Pentecost homily - The Holy Spirit, God's invisible power (08 June 2025)

 

PENTECOST HOMILY, JOHN 20:19-23, June 8, 2025 

1. STORY

John’s business was selling balloons at an amusement park. One day a boy approached him and was fascinated by the different colored balloons.  Accidentally, a red balloon slipped out of John’s hand and rose up into the sky.  The boy asked John if he released a black colored balloon would it also go up.  John explained to the boy that the color of the

balloon was not important.  What was important was the air inside of the balloon that made it rise.  What is important for us is not the color of our skin but the Holy Spirit in our heart.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 20:19-23

A) RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

After his resurrection while visiting the apostles, Jesus gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit, “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.” In our first reading, Acts 2:1-11, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles like a wind, “Suddenly from up in the sky there came a noise like a strong, driving wind” which is invisible and also fire, Tongues of fire appeared,” which is a sign of God’s presence in the Bible.  So, the Holy Spirit is God’s invisible power in us.

B) AS HE FATHER HAS SENT ME SO I SEND YOU

Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit because he has a task we must carry out, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  Just as in our first reading, Acts 2:1-11, the apostles preached the gospel, so too does Jesus want us to do the same.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are many invisible powers in our life.

Wind can move a sail boat, electricity can produce light in a light bulb, and radio waves make the mobile phone possible. The Holy Spirit, God’s invisible power, can guide us on our life’s journey, teach us the truth and comfort us in our sorrow.  This same Spirit gives us the courage and ability to preach the gospel.

B) Sharing the gospel

Just as a thirsty person needs water, a hungry person needs food and sick person needs health, so too do we need Jesus.  Jesus is the living water, the bread of life and the physician who can heal us.  Because there are so many spiritually needy persons, Jesus wants us to tell others that he is the source of peace, happiness and eternal life.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Just as a balloon rises because of the air inside it, so too are we able to rise, do good things.  Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit, God’s invisible power, so that we have the courage and ability to preach the gospel, tell others that Jesus is the source of happiness, peace and eternal happiness.

C Ascension homily - Jesus was taken up to heaven (01 June 2025)

 

C, ASCENSION HOMILY, LUKE 24:46-53, JUNE 1, 2025 

1. STORY

John was traveling on a mountain road when he found a precious stone in a stream.  The next day he met another traveler, Peter, who was hungry and asked for some food.  When John opened his bag to get the food, Peter noticed the precious stone and asked for it.  To Peter’s great surprise, John gave him the jewel.  Peter left rejoicing at his good fortune.  The next day Peter came back and returned the stone to John.  He asked John for something more valuable than the stone.  He wanted to know John’s secret that enabled him to give up the stone.  John answered that his secret was his belief in heaven and that every good deed he performed on earth brought him one step closer to his goal.  Heaven was far more important than the precious diamond.

 

2. GOSPEL, LUKE 24:46-53

A. JESUS SUFFERED AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD

i) We know that Jesus suffered on the cross as a sign of his love for us and to save us.

ii) We know that after three days he rose from the dead and gave us the greatest gift to eternal life.

iii) We know that Jesus helped people during his life. 

B. HE WAS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN

After Jesus finished his work on earth and trained his followers to continue his work, he ascended into heaven.  He did not abandon us but continues to care, support, and love us in heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father.  He is preparing a place for us to be with him forever.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. OUR LIFE ON EARTH 

i) Through our baptism, we have been called to carry on the work that Jesus started.

ii) Just as Jesus helped the poor, the sick, and the hungry, we must try our best to help those in need.

iii) We are called to preach the good news to others by our words and actions.  We share with them that Jesus is the source of our happiness and peace.  He alone can give us the gift of eternal happiness. 

B. WE WILL BE TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN.

i) Just as Jesus was taken to heaven, we will also be taken to heaven.  Heaven is our final home where we will enjoy eternal happiness with God.  It is a pure gift from God.

ii) Though we can in no way earn heaven, Jesus through our baptism, expects us to do good as he did.

a) We do this by praying to God for help and thanking him for his goodness to us.

b) We are kind, respectful, comforting, forgiving, grateful and encouraging to others by our words and deeds.

iii) We care for our health by eating properly, exercising, and getting enough rest.

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) John considered heaven more valuable than a precious diamond.

ii) After living a life of service, Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, and was taken to heaven.

iii) We have been called through baptism to follow the example of Jesus by helping others as he did.  We too will be taken to heaven as Jesus was.  We will live with him forever in eternal happiness.  We thank Jesus for giving us the great gift of heaven and ask for the strength to live as he did by loving and helping others.

6C Easter homily - The gifts of the Spirit and Peace (25 May 2025)

 

6C EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 14:23-29, MAY 25, 2025

1. STORY

John, a diamond expert, received a small box from a farmer containing nine small diamonds of various colors.  The one that caught his attention was a red one, no bigger than a cherry, which is very rare and very expensive.  He could not believe that such a valuable diamond was kept in a box on a shelf in a farm.  After carefully studying it, he estimated that it was worth over 7 million Hong Kong dollars.  It sold for that price at an auction.  When John informed the farmer by phone of his good fortune, the farmer thanked him and hung up.  The farmer had no idea of the worth of his small red diamond.  We too are often not aware of the great gifts of the Spirit and peace. 

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 14:23-29

A. THE FATHER WILL SEND THE SPIRIT

The first gift God the Father will send us is the Spirit.

i) He will teach us new things.

ii) He will remind us of all that Jesus had taught us. 

B. PEACE I LEAVE YOU

Jesus leaves us his peace.  Peace means “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit will teach us many new things as well as remind us of what Jesus has taught us.

i) He will teach us that Jesus is always with us to help us as we walk on the road of life.  We are never alone.

ii) He will teach us what is right and what is wrong and what we should do and what we should not do in this very complicated world.

iii) He will teach us that, at the end of the road of life, death is but a change and not the end.  The end will be to enjoy eternal life and happiness with God in heaven.

B. THE GIFT OF PEACE

Peace means to live without being troubled or afraid.  This is possible because Jesus lives with us. 

i) Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides and protects us as we move along the road of life.  We have no fear of going down the wrong path or being attacked by the devil.

ii) Jesus is the Bread of Life who provides us with spiritual strength through the Eucharist.  We have no fear of being spiritually hungry and weak as we go forward in life.

iii) Jesus is the Light of the World who keeps us from walking in the dark.  He helps us to see the path so that we will not stumble or fall.

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) John was amazed that the farmer had no idea of the worth of the red diamond.  We may also not be aware of the precious gifts of the Spirit and the peace that we have been given.  

ii) God will give us the Spirit who will teach us new things and remind us of what Jesus has taught us.  We have the gift of peace which makes it possible for us to live without being troubled or afraid.  We thank Jesus for helping us know and appreciate the precious gifts of the Spirit and the peace we have received.  We ask Jesus to help us to follow the guidance of the Spirit and to live a life of peace.

5C Easter homily - Love one another, as I have loved you (18 May 2025)

 

5C EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 13:31-33A,34-35, MAY 18, 2025 

1. STORY

After a severe earthquake, John volunteered to go to the north of the country as a rescue worker.  Shortly after he arrived, there was a second devastating earthquake.  He was working at an orphanage helping children to evacuate from their building.  He made several trips in and out of the orphanage bringing the children to safety.    Disregarding his own safety, he continued to help the children when he was hit by falling bricks and was killed.  John showed his love by sacrificing his life to help others.  He carried out the command of Jesus to love one another.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 13:31-33a, 34-35

A. LOVE ONE ANOTHER

i) This is a very important command as it sums up the other commandments.

ii) Jesus demonstrated this command by the example of his life.

iii) By loving us, Jesus gave us the strength to love others. 

B. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

Here are three ways Jesus loved us.

i) He humbled himself and came down from heaven and became a man to be with us.  This was a great act of humility.

ii) He spent his whole life helping others.  He gave us a model of how to love others.

iii) He died on the cross and rose from the dead so that we may have eternal life.  He sacrificed his life for our sake. 

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

Love others as Christ loves us.  Here are four suggestions as how to love others as Jesus loves us.

i) Put in your mind that all of the people you meet, you want them to be happy.  Whether the person is a stranger, a friend, a neighbor, a fellow worker, or even a person you do not like, the thought in your mind is you want them to be happy.

ii) Most people have good and bad points.  Make an effort to see their good points and to appreciate them.  Accept the fact that we all had characteristics that may not be so good.  No one is perfect.

iii) Be willing to forgive others who have offended you.  As we hope others will forgive us if we have offended them, so do others hope we will forgive them.

iv) Finally, help others as much as you can within your ability.  A smile, a kind word, or a listening ear, even though you may think they are very small things, they are ways you can love others.  We also love others by praying for them.

 

4. CONCLUSION

i) John volunteered to help the needy.  He gave his life to save others. ii) Jesus gave us a most important command to love others, that is to help others.  Jesus helped us and gave his life as a model for us to follow.

iii) We love others by wishing them to be happy, appreciating their good points, forgiving them, and helping them in any way within our abilities.  We thank Jesus for this very precious instruction and ask him to help us carry out his command to love others as he loves us.

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.