3A Lent Sunday homily (08 March 2026) The Living Water

 

3A LENT­ SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 4:5-­42, March 8, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1. STORY

There was a little flower standing alone in the desert.  It dreamt daily of falling raindrops which never came, so it began to wilt.  One day a bird saw this and asked the animals for help.  The big lion was not interested, the fat dog was too lazy, and the noisy blackbird was too busy.  The little bird asked the busy ants for help.  They joined hands and built a long chain bringing drops of water to the roots of the flower causing it to flourish.  All came to realize the importance of water for life.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 4:5­-42

Jesus met a woman at a well and a conversation began.

A) JESUS CAN PROVIDE LIVING WATER 

Jesus told the woman, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

B) THE WOMAN WANTS LIVING WATER 

The woman said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw

water.”

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) What is living water?  The living water which Jesus gives us is his teaching, his revelation.  Here are some examples. 

i) Jesus tells us that God is our heavenly Father who loves us, cares for us, and helps us. 

ii) He tells us to live happily so we must follow the commandments of love God, neighbor, and self. 

iii) At the end of the road of life, God has prepared for us a life of eternal happiness and peace.

B) HOW DO WE OBTAIN THIS REVELATION? There are many ways to obtain the living water.  Here are a few examples. 

i) During each Mass, we hear the word of God and receive the Eucharist which gives us insights and strength. 

ii) When we pray to God, we are obtaining his comfort and understanding. 

iii) When we go to confession, we receive his forgiveness and consolation.

 

4) CONCLUSION

Just as the thirsty flower on the desert revived because it received water, so do we need the living water which Jesus gives us through his instruction to remain his faithful disciples.  This revelation comes through the Mass, our prayers, and in the sacrament of confession.

2A Lent Sunday homily (01 March 2026) The Transfiguration

 

2A, LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 17:1-9, MARCH 01, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1) STORY

While living in Rome, I took a visitor to see the beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica, a church I had often visited.  As we walked through the church, I pointed out the huge marble statues of the saints which were situated about 100 feet above the floor.  I lamented not being able to read the names at the base of the statues. The visitor told me that one was the statue of St. Francis, another was St. Dominic, etc.  I was amazed and asked how it was possible to see the names which were so far away.  He answered that the glasses he was wearing permitted him to see objects which were near and those which were far.  He could see things I was not able to see because of his eye glasses.

 

2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 17:1-9

A) JESUS HELPS THE APOSTLES

Jesus led the three disciples up a high mountain and he was transfigured before them.  “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.”  He wanted to teach them that he was not only a man but was also God.

B) THE APOSTLES

The apostles were able to see that Jesus was no ordinary man.  He was also God.  They were able to hear the Father’s words, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.  Listen to him.”

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) JESUS HELPS US TO KNOW HIM BETTER

We can consider Lent as a time when Jesus takes up to a mountain.  Though we cannot see Jesus as the apostles did, he is in our midst as he is present in his Church, in the bible, the Church’s teachings, and in the lives of holy people.

B) WE SEE AND HEAR JESUS

We see Jesus when we see a priest celebrating Mass, when we read the bible, or attend the Stations of the Cross.  We see him when we help a poor, sick, or an unhappy person.  Jesus has said that when you help others, you are helping him.  We hear Jesus when we listen to the Mass homily, the words of the bishop, or the cry for help of someone in need.

 

4) CONCLUSION

The eye glasses helped the visitor to see the names of the saints in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Jesus helped the apostles to see that he was not only man but also God and that he was the Father’s beloved Son.  They should listen to him.  During Lent Jesus also helps us to see that he is both God and man.  We should listen to him.

1A Lent Sunday homily (22 February 2026) Reject temptations

 

1A LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 4:1-11, Feb. 22, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli. MM

 

1. STORY

Two friends, David and John, went out to eat at a buffet lunch.  Both were amazed at the amount and variety of delicious food.  They filled their plates and after finishing went for a second helping.  Though they were both full, David decided to eat despite of John’s warning of the consequences of stuffing himself.  He succumbed to the temptation and took his third helping resulting in his getting sick.  He learned the hard way the important lesson − for your own good, resist temptations.

 

2. GOSPEL, MATTHEW 4:1-11

A) JESUS IS TEMPTED

The devil tempted Jesus three times.

i) Jesus was asked to change rocks into bread.

ii) Jesus was asked to jump from the temple.

iii) Jesus was asked to worship the devil.

B) JESUS REJECTS THE TEMPTATIONS

Jesus rejected the three temptations.

i) He rejected bread which represents a desire for material goods by living a very simple life.

ii) He refused to jump from the temple which represents a desire for fame as he was a very humble person.

iii) He rejected to worship the devil which represents a desire for power by obeying the will of God.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) WE ARE TEMPTED

Here are some examples of our temptations.

i) We are tempted to lose faith in God when our prayers for help are not answered. 

ii) We are tempted not to be kind and helpful to our family, friends and co-workers when they are not good to us.

iii) We are tempted to spend too much time on TV, computers, mobile phones, sports, and entertainment.

B) WE MUST RESIST TEMPTATIONS

Here are a few suggestions on how to strengthen our will to resist temptations. 

i) Make a good confession during Lent. 

ii) Attend a retreat if at all possible. 

iii) Use one of the Lenten (mite) boxes to help the poor by donating some of your money. 

iv) Make the Stations of the Cross in church or at home.

 v) Read the Bible, a spiritual book, or the Catholic newspaper.

 

4. CONCLUSION

We learned from the story that we help ourselves by resisting temptations.  Jesus resisted the temptations for the desire for material goods, fame, and power.  We resist the many temptations in our lives by going to confession, attending a retreat, helping the poor, making the Stations of the Cross, and doing spiritual reading.  A good Lent leads to a joyful Easter.

 

6A Sunday in Ordinary Time homily (15 February 2026) Avoid anger

 

6A Homily, Matthew 5:17-37, February 15, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1) STORY

Abraham Lincoln’s army general had some trouble with one of his officers and complained to the president.  Lincoln told him to write a sharp letter to the officer, which he did.  The general then showed the letter to Lincoln.  After praising the general for the strong letter, he asked the general what he planned to do with it.  A bit surprised at this question, the general said he was going to send it to the officer.  Lincoln advised him to tear it up and write another one now that his anger has passed.  The president said not to send a letter when written in anger. 

 

2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 5:17-37

A) TO BE ANGRY WITH YOUR BROTHER

The fact is that sometimes we are angry with God, with our family, neighbors and even with ourselves.

B) YOU WILL BE LIABLE TO JUDGMENT

Jesus teaches us that we will be punished for being angry.  Certainly, one punishment will be that we will be unhappy. 

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) ANGER IN OUR LIVES

i) We are angry with God if he does not answer our prayers.  We think he has forgotten us or does not care about our sufferings and problems.  It is useless to depend on him for help.  It is better to believe that he is powerless or does not exist.   

ii) We are angry with our family, friends, co-workers, Catholics, and neighbors.  They have hurt us by their words or actions.  They have not come to our help when we were in need.  They have hurt our reputation by lying or exaggerating our weaknesses.   

iii) We are even angry at ourselves because we have made stupid mistakes, have failed to achieve our goals, and because we are unhappy. 

B) AVOID ANGER

i) God loves us, cares for us, and wishes us to be happy.  He is wiser than we are.  He will give us strength to carry out his plan for us.  He will give us the wisdom to know what to do.  We must keep asking for his help and above all never abandon him.   

ii) We must remember that others are weak, busy, and have to carry their own crosses.  Do not demand too much from them.  Be grateful for any help you receive from them.   

iii) We must not demand too much from ourselves.  We will gradually continue to improve.  We must do our best and leave the rest to God. 

 

4) CONCLUSION

Lincoln gave wise advice to the angry general.  Jesus teaches us that being angry will result in serious consequences for us. We must avoid anger.

5A Sunday in Ordinary Time homily (08 February 2026) You are important

 

5A SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 5:13-16 February 8, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli 

1) STORY

As soon as a fierce tiger saw a person, he ate him.  The tiger promised a friend that he was going to change this bad habit.  If he saw a Catholic, he would not eat him.  However, a few days later he saw a Catholic and ate him, leaving only the lips.  When his friend reminded him of his promise not to eat Catholics, he replied that he smelled the man but could not find the smell of a Catholic except for his lips.  So, he ate the man leaving only the lips saying that the man spoke like a Catholic but did not act like a Catholic.  He was a Catholic in name only.

 

2) GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13-16

A) YOU ARE SALT AND YOU ARE LIGHT

Salt and light were very important in the past and today.  Salt was used for preserving food, such as meat and fish, in the days when there were no refrigerators.  It is used to season food.  There were no electric lights in Jesus’ time so light from oil lamps was important for working, guiding people, and for safety reasons.

B) YOUR LIGHT MUST SHINE BEFORE OTHERS

For salt and light to be useful, they must be used.  Salt must be sprinkled on food to preserve and season it.  It is of no use if kept in a container. Light must be placed on a lampstand and not under a bushel as to help people see.

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) YOU ARE IMPORTANT

Just as salt and light are important, so are you.  You are

important to your family, to your friends, to your employer, to your church, and above all to Jesus.  You are brothers and sisters of Jesus, and you are his disciples.  For example, during Mass the following are important: the altar servers, lectors, choir and organist, ministers of Holy Communion and money collectors.  Jesus wants us to know that we are important.

B) YOUR ACTIONS ARE IMPORTANT 

i) You are important to God our Father.  We must pray daily thanking and praising him and asking for help and for forgiveness.  We must go to Sunday Mass to hear his instructions and receive the Eucharist. 

ii) We are important to others.  Use often the following words: thanks, please, excuse me, and I am sorry. 

iii) You are important to yourself.  Make every effort to stay healthy by eating properly, getting enough rest, and learning to relax.

 

4) CONCLUSION

The tiger could tell a Catholic in name from a true Catholic.  Just as salt and light are important so are we important.  We must live as true Catholics in our daily lives by our prayer life, being good to others, and caring for our health.

 

4A Sunday in Ordinary Time homily (01 February 2026) Blessed are the merciful

 

4A SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 5:1-12, February 1, 2026

By: Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM

1) STORY

Mary was trying to find her first job and decided to apply to a company which was looking for staff.  It was a rainy day and while riding on the bus she noticed other girls her age going to the same place to apply for work.  As she was getting off the bus, a middle-aged woman in front of her slipped and fell on the curb.  The other girls saw this but went on while Mary stopped to help her get up.  The woman asked Mary if she could help her to her office.  Mary did help her but was worried she might be late and lose her chance for a job.  When they arrived at the company, the middle-aged woman introduced herself as Mrs. Chan and thanked Mary for being so kind and helpful.  When it was Mary’s turn to see the employment manager, she entered the office and was astonished to see Mrs. Chan who warmly welcomed her.  Mary got the job.

 

2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 5:1-12

A) BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL

Jesus was merciful.

i) He talked about the merciful Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan, (Luke 10:25-37).

ii) When Jesus was on the cross, he promised the thief that he would be with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23;42-43). 

B) YOU WILL BE SHOWN MERCY

Jesus tells us we will be rewarded when we are merciful toward others, “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly father will forgive you” (Matt.6:14).

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) BE MERCIFUL

i We should be merciful to those who are good to us and also to those who are not.

ii) We are merciful by our kind attitude towards others, by our gentle words, and by our caring actions.

B) YOU WILL BE SHOWN MERCY

i) Jesus will bless us when we follow his example. 

ii) We will have peace in our hearts knowing we are doing good.

iii) People will recognize and reward our acts of mercy.

 

4) CONCLUSION

Mary was rewarded by showing mercy to the lady in need. Jesus taught us by word and example to be merciful.  God will reward us for being merciful in word and deed by giving us peace of heart.

 

3A Sunday in Ordinary Time homily (25 January 2026) Come follow me

 

3A Sunday Homily, Matthew 4:12­-23,

January 25, 2026

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM 

1) STORY

During the war, after fierce fighting in a small town, a soldier found a beautiful statue of Jesus with his two hands missing.  He did not want to throw it away, yet he feared to place it anywhere as it was.  He solved this problem by putting it at the entrance of the town with a sign in front of it, “LEND ME YOUR HANDS.”  In today’s gospel Jesus asks us to lend him our hands.

 

2) GOSPEL: MATTHEW 4:12­-23

A) COME AFTER ME

Christ asks us to follow him.  We do this because

i) He is the light of the world leading us to happiness.  The first reading tells us that "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” 

ii) He is the bread of life who gives us the spiritual strength to live as his friend in a world filled with temptations and difficulties.

B) I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN

Christ wants us to bring people to him.  Many do not know that he exists and is the source of the gifts which they are searching for: happiness, joy and peace.

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) FOLOWING JESUS

We follow Jesus, our teacher and guide, by listening to his instructions as found in the bible and by ideally reading it each day.  We hear his word during Mass.

B) BRING OTHERS TO JESUS

We bring others to Jesus:

i) By word.  We should share with others what we know about Jesus, how he helped people when on earth, and how he continues to help us each day.  He is the source of our happiness, joy, and peace.

ii) By our actions.  We bring others to Jesus by our kind and caring acts, by willing to listen to those in pain, and by helping those in pain, and by helping those in need.

 

4) CONCLUSION

In the story we learned that we are the modern hands of Jesus.  We follow Jesus by listening to him as he speaks to us through the bible, by praying to him, and by receiving the Eucharist.  We bring others to Jesus by our kind and caring

words, by listening to those in pain, and by helping those in need. Jesus is the source of our joy, happiness and peace.