Homilies about practice
St. Mary
Byron, Illinois
Are You Good Soil? The Parable of the Sower and Your Spiritual Life
St. Mary · Byron, Illinois · Jul 12, 2026
Sunday MassThis homily uses the parable of the sower to emphasize that spiritual fruitfulness requires consistent commitment, not just good intentions or occasional attendance at Mass. The priest challenges listeners to examine the 'soil' of their hearts, asking if they are becoming more patient, forgiving, generous, and joyful, and highlights that God's grace is always being sown, but the receptiveness of our hearts determines the harvest.
St. Benedict
Chicago, Illinois
Why Your Faith Can't Be Based on Feelings Alone
St. Benedict · Chicago, Illinois · Jun 25, 2026
Daily MassThe homily emphasizes that true faith is not based on fleeting feelings but on actively living out Christ's teachings, building one's spiritual house on rock rather than sand. It warns against merely going through the motions of faith without deep reflection and understanding, using an anecdote about a man who sought re-baptism based on feeling good, and another about sacrilegious handling of holy water.