Homilies about mary

Medjugorje: How Our Lady Reconciled My Divorced Parents

This homily, delivered on the 45th anniversary of the Medjugorje apparitions, emphasizes the profound fruit of Our Lady's presence as Queen of Peace, highlighting millions of conversions, confessions, and increased love for God. The priest draws parallels between Mary and biblical figures like Elijah and John the Baptist, suggesting she is preparing the world for Christ's second coming. He shares a powerful personal testimony of his parents' reconciliation through Our Lady of Medjugorje, urging listeners to invite her into their families for healing and peace.

Why Your Soul Needs Daily Care: Lessons from the Parable of the Sower and an Exorcism

The homily emphasizes the importance of cultivating our souls as 'rich soil' for God's grace, drawing parallels from the parable of the sower. It stresses diligence in prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments (especially confession and Eucharist), and striving for holiness, using examples of saints and a personal anecdote about an exorcism to highlight the gravity of sin and the power of forgiveness.

Our New Pastor: A Convert's Journey to Jesus, Mary, and the Eucharist

Father Casey Sanders

The new pastor, Father Casey Sanders, introduces himself to the parish, sharing his personal journey as a convert to Catholicism, his deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother, and his commitment to teaching the truth. He connects his personal story to the Gospel of the Sower, emphasizing that discipleship requires active engagement and seeking the truth, not passive reception.

The True Inheritance: Faith, Not Fortune, for Our Children

This homily, delivered on Father's Day, emphasizes the spiritual inheritance parents should leave their children, focusing on faith, prayer, and devotion to the Virgin Mary, rather than material wealth. The priest highlights the examples of young saints and St. Joseph, encouraging fathers to lead their families in prayer and virtue to achieve eternal salvation.

Mary, the Mirror of Justice: Understanding Right Relationship with God and Others

Father Lewis Camelli

The homily connects the readings from Micah and Isaiah, emphasizing that biblical justice is about being in a right relationship with God and each other, not just fair play. It highlights Mary, under the title 'Mirror of Justice,' as a model for embracing God's justice and walking in right relationships.

Beyond Honoring Mary: How to Imitate Her Faith and Obedience

This homily, delivered on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, emphasizes that Mary's greatness comes not just from bearing Jesus, but from hearing and living God's word. The priest challenges listeners to imitate Mary by actively listening to God's voice amidst the competing voices of self and temptation, and then putting His word into practice through concrete acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service.

Standing Alone for Christ: Defending Your Catholic Faith in a Modern World

Father John

The homily for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel challenges listeners to stand firm in their Catholic faith, much like Elijah stood alone against false prophets. It emphasizes the need to understand and defend Catholic teachings, particularly regarding the veneration of Mary, in a world increasingly influenced by 'gods of self, money, and ease.' The priest urges Catholics to deepen their knowledge of scripture and tradition to explain their beliefs and appreciate Mary's role as mother and queen.

Why John the Baptist's Birth Matters: A Bridge Between Testaments

The homily reflects on the significance of John the Baptist's birth, emphasizing God's love for us from the womb, as highlighted in Psalm 139. It draws parallels between John's role as a precursor to Jesus in both birth and death, and how Mary, as an image of the Church, brings Jesus to others through the Eucharist.

Building Your Life on a Rock Solid Foundation: Jesus Christ

The homily uses the Gospel parable of building a house on rock or sand to emphasize the importance of having Jesus Christ as the solid foundation of one's life. It stresses that true faith is not just about outward declarations but about actively listening to and practicing God's word, drawing inspiration from Mary's example.

Are You Open to God's Word Right Now? Lessons from Mary and the Sower

The homily emphasizes the importance of being open to God's word in the present moment, drawing parallels between Mary's receptivity and the parable of the sower. It challenges listeners to examine their current engagement with scripture and faith, rather than dwelling on past actions or future aspirations. The priest also uses a personal anecdote about a 'sunflower rose' email address to illustrate Mary's constant orientation towards God.

The Brown Scapular: Not a 'Get Out of Jail Free Card,' But a Path to Holiness

This homily focuses on the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, explaining its nature as a sacramental and clarifying its promises. The priest emphasizes that wearing the scapular is not a 'get out of jail free card' but a pledge of maternal assistance from Mary for those who strive to live a virtuous life in imitation of her virtues and in obedience to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder that our bodies and lives belong to God and should bear good fruit.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Mary as Our Stained Glass Window to Christ

Father Lucas

The homily reflects on Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as a 'stained glass window' through whom Christ enters the world, giving light and character. It emphasizes two aspects: Mary as the mother of prayer, calling us to contemplative prayer and perseverance at the foot of the cross, and Mary as the mother of reconciliation, guiding us through suffering and repentance to God. The homily encourages us to become 'stained glass windows' ourselves, transmitting Christ's light to the world through our lives and interactions.

Are Our Hearts Ready to Receive God's Grace? Lessons from the Parable of the Sower

The homily reflects on the Parable of the Sower, emphasizing that the 'seed' (God's grace) is always good and abundant; the critical factor is the 'soil' of our hearts. It draws parallels between the condition of our hearts and the receptiveness to God's word, highlighting Mary as the perfect example of 'good soil' due to her complete openness and trust.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Mary's Gift of Grace and the Brown Scapular

The homily celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel, emphasizing Mary's role as an intercessor who clothes us in Christ's grace, symbolized by the Brown Scapular. The priest shares a personal anecdote about receiving his scapular as a child and connects Mary's favor to the call for all people to hear and observe God's word, leading them closer to Christ.

The Brown Scapular: A Sign of Mary's Protection and God's Grace

The homily celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, connecting the Old Testament story of Elijah and the cloud on Mount Carmel to Mary as a symbol of God's grace. The priest emphasizes the significance of the Brown Scapular as a blessed reminder of belonging to the Lord through Mary's intercession and protection, sharing a personal anecdote about receiving his own scapular as a child.

Finding Happiness and Faith Through Gratitude: Lessons from Patagonia

Father Peter

The homily emphasizes the importance of gratitude and faith in God, even amidst life's challenges, drawing on personal anecdotes and missionary work in Patagonia. It highlights the blessings we often overlook and the strength found in devotion to the Blessed Mother, especially for overcoming addictions and temptations. The priest also shares a letter reminding listeners of their relative wealth and blessings compared to much of the world.

Why We Celebrate the Birth of St. John the Baptist

The homily explains why the Church celebrates only three nativities: Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist. It highlights John's unique sanctification in the womb upon Mary's visitation and his crucial role as the precursor to Christ, emphasizing his historical importance as an intercessor and a model for witnessing to the Lord.

The Brown Scapular: More Than a Lucky Charm

This homily focuses on the significance of the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, explaining it as a sacramental that disposes one to grace and a sign of consecration to Mary. The priest clarifies that wearing the scapular is not a magical charm for salvation, but rather a pledge of maternal assistance for those who strive to live a virtuous life in imitation of Mary and obedience to God's will. It serves as a constant reminder that our bodies and lives belong to God and should bear good fruit.

No Temas: Cómo Vencer el Miedo y Dar Testimonio de Jesús

The homily emphasizes Jesus' repeated message "Do not be afraid" from the Gospel, contrasting it with the various fears that paralyze and sicken us, whether from governments, employers, or even well-meaning parents. The priest highlights Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as a model of faith who overcame fear, even as she and the Holy Family became immigrants, a journey many in the congregation have also experienced. He encourages the faithful to overcome fear and bear witness to Jesus in their daily lives, reminding them that while everything else passes, love endures.

The Brown Scapular: A Sign of Hope and Mary's Maternal Care

The homily contrasts the Pharisees' plot against Jesus with Jesus' compassionate response of healing and withdrawal. It then connects this to the significance of the Brown Scapular as a sacramental that deepens our hope in Christ by drawing us closer to Mary's example of humility, purity, and perseverance, ultimately leading us to Jesus' gentle mercy.