Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church: Catholic Sunday Homilies

Tough time can be Preparation for our Mission (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20) (14 OT)

If God sends us on a mission, he gives us what we need. Material necessities are the easiest for God to provide. He wants us to learn to trust him in material things, so that we will also depend on him for Spiritual Gifts, and our Mission to Proclaim the Gospel in our way; perhaps not from the pulpit of a church, but in conversations with our friends, family, co-workers and any situation God puts us. 

Jesus calls us to Commit to Him. (Lk 9:51-62) (13 OT)

Today's Gospel is challenging. It is the beginning of the Way section of Luke, where after people have heard Jesus preach and have seen the miracles they are called to respond to what they have seen and heard, by changing direction in life. The church today is in a Crisis. Many are leaving, and many good people who come seeking don't find. Why is that? Is it because Jesus did not rise from the dead? Is it because he really isn't God anymore? More so it is probably because most of us are not truly committed disciples of Jesus. This homily is a call to commit, to being a disciple, and to sharing in the Mission of Jesus, to make disciples. 

The Eucharist is an offering of Our 5 Loaves and 2 Fish (Lk 9:11b-17) (12 OT)

Why do we Celebrate the Mass? Because Jesus said "Do this".  What did Jesus mean by "Do this in remembrance of me?" This is to make present to us, the one saving act of Jesus. Like the Apostles in the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves to feed 15,000 - 20,000 we often feel overwhelmed. We too are called to trust in Jesus, to offer our 5 loaves and 2 fish, all of our insufficient selves, and Jesus will multiply it and direct us how to use it to feed others. 

Feast of the Holy Trinity (Jn 16:12-15) (10 OT)

The Theology of the Trinity is beyond our understanding. However the implication of the doctrine has very concrete advice for our daily lives; namely God is a relationship of persons united in Love. We are created in the image of God, therefore we to reach our fullest potential in a loving community. Our relationships are important; in family, work, school, world, and church. 

The Feast of Pentecost is the Undoing of the Tower of Babel (Jn 20:19-23) (8 ET)

The division caused by humanities striving to advance on their own power without God (described in Genesis chapter 11 in the tower of Babel) is undone by the Holy Spirit. God seeks to unite us to one another, and to Himself, to share in His mission. Our call is not just to go to heaven, but to take others with us, by building up His community. 

To the 8th Grade Graduation Class at OLG 2019 (Mt 5:13-16)

We may graduate school, but we never graduate from the Church. We are not students of academics for life, but we are students of Jesus for life. We are disciples, he is our teacher. The reason for the cap and gown is that students wanted to be like their teachers. (The gown is modeled on the Franciscan and Dominican habits.) That is our call in life, to bear the likeness of Christ to others. You are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. 

On Becoming a Better Church: Ascension Sunday (Lk 24:46-53) (7 ET)

This homily is a theological introduction to our parish wide pastoral planning process. In these days for than ever, our churches are called to excellence. We are beginning a pastoral planning process to access ourselves in the five key areas of a vibrant church; Sunday Worship, Sense of Welcome, Sense of Belonging, Sense of Witness, and Sense of Mission so we can build on our strengths and improve on our weaknesses.  This homily is for the members of our church, or anyone who wishes to help make their church a better church. 

Is the Holy Spirit Still with the Church? (Jn 14:23-29) ( 6 ET)

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. He also said the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, and that He would be with us always. But with the recent sexual abuse scandal, with many leaving the church, one must wonder if the Holy Spirit is still here. In this homily, I propose that the Holy Spirit is here, because Jesus is trustworthy we believe that since He said it, it is true. Also there are some signs of it. However, we have much listening (and following) yet to do in these difficult times. 

Why Does the Cross Show Us God's Love? (Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35) (5 ET)

Jesus said at the last supper, when Judas leaves to betray him, that now we see God's Glory? That is hard to understand.  And Why does Jesus call the command to Love new? It is also in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). 

Jesus is Risen, but What Difference Does That Make in Our Lives? (Jn 21:1-19) (3 ET)

Yes Jesus is Risen, but how does that affect our lives? We all have mission and purpose, given by the Resurrection. Each Called to work for God, he will provide for our needs. We fall short, but that does not matter to God. He will accept us wherever we are, but loves us too much to leave us there. He feeds us in this Eucharist, to help us grow towards perfect love and perfect service. Take it just one step at a time!