Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church: Catholic Sunday Homilies

Homilia XXIX Domingo Ordinario (Mt 22:15-21) (29 OT)

Homilia del padre Caros.

God's Original Intention for Us is a Wedding Banquet (Mt 22:1-14) (28 OT)

The last three weeks Jesus has talked about the Kingdom of God being like working in a vineyard. Today we hear it is a Party! Ultimately, God is love and desired for us to live in perfect Love of Him, and one another. That was how Paradise was meant to be. It will be restored again in heaven, it is like a wedding feast and we are invited. Let this certainty be the source of our Hope, Joy and yes, LOVE!

Homilia XXVIII Domingo Tiempo Ordinario

Homilia del padre Carlos.

An Allegory of Life (Mt 21:33-43) (27 OT)

Jesus tells a parable that is really more like an allegory showing us all that God has done for us, and despite all that God has done; given us creation, put us in paradise, sent the prophets after our fall, and finally His Own Son, whom instead of accepting, we crucified. God askes in the first reading; "What more could I have done?"  Isaiah's parable in the first reading, is the basis of Jesus' in the Gospel, and both Isaiah and Jesus say that the purpose of our lives is to bear fruit, works of Justice. Justice is Love's minimum requirement. But God goes beyond Justice and Loves completely. We too, are invited by His Grace to do the same; Love and bear fruit.

Homilia XXVII Domingo Tiempo Ordinario (Mt 21:33-43) (27 OT)

homilia del padre Carlos

Yes Lord, I Come to Do Your Will (Mt 21:28-32) (26 OT)

In today's parable Jesus challenges us to not just be Christian in name, but also in deeds. Another preacher once asked; 'If Christianity were illegal, would there be enough evidence to convict you of a crime?' It is easy for us to go through life as Christian in name, but never getting to a point of a Yes to God, putting God first and seeking to do his will. But how do we know God's will? This homily gives a few suggestions, but also know that as Thomas Merton prayed, even the desire to do God's will is pleasing to God. So let us say "Yes Lord, I desire to do your will. Help me."

Homilia XXVI Domingo Tiempo Ordinario (Mt 21:28-32)

homilia del padre Carlos

God's Ways are Not Ours: Our Blindness Robs us of Experiencing God's Blessings (Mt 20:1-16) (25 OT)

This parable, of the workers who arrive in the last hour getting paid the same as those who've worked all day, appears to our human way of thinking to see the owner (God) behaving unjustly, but after the explanation offered, we see it correctly, it is not God being unjust, but Generous.  How many other situations in our real life, do we look at similarly, and grumble to God about, thus failing to see His Blessings on us and others?   But this parable also has a difficult challenge; could it be that we are the ones in this passage who are actually idle; whom God is still inviting into His Vineyard??? Those in the vineyard are asked to do God's work; that is to similarly seek out those who need to receive God's Generosity.

Homilia XXV Domingo Tiempo Ordinario

Homilia de Padre Carlos

Fraternal Correction AND Support to Make the Church a Better Witness (Mt 18:15-20)(23 OT)

Today's readings are very challenging pointing out to us our RESPONSIBILITY to point out to others when they are sinning. We don't like to do this, but we are called to and Jesus helps us to make the process more loving.  The Church does have a teaching function, called the Magisterium, which is an authentic teacher for all of us, calling us to see our sins, repent and form our consciences. But the goal is always to be a more loving and united church. We should also use the authority of the church to pray with and encourage others, maybe then we will find we need to correct less often.