5A Easter homily (03 May 2026) Heaven is our home

 

5A EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 14:1-12, May 3, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

Mary, a rich lady, had a dream that she was in heaven with an angel who showed her around.  She asked the angel who the person was who lived in the mansion in front of her.  The reply was that her gardener lived there.  She was surprised as on earth her gardener lived with his family in a very small house.  As they continued to walk, she saw a small cottage under construction and asked who lived there.  She was shocked when the angel informed her that the small cottage was for her.  She replied that this would be very difficult for her as she was accustomed to living in a mansion.  The angel explained that they were using the material sent from earth, such as kindness, generosity, and forgiveness to build the house.  As she sent up very little material, such as works of charity, her house had to be small.  She then woke up from her dream realizing that her life has to change as she needed to store up treasures in heaven by her good works.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 14:1-12

A) JESUS GOES TO PREPARE A HOUSE FOR US

Christ cares for us in the present as he provides us with the basic necessities of life such as food, water, shelter and clothing.  He cares for our future as the gospel tells us: “In my father’s house there are many dwelling places…I am going to prepare a place for you.

B) I WILL COME BACK AGAIN

We must be ready for Christ’s return.  “I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) OUR FUTURE HOME:

i) Our life has a beginning but it will never end.

ii) When we end our life on earth, we begin our life in heaven.  It will be the one of great joy as we will be with Jesus.  “I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

B) HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS

i) As we prepare for an examination, or a meal, or a journey, so too must we prepare for our journey to heaven.

Here are two suggestions. 

a) Pray daily asking God for a strong faith and thanking him for all his blessings.

b) Be kind towards others in our speech as this is part of the spiritual material we send to heaven as mentioned in the story.

 

4. CONCLUSION

In the story Mary realized the importance of good works as a way to prepare for her home in heaven.  Jesus tells us that he is concerned about our future as he is going to prepare a home for us in heaven.  We realize that the ultimate end of our journey on earth is heaven, and we must be ready for Christ’s return by living a good life full of good works.

4A Easter homily (26 April 2026) Jesus, the Good Shepherd

 

4A EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 10:1-10 April 26, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

Mary, a 52-year-old teacher, was accompanying her students across a road on a school activity when a speeding car roared toward them.  She put herself in the path of the car pushing aside six students before being struck.  She died from her injuries.  Thousands attended her memorial service and funeral.  All considered her a hero by giving up her life to save her students.  Jesus, the good shepherd, did the same to save us.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 10:1-10

A) JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Jesus describes what he does for us.

i) He leads the sheep (us) to pasture to find nourishing food.  He walks in front of them so that they will not get lost or leave the flock.  He comes so that they may have life and have it abundantly.

B) THE SHEEP FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD

i) The sheep listen carefully and hear and recognize his voice.

ii) The sheep follow him for they know that he is to be trusted to bring them to rich pastures.

iii) The sheep will be saved from all danger.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) TODAY’S GOOD SHEPHERDS

We are blessed having good shepherds to lead us through difficult times.

i) Our Pope Francis who gave us a great example of living a simple life, speaks in language that is easily understood and welcomes everyone.

ii) Our bishop who provides us with timely advice, provides us with priests to serve us and helps the local church follow the example of Jesus.

iii) Our parish priest who arranges parish Masses, plans the parish activities, and cares for the upkeep of the parish.

B) WE ARE TODAY’S SHEEP

We use the examples of being like sheep as to understand the parable.

i) We hear Jesus by listening to his word found in the bible

during the Mass homily, and in the directives from our pope and bishop.

ii) We follow Jesus by imitating his example of loving God, loving our neighbor as he did by caring for others, and loving ourselves by caring for our spiritual and physical health.

iii) We will be saved by having peace in our hearts and being assured of eternal happiness.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The teacher, like a good shepherd, gave her life to save her pupils.  Jesus is our good shepherd who cares for us and finally gives his life to save us.  Our modern good shepherds are the Pope, our bishop, and our parish priest.  We must listen to their words, follow their advice, and we will be saved.  We thank Jesus for being our good shepherd and providing us with modern-day shepherds.

 

3A Easter homily (19 April 2026) How to recognize Jesus

 

3A EASTER HOMILY, LUKE 24:13-35, APRIL 19, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

John was a businessman, who on weekends would take a few poor children out for an enjoyable day. First, he would buy them some new clothes, then would take them to see a good movie or go to an amusement park and finally end the day with a tasty meal.

One day after finishing a delicious meal, one of the young children asked John if he was Jesus.  John smiled and said no.  The boy said that he knew that Jesus helped people and thought that as John always helped people, he might be Jesus.  The boy knew Jesus as one who helped people.

 

2. GOSPEL: JOHN 24:13-35

A) THE DISCIPLES DID NOT RECOGNIZE JESUS

While they were walking to a village named Emmaus, the two disciples were discussing what had happened to Jesus in Jerusalem during the past few days.  Though Jesus walked along with them, they did not recognize him as being the risen Jesus.

 

B) JESUS HELPING THEM TO RECOGNIZE THAT HE WAS THE RISEN JESUS

Jesus helped them in two ways.

i) He explained the meaning of the bible, “Beginning then, with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted for them every passage of the Scripture which referred to him.”

ii) He celebrated the Eucharist with them.  “He took bread, pronounced the blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it to them.”  He took bread, pronounced the blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it to them.  With that their eyes were open and they recognized him.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) MANY DO NOT RECOGNIZE JESUS

Many believe that Jesus does not exist.  Others believe that if Jesus is God, he is not concerned about us and does not help us as they cite the many problems in the world.  Many believe that Jesus lived 2,000 years ago and in no way can help us today.

B) WE HELP OTHERS TO RECOGNIZE JESUS

We recognize a policeman, a nurse, or a priest by the uniform they wear.  We recognize Jesus in the following ways:

i) By those who are kind, caring, and helpful to others such as Mother Teresa who spent her life in helping the poor; in St. Pope John Paul II who was a caring shepherd who preached the gospel throughout the world; in a gentle parent, a kind teacher, or a patient nurse.

ii) We recognize Jesus in the word of God, the Eucharist, and in our prayers.  We also help people to see Jesus when we are helpful, kind, patient, caring, and forgiving toward others.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The children thought John might be Jesus as he was so kind and caring toward them.  The disciples only recognized Jesus after he had helped them by explaining the Scriptures to them and sharing the Eucharist with them.  Today we recognize Jesus in those who help others such as Mother Teresa, St. Pope John Paul II, a caring parent, a kind teacher, or a patient nurse.  We help others to see Jesus by our kind words and helpful actions.

 

2A Easter homily (12 April 2026) Peace be with you

 

2A Easter Homily: John 20:19­-31 April 12, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

During a violent storm on the Atlantic Ocean, all passengers on the ship going from Europe to New York were filled with fear, except Mary, an elderly woman.  She maintained a calm and peaceful appearance.  When asked by one of her fellow passengers how this was possible, she replied, I have two sons, one in heaven and one in New York.  During the storm I prayed to God that if the ship sank, I would first see my son in heaven.  If it was God’s will that the ship passed safely through the storm, then she would first see her son in New York.  In other case she would eventually see her two sons. She said that God always brought her peace.

 

2. GOSPEL: JOHN 20:19-­31

A) THE DISCIPLES WERE FULL OF FEAR

The disciples were full of fear because 

i) Jewish leaders might put them in prison or even worse kill them.

ii) Jesus, their leader, had died and thus they were leaderless.

iii) They were ashamed at having deserted Jesus in his greatest hour of need. 

B JESUS BRINGS PEACE

When Jesus visited his disciples on Easter night, he was not angry nor did he criticize them.  Rather he greeted them twice with, “Peace be with you.”  Jesus wanted them to have peace in their hearts.  The result was that “At the sight of the Lord”, the disciples rejoiced.  Jesus brought them peace and joy.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) MANY ARE FILLED WITH FEARS

Many people are filled with fear just as the disciples were.  Some are fearful due to poor health, lack of money, worried about their children, job security, or about their future.  In many parts of the world, fears come from war, hunger, or disease.

B) JESUS BRINGS US PEACE

Just as Jesus brought peace to the fearful disciples, he brings us peace and joy.  He brings us peace for the following reasons.

i) He has risen, is alive, and is with us. 

ii) He is the good Shepherd who protects us from those who wish to harm us.

iii) He is the light of the world guiding us through life.

iv) He is the Bread of Life and the Living Water nourishing us on our journey.

v) He will give us eternal life at the end of our worldly journey.

 

4. CONCLUSION

As she journeyed across the dangerous ocean, Mary had great faith in Jesus resulting in her having peace in her heart.  The fearful disciples, upon seeing Jesus and hearing this greetings of peace, were filled with joy.  We, though filled with fear at times, will have peace and joy when we believe that Jesus is with us, protecting us as the good shepherd, guiding us as the light of the world, and nourishing us as the bread of life and the living water.  Remember the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you.”

 

Easter Sunday homily (05 April 2026) He saw and believed

 

EASTER SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 20 :1­-9, APRIL 5, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

One day three ten­-year­-old children attempted to walk across a river on exposed rocks.  While in the middle of the river, the water suddenly rose and they were trapped and not able to return to shore.  They cried for help knowing that their lives were in danger. The police and firemen immediately responded to their call for help and rescued the children.  Their parents were overjoyed with their rescue and thankful to the police and fireman for their bravery and help.  The children first experienced fear and then joy.

 

2. GOSPEL

A). THE SORROW AT THE TOMB

With great sorrow in her heart, Mary of Magdala went to the tomb early on Sunday morning.  She was shocked to find the tomb empty and at a loss to where the body could be.  She immediately informed Peter and the beloved disciple, and they came running to the tomb.  After looking in the empty tomb, Peter too was puzzled as to what happened to Jesus’ body.  They were deeply saddened.

B)  THE BELOVED DISCIPLE SAW AND BELIEVED

When the beloved disciple saw the burial cloth there and the head cloth rolled up in a separate place, he knew that the body had not been stolen.  He knew and believed that Jesus had been risen from the dead as he had said so often.  He was the first believer in the resurrection of Christ from the dead.  He believed that Jesus was alive.  His heart was full of joy.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) MANY DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION

Today many scoff at the idea there is life after death.  Many do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead.  They believe that at death our life comes to an end.  There is nothing that follows.  It is wishful thinking based on ignorance or superstition to think there is an afterlife.

B) WE MUST BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION

WE BELIEVE THAT Jesus rose from the dead.  We believe that we, who are his disciples, will also rise to a life of eternal happiness with him.  This belief makes it possible for us to live a life of joy, peace, and happiness while on earth.  Easter is for us a day of celebration knowing that Jesus has given us the gift of eternal life.  Our hearts are full of joy.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Just as the three children were full of joy having been rescued from the middle of the river, so were the disciples full of joy knowing that Jesus truly was alive; he truly went from death to life.  We are full of Easter joy knowing that Jesus is alive, and we share in his eternal life.  We believe that death is just a change and not the end of life.  Because Jesus has been raised, we will rise from the dead to live a life of eternal happiness.

Palm Sunday homily (29 March 2026) Jesus enters Jerusalem

 

TOPIC: JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD, MATTHEW 26:14-27:66, Mar. 29,2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM

 

1. STORY

Among all the animals in animal heaven, the proudest was the horse.  One day the horse, while drinking at a stream, met a donkey.  He boasted to the donkey how while on earth he had carried kings and lead armies into battle.  He asked the donkey if he had ever heard of the great king, Alexander the Great.  The donkey replied that he had never heard of him.  The horse boasted that he carried this great king many times to victory.  The donkey mentioned that he too, once carried a king.  The horse was in a hurry so did not have time to listen.  As the horse left, there was a little rabbit who was very interested in hearing about this king that the donkey once carried.  The donkey said this event happened many years ago in Jerusalem.  He explained in great detail what had happened.  The rabbit asked the name of the king.  The donkey said it was a man named Jesus.  When the rabbit heard this, he became very excited and happy telling the donkey that he carried into Jerusalem the savior of the world.

 

2. GOSPEL. MATTHEW 26:14-27:66

A) JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM

The disciples prepared a donkey for him to enter into Jerusalem.  The donkey was a symbol of peace, as the horse was a symbol of war.  As he entered, the city was shaken and the people asked who this man was.  The crowd answered it was Jesus the prophet.

B) THE PEOPLE WELCOMED JESUS

The very large crowd spread their cloaks while others cut branches from the trees to spread them on the road.  They all cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) JESUS COMES INTO OUR LIVES

Jesus comes daily into our lives because he loves us and helps is to lead good lives.  He comes to us in many ways.

i) When we pray to him during the day.

ii) When we hear his word while reading the bible.

iii) When we receive the Eucharist.

iv) When we go to confession.

v) When we are kind to others by word and deed.

 

B) WE WELCOME JESUS

When we see and hold a palm, it has three meanings for us. 

i) It is a sign that we welcome Jesus into our lives and hearts.

ii) It is a sign of victory over death; for as Jesus rose from the dead, so will we too rise from the dead.

iii) It is a sign of love that we have for Jesus who died to save us.

 

4) CONCLUSION

It was a great privilege for the donkey to carry Jesus into Jerusalem and for the people to welcome him.  We also are privileged to welcome Jesus into our lives.  He comes to give us strength to live good lives.  When we see the palm, we remember that it is a sign that we welcome Jesus into our lives, a sign of victory over death, and a sign that Jesus loves us and we love Jesus.

 

5A Lent Sunday homily (22 March 2026) Jesus is the Ressurection and the Life

 

5A LENT, SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 11:1-45 March 22, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

Once there was a monk who longed to discover the secret of immortality.  He heard that there was an elderly monk who lived far away who knew the secret of how to live forever.  He was so excited that he began the log trip to the distant mountain where this monk lived.  However, when he arrived at the destination, he was terribly disappointed to discover that the monk with this secret had died a few days before his arrival.  Upon his return home, he was consoled by his friends who said that if the elderly monk knew the secret of how to live forever, he would not have died.  The lesson he learned was that only God can give eternal life.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 11:1-45

A) LAZARUS DIED

The sisters Martha and Mary were saddened by the death of their brother Lazarus.  The friends of the two sisters were in great sorrow knowing that Martha and Mary’s brother had passed away.  Even Jesus was “perturbed and deeply troubled.”

B) LAZARUS LIVED

Martha believed Jesus when he said that whoever believed in him would never die.  Jesus went to the tomb where Lazarus was buried and cried out in a loud voice.  “Lazarus, come out.”  Lazarus came out of the tomb, a living man.  Jesus had the power to raise the dead to life.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) SORROW IN THE WORLD

There is much sorrow in the world. This is caused by the death of a loved one, illness, discord in the family, unhappiness at work, lack of a descent place to live, and not having enough money to live even a simple life. I t comes from war, hunger, and disease.

B) JESUS BRINGS US HAPPINESS

Each year at Easter there is much joy and happiness among the newly baptized for they have come to believe in Jesus.  Jesus brings us happiness when we believe that he has the power to give us eternal life, to give us strength to live a happy life, and the truth that there is life after death.  Because he brings us happiness, we should do two things:

i) Thank him for the joy and happiness he gives us. 

ii) We must bring others to know Jesus who will also bring them happiness.

 

4. CONCLUSION

In the story, the monk learned that none of us can give eternal life.  In the gospel, we learned that only Jesus can raise the dead to life and give us eternal life.  He taught us that he is the resurrection and life.  We must thank Jesus for the great gift of eternal life and should introduce others to Jesus who will also give them joy and happiness here on earth and happiness forever in heaven.