Bulletin Q&A Article, published 9-17-23: In Fr. Hurley’s homily last week, he referred to four periods of fasting that used to be observed in the old Church calendar. Can you shed some light on what they were? It’s time to get back to work after my summer hiatus from the “Ask Deacon Joe” column. I… Continue reading Ember Days
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Don’t Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face
Homily, 9-11-23; Monday of the 23rd Week of Ordinary Time: I’m sure most of you have heard the expression: “don’t cut off your nose to spite your face”. Sometimes we refuse to do or accept something good for us, because we are angry or have a resentment against a person who is trying to help… Continue reading Don’t Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face
Priest, Prophet, and King
Homily, 9-4-23; Monday of the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time: Jesus is priest, prophet, and king. In today’s gospel passage we hear allusions to his prophetic role. First, He is the subject of Isaiah’s prophesy. He is the one anointed by the Holy Spirit to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to the captives,… Continue reading Priest, Prophet, and King
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Homily, 8-24-23; Memorial of St. Augustine: Today we hear the first scriptural reference to the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. St. Paul tells the Thessalonians: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and… Continue reading Faith, Hope, and Charity
Martyr of Love
Homily, 8-14-23; Memorial of St. Maximillian Kolbe: Today we used the optional readings for the memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe because they fit in so well with the heroic act with which he received the crown of martyrdom. Maximillian is a modern day saint. He was arrested by the gestapo in 1941 on charges of… Continue reading Martyr of Love
Eucharist – Pure Nutrition
Homily, 8-7-23; Monday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time: Since my heart surgery and stroke four years ago, I have been on medication to control my cholesterol. Prior to that I struggled, to control it with diet and exercise with varying levels of success. On one occasion many years ago, I went to the… Continue reading Eucharist – Pure Nutrition
Men Without Chests
Homily, 7-31-23; Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola: “There is something greater than Solomon here.” Young King Solomon prayed for wisdom as he took over the reins from his father, King David. And God answered his prayers. He made wise decisions for the people. He built the great temple with the supplies left to him… Continue reading Men Without Chests
Something Greater than Solomon
Homily, 7-24-23; Monday of the 16th Week of ordinary Time: “There is something greater than Solomon here.” Young King Solomon prayed for wisdom as he took over the reins from his father, King David. And God answered his prayers. He made wise decisions for the people. He built the great temple with the supplies left… Continue reading Something Greater than Solomon
Staying Strong in the Face of Oppression
Homily, 7-17-23; Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Our country is a nation that has been at peace within its borders for all of my lifetime. While our military has had to participate in battle in other places around the world to protect our freedom and that of our allies, we have not… Continue reading Staying Strong in the Face of Oppression
Maintenance and Mission
Homily, 7-16-23; 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: A couple of weeks ago, I attended a one-day Archdiocesan event hosted by Archbishop Vigneron. It was called a Missionary Renewal Assembly, We heard a variety of speakers give testimonies regarding their Family of Parish activities and successes and stressing the need for new evangelization efforts.… Continue reading Maintenance and Mission