Great Catholic Homilies

"Faith comes by hearing, and what is heard is the Word of Christ."

Archive for the ‘Modern culture’ Category

Between soccer and sleep, grab some time alone with God

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 Healing of Simon’s mother-in-law

Full sermon text: As a priest, one of the most blessed and challenging tasks is to be on “hospital duty.” It is certainly one of the most rewarding things to do, because we get a chance to be with people in their weakest hour. Often this is when they really reflect on their lives and mistakes. The priest has the opportunity to help them to turn with confidence to God, who is loving and forgiving. What a blessing!!

Click for Fr. Eddy's Facebook page

From the hills of “Andy Griffith” to ordination in Sardinia: the story of Deacon Scott

It might seem a wayward path, but Scott Brentwood’s journey began in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the town about which “Mayberry RFD” was written, and ended at the altar with Scott receiving ordination in the historic city of Cagliari amidst the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean.

See the video which went viral in its first day: “The Humble Roots of the Ordination of Deacon Scott Brentwood.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph Eddy’s Facebook page.

Yet, the times at the hospital can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. So much suffering and so many difficulties are faced by those trying to minister to the sick. Two hours spent visiting patients and distributing the Sacraments can feel like five hours. I certainly have much more respect for chaplains and medical personal who must work in this environment five days a week. They must have to pace themselves or find healthy outlets to cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual strain. Continue Reading…

We cannot be forced to violate our consciences

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Joseph Eddy. Go to Fr. Joseph's bio.Sun., Jan. 29, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 “He taught them with authority.”

Full sermon text: Over the past 20 years it has been popular for young Christians to wear wrist bands or necklaces with the capital letters W.W.J.D. This, of course, stands for “what would Jesus do?” Actually, this trend can be a very effective way to help us think about our commitment to live as a Christian at each moment of our life. But, Christians, particularly Catholics and Protestants, would at times have different views on what Jesus would do in certain circumstances.

Click for Fr. Eddy's Facebook page

What is behind the noble history of the Order of Mercy?

In a vision to a young nobleman named Peter Nolasco, the Blessed Virgin urged the formation of a military fraternity that would rescue prisoners by means of ransom. Go to our website and read, “Our Lady’s Coat of Arms Stands With the Rescue of Captives.”

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page.

People form their conscience based on what they have been taught or what they know to be right or wrong. Conscience is defined as the judgment of reason which at certain moments enjoins us to do good or to avoid evil. We all have a conscience but not everyone’s conscience is fully formed. Yet, it is a good thing when modern people recognize that they have a conscience and try to form it properly. This is what is being done if a teenage wears the WWJD wrist band and uses it to make proper decisions. Continue Reading…

We slave on Sunday so they can bask at the beach

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bio

Wed., Jan. 18, 2012
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6 Jesus heals on the Sabbath

Sermon summary: In today’s reading, we hear of Christ’s critics. Our Lord healed on the Sabbath, and his critics were over the edge on scrupulosity. You don’t revolve your life around not working.

Deacon Scott Brentwood, prostrate. Click for article.

What stuck with Deacon Scott during his ordination?

The church in Sardinia was breathtaking, and the Mercedarian tradition of 600 years on the island was remarkable. But what impressed Deacon Scott, from Virginia, at his deaconate ordination recently?  Read, “A Mercedarian Journal From Rome.”

Visit our Facebook page.

Even in our day, Jews follow the same laws. In Chicago when I was growing up, they would pay a girl five cents to light their stove in the evening so as not to break the Sabbath. Continue Reading…

The 60’s hit us — but we are still the one, true Church

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bioSunday, Jan. 15, 2012
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: John 1:35-42 “Look, there is the Lamb of God.”

Sermon summary: Years ago we were taught that the Catholic Church was the one true Church, and no other group was the true Church founded by Christ. The Church is not just a group who gathers in the Church who believe in Jesus Christ.

Go to the Georgetown Visitation.

The Bean Queen of Georgetown Rules

The bean, or Epiphany Queen, of the Georgetown Visitation can request special things. Whichever sister finds the bean or medal in her piece of cake after supper is Queen-for-a-Year and is treated in a special way. Go to our Live + Jesus blog and read about what Sr. Mary Philomena got to wear that day.

Are you called to a life of the “little virtues” of gentleness, humility, and cheerful optimism? Consider the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Washington, DC.

When the Pope, or the Pope and bishops in union with him give us a teaching, it is the authority of God himself. The Church teaches us about the Bible, about how to get along. It teaches with the authority of God. Continue Reading…

Reject the orgy of greed — Christmas is about giving (text)

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bio2nd Sunday in Advent, Dec. 4, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 “A baptism of repentance”

Full homily text: What a beautiful custom we have here at St Odilo—the Giving Tree. I think that what makes it so beautiful is that—if we understand it correctly—our children are turning the tables on the meaning of Christmas—at least the meaning that the world wants to give to Christmas—you know, the world out there that does not want to hear any prayers—the world out there that does not want to see a Nativity Scene—the world out there that is offended to hear the mention of Jesus’ Name—the world out there that resists all thought of His beautiful Virgin Mother, Mary—the world out there that says that He belongs only in the church building and not out in the market or square.

Go to the Dominican Sisters' websiteDo you ever wonder, “To what kind of life is God calling me?” or “How can I know God’s will?” or “Am I being called to religious life?” See our video, “Take one step at a time and become a Dominican Sister” on our website of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and see what awaits those who are called by God in this special way.

See the joy of those in the various stages of becoming a sister: aspirancy, postulancy, novitiate, and profession.

They always prattle on about how we have freedom of worship. Yes but we are fast approaching a world—a society—a country—if we are not there already—where all they will allow us to do is worship in this building. Continue Reading…