Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church: Catholic Sunday Homilies

How is Mercy Different from Forgiveness? (Jn 20:19-31) (2 ET)

This homily from the second Sunday of Easter time, looks at how the Resurrection of Jesus, and His encounter with the disciples, especially Thomas, shows His Divine Mercy.  We are called not only to experience this infinite Mercy ourselves, but to be Ambassadors of Divine Mercy to others.

He is Risen! But Can You Prove It? (1ET) (Jn 20:1-9)

Jesus is Risen! Even when we humans don't believe, or find it difficult, all Creation Joins in Praising God!  This is the homily only of the Easter Sunday Mass, similar to that given at the Sunrise Mass at the Beach. This homily also goes over some of the "proofs" that Jesus is Lord, and really did walk this earth and Rise from the Dead. But it also invites one to look at the best proof of all... listen!

Jesus says to Death; "Untie Him and Let Him Go Free" (Jn 11:3-7,17,20-27,33b-45) (5 LT)

Jesus' last sign in the Gospel of Luke is the raising of Lazarus from the Dead. But, If Jesus Loved Lazarus, why did he wait for him to die? Jesus did not come to take away our death. That is the consequence of our sin, he came to heal our sickness and the Shadow of Death under which we live that enslaves us. He sets us free to Live eternally in the life to come, but also now, to be fully alive!

The Need for Us to Forgive Others (Jn 8:1-11) (5 LT)

These readings are from the Lectionary Cycle C, about the woman caught in adultery. If she was caught in "The very act of adultery" why was not the man also brought to be stoned? What more is going on here? What is the trap that the Scribes and Pharisees are setting for Jesus? It seems they fall into it ourselves. So to do we when we refuse to forgive others. 

Not the Prodigal Son, but the Loving Father (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32) (4 LT)

This homily breaks down in some detail, this parable, to show we are all like both the younger and the older Son. But the Loving Father shows no favoritism, and has invited both into the celebration. We must accept that invitation, and leave behind whatever holds us back; wrong external actions, or interior sinful attitudes. But we're not alone, God will help us if we only make the first step. 

I'm a Good Person, God Loves Me, I Don't Have to Go to Church (Lk 13:1-9) (3 LT)

I hear it often said, "Father I'm a good person, I know God loves me, I don't have to go to church." I wonder what would be God's response to this statement?  Today's Gospel, and also today's second reading from 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12) tell us that we are all sinners, and we all need God's Mercy. Yet most of us, like our ancestors, go about our life complaining to God, not being Grateful, and pursuing other loves in our life, while our True Love "Wants to seduce us, lead us into the desert, and speak to our hearts." (Hosea 2:16). This lent, why don't we make room for that miracle? 

The Secret of the Transfiguration (Lk 9:28-36) (2 LT)

Jesus leads three disciples up the mountain, and then is Transfigured before their eyes so they see the Glory of God. Certainly this is an event that they'd want to tell everyone about. But why does Jesus want them NOT to tell? The reason is not only for them, but for us too. 

Put on the Armor of God to Fight Evil. (Lk 4:1-13) (1 LT)

Lent is a time when we need to seriously prepare for life's tests, as Jesus is doing in the Gospel today. We also must fight the devil, and evil, and temptations. We cannot do this alone, but as a member of the Body of Christ, His Church, we put on the Armor of God (St. Paul in Ephesians 6:10). This homily goes over what is the Armor of God and the importance of taking time this lent, to put it on. 

How to Grow as a Disciple of Jesus this Lent (Lk 6:39-45) (8 OT)

Jesus says that "No disciple is superior to the teacher, yet when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." Our goal is to be transformed into Christ likeness. We are recreated in Christ. Life on earth (and even after in purgatory) is about this transformation with our cooperation. Like an athlete has a training program, like a gardener a process, what is your program for spiritual growth? It must be Christ centered. Let's plan now for this Lent's  growth. 

How to Love your Enemies (Lk 6:27-38) (7 OT)

Jesus presents the Golden rule, why and how to follow it.  "To those who hear".  This is perhaps some of the toughest teaching of Jesus in scripture. How we treat our enemies shows the world if we are Children of our Father in Heaven.