Homilies about integrity

Finding God in All Things: Lessons from Hezekiah and St. Ignatius

The homily connects the Old Testament story of King Hezekiah's prayer in distress with St. Ignatius of Loyola's teaching to find God in all things. It emphasizes the importance of discernment, integrity, and being good stewards of God's grace, even when facing difficult situations, by centering oneself on the Lord.

Before You Judge: Removing the Beam from Your Own Eye

The homily emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and repentance before judging others, drawing on the Gospel's admonition against hypocrisy. It calls for integrity, patience, and compassion, reminding us that only God has the right to judge and we should extend the same mercy we receive.

Why We're All Hypocrites (And Why That's Okay)

Father Kevin Kennedy

The homily addresses the challenge of living with integrity in a world that often forces compromise, using the priest's own admission of being a hypocrite as a starting point. It explores how systemic pressures can lead individuals, like corrupt politicians or the Apostle Matthew, to deviate from their ideals. The homily emphasizes the importance of holding onto faith and principles, and knowing when to move on from those unwilling to receive the word of God, while also calling for treating others as one wishes to be treated, particularly in the context of immigration.

The Golden Rule: More Than Just a Slogan

The homily unpacks Jesus' 'golden rule' by placing it between two less comfortable teachings: not throwing pearls before swine and entering through the narrow gate. It emphasizes that faith is precious and should be shared discerningly, and that the path to life is difficult, requiring courage and integrity. The golden rule, when understood in this context, becomes a greater challenge than a simple slogan.

Living with Integrity: Lessons from St. John the Baptist

The homily emphasizes that John the Baptist's integrity, courage, and humility made him a credible witness to Christ. It calls all believers to emulate these virtues in their daily lives, preparing others to receive the Messiah not just through words, but through their entire way of living, including their choices in attire, food, and time.

The Radical Humility and Purpose of John the Baptist

The homily celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, highlighting his unique and eccentric character, his popularity despite challenging preaching, and his profound humility. The priest emphasizes John's self-understanding and purpose, drawing a parallel to the importance of self-knowledge and integrity before attempting to correct others.

Why Divided Loyalties Lead to Destruction

The homily explores the concept of divided loyalties, drawing parallels between ancient Israel's idolatry and modern-day conflicts between faith and worldly allegiances, such as church and state. It emphasizes that trying to 'have it all' by serving two masters ultimately leads to a loss of integrity, and true fulfillment comes from living with integrity according to Gospel values.

Why Martyrs Stand for Truth: Lessons from Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

The homily reflects on the martyrdom of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, emphasizing the importance of standing for truth in a world of relativism. The priest challenges listeners to live with integrity and honesty, aligning their lives with the Gospel and the truth that sets us free, even when it comes at a personal cost.

St. Thomas More: A Reluctant Martyr's Unwavering Integrity

Fr. Joseph Mick

The homily focuses on the life and integrity of St. Thomas More, highlighting his reluctance to be a martyr but his unwavering refusal to compromise his faith. It emphasizes his commitment to truth and his belief that one cannot reach heaven through an easy life, serving as a patron for politicians and a model of integrity.

The Narrow Gate: Why Walking Away Can Be a Victory

The homily emphasizes the importance of integrity, especially for Christians, using Jesus' teachings on the narrow gate and not casting pearls before swine. It challenges listeners to embrace humility, forgiveness, and walking away from arguments as expressions of the 'higher road,' contrasting these with societal norms that prioritize self-advantage. The priest also touches on the difficulty of continuously offering love and mercy when it is rejected, referencing Mother Teresa's call to love until it hurts.

Why Truth is One: Living an Integrated Life Through the Narrow Gate

The homily emphasizes that truth is one because God is one, drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophy. It connects this oneness of truth to Jesus' call to enter the narrow gate, advocating for an integrated life based on truth to avoid societal divisions and personal disintegration.

Stop Judging Others: The Lesson from Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

The homily focuses on the Gospel's message to 'stop judging' by examining the lives of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More. The priest emphasizes that these saints judged actions, not people, and encourages listeners to examine their own hearts for the sins they judge in others, advocating for integrity and obedience to God over worldly pressures.

Why You Can't Fool God: The Ripple Effect of Your Sins

The homily emphasizes that God cannot be fooled by outward appearances or presented images, unlike how people might present themselves on social media. It connects this idea to the Old Testament reading, showing how King Jehoakin's sin brought suffering upon his people, illustrating that personal sin has ripple effects on the community. The core message is an invitation to vulnerability, transparency, and integrity before God, urging listeners to align their inner and outer lives with God's will.

Choosing the Narrow Gate: Safeguarding Faith and Practicing the Golden Rule

This homily focuses on three key teachings from the Gospel: safeguarding our faith from those who would mock it, practicing the Golden Rule by treating others as we wish to be treated, and choosing the narrow path of integrity and love over the easy road of self-interest. It emphasizes personal initiative in kindness and the demanding nature of Christian discipleship.