Great Catholic Homilies

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Posts Tagged ‘Baptism’

Baptism’s power comes from God, not us

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Read Fr. Jason's bioMonday, June 6, 2011
Fr. Jason Welle, O.F.M.

Homily summary: In today’s reading, we hear that some Christians had never even heard about the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance. All of the action here takes place on the part of the person who is repenting. But with Christianity, the action is God’s. For example, babies are baptized.

John the Baptist’s repentance was a prerequisite to the baptism of Jesus. Our change of lives comes after baptism. This fills us with great gratitude for the gift of baptism that we receive from God.

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Taking part in the bond of love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Read bio Fr. Joseph EddySixth Sunday in Easter, May 29, 2011
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: John 14:15-21 “The Spirit of truth… dwells with you, and will be in you.”

Full text of homily: Like many people, I became interested in American Idol this season. It seemed like there was so much talent in the young people who performed. Scotty, the deep voiced country star, went away with the title, but really any of the 10 finalists were capable of winning. Scotty seemed to have an innocence about him.  It appeared as though he was raised in a devote Christian home. It is my hope that he will not get caught up in the Hollywood scene and lose this innocence. Popular culture tends to idolize these stars; overemphasizing physical beauty and perfection. Stars are almost held up as gods.

Blessed Virgin Mary of MercyFr. Joseph Eddy is the vocation director of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded to redeem Christians whose faith is in danger. The Order’s student house in the U.S. is in Philadelphia.

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page, or the website of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.

But in our day, the Lord has also raised up many true examples of heroes who appear to have an appeal that comes from the inside rather than the external. Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II are examples of this transcendent beauty. Neither one of these people were successful by worldly standards. They lived simple lives. They did not possess physical beauty which drew people’s attention to them. Yet, wherever they appeared huge crowds came just to get a glimpse of them. People would hold their children out to get them close to these two examples of holiness. Crowds listened to every word that they said even as these two blesseds aged and lost the ability speak eloquently.  What was the draw of these two human beings?

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Don’t wait forever to baptize your child

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 9, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin Gospel: Matt. 3:13-17. Baptism of Jesus.
MP3 Audio

Summary: In the ancient world, Baptism was only a symbol. Jesus came to be baptized to show that we needed real Baptism. Jesus took the ceremony of Baptism and made it a sacrament. Now, Baptism is more than a symbol — it is an actual taking away of sins.

Protestants, however, will be baptized again and again as they move from one church to another. We believe that God gives us a whole  new identity, a regeneration, in Baptism. The soul is changed, and this can never be taken back. Godparents are chosen to be like parents in a spiritual way.

Go to the Sisters' Facebook page.Saint Francis de Sales’ “little virtues” of gentleness, kindness, humility, and cheerful optimism shape the monastic life of the Visitation Sisters. Consider a life of prayer and teaching. Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary Washington, DC.

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Wise men show that heaven is for everyone

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 2, 2010
Fr. Hilary Mahaney
Gospel: Matt. 2:1-12. Wise men’s visit to Bethlehem
(Sorry, no audio)

Summary: The wise men came from non-Jewish nations, and this shows that everyone is called to heaven, not just the Jewish nation. God has called us to be his instruments. He needs people to say “yes” to Him. Vatican Council II teaches that Baptism is a vocation, and with it comes mission. The early Christians spread the faith. That goes for us, too, whether we are in a trade, profession, whether we are a homemaker, or whatever.

Marriage and the family are the foundation of society. God is counting on us to keep the star of Bethlehem alive in our lives. We find Christ in the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, and in prayer. Let  us entrust ourselves to Mary, who will lead us to Christ.

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