Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church: Catholic Sunday Homilies

Mary Mother of God (Lk 2:16-21)

This is the first title of Mary by the Church, it was to emphasize the divinity of Jesus. Understanding Mary better helps us understand Jesus better and all God has done in Salvation History. Mary is the New Eve, and Jesus the New Adam. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, and Jesus the Bread of Life enacts the New and Everlasting Covenant. Mary is Queen and Intercessor, Jesus is King who establishes an everlasting Kingdom. Jesus gave Mary to John as his mother at the cross, in so doing he is offering her to us as our mother, Mother of the Church, and the one who prays that we will grow closer to her Son. 

Maria Madre de Dios (Lk 2:16-21)

Homilia del Padre Carlos.

Keep the Mass in Christmas. (Jn 1:1-18) (1 Ch Mass during the Day)

The early Church did not celebrate Christmas, like we do now. St. Francis honored Christmas, creating one of the first manger scenes, and leading the way for today's feast. The Eucharist is the perpetuation of the Incarnation, Emanuel God with Us.  This is a teaching homily on the history of Christmas, and the sacrament of the Eucharist. 

Peace on Earth - Can it Be? (Lk 2:1-14) (1 Ch Mass at Night)

One Christmas a few years back I work up to a song by David Bowie and Bing Crosby; The Little Drummer Boy. In their version, there was a haunting refrain; "Peace on Earth, Can it Be?"  I the Gospel, we hear that the Angels from Heaven declare Peace on Earth at the Birth of Jesus Christ and Lord.  This child is to bring Peace.  Can it Be? Have we experienced World Peace yet? There was a time during WWI when opposing sides made peace on Christmas Day, and at least for awhile, peace on earth seemed possible?  If we are to have peace for the many, it is first required that it be lived boldly by a few.  We may not bring about world peace in our day, but we can with God's help bring peace to our world. It is God's plan. It is our deepest desire. It is a choice. Let us pray that I may bring the light of Christ and Peace of Christ to those in my world. Merry Christmas - Old English for "Christ's Mass". 

Homilia del MIsa de la Navidad en la Noche (Lk 2:1-14)

Homilia del Padre Carlos de Navidad. 

Emanuel - God With Us - How does that Help? (Mt 1:18-24)

We hear Isaiah's prophecy of God with Us so often, we easily fail to appreciate the Gift this is. Deists believe God created the world, set it in motion, but is not involved. Christians believe that God helps shape history. In fact, if we work with God, History is really His-Story! To be part of God's plan promises a brighter future, than if we "Go it alone".  Yet to accept the gift of Emanuel, and let God help us share our lives and world; we must hear, and follow. This is difficult, but fear not, even if we fail sometimes, if we are persistent God can still guide us! Thank God!

Homilia domingo IV de Adviento (Mt 1:18-24) (4 AD)

Homilia del Padre Carlos.

Go and Proclaim What You See and Hear! (Mt 11:2-11)

From prison, John the Baptist sends disciples to Jesus to ask "Are you the one to come or should we look for another?"  He seems to be doubting if Jesus is really who he says he is. John is perhaps in despair, in prison.  Do we sometimes feel similarly? Stuck in what feels like prison, wondering if Jesus is really who he says he is. This Gospel, and Homily, remind us that The Kingdom, in all its Power is Here! We do have much cause for Rejoicing! Let us also, share that cause for rejoicing with others, to help them escape from their prison. Fr. Paul "Tells what he has seen and heard." God's miracles are still as present as in the days of the Gospel and Acts of the apostles. Let us open our eyes and hearts to God's presence all around us, and then tell others what we've seen and heard.

Domingo III Adviento (Mt 11:2-11) (3 AD)

Homilia del padre Carlos.

The Holy Spirit is Fire? (Mt 3:1-12) (2 AD)

Jesus Baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and Fire. Fire burns and lightens. If we ask the Holy Spirit will enlighten where we need to grow, and if we submit our impure motives and faults to the Fire of the Holy Spirit, they will be burned away, till all that is left is the motive of pure love. We will be transformed into Christ-likeness. This homily talks about our common call to holiness.