Category: Weekly Message

The Parable of the tenants in the Gospel of Matthew ((21:33-43) reveals a deep spiritual truth: that we are tenants not owners. We are not owners of our lives. We are not in control. Everything comes from God. We mature in our faith when we are able to acknowledge that our life is not anymore about ourselves. Our task is …

One of the most difficult and delicate duties of a Christian is fraternal correction, that is, to correct a sin-ful member of the community. It is because we are called to be prophets and to speak the truth. Truth will set us free. All of us are brothers and sisters in Christ and we are called to imitate Him who …

In the Gospel of Matthew (16:21-27), Jesus reveals the true meaning of Messiahship and discipleship. He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. He teaches His disciples that He is not a triumphant Messiah but a Suffering Servant. He is determined to …

In the Gospel of Matthew (16:13-20), Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” The disciples already saw Jesus casting out demons, walking on the sea and feeding the five thousand people. This is a turning point in the life of the disciples recognizing the true identity of Jesus. Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son …

The encounter of Jesus with a Canaanite woman in the Gospel of Matthew (15:21-28) teaches the disciples and us about the universal mission of Jesus. He is the Savior of all nations. He is sent to reveal that God’s love and mercy are extended to all. He is the sign par excellence of God’s love. His love is inclusive and …

In the Gospel of Matthew (14:22-33), Jesus came toward His disciples walking on the sea. This is the revelation of the power and presence of God in Christ. Theophany is revelation, manifestation. God is made manifest to human beings. It is the initiative of God. It is the manifestation of the divine identity of Jesus. He is the Son of …

In the Gospel of Matthew (14:13-21), the miracle of superabundance reveals God’s infinite generosity to His people. The miracle of the feeding of the crowd is narrated by all four gospels. It means that the story is important to the Christian communities. God is never outdone in generosity. He provides because His love is everlasting and unconditional. The Psalm declares …

Sometimes I feel capable of absorbing almost anything except God’s Word. My mind soaks up song lyrics, sports trivia, and endless online content. But what was the reading at Mass this morning? I struggle to recall. That realization discourages me, and it leads to an uncomfortable question. What is my heart really for? Is it shaped for constant information and …

This weekend, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most nations, the United States was not founded primarily on a shared ethnicity, language, or culture. Instead, our founders built a political community out of diverse peoples united by a shared vision of liberty. That vision echoes something deep in the Christian mystery …

I still remember the first homily I ever preached as a new deacon. It was at the seminary, and the Gospel was this one: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38) Standing before more than 200 classmates and professors, I stumbled awkwardly through my words and realized how strange — almost insane …