Category: HOMILIES

Categories
HOMILIES

EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE

This reflection is based on John 20:19-23 and Acts 2:1-11 on the occasion of Pentecost Sunday.

pentecost1

Pentecost Sunday is the day we recall how as promised, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Lord’s disciples. The narrative is dramatic: the disciples huddled in fear (despite the Lord’s resurrection!), the gust of a strong wind, a vision of descending flames, and the miraculous gift of tongue. What is more remarkable than the gift of tongue, however, is the disciples’ newfound courage to preach the Good News. It is a testament to what the Spirit can enable us to do when it descends upon us.

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE”
Categories
HOMILIES

BETWEEN THIS GOODBYE AND THE NEXT HELLO

This reflection is based on Mark 16:15-22 for Ascension Sunday.

image

This parting with the disciples as the Lord is taken up to heaven–that makes two goodbyes in a row.

A little over a month earlier, they’ve just been through that long, emotional goodbye at the Last Supper, the night of the Lord’s arrest and the eve of his crucifixion. Things are different now: Unlike then, this time the disciples have come to understand that Jesus is indeed Lord, raised by God from a death horrible and humiliating beyond words. Who would have known he would muster a comeback like that?

Continue reading “BETWEEN THIS GOODBYE AND THE NEXT HELLO”
Categories
HOMILIES

BRANCHES

Today’s homily is based on John 15:1-8.

Branches have stories to tell and lots of lessons to teach.

branch

Continue reading “BRANCHES”
Categories
HOMILIES

EASTER JESUS

This homily is based on Luke 24:35-48 for the Third Sunday of Easter.

Today we have yet another Easter appearance. From the different appearances the Risen Lord makes to his disciples, a pattern emerges. It is the same person, but somehow he looks different because all who have seen him don’t recognize him immediately–from Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb to the two disciples en route to Emmaus, even Simon Peter and John in their fishing boats.

Risen_Christ

Continue reading “EASTER JESUS”
Categories
HOMILIES

WHAT’S YOUR “UNLESS”?

This homily is based on John 20:19-31.

guercino_-_doubting_thomas_-_wga109511

It’s a well-known story. Thomas misses out on Jesus’ debut appearance to the disciples and hears them make the far-fetched claim that they “have seen the Lord!” It’s not the first time such a claim has been made: There are the women, those early Sunday morning visitors at the tomb probably with still too much tears and sleep in their eyes, and that couple back from Emmaus with tales of mysterious strangers and holy fire in their hearts!

Continue reading “WHAT’S YOUR “UNLESS”?”