Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Eucharist Stays the Same

Homily for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year A
Deuteronomy 8.2-3, 14b-16a Psalm 147 1 Corinthians 10.16-17 John 6.51-58

Click here to listen to or download an audio (mp3) file of this homily.

There is one thing that has always been at the heart of the Mass, no matter the language, the time, or the place –bread and wine are taken, blessed and consecrated, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to become the Body and Blood of Christ – the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation. It is this Eucharist that has strengthened and supported the Church each and every day since Christ gave it to us. The same Eucharist that has become present at every Mass in every place in every time.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Paying Attention to the Trinity

Homily for The Most Holy Trinity, Year A
Exodus 34.4b-6, 8-9 Daniel 3 2 Corinthians 13.11-13 John 3.16-18

Click here to listen to or download an audio (mp3) file of this homily.

Especially if you’re not used to the Catholic Mass, it’s almost like the Church has designed the Mass knowing that people’s minds wander, that we get distracted, that we might even be bored, and that chances are pretty good that at least once during each and every Mass we go to, we’re going to be caught not paying attention.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Holy Spirit and Change

Homily for Pentecost Sunday, Year A
Acts 2.1-11 Psalm 104 1 Corinthians 12.3b-7, 12-13 John 20.19-23

Click here to listen to or download an audio (mp3) file of this homily.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift
To keep us grounded
To help us navigate the waters of change
To help us adapt

To strengthen us
To reassure us
To give us hope
To guide us in the right direction

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Sign of the Cross

Homily for the Ascension of the Lord, Year A
Acts 1.1-11 Psalm 47 Ephesians 1.17-23 Matthew 28.16-20

Click here to listen to or download an audio (mp3) file of this homily.

This homily is part of an occasional series of liturgical catechesis in preparation for the implementation of the English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.

When we walk into a church and use holy water to mark ourselves with the sign of the cross, we’re supposed to remember that we have been baptized – each of us, individually. And then when the Mass begins and the priest leads the assembly in making the sign of the cross, he uses the name of God in which we were baptized – the formula Jesus himself gave us as he ascended into heaven – the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And once again, we’re supposed to think about baptism.