Homilies about character

How Suffering Gives Birth to a New Humanity

Father Henry

The homily explores how suffering and affliction, like the labor pains of childbirth, can lead to the birth of a 'new humanity' grounded in obedience, humility, and love. Drawing parallels between Jesus' temptations on the cross and our daily struggles, the priest emphasizes that these challenges, when faced with Christ-like disposition, produce character, endurance, and hope. A poignant story of an 11-year-old boy burying his stillborn sister illustrates how profound love and dignity can emerge from tragic circumstances.

Are You 'Sincere' Enough to Receive God's Grace?

The homily uses the parable of the sower and an ancient Roman story about pottery to emphasize the lasting importance of character over transient worldly possessions. It explains how a flawed character, like a cracked pot filled with wax, cannot fully receive God's grace, while a sincere, 'without wax' character, cultivated through prayer and confession, can bear fruit for eternity. The priest connects the word 'sincere' to its Latin roots 'sin cera' (without wax), highlighting the call to be authentic and open to God's grace.

Building Your Life on Rock: Enduring Storms with a Strong Foundation

The homily reflects on the Gospel parable of building a house on rock versus sand, emphasizing that a strong foundation in life is built on invisible values like integrity, faith, and compassion, not external achievements or fleeting pleasures. It encourages listeners to examine what truly sustains them and to build their lives on the enduring values of the Gospel, especially Christ as the foundation.