Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church: Catholic Sunday Homilies

What Does it Really Mean "To Love God" and The Secret of How to Do It (Mt 22:34-40) (30 OT)

It is easy to say "I Love God" and fool ourselves, because we are loving an image of God we've created.  To love others is the true test, and training ground, of how we learn to love, by laying down our lives for others.  Jesus goes on to ask his disciples to lay down their life for Him, and His Kingdom. This is impossible for us to do on our own. There is a Secret. We can encounter God's love so powerfully, that changed by this Love, we learn to Love more like Christ. 

Homilia XXX Domingo Tiempo Ordinario (Mt 22:24-40)

homilia del padre Carlosl.

BUT Give to God What is God's: That Can Transform Ceaser's Kingdom (Mt 22:15-21) (29 OT)

Jesus's statement 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's' might be better translated, 'But give to God what is God's'.  Jesus is not saying they can be separate, but that the more important questions that are we 'paying tax to Caesar' is are we paying our due ('tax') to God?  Of course God does not force us like the Caesar of the world to pay our due, we are invited to do it voluntarily out of Love.  This Gospel has more to say also. The image of a coin with Caesar's image is meant to call to mind in whose Image we are Made, and let that image be our highest standard, so that it may transform the world, not the world transform us. 

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