4C Easter homily - Jesus is the good shepherd (11 May 2025)

 

4C EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 10:27-30, 

MAY 11, 2025 

1. STORY

One day John lost a sheep.  A search party was about to set out when John asked his neighbor, Peter, to help out.  Peter replied, “With only one sheep lost was it necessary to have so many people involved in the search?”  “Yes,” John replied, “as there were so many paths in the area, the sheep could have gone in many different directions.”  After awhile, the search party returned.  Peter asked John if they had found the sheep, John replied that they had not found the sheep as there were so many paths that they did not have enough men to explore each path.  In life there are so many paths that we too can get confused and lose our way.  We are safe when we follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 10:27-30

A. MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE

i) Jesus loves us, his sheep.  He gives directions so that we will stay on the right path in this very complex world.  It would be very easy to get on the wrong path causing us much suffering and sorrow.

ii) It is imperative that we listen to his advice.  We must obey Jesus.  We must not listen to the advice of others who would lead us astray. 

B. I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE

i) Where will we end up if we follow Jesus?  We will not have wealth, power, and fame which will perish someday.  We will have the greatest gift possible.  We will have eternal life, a life of happiness, joy, and peace with God in heaven.

ii) These blessings will never perish.  They will last forever.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW JESUS 

i) Jesus speaks to us through the Church, when we read the bible, when we hear the homily during Mass, or when our parents, a teacher, or a doctor speak to us.

ii) We follow Jesus by obeying him, imitating his good example, and by being merciful towards others.

B. JESUS GIVES US ETERNAL LIFE

i) Our life’s journey has a beginning at birth, an ending on this earth at death, and a beginning of a new life in heaven.

ii) Life in heaven with God will be one of joy, happiness, and peace.

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) John made every effort to find the lost sheep but failed as there were far too many paths in the area and not enough men to explore all of them.

ii) Jesus is our good shepherd who guides us on the right path in this complicated world.  When we obey Jesus, he will lead us to eternal life, a life filled with joy, happiness, and peace.

iii) We must listen carefully and obey the voice of Jesus.  This is our way to arrive at eternal happiness.  We thank Jesus for being our good shepherd and for guiding us to a life of happiness.  We ask Jesus to help us to listen and to obey his voice.

3C Easter homily - The disciples catch fish (04 May 2025)

 

3C EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 21:1-19, MAY 4, 2025

1. STORY

One night little John spilled a glass   of milk.  When his mother asked him to step outside and get the mop, he said he was afraid.  His mother assured him that Jesus was outdoors to watch over him.  So, he stuck out his head and said meekly, “Lord, if you are there, please hand me the mop.”  Jesus was there watching over John.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 21:1-19

A. I AM GOING FISHING

i) The disciples fished all night.

ii) They did not recognize Jesus who was standing on the shore. 

iii) Though they worked hard and long, they did not catch any fish. 

B. CHRIST HELPS THE FISHERMEN 

i) Jesus said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”

ii) They obeyed Jesus resulting in “They were not able to pull in the net because of the number of fish.”

iii) Jesus prepared breakfast for them.”  Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner, the fish.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. OUR MISSION

i) Through our baptism, we have become disciples of Jesus. ii) We must love our lives as Christians who follow the example of Jesus.

iii) We must share the gospel with others by how we live and what we say.  There are many who have never heard of Jesus, or they have been baptized but have left him. 

B. JESUS HELPS US

Just as Jesus helped the disciples in today’s gospel, so does Jesus helps us in the following ways.

i) Jesus is always with us, he is at our side, and he is always ready to help us.

ii) He provides us with his instruction through the bible, the teachings of the Church, and through the homilies at Mass. iii) Jesus provides us with the Eucharist, the spiritual food we need to carry out our mission.

iv) Jesus has given us the good example for us to follow.

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) Though John was afraid of the dark, his mother assured him not to fear as Jesus was watching over him and ready to help him.

ii) The disciples failed to catch fish and only succeeded to catch fish with the help of Jesus.  Jesus helps us through his instruction, the Eucharist, and his good example.  We thank Jesus for his help and ask him to always make us aware of his presence among us so as to help us carry out our mission as disciples.  With the help of Jesus, we will succeed.

 

2C Easter homily - Peace be with you (27 April 2025)

 

2C EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 20:19-31, April 27, 2025

1. STORY

This story was told by a Chinese student.  The students were excited because the university finally found a French teacher.  It was mandatory to study a second language in order to graduate.  On the day of the first French class, the new French teacher, an old man with white hair, walked in very slowly.  He stood in front of the class and in a shuttering voice said, “Students, forgive me for I have not spoken to humans in nearly 30 years.  My name is Chan.”  There was dead silence in the class.  One student asked, “Whom have you been talking to?”  “God,” he said.  All laughed as religion had been banned since 1949.  ” Where have you been talking to God?”  “In prison,” another short and labored answer.  All remained silent for the rest of the class.  Fr. Chan went to prison because he was a Catholic priest.  He was locked up in a cell for most of these years.  His strong belief in God kept him alive.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 20, 19-31

A. PEACE BE WITH YOU

The first time Jesus met all the apostles after his death and resurrection, he greeted them with “Peace be with you.”  Jesus could have greeted them with anger as they deserted him in the hour of his greatest need.  But he did not.

B. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND HAVE BELIEVED

i) Thomas would only believe if he touched the body of Jesus.

ii) Jesus appeared to him, greeted him with peace, and permitted him to touch him.  Finally, he believed.

iii) Jesus tells us of the great importance of faith in him.  “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. PEACE BE WITH YOU

i) Jesus wants us to have peace in our lives.  At each Mass we greet each other with the sign of peace.

ii) We have the mission to bring peace to others.

iii) We are peacemakers by being kind in word, respectful in attitude, and forgiving to those who have offended us.  We follow the example of Jesus.

B. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE 

i) Faith in Jesus is the foundation of peace.

ii) Jesus loves us so much that he gave his life to save us.  We must grow in our understanding of Jesus.  He is always with us to help us. iii) We must pray daily for an increase of faith.  There are many temptations, problems, and failures we meet in our lives which would weaken our faith, trust, and love for Jesus.  We can resist such attacks only with the help of Jesus.  We pray, “Lord increase our faith.”

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) Father Chan was able to endure 30 years in prison because of his strong faith in God.

ii) Jesus brought peace into the lives of his apostles.  Jesus told us of the great importance of faith.

iii) We have the mission to bring peace into the lives of others by being kind in word, respectful in our attitude towards others, and our willingness to forgive others.  We pray daily for an increase of faith saying, “Lord increase our faith.”  We thank Jesus for this instruction and ask him to help us be peacemakers and to increase our faith.

Easter Vigil homily - Christ is risen (20 April 2025)

 

EASTER VIGIL HOMILY, YEAR C, MARK 16:1-7, APRIL 20, 2025 

1. STORY

On Wednesday of Holy Week during the war, Mary’s tears were running down her face as she knelt before the statue of the Blessed Virgin.  Her son was missing in action.  On Holy Thursday, Mary’s face was even sadder as she knelt before the altar.  On Good Friday Mary was staring at the crucifix just like the Blessed Mother standing beneath the cross.  Then on Easter Saturday night before the Easter Vigil started, she came to tell me the good news.  Her son was safe; he was a prisoner of war.  Her tears were tears of joy.  She said Happy Easter.  It was the resurrection of her son.

 

2. GOSPEL, Mark 16:1-7

A. HE HAS BEEN RAISED.

Mary Magdalene and another woman, deeply saddened by the death of Jesus, went to the tomb on Sunday morning with spices to anoint Jesus.  They were utterly amazed to find the open tomb empty.  They were even more filled with joy knowing that Jesus was alive. 

B. GO AND TELL HIS DISCIPLES.

The women were given a mission.  They were told to inform the disciples of the great news that Jesus was alive for he had risen from the dead.  They became messengers of joy.

 

3. APPPLICATION TO LIFE

A. EASTER JOY AND HAPPINESS.

Easter is a great feast which brings us great joy and happiness because it is the memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is a reminder that through our faith in Jesus, expressed in our baptism, we too share eternal life.  We will live forever with Jesus in happiness, joy, and peace. 

B. SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS.

Just as the women were told to share the good news that Jesus had risen, Jesus commands us to tell the good news that he loves us and wishes us to share his joy, peace, happiness and eternal life.  Many living in spiritual darkness and unhappiness await the light and joy that Jesus can give them.  We have the responsibility, the ability, and the opportunity to become messengers of joy.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Mary was brought from deep sadness to great joy when she received the joyful news that her son was alive.  The women were also brought from deep sadness to great joy upon learning that Jesus was alive, he had risen from the dead.  We are filled with great joy knowing that Jesus has shared his risen life with us who believe in him.  We have the great gift of eternal life.  For this reason, we can say Happy, Happy Easter.

Palm Sunday homily - Jesus enters Jerusalem (13 April 2025)

 

PALM SUNDAY HOMILY, LUKE 19:28-40, APRIL 13, 2025 

1. STORY

An Indian tribe was suffering a severe drought.  The wise men said it was because the tribe was selfish.  For years they had taken from the earth but had not given anything back.  To bring rain, there must be the sacrifice of a valuable possession.  No one was willing to give up his valuable possession.  One possessed a useful bow but needed it for hunting.  Another had a blanket but need it for warmth.  Everyone had an excuse to keep what he or she valued most.  Little Mary had a valuable doll given to her by her parents.

One night when everyone was asleep, she went up the mountain and when the little fire she started was burning, she threw the doll into the fire.  She sacrificed her most important possession.  In a few days, a gentle rain began to fall, the land began to grow crops, and the people were saved.  Little Mary saved her people.  Jesus saves us by his death and resurrection.

 

2. GOSPEL, LUKE 19:28-40

A. THE PEOPLE WELCOMED JESUS INTO JERUSALEM.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt as a sign of humility.  The people were so happy to welcome him that they spread their cloaks on the road and began to praise God in a joyful voice. 

B THE PEOPLE SAW THE MIGHTY DEEDS JESUS HAD PERFORMED. Many people were his disciples and had followed him during his three years of activity.  They saw him feed the hungry, cure the sick, raise the dead, and teach them about God.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE WELCOME JESUS INTO OUR LIVES.

We also welcome Jesus into our lives not only today as we hold the palms but also every day.  We do this in at least four ways.

i) When we spend time in prayer and attend Mass, we welcome Jesus. ii) When we read the bible and listen to his word, we welcome Jesus. iii) When we receive the Eucharist, we welcome Jesus. 

ii) When we follow his example and help people, we welcome Jesus.

 

B. JESUS CONTINUES TO PERFORM GREAT DEEDS.

Just as Jesus performed great deeds in helping people, he continues to do so today.

i) Through the wonderful sacrament of baptism, we are given new life.  We become adopted children of God and Jesus becomes our brother and we become members of the family of God, the Catholic Church. 

ii) Jesus continues to teach us through the word at Mass and in the bible. 

iii) Jesus continues to feed us with spiritual food, the Eucharist.

iv) Jesus continues to forgive us through the sacrament of confession. v) Jesus continues to comfort us by assuring us of the great gift of eternal life.  We are truly blessed because of Jesus’ care for us.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Little Mary sacrificed her most valuable possession to save her people.  Jesus gave up his most valuable possession, his life, to save us.  We welcome Jesus into our lives as the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.  Jesus performs great deeds today as he did many years ago.  We thank Jesus for his love and care.  We ask his help so that we can continue his work of helping others.

5C Lent Sunday homily -Jesus forgives a sinner (06 April 2025)

 

5C LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 8:1-11, APRIL 6, 2025

1. STORY

John was dying and asked to go to confession.  When the priest arrived, John was very nervous for he feared to tell the priest a sin he had committed many years ago but never confessed.  After a word of encouragement, John told the following story.  Many years ago, just a few days before Christmas while he was working on the railroad as a switchman, the crew got drunk.  As the train was approaching, he pushed the switch in the wrong direction resulting in the train slamming into a passenger car killing a young man, his wife and two daughters.  The priest told John, “If I can forgive you, God can forgive you because in that car were my mother, father, and two older sisters.”  God forgives all sins.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 8:1-11

A. A WOMAN WAS CAUGHT IN ADULTERY.

A woman who had committed adultery was brought to Jesus.  By law, she should be stoned to death.  The leaders wanted to know what Jesus would do about the sinner.

B. GO AND SIN NO MORE.

At first Jesus did not respond to the question.  Finally, he told them that the one who had not sinned to throw the first stone.  None dared to throw a stone; rather they left one by one.  Jesus then told the sinner, “I do not condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”  Jesus forgave her and instructed her.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE ARE ALL SINNERS.

i) At the beginning of Mass, we admit that we have sinned when we pray, “I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and what I have failed to do.” 

ii) We are greatly influenced by the people around us, the movies we watch, the books we read, the computer we use, and by the power of the devil.

 

B. JESUS ALWAYS FORGIVES US. 

i) Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  He has given us the powerful sacrament of confession.  We should go to confession to receive God’s forgiveness. 

ii) We should avoid the occasions of sin.  Stay away from people who would lead you to drink too much, gamble, take drugs, or go to bad places.  We should be careful what we read and the movies we watch.  We should be most careful in the use of the computer. 

iii) We should forgive others as God forgives us.  We pray in the Our Father saying, “Forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those who trespass against us.”

 

4. CONCLUSION

Through the sacrament of confession, John received forgiveness for his sin.  Jesus did not condemn the woman who had sinned rather he forgave her and instructed her to sin no more.  We are sinners and will receive forgiveness through the sacrament of confession. We should avoid the occasions of sin.  We should forgive those who have offended us.  We thank Jesus for his instruction and ask him for the help to follow his good example.

 

4C Lent Sunday homily - A father forgives his son (30 March 2025)

 

4C LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32, MARCH 30, 2025 

1. STORY

Several years ago, John had run away from his home.  He realized his mistake and wanted to return.  As it was the era before the telephone, he telegraphed his father asking him to put a cloth on the tree next to the small town’s train station if he had been forgiven and welcomed back home.  John would get off the train if there was a cloth on the tree.  If there was no cloth, he would know he was not forgiven nor welcomed.  He then would not get off the train.  John was very tense as the train approached the station.  The cloth was there.  John was overjoyed knowing that he was welcomed home and was forgiven.

 

2. GOSPEL, LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32

A. FATHER, I HAVE SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND AGAINST YOU.   The son did two things.

i) He asked for his share of the property and then left his father for a life of pleasure.  He failed in his duty to his father.

ii) Realizing his mistake, he returned home asking for forgiveness. 

B. THE FATHER WAS FILLED WITH COMPASSION.  

The father did two things.

i) He longed for his son to return home.  He welcomed his son and forgave him upon his return.

ii) The father celebrated his son’s return by providing him with a robe, a ring, sandals, and a feast.  The father forgave his errant son.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD, OUR LOVING FATHER.  

There are two things the prodigal son can teach us. 

i) We have sinned against God our father.  This would include not obeying God’s commandments of loving God, your neighbor, or yourself. 

ii) We need to return to God and ask for his forgiveness.  God will always welcome and forgive our failings. 

B. GOD WILL FORGIVE US AND WELCOME US BACK.  

There are two things we should remember.  

i) God is our loving father and will always forgive us no matter what sins we may have committed.  Jesus reminds us of this when asked how often to forgive, Jesus answered seventy times seven; that is an infinite number of times.  God has given us the sacrament of confession as a way to receive his forgiveness.

ii) We must be willing to forgive those who have offended us. I n the “Our Father” Jesus taught us to ask God for forgiveness “as we forgive those who have offended us.”  God will forgive us and we must be willing to forgive others.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The son who had left home was overjoyed learning that his father had forgiven him and welcomed him back home.  In the parable, the merciful father forgave and welcomed his prodigal son back home.  God always welcomes us, his errant child, and forgives us our sins.  God wants us to follow his example and forgive those who have offended us.  We thank Jesus for his instruction and ask him for strength to follow his example of forgiving others.