Homilies about acceptance

A Mother's Journey: Finding God's Love and Acceptance for Her Transgender Child

This homily, delivered on the Feast of Corpus Christi and during Pride Week, emphasizes the Eucharist as a symbol of unity and radical inclusivity, drawing parallels to the early Corinthian church's struggles with marginalization. A parishioner then shares her personal journey as the mother of a transgender child, highlighting the pain of rejection from some Catholic communities and the joy and fear associated with her daughter's authentic self-discovery, ultimately finding a welcoming home at All Saints Church.

Father Martin's Farewell: The Power of 'Whatever' and Finding Peace

Father Martin

The homily is a farewell address from a priest who is moving parishes after seven years. He reflects on what the community has given him, particularly a sense of 'peace' through learning to be 'whatever' – accepting God's will and life's circumstances without worry or fighting. He shares an anecdote about an Irish priest in Papua New Guinea who embodied this 'whatever' attitude by removing his rectory door after repeated break-ins, symbolizing radical acceptance. The homily concludes with a 'last will' for the parishioners to embrace this 'whatever' attitude and frequent confession when they fall short.

La Acogida de Jesús: Nadie es Rechazado en la Casa de Dios

The homily reflects on Jesus' encounter with the leper, highlighting that Jesus' acceptance was contrary to the social norms of the time. It emphasizes that no one is rejected in God's house and encourages believers to pray at any moment, trusting in God's love to heal their spiritual ailments.

Beyond Physical Leprosy: Healing Psychological Unacceptability

The homily connects the physical leprosy in the Gospel to a 'psychological leprosy' prevalent today, where people feel unacceptable or unlovable due to societal ideals and harsh words. The priest emphasizes that just as the leper went to Jesus, those suffering from psychological damage also need Christ and the acceptance of the community, urging listeners to be mindful of their words and pray for those who feel marginalized.

How to Be 'Bread for Others' Through the Eucharist

Frank Murray

The homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi emphasizes that the Eucharist is not just physical nourishment but a participation in Christ's multifaceted 'bread of life,' which includes healing, acceptance, restored life, mercy, and forgiveness. The priest encourages parishioners to be nourished by the Eucharist so they can become Christ-like 'bread for others' in their daily lives, performing acts of discipleship in their own limited capacities.

Intimacy with God: Vulnerability, Acceptance, and the Sacred Heart

The homily explores the concept of intimacy as vulnerability plus acceptance, drawing parallels to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Gospel message of God's unconditional love. The priest emphasizes that true prayer involves coming before God with our authentic selves, wounds and all, to experience transformation and then share that love with the world.