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HOMILIES

GIFTS AND GIVERS

This homily is based on Matthew 2:1-12 for the Epiphany of our Lord.

On this Feast of the Epiphany, we remember the visit of the magi–those astrologers (how many they were, we don’t know) who read the stars and were among the first to lay their eyes on Jesus.  They were not exactly kings, but they were certainly wise enough to detect Herod’s schemes and discerning enough to follow the angel’s message to go home some other way.  They are, of course, today credited for the the tradition of gift-giving that has in many ways defined the season of Christmas.  And so today, perhaps it’s good to think about this business of gift-giving.

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HOMILIES

“THE BEST IS YET TO COME”

This homily, based on Luke 2:16-21, is for New Year’s Day and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.

Today, New Year’s Day, there is one line that comes to mind. And I love saying it: “The best is yet to come!”

Yet it’s not always something easy to say–and to believe!

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Not when things aren’t quite right. And especially not when the way the world is turning out isn’t quite to our liking–or the way people behave is, to say the least, bewildering–or to tell it like it is, disheartening.

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HOMILIES

OUT OF BROKEN HOMES AND BROKEN HEARTS

This homily is based on Luke 2:22-40 on the Feast of the Holy Family.

I’m reading Fr. Greg Boyle’s new book, Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship. Like his first book, every single chapter leaves me in tears.

In a Friday, June 4, 2010 photo, Father Gregory Boyle hugs Robert Trejo, a former gang member, in his office at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. Organizations trying to prevent youngsters from joining gangs have been hit hard by the sour economy. Homeboy Industries, which employed ex-gang members as a way of keeping them off the street, had to fire more than 300 of its workers as donations and city subsidies plummeted. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
In a Friday, June 4, 2010 photo, Father Gregory Boyle hugs Robert Trejo, a former gang member, in his office at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. Organizations trying to prevent youngsters from joining gangs have been hit hard by the sour economy. Homeboy Industries, which employed ex-gang members as a way of keeping them off the street, had to fire more than 300 of its workers as donations and city subsidies plummeted. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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HOMILIES

CHRISTMAS IS COMING HOME

For today, I am sharing this moving homily (based on Luke 2:1-14) delivered by Bro. Robbie Paraan on Christmas Eve Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Cebu. A blessed Christmas to all!

I saw a viral video the other day about a touching homecoming which happened on an airplane.  Juan Paolo Fermin hasn’t spent Christmas with his family in 17 years. Juan Paolo’s mother—like many Filipino parents—had to leave for abroad when he was 8 years old. Though they would see each other occasionally since then, almost two decades would pass before they could spend Christmas together.

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HOMILIES

“HOW CAN THIS BE?”

This homily is based on Luke 1:26-38 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her about God’s invitation, Mary asked one question: “How can this be?”

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