Homilies about creation

The Eucharist: God's Radical Plan for a Broken World

The homily connects the parable of the sower and the abundance of creation to the early Church's mission of radical inclusivity, especially for the marginalized. It contrasts God's intention for shared abundance with the historical and ongoing societal forces of power, oppression, and exploitation, emphasizing that the Eucharist and the Church's continued witness stand as a counter-cultural testament to God's original plan for creation.

The Ever-Speaking Word of God: From Creation to Our Hearts

Father Benedict

Father Benedict reflects on the power of God's word, comparing it to rain that awakens lifeless seeds, drawing parallels to the California poppies blooming after a drought. He emphasizes that God's word, manifest in creation, in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, is always speaking, inviting us to listen and follow for a path of discipleship and fullness of life.

Why We Destroy What We Hate: Lessons from the Holy Land

The homily connects the Old Testament reading about King Hezekiah's prayer for Jerusalem's protection with the Gospel's warning not to cast pearls before swine. The priest reflects on the destruction of holy sites in the Middle East and the broader human tendency to destroy what offends us, urging appreciation for God's gifts, from the macro (the world) to the micro (our bodies and children). He emphasizes our role as stewards of creation and life.

How the Eucharist Inspires Us to Care for Creation

The homily connects the parable of the sower with the concept of creation's groaning due to human sin and climate change. It emphasizes humanity's role as stewards of the earth, not masters, and highlights the Eucharist as a source of motivation for environmental concern, unifying creation with Christ.

Your Heart is the Soil: Receiving God's Word

Father Pat

The homily reflects on the parable of the sower, emphasizing the goodness of the earth and the human body as 'dust and breath' animated by God. It connects the 'soil' to our hearts and the 'seed' to God's living word, encouraging listeners to be receptive to the divine message and bear abundant fruit.

How to Hear God's Voice in Scripture and Creation

Father Tim

The homily explores the concept of 'logos' as both word and divine reason, emphasizing that all scripture points to Christ, the Word made flesh. It encourages a deeper engagement with scripture through Lectio Divina, urging listeners to see God's presence in creation and to actively seek how the Lord is speaking to them through His word.

Will Our Dogs Be In Heaven? A Reflection on God's Goodness in Creation

The homily focuses on the Gospel reading's instruction not to give what is holy to dogs, using it as a springboard to discuss the goodness found in creation, specifically dogs. The priest references Thomas Aquinas's view that the goodness in dogs reflects God's own goodness, suggesting that this goodness will be present in heaven, thus reassuring pet owners about their beloved companions.

You Are Wondrously Made: Why God Has No Accidents

The homily emphasizes that every human being is 'wondrously made' by God, regardless of their circumstances of birth or perceived self-worth. Drawing on the story of John the Baptist, the priest challenges the common human tendency to feel inadequate or like an 'accident,' asserting that God has no accidents in creation and intends a singular purpose for everyone: to move into the joy of the life to come.

God's Special Creation: You Are in His Hands

This homily, delivered to a group of children attending a summer faith academy, focuses on God's creation, particularly the creation of humanity in His image. The priest emphasizes that God created each person specially and holds them in the palm of His hands, reinforcing their inherent worth and God's love for them.

Why Every Baby is a Sign of Hope from God

The homily, delivered during a baptism, emphasizes the inherent dignity of every human life as an intentional act of God, countering the historical narrative of overpopulation. Drawing on quotes from St. Teresa of Kolkata and Pope Benedict, the priest highlights babies as tangible signs of hope and God's willingness to continue creation, urging the faithful to affirm life and support young parents.