Homilies about conscience

What Jesus Really Meant By 'Stop Judging'

The homily clarifies that Jesus' command to 'stop judging' isn't about refraining from all assessment, but rather about how we treat those we perceive to be erring. It emphasizes the importance of praying for others' shortcomings and examining our own conscience, ensuring that the measure of mercy we extend to others is what we would want to receive ourselves.

Why Accepting Correction Leads to Righteousness

This homily, delivered during a daily Mass, focuses on the importance of accepting admonishment and constructive criticism for spiritual growth. Drawing from the examples of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, the priest emphasizes forming one's conscience according to God's law and being open to correction, whether from God or others, as a path to righteousness and deeper relationship with Christ.

Why Following Your Conscience, Even Through Suffering, Leads to Eternal Reward

The homily contrasts immediate gratification with long-term consequences, drawing parallels between the Israelites' disobedience leading to exile and personal choices. It highlights the example of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, who chose short-term suffering for eternal reward by following their consciences against King Henry VIII's unlawful actions, emphasizing that following God's will, despite sacrifices, leads to ultimate reward.

St. Thomas More: Holding Fast to Conscience in Defiance of Kings

This homily reflects on the steadfast faith of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher in the face of King Henry VIII's defiance of the Church. It highlights More's refusal to accept a national church headed by a secular ruler, emphasizing his commitment to conscience and the universal nature of the Church. The homily concludes with a prayer composed by St. Thomas More, seeking humility, faith, hope, charity, and fervor in prayer.

How to Judge Rightly: Lessons from Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

The homily clarifies Jesus' teaching on judging, emphasizing that it's not a prohibition against all judgment, but against hypocritical judgment. Drawing on the example of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, the priest stresses the importance of forming one's conscience through prayer and virtue to be able to discern and speak out against evil effectively, even in the face of severe consequences.

The Colors of Martyrdom: Lessons from Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

This stream is primarily a rosary and other prayers, not a Mass. There is a brief reflection during the rosary that mentions saints John Fisher and Thomas More, highlighting their faithfulness to conscience and God's law even in the face of persecution. The speaker discusses different 'colors' of martyrdom, emphasizing that living a virtuous life in difficult circumstances is also a form of martyrdom.

Are You Smarter Than God? Why We Stray From the Path to Heaven

The homily emphasizes the importance of following God's path as revealed in scripture and through the Church's magisterium, rather than relying on human intellect or 'mental gymnastics' to justify actions. It warns against spiritual dissonance and the temptation to pick and choose teachings, urging listeners to be cognizant of their daily decisions and to prioritize God's wisdom over personal feelings to stay on the path to heaven.

St. Thomas More: God's Servant First, Not the King's

The homily addresses the Gospel's teaching on judging others, clarifying that Jesus' command to 'stop judging' refers to condemnation, not discernment. Drawing on the example of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, the homilist emphasizes the importance of self-conversion and living the truth through one's actions, rather than condemning others. St. Thomas More's refusal to compromise his conscience, even unto death, serves as a powerful illustration of prioritizing God's will above all else.

What Conscience Really Means: Lessons from Saints and Fifth Graders

The homily reflects on the concept of conscience, moving beyond the simplistic 'angel on the shoulder' idea. Drawing from a personal anecdote of teaching fifth graders, the priest explains conscience as a cyclical process of 'think, remember, choose, act, and wait,' emphasizing its positive, creative power for change. He connects this to the martyrdom of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, who suffered for their conscience, highlighting that such suffering, when chosen for conscience, can make the world a better place and parallels Christ's love.

St. Thomas More's Prayer for His Persecutors: A Lesson in Forgiveness

Father Ryan Birju

The homily reflects on the lives of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, highlighting their fidelity to conscience and the Church even unto death. The priest emphasizes St. Thomas More's prayer for his persecutors, connecting it to Jesus' teaching on not judging and the importance of forgiving those who harm us, ultimately seeking salvation together.

Who Do You Fear More: Your Boss or God?

The homily emphasizes the importance of fearing God above all else, even when faced with difficult decisions that challenge one's conscience, such as workplace demands or personal desires. The priest uses relatable examples of dietary changes and driving habits to illustrate how people prioritize their physical well-being and safety, drawing a parallel to the greater need to safeguard one's soul and adhere to God's will. He warns against presumption of God's mercy and encourages a true fear of God's judgment as an expression of genuine love and belief.

The Gift of Holy Fear: Why We Listen to God's Whispers

The homily explores the 'fear of the Lord' as a gift born out of love, not punishment. It emphasizes listening to God's whispered revelations, comparing it to parents teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street out of love and concern for their safety. The core message is that God's truth, revealed through scripture and conscience, guides us safely through life's journey, and we must adhere to it out of devotion and love, not just for reward.

Lessons from Martyrs: Loving God More Than Anything Else

The homily commemorates Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, highlighting their unwavering faith and refusal to compromise their conscience in the face of persecution. It draws parallels to modern challenges to religious freedom, urging listeners to form their consciences through prayer and scripture, and to prioritize love for God above all else, even family or country.

The Golden Rule: Following the Narrow Path of Conscience

The homily emphasizes the 'golden rule' from Matthew's Gospel: 'Do unto others whatever you want others to do unto you.' It contrasts popular opinion, which often leads to a broad path, with the narrow path of conviction and conscience, urging listeners to trust in God and let their conscience be their guide, as this leads to a better world.

Beyond Buildings: What Truly Defines Our Relationship with God

The homily connects the ancient Israelite history of confusing God's covenant with possessions to the modern Christian tendency to equate the Kingdom of God with physical structures. It highlights the example of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, who prioritized their faith and conscience over worldly authority, reminding us that our relationship with God is at the heart of the covenant, not material possessions or human institutions.

St. Thomas More: God's Servant First, Even Unto Death

The homily focuses on the unwavering faith and martyrdom of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, who chose loyalty to God's truth over the king's demands, even when it meant personal suffering and loss. It emphasizes the importance of forming one's conscience according to Christ's teachings and being willing to suffer for what is right, contrasting this with self-inflicted pain from poor choices.

St. Thomas More: Serving God First, Even to Death

The homily focuses on the lives of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, particularly St. Thomas More's unwavering conscience in the face of King Henry VIII's demands. It connects his example to the Gospel reading about not judging others, emphasizing the importance of serving God first and removing the 'wooden beam' from one's own eye before attempting to correct others.