Homilies about happiness
St. Catherine of Siena
Trumbull, Connecticut
Are Worldly Pleasures Choking God's Word in Your Life?
St. Catherine of Siena · Trumbull, Connecticut · Jul 11, 2026
Sunday MassThe homily uses the parable of the sower to discuss how worldly attachments like pleasures, riches, and pride can choke the divine word in our hearts, leading to restlessness and misery. It emphasizes that true fulfillment and happiness come from prioritizing God and inviting Him into all aspects of life, with the Eucharist serving as a foretaste of heaven that tames the storms within our souls.
St. Raphael
Bay Village, Ohio
Finding Your God-Given Purpose: Lessons from John the Baptist and Simon Birch
St. Raphael · Bay Village, Ohio · Jun 24, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that everyone is called by God for a unique purpose, even if it's not immediately clear. Drawing parallels between John the Baptist and a character from the movie 'Simon Birch,' the priest encourages listeners to align their will with God's will to find true happiness and fulfill their greater purpose in daily life.
St. Katharine Drexel
Weston, Florida
God Loves You: How to Find Heaven on Earth Amidst Suffering
St. Katharine Drexel · Weston, Florida · Jul 10, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that the Gospel message of Christ's resurrection and forgiveness offers only two options: embrace it or persecute it. The priest shares a personal story of his own conversion from persecuting the church to experiencing God's unconditional love, highlighting that true happiness and freedom are found in living in heaven now, not just after death, and in forgiving those who persecute us.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
Saint Louis, Missouri
Why the 'Hard Road' Leads to True Happiness
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church · Saint Louis, Missouri · Jun 23, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that the 'narrow gate' to life is not easy, but the initial difficulty of learning and growing eventually makes things easier and leads to true happiness. Drawing on an analogy from 'A League of Their Own' and personal experience teaching teenagers, the speaker argues that embracing challenges rather than seeking shortcuts is essential for personal and spiritual development, including in marriage.
St. George (Maronite)
Cranston, Rhode Island
Finding True Happiness: Lessons from St. Charbel and St. Elijah
St. George (Maronite) · Cranston, Rhode Island · Jul 19, 2026
Holy DayThe homily, delivered on the Feast of St. Charbel, emphasizes that true happiness is found in God, not worldly pursuits. It highlights the examples of St. Charbel and St. Elijah, who achieved sainthood through lives of prayer, work, and submission to God's will, particularly through silence and letting go of worldly desires. The priest encourages the congregation to cultivate silence and discipline in their spiritual lives to find God and attain saintthood.
St. John
Lakehurst, New Jersey
Preparing for Heaven: A Reflection on Life's Journey and Eternal Joy
St. John · Lakehurst, New Jersey · Jun 25, 2026
Daily MassThe homily reflects on the fleeting nature of earthly life and the eternal joy awaiting us in heaven. The priest shares a personal anecdote about a childhood water skiing incident with his nephew, illustrating how quickly circumstances can change and the importance of being prepared for God's call. He emphasizes that our ultimate goal is heaven, where there will be only joy and happiness, encouraging the congregation to stay on the path towards this divine destination.
St Pancratius Catholic Church
Lakewood, California
What Should Catholics Truly Fear? (It's Not What You Think)
St Pancratius Catholic Church · Lakewood, California · Jun 21, 2026
Sunday MassThe homily addresses the theme of fear, emphasizing that the only true fear should be separation from God, not worldly concerns or the opinions of others. It connects this to trust in God's commandments, using the example of Adam and Eve's original sin as a failure of trust, and encourages repentance and choosing God's path for true joy and happiness.
Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle
San Juan, Texas
The Power of God's Grace: Transforming Our Lives Like Water to Wine
Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle · San Juan, Texas · Jul 12, 2026
Sunday MassSpanishThe homily emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of continuous spiritual change. Drawing on the parable of the sower and the miracle at Cana, the priest urges the faithful to live in a state of grace, likening it to good soil that yields abundant fruit. He stresses that true happiness and the ability to spread God's grace to others come from a willingness to sacrifice and mature spiritually.
St. George (Maronite)
Cranston, Rhode Island
St. Charbel: The Path to True Happiness Through Silence and Prayer
St. George (Maronite) · Cranston, Rhode Island · Jul 19, 2026
Sunday MassThis homily focuses on the life of St. Charbel, emphasizing that true happiness comes from union with God, not worldly success. The priest highlights silence and prayer as key virtues, drawing parallels between St. Charbel's life and the Gospel reading about the wheat and weeds. He encourages listeners to dedicate more time to prayer and cultivate inner and outer silence.