Homilies about exile
St. Francis De Sales Church
Beckley, West Virginia
Finding Joy and Hope in Our Earthly Exile
St. Francis De Sales Church · Beckley, West Virginia · Jun 26, 2026
Daily MassThe homily connects the Old Testament account of Jerusalem's destruction and exile to the Christian understanding of life as an exile from our heavenly homeland. It emphasizes that despite the suffering and difficulties of this earthly exile, we are called to be joyful and hopeful, keeping our eyes fixed on the heavenly Jerusalem, and participating in the life of the world to come through sanctifying grace.
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary – St. Stephen
Brooklyn, New York
God Touches Our Ugliness: Finding Hope in Exile and Suffering
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary – St. Stephen · Brooklyn, New York · Jun 26, 2026
Daily MassThe homily connects the Old Testament exile of the Israelites with the New Testament healing of the leper, highlighting the theme of 'exile' in both physical and spiritual forms. It emphasizes that God is present even in the 'ugliness' of human suffering and sin, and that one does not need to be perfect to approach God, only to have a contrite heart. The priest encourages listeners to invite those who feel alienated from the Church back, reminding them that God does not abandon but restores.