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Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Cycle A

26 Nov 2023

SUNDAY SUMMARY Ezekiel 34:11-2, 15-17 God tends the flock and judges between the needy and the arrogant. Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6 With God as our shepherd, we want for nothing. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 As children of Adam, we face mortality. As heirs of Christ, we share his risen life. Matthew 25:31-46 We inherit the Kingdom to come as we practice its ways day by day.

Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 Matthew 25:31-46 Christ the King

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Homily stories

24 Dec 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

A 6-year-old climbed into her mother’s lap the morning of Christmas Eve, and said, “Mommy, I’m afraid I’m going to die.” Coming from a child who rarely suffered even a cold, the mother was surprised. “What on earth would make you say that?” she asked. “I don’t know. I’m just scared.” her little one said in a tiny voice. “Oh, Mom, please,” her unsympathetic older sister piped in. “She’s just worried she’s going to miss Christmas and opening her presents.” A sense of dread or deep anxiety is not uncommon during a long wait, particularly when we know it is about to end: The grades are about to be posted. The lab results are about to be sent. Santa Claus is about to make his way down the chimney. The Prince of Peace is about to bring salvation to the world. It’s a lot for our minds to process. People will advise us to pray, breathe, and think positive thoughts. Angels will tell us not to be afraid. Or, if we’re 6 years old, we may simply be rocked in our mother’s arms until the fear passes.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

Christmas christmas presents Anxiety wait fear

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Homily stories

24 Dec 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

A 6-year-old climbed into her mother’s lap the morning of Christmas Eve, and said, “Mommy, I’m afraid I’m going to die.” Coming from a child who rarely suffered even a cold, the mother was surprised. “What on earth would make you say that?” she asked. “I don’t know. I’m just scared.” her little one said in a tiny voice. “Oh, Mom, please,” her unsympathetic older sister piped in. “She’s just worried she’s going to miss Christmas and opening her presents.” A sense of dread or deep anxiety is not uncommon during a long wait, particularly when we know it is about to end: The grades are about to be posted. The lab results are about to be sent. Santa Claus is about to make his way down the chimney. The Prince of Peace is about to bring salvation to the world. It’s a lot for our minds to process. People will advise us to pray, breathe, and think positive thoughts. Angels will tell us not to be afraid. Or, if we’re 6 years old, we may simply be rocked in our mother’s arms until the fear passes.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

Christmas christmas presents Anxiety wait fear

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La Maravilla de la Navidad

Funeral, Sacrament-based, Holy Day, Holiday, Special Occasion - Sample homilies to be adapted for your use

Días festivos: Solemnidad de la Natividad del Señor (Navidad): Misa de Medianoche Lecturas: Isaías 9:1-6; Tito 2:11-14; Lucas 2:1-14 CIERTAS IMÁGENES inspiran asombro. Son potentes más allá del simple contenido de la escena. Son potentes porque se dirigen a un lugar más profundo de nosotros que las palabras por sí solas. En la escena del Nacimiento tenemos una imagen así: una madre serena, un padre preocupado y un recién nacido vulnerable. Viajeros atribulados, se ven obligados a refugiarse en un establo, y el niño está acostado en un pesebre—un comedero para animales. Su rústico entorno los deja apenas protegidos de los elementos, expuestos a cualquiera que se cruce en su camino. Y son muchos los que se acercan: pastores, gente del pueblo, ángeles y reyes. Vienen a ver lo que hay que ver. Y nosotros venimos aquí en esta ocasión especial, para celebrar este nacimiento, y poner nuestra atención en esta escena del niño en el pesebre. ¿Por qué cantan los ángeles? ¿Por qué han viajado tan lejos los magos para ofrecer sus regalos a este niño? ¿Por qué se reúne la gente del pueblo y se inclinan los pastores? ¿Qué ocurre en el corazón de esta madre? ¿Qué sueña preocupado este padre? Hay muchas formas de responder al asombro. Jesús las conoció todas en su ministerio público. Algunas personas se maravillaban ante sus obras, pero eso era todo lo que hacían, maravillarse. "¡Caramba! ¿Has visto eso? ¿No es increíble?" y seguían con sus vidas sin cambiar. Y había quienes querían que Jesús hiciera maravillas para entretenerlos, como quien hace que un perro salte a través de un aro. Querían "maravillas a la carta." Luego estaban quienes veían la realización de prodigios como una especie de prueba de fuego para saber quién tiene el favor de Dios. Si haces algo de magia para nosotros, estás bien. Si no lo haces, no vale la pena escucharte. Jesús sabía que el sentido del asombro es abrir nuestros corazones. Es ayudarnos a ver que hay más en la vida que lo que hemos llegado a esperar. A través de la vida humana existen elementos de lo divino. Jesús sabía que el sentido del asombro es abrir nuestros corazones. Es ayudarnos a ver que hay más en la vida que lo que hemos llegado a esperar. A través de la vida humana existen elementos de lo divino. ¿Por qué nos maravilla esta escena en particular? Porque tenemos dos realidades capturadas en este único momento humano. Lucas nos dice, "Esto les servirá de señal: encontrarán a un niño envuelto en mantas y acostado en un pesebre." Y escuchamos en el evangelio de Juan, "El Verbo se hizo carne y vivió entre nosotros." Tenemos, por un lado, una realidad muy mundana—un niño vulnerable en un entorno muy pobre. Y, sin embargo, este mismo niño de la pobreza es también la Palabra que es Dios. ¿Cuál es la respuesta adecuada al asombro? Hacer como los pastores y ponernos de rodillas. Hacer como los reyes y ofrecerle nuestros dones. Darle toda nuestra atención y abrir nuestro corazón. Quedarnos sin palabras ante esta escena maravillosa y dejar que la verdad penetre en nuestros corazones, nuestras mentes, nuestros cuerpos, nuestras almas. Esta escena es una invitación y una promesa. La invitación es a dejar atrás nuestra búsqueda de protagonismo y aventurarnos en el misterio. A ser tan vulnerables como este niño y estos padres. A ser tan abiertos como estos pastores y tan generosos de corazón como estos reyes. A alabar como los ángeles y estar atentos como la gente del pueblo. La promesa resultante es que nos encontraremos con Dios. Descubriremos no sólo que Jesús es Dios, sino que nosotros también podemos compartir la vida de Dios—no sólo en la otra vida, sino aquí y ahora. Esta es mi invitación—una invitación que espero responder yo mismo. Es una invitación a la santidad. Abre tu corazón a la maravilla de esta escena en el pesebre. Reza a diario, quizás antes de cada comida con tu familia o amigos. Cultiva tu relación con Jesús prestando atención a su presencia. Lee los evangelios. Celebra el culto semanalmente. Deja de exigir señales de Dios y observa las muchas que tienes ante ti. No desperdiciemos este momento de maravilla. Read this homily in English.

Authors Tom McGrath

holy day/feast Christmas Homily in Spanish midnight mass Isaiah 9:1-6 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14

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Featured Exploring the word

05 May 2024 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B

Religious claims are a dime a dozen. You think Hindus and Mormons believe some outrageous things? Try Catholics. Virgin Birth, heaven and hell, the resurrection of the dead—none of that has a shred of “evidence” to back it up. People of faith, no matter whether they follow an established world religion or a fly-by-night cult, are all stepping out into the realm of faith when they speak of religious truth, which has by definition no absolute proofs to offer. When we say “we believe in one God,” we aren’t saying anything verifiable by scientific means. Someone once tried to measure the soul by weighing a man before and after his death. They concluded that the soul weighed the same as a slice of bread. An interesting metaphor for the Eucharist, perhaps, but it doesn’t prove the existence of the soul or any other article of belief. Anselm’s ontological arguments about the existence of God and Aquinas’ five proofs aside, most people of faith are not going to spend a lot of time trying to logically prove what they believe to anyone. What believers do is live their faith, not talk about it. Jesus says the one who truly loves is willing to lay down life itself for love’s sake. John the evangelist reminds his community that if God is love, the children of God must be lovers, too. Evangelization, we quickly realize, has more to do with the testimony of deeds than the spouting of words, however beautifully or persuasively chosen. Even Peter, after meeting Cornelius’ household, is convinced more by what he sees than what he can understand. It’s obvious to him that God has chosen to include Gentiles in the church because the Spirit engulfs those present even before the waters of Baptism do. All of these scripture passages direct us to the same conclusion: that you don’t need a scorecard to tell who’s who in the realm of the saved. Love demonstrates who’s who, as do the works and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The markings of salvation are visible on those who act out what they believe. Some theologians are willing to make the case for the “anonymous Christian” based on the remarkable examples of those who walked the walk, even without all the talk. One thing’s for sure: They’ll never know we are Christians by our prejudice, or our indifference, or our judgmentalism, or our self-absorption. The best argument for Christianity remains the love of the Christian disciple. Related scripture links God’s love endures forever: Psalm 136 The eternal covenant: Gen. 17:7; 2 Sam. 7:16; Isa. 49:15, 55:3 Lo, I am with you always: Matt. 28:20b Sin vs. eternal life: Rom. 6:23 Love fulfills the law: Rom. 13:8-10 Catechism links Joy: CCC 301; 736, 1723; 1829; 1832 Remaining in love: CCC 459; 609; 614; 1823-1829; 1972; 2074; 2615; 2745 Adapted from a previously published Exploring the word.

Authors Alice Camille

people of faith Evangelization christian disciple

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Homily stories

30 Jun 2024 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

When a song triggered a fond memory of an old friend not seen in several years, a woman decided to send him a quick note. To her surprise, her friend had become a ghost. His email bounced. The phone number she had for him was disconnected. His social accounts hadn’t had any posts for several years. When she saw from other posts that he hadn’t attended a sibling’s funeral, she knew something was seriously wrong. He had struggled with addiction in the past, but he had been sober for years. She worried that he might be so far off the grid that she would never find him. Then, through some additional sleuthing, to her shock and dismay, she discovered that her old friend was in jail, serving a six-year sentence for a serious crime. She was heartbroken. She immediately set out to write him a letter. Just to be sure she wouldn’t cause her friend undue stress, she asked a counselor who specializes in prison ministry and addiction whether writing a letter was appropriate. “By all means,” he said, “but be prepared for various outcomes. The most likely being that your friend’s shame, regret, or denial would keep him from acknowledging your note.” She then confided in another friend of her decision. “Are you nuts!?” he yelled over the phone. “Why would you want anything to do with this person? Forgot about him. He’s lost.” But her love for her old friend remained unchanged despite his crimes. She couldn’t fathom what motivated him to make such horrible choices and certainly was not excusing his actions. But compassion was her first and last response. True Christian freedom comes when your decision to love is automatic. It never enters your mind to do otherwise.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

christian freedom Love

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Featured Exploring the Word

27 Oct 2024 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Bartimaeus is that rare recipient of a miracle who immediately becomes a disciple of Jesus. Immediately, of course, is a favorite Marcan word. Things happen at once in this gospel or not at all. The urgency is not simply symptomatic of the breathlessness with which Mark tells his story. He convinces us that discipleship won’t wait. Make your decision and come away at once! Bartimaeus follows Jesus up the road—”on the way” in some translations, the way being a code word for the Christian journey. Mary Magdalene, relieved of seven demons, does the same in Luke’s gospel. But most folks cleansed, cured, restored, and raised up in gospel stories simply return to their families and their routines. We can’t blame them. There’s a life interrupted they’ve been longing for, and it’s a powerful lure. Jesus acknowledges this impulse when he pronounces Bartimaeus healed by his own faith: “Be on your way!” Jesus bids him generously. Bartimaeus determines at once that “his way” is now the way of Jesus. Wherever you go, I shall go, he says with his feet. The story of Bartimaeus is special to pastoral ministers because it’s an off-the-charts success. Here’s a guy who seeks healing, receives his sight, and winds up with more clarity than most people who were never so deprived. He sees well enough to know which way to go, and that’s a lot. This week, as we honor those in pastoral ministry within the church, we cheer those on who offer this opportunity to many in ways that may seem less dramatic but are nonetheless life-transforming. Bartimaeus forever cries out from the side of the road, and pastoral caregivers are the ones who answer that call in Jesus’ name. Pastoral care is an opaque term to those who still think the priest-pastor does everything. Defined as “the self-realizing activity of the church’s shepherding concern” doesn’t inch us much toward clarification. The definition I prefer comes from Richard McBride: Pastoral ministry isn’t only about communicating theological principles but about applying them to concrete and changing circumstances. It’s where the rubber meets the road in the life of the church, where gospel values encounter real-life stories. It’s where you and I meet Bartimaeus at the side of the road and answer his cry. It’s not enough to dive in and catechize the poor fellow. First, we have to ask the prescient question: “In the name of Jesus, what do you want?” That makes the pastoral person distinct from the social worker. It’s what makes the Catholic hospital different from General Hospital, or the Catholic Worker more than a soup kitchen. Pastoral care is what we offer when we respond to the world’s need not from our limited compassion but through the depths of the heart of Christ. Related scripture links Garments and their significance: Mark 2:21; 5:25-30; 6:56; 9:3; 11:7-8; 13:16; 15:20, 24 Salvation by faith: 5:23, 28, 34, 36 Blind man gradually restored: Mark 8:22-26 Failure of the disciples: Mark 9:18-19, 28-29 Disciples cannot see: Mark 10:35-45 Catechism links Faith: CCC 185-202; 222-227; 548; 1814-1816; 2616; 2666-2668 Adapted from a previously published Exploring the word.

Authors Alice Camille

bartimaeus discipleship christian journey pastoral care pastoral ministry

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The truth will set you free

Funeral, Sacrament-based, Holy Day, Holiday, Special Occasion - Sample homilies to be adapted for your use

Occasion: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Lectionary 160, 161, 162) “Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come ...” HOW MANY TIMES have we prayed those words: “thy Kingdom come”? Do we even know what we are praying for? What does it mean that Jesus is King? What does it mean that he shall receive dominion, glory, and kingship? That his dominion is an everlasting dominion? That he is robed in majesty? I don’t know about you, but, other than watching The Throne or The Crown, I have no concept of kings or kingdoms and sovereign rulers. We have so many examples of bad kings that it is hard to imagine Jesus as a king. To truly understand the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, we have to pay attention to what the scripture says about Jesus’ kingship. At Jesus’ trial before his death, Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you a king?” Jesus says that his Kingdom is not of this world. Then Jesus says, “I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the Truth listens to my voice.” Pilate responds with the rhetorical question, “What is truth?” And that, my dear brothers and sisters, is what the Kingdom of Jesus is about and why we need the Kingdom of Christ: truth. The crisis of our day—and of every day from the beginning of time—is a crisis of truth. We live in a world where human beings think that they can define truth and that “what’s true for you is not necessarily true for me.” The crisis of our day—and of every day from the beginning of time—is a crisis of truth. We live in a world where human beings think that they can define truth and that “what’s true for you is not necessarily true for me.” Where we don’t think that truth is objective and universal. Where every generation has its “What is truth?” moment. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent subtly questions Truth, “Did God really say that you would die?” His question instills doubt. Things start to seem partly true, but not completely true. It is confusing. The deliberate half truths, doubt, and confusion lead to power struggles, conflicts, and wars that wreck havoc on our world. The real root of the problem stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of truth. Truth is not a what; truth is a who, a person. The question is not “What is truth?” The question is “Who is truth?” And we know the answer. Jesus is the truth. He told us so himself, “I am the way, the truth and life” (John 14:6). That’s why He came to testify to the truth, because He is the truth. That’s why those who belong to the truth listen to his voice. Jesus Christ is truth and his Kingdom is one where truth reigns. This is why I think it makes perfect sense that it is on the feast of Christ the King that we also celebrate the annual diocesan celebration of World Youth Day around the world. What does truth have to do with the young? Well, young people seek the truth; they are thirsty for it. They have a zeal and passion for what’s true, what’s just, what’s right. Young people remind us, in their quest for truth, that it is a who, not a what, that they seek. As Saint Anselm phrased it in his beautiful prayer: Let me seek you by desiring you, and desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. May we be like young people and always desire to seek the truth, and in finding the truth in Jesus, desire to seek him all the more. Let’s allow Jesus to have dominion over every aspect of our lives; not just what is safe and convenient. Yes, Jesus will rule with perfect justice, but also with perfect mercy. Next time you pray the Lord’s Prayer and you say, “Thy Kingdom come,” know that you are asking for the truth to come. And when you find the truth, it will set you free.

Authors Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann

holy day/feast Christ the King Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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The truth will set you free

Funeral, Sacrament-based, Holy Day, Holiday, Special Occasion - Sample homilies to be adapted for your use

Occasion: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Lectionary 160, 161, 162) “Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come ...” HOW MANY TIMES have we prayed those words: “thy Kingdom come”? Do we even know what we are praying for? What does it mean that Jesus is King? What does it mean that he shall receive dominion, glory, and kingship? That his dominion is an everlasting dominion? That he is robed in majesty? I don’t know about you, but, other than watching The Throne or The Crown, I have no concept of kings or kingdoms and sovereign rulers. We have so many examples of bad kings that it is hard to imagine Jesus as a king. To truly understand the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, we have to pay attention to what the scripture says about Jesus’ kingship. At Jesus’ trial before his death, Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you a king?” Jesus says that his Kingdom is not of this world. Then Jesus says, “I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the Truth listens to my voice.” Pilate responds with the rhetorical question, “What is truth?” And that, my dear brothers and sisters, is what the Kingdom of Jesus is about and why we need the Kingdom of Christ: truth. The crisis of our day—and of every day from the beginning of time—is a crisis of truth. We live in a world where human beings think that they can define truth and that “what’s true for you is not necessarily true for me.” The crisis of our day—and of every day from the beginning of time—is a crisis of truth. We live in a world where human beings think that they can define truth and that “what’s true for you is not necessarily true for me.” Where we don’t think that truth is objective and universal. Where every generation has its “What is truth?” moment. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent subtly questions Truth, “Did God really say that you would die?” His question instills doubt. Things start to seem partly true, but not completely true. It is confusing. The deliberate half truths, doubt, and confusion lead to power struggles, conflicts, and wars that wreck havoc on our world. The real root of the problem stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of truth. Truth is not a what; truth is a who, a person. The question is not “What is truth?” The question is “Who is truth?” And we know the answer. Jesus is the truth. He told us so himself, “I am the way, the truth and life” (John 14:6). That’s why He came to testify to the truth, because He is the truth. That’s why those who belong to the truth listen to his voice. Jesus Christ is truth and his Kingdom is one where truth reigns. This is why I think it makes perfect sense that it is on the feast of Christ the King that we also celebrate the annual diocesan celebration of World Youth Day around the world. What does truth have to do with the young? Well, young people seek the truth; they are thirsty for it. They have a zeal and passion for what’s true, what’s just, what’s right. Young people remind us, in their quest for truth, that it is a who, not a what, that they seek. As Saint Anselm phrased it in his beautiful prayer: Let me seek you by desiring you, and desire you by seeking you; let me find you by loving you, and love you in finding you. May we be like young people and always desire to seek the truth, and in finding the truth in Jesus, desire to seek him all the more. Let’s allow Jesus to have dominion over every aspect of our lives; not just what is safe and convenient. Yes, Jesus will rule with perfect justice, but also with perfect mercy. Next time you pray the Lord’s Prayer and you say, “Thy Kingdom come,” know that you are asking for the truth to come. And when you find the truth, it will set you free.

Authors Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann

holy day/feast Christ the King Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Cycle B

24 Nov 2024

SUNDAY SUMMARY Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel has a vision of a divinely appointed king whose reign will never end. Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5 God is identified as the true ruler of the nation, worthy of trust. Revelation 1:5-8 One king rules all the rulers of the Earth: the one who is and was and is to come. John 18:33b-37 The procurator of Judea finds himself sparring with a new kind of king. More resources for the month available in Seasonal notes.

Daniel 7:13-14 Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5 Revelation 1:5-8 John 18:33b-37 Christ the King

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