I asked you to describe what happiness looks like, what would you say? Jesus paints a picture of happiness for us in the beatitudes. The only problem is that it doesn’t seem very happy. It turns out that true happiness is not easy.
There is such a thing as a healthy fear. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:9). When we have a healthy, reverential Fear of the Lord, we do not fear the world because we belong to the Lord.
We tend to get a little impatient. We often find ourselves irritated and annoyed. It doesn’t take much for us to judge or to be self-centered. Deep down, we hunger for agape love and Jesus serves not only as our model, but as our source of this kind of love in our lives.
Comparing ourselves to others typically leads to envy and division. But St Paul reminds us that we each have a unique role in God’s kingdom and that every role is essential
We face problems every day. Most of us handle problems in one of 3 ways: fight, flight, or freeze. But Mary teaches us a forth option, and way that I would suggest is the ideal method for handling every problem that comes our way.
John the Baptist says that Jesus will baptize by the Holy Spirit and fire. What does that mean? I’d like to suggest that just as a fire will purify, rise, and come alive, so too will our hearts enflamed by the Holy Spirit.
Just as the wise men gave God gifts of gold, frankincense, & myrrh, we should give God the gift of our hearts. But we know from experience that this is easier said than done, primarily because of our attachment to sin. What would it look like to take sin seriously this year?
With so much background noise in our daily lives, it’s no coincidence that we find it difficult to pray. The Christmas story teaches us that God doesn’t try to compete with all the noise. Although silence can be tough and even frightening, it’s in the silence that God speaks. Imagine how much closer to God we’d be if we made space for silence.
Even the best of families have messy situations. The good news is that God is not on a high mountain waiting for us to achieve the impossible. Instead, he chose to come down to us to meet us in our complicated circumstances. Just as God chose to enter into a messy world, he can enter into your messy family.
What are we to do about noisy children, ringing cell phones, and suspicious persons that take our attention away from the liturgy? Is it possible to welcome the stranger without threatening our safety and neglecting the sacred?
St Paul says to have no anxiety at all, but is this practically possible? Whether from school, work, or relationships, we’ve all experienced some degree of anxiety in our lives. But there’s hope. It’s possible to have a peace beyond understanding.
The Lord comes in unexpected ways. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we also want to prepare our parish for new faces. We want to always be ready to welcome the stranger because the stranger is Jesus.
Good athletes are willing to train for a temporary time in order to prepare for a big event. Great athletes train all the time and are always prepared for any event. The same is true for our spiritual lives.
Venerable Fulton Sheen once said, “We live in a sensate age. We are no longer governed by our faith. We are no longer governed by our reason. We are governed by our feelings.” In overemphasizing our emotions, we sometimes give our attention & allegiance to things other than Jesus. But declaring Christ as King is to say otherwise.
Recent events in society tend to spark questions about the end of the world. But how are to interpret passages from Scripture about this topic?
God needs space to move & act in our lives. There’s something about poverty that stretches our hearts to trust in Jesus and experience a deeper intimacy with Him.
After a 6-month process of prayer, conversation, and discovery, we are excited to reveal our vision, mission, & core values at St Leo! In addition, we have some big news to share. God has great plans for our parish! Visit stleolafayette.com/chapel to learn more.
Each time we take a step forward in faith, Jesus gradually calls us deeper. But he doesn’t force himself upon us. He draws us to himself by appealing to our innermost desires.
If not James and John, who sits at the right hand of Jesus? Both the Old Testament and the New Testament affirm the importance of a Queen Mother, whose authority is not a position of dominance, but of mercy.
No one ever expects their marriage to fail. What are we to do when good, well intentioned people have life hit them sideways? Although we can’t change scripture, the Church desires to walk with them through a process of healing.
Why is it so difficult to trust in Jesus? Even good people who follow the commandments can lack this “one thing necessary.” The key to this question is at the heart of this gospel passage, but yet is so easy to miss.
Why do we hate it so much when people talk about Hell? Jesus speaks about it more than all other New Testament writers combined. But He doesn’t bring it up to shame us, He brings it up because He loves us.
Our fear of the cross is a barrier to Christ. The only think worth fearing is separation from Christ. Gaze upon Jesus Christ crucified to see what Love looks like and let Love cast out all your fear.
This is a hard teaching. Jesus understood well the paradox that the more we chase comfort, the more selfish we become. At the heart of discipleship is self-denial because self-denial is the prerequisite for love.
Sometimes our spiritual life can feel like a football game. The noise from every direction makes it difficult to hear the voice of the coach. If we aren’t able to focus on the voice of the Father, then we will too easily be affected by the frenzy of the world.
Hurricane season can be a little frantic, especially when a storm sneaks up on us. If we aren’t careful, we can easily get caught up in the frenzy and forget to make faith a priority.
If Jesus meant what he said about the Eucharist, then we have a decision to make. Will you leave or will you stay? Will you believe or will you betray? 21st Sunday Ordinary Time
Just like Jesus, Mary was prefigured in the Old Testament. A relationship with her enhances our relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. How’s your relationship with Mary?
I fear that we have been giving the Enemy too much credit. He typically speaks according to the 5 D’s: Deception, Division, Diversion, Discouragement, & Death. Jesus Christ shatters the voice of the Enemy & brings us closer to the heart of the Father. Whose voice are you listening to?
Your answer to this question impacts everything. Only Jesus can truly satisfy the deepest longing in your heart.
Far too often do we explain away miracles due to our lack of faith. The same Jesus that performed miracles 2,000 years ago still lives today and he’s not done yet with his miracles.
Is there any hope for unity in a world so divided? St Paul speaks firmly that our only hope for unity & peace is in Jesus Christ. Where do you see unhealthy division? Perhaps an authentic conversion toward Jesus is needed for healing, restoration, and peace.
Paint me a picture of your ideal Catholic Church parish. I believe God has big plans for St Leo, but it may require us to be challenged a bit. Are you ready to help us make our dream a reality?
As our country continues to experience more division, patriotism is becoming a controversial issue. How are we to decide as a Catholic whether or not to be patriotic? Here are some Catholic principles to equip you for this discussion.
Suffering and death are an effect of sin. Only Jesus can bring true healing & salvation.
To become better fathers, we first have to become better men. St Joseph exemplifies 3 qualities in particular that help men become better men, fathers to become better fathers, families to become better families, and society to become healthier overall. 12th Sunday Ordinary Time, Father’s Day 2021.
Jesus often spoke in parables when addressing the large crowds, but he would explain them only in private to his disciples. True disciples spend quality time with the Lord in quiet, undistracted prayer. It’s in those intimate moments where God reveals his truth to us personally & reveals to us how it applies to our lives.
Just because you’ve been set free doesn’t mean you’ll stay free. Only the blood of Jesus is powerful enough to keep you free. Corpus Christi Sunday 2021.
What is the meaning of life? Our perception of God is the foundation of our entire outlook on reality. God is not a statue or a philosophical idea. We believe in a God who is real and alive. Trinity Sunday 2021.
Every baptized member of the Body of Christ has a unique role to play in God’s Kingdom. Imagine if each of us personally discovered our role, how much more evident our particular mission would be as a parish. What are your unique spiritual gifts? How do those match up with St Leo the Great parish? Pentecost Sunday 2021.
Even though we cannot add anything to Jesus' sacrifice to the Father, He still wants us to share in His offering. God wants us to participate in His saving actions, no so that the product would be any better, but so that our relationship with Him would be deeper. Next time you come to Mass, I invite you to be more than a spectator.
There's seems to be too much confusion in the public sphere about the moral teachings of the Church. How are we to face these big questions? Our definition of Freedom provides a framework that could make all the difference. Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Have you ever felt like your plate is too full? We may be committing the sin of doing more than what God is asking. 5th Sunday of Easter.
Practically speaking, how do you remain with God in the midst of a stressful situation? Is it possible to practice the presence of God at every moment of the day? The answer to this question depends on one thing in particular. 4th Sunday of Easter.
We all know Sally. She received all her sacraments, attended Catholic school, and has always been kind to others. But somewhere along the line, Sally stopped going to church. Statistics show that for every one convert to the Catholic faith, 6 more people leave. Why is it that the number of active Catholics is rapidly declining? It's time for us to have an honest conversation.
How do you help someone that can't help himself? Is Divine Mercy like some kind of divine enabling of bad behavior? Or is it more than a "get out of jail free" card? Divine Mercy Sunday.
So what? Jesus rose from the dead... why does that matter to me? It's true that Jesus opened the gates of heaven for us, but how does that impact our lives right now? Easter Sunday Homily.
Why is it that church can sometimes feel like such a drag? True disciples not only believe in the gospel, but they are passionate about it. Holy Week mini-series on Discipleship. Easter Vigil Homily.
Discouragement, doubt, & division have a tendency to creep into our lives when we are caught up in the world. Disciples are formed not by the world, but by grace. The grace of the sacraments are key to a life of faith, hope, and love. Holy Week miniseries on Discipleship. Good Friday Homily.
Culture eats strategy for breakfast. Jesus changed the world by changing the culture. A culture of discipleship begins with belonging before it challenges beliefs and behaviors. True disciples belong to the heart of the Father. Holy Week mini-series on Discipleship. Holy Thursday Homily
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of Christ. Disciples know that their light comes only from Him. Holy Week mini-series on Discipleship. Spy Wednesday, Tenebrae Homily.
Is Jesus at the center of your life? Of is he only included in part of your life? As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to make this week different. Our theme for the Holy Week liturgies this year is discipleship: what does it mean to follow Jesus?
Jesus says that if you love your life, you will lose it; and if you hate your life you will preserve it. But what does that really mean? Would Jesus actually ask us to hate our life? 5th Sunday of Lent.
We are moved to thank those who do good to us, but our hearts are moved to love those who sacrifice for us. God wants more than our gratitude. He wants our love because he freely chose to love us first.
It's easy for Sunday to feel just like all the other days of the week: busy, anxious, and distracted. But God wants more for us. If Sunday is no different for you than any other day, it's time to reclaim it.
Failure can be debilitating, but nothing is sweeter than redemption. God does not give up on us when we fail. The season of Lent is a time to rediscover the good news of the Gospel.
St. Paul understood that the faith can be complicated because life is complicated. Good relationships are the foundation from which any ministry can take place. This is Fr. Kyle White's first weekend as pastor of St. Leo. Before we dream about where we want to go together, let's start with names.