Homily - Sunday after Christmas (31 December 2023) The Holy Family

 

YEAR B SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS homily: LUKE 2:22-40, DECEMBER 31, 2023

 

1.   STORY

There was a poor woodcutter who lived happily with his family at the edge of the forest.  Each night when the king walked by, he was annoyed that a family could be so happy.  The king gave orders that the woodcutter must have fifty bags of sawdust for him in one day or the whole family would be killed.  The woodcutter and his wife said that this was impossible.  They prayed to God for help.  When morning came, there was a knock on the door.  The king’s messenger entered slowly and sadly and told the woodcutter to cut twelve hardwood planks for a coffin.  The king had died the previous night.  God protected this happy family.

 

2.   GOSPEL: LUKE 2:22-40

A.  Mary and Joseph

             i.        Both of them were very religious parents.  They were obedient to God.  They fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord.

           ii.        They were responsible parents as they cared for Jesus who grew up strong and filled with wisdom. 

B.  Jesus

             i.        Even though he was the King of kings and the Son of God, he was obedient to the will of God.

           ii.        He was also obedient to his parents while living with them in Nazareth for 30 years.

 

3.   APPLICATION TO LIFE

A.  The family

We belong to many groups such as a school, a company, or a church but the most important group we belong to is our family.  We must make every effort to make out family a happy one. 

B.  How to help make our family a happy family

Each family is different so there are many different ways to be happy.  Here are two suggestions:

i.             Be a caring member of your family.  Be caring by keeping in contact with them even though may be once a year.  Be caring by helping them when they are in need whenever you can and according to your ability.

ii.           Be forgiving.  There will be misunderstandings, arguments and different points of view among family members.  This will cause friction and hard feelings.  Forgive those who have offended you.  Ask for forgiveness if you have offended others.  Forgiveness is a great medicine which is able to cure an unhappy family and bring it back to health.

 

4.   CONCLUSION

The woodcutter’s happy family was in great difficulty.  God protected this family who has great faith in him.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph make up the ideal family as they obeyed God and faithfully carried out their responsibilities.  We must help to make our family a happy one by caring for and forgiving members of our family.

Homily - Christmas Day (25 December 2023) The Gifts of Light and Life

 

YEAR B CHRISTMAS DAY homily: JOHN 1:1-18, DECEMBER 25, 2023 

1. STORY

Mary was blind since birth.  Before Christmas she had an operation to help her see.  When the bandages were removed, she could see for the first time.  At a Christmas party after the operation, she was given lovely gifts of clothes and toys.  With great joy and gratitude, she often repeated, “I can see. I can see.”  This was her greatest Christmas gift.

 

2. GOSPEL: JOHN 1:1-18

A. THE GIFT OF LIGHT

Jesus is the light of the human race, and he shines in the darkness.  There are many wonderful things Jesus wants us to see and understand. 

B. THE GIFT OF LIFE

Jesus gives us the power to become children of God.  The only thing we have to do is to accept him.  Jesus wants us to have a joyful and happy life.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. THE GIFT OF LIGHT

There are many things we can see with the help of Jesus, the light of the world.

i) We can see that there is a God who loves us and cares for us.

ii) We can see that Jesus has come to save us and to teach us how to live.

iii) We can see that our life here on earth is a journey which will lead us to eternal life and happiness. 

B. THE GIFT OF LIFE

Jesus gives us new life.

i) We are now the adopted children of God.  God is our heavenly father who loves us and cares for us.

ii) Jesus is our elder brother who has saved us by making it possible to become God’s children.  Jesus has given us the bible, his word.  Jesus has given us the Eucharist, the bread of life.  Jesus has given us an example of how to live as his brother.

iii) Our new life makes it possible to live forever, to live with God, and to live in peace and happiness.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Mary was full of joy and gratitude having received the gift of sight.  Jesus gives us the gift of light and life which helps us to understand that there is a loving God and that Jesus is our elder brother.  We are filled with joy and gratitude at Christmas because of these great gifts.

 

Homily - 4B Advent Sunday homily (24 December 2023) The Angel's message to Mary

 

4B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY: LUKE 1:26-38, December 24, 2023 

1. STORY

St. Ambrose was the governor in northern Italy with his headquarters in Milan.  In 374 the bishop of Milan died leaving the Church bitterly divided and, thus, unable to choose a successor.  St. Ambrose, fearing that there might be trouble, went to the basilica in his civil capacity and exhorted the people to settle the election of a new bishop in a peaceful manner.  Suddenly a voice shouted out, “Ambrose for bishop.”   The people quickly took up the cry.  Ambrose was horrified.  Not only was he a layman but also was not even baptized.  Fleeing the basilica, he went into hiding to evade the crowd.  However, when they found him, he agreed thinking that this was the will of God.  Within a week he was baptized, confirmed, received holy orders, and was consecrated bishop of Milan.  His response was “Yes, Lord.”

 

2. GOSPEL: LUKE 1:26-38

A. THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE

The angel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth and told her that she would become the mother of Jesus.  He would rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom would have no end.  She was not to be afraid, as this would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

B. MARY’S RESPONSE

Naturally, this amazing message which came so suddenly shocked Mary.  She asked how this could be.  The angel explained that this would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Mary responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.   May it be done to me according to your word.”  Mary’s response was, “Yes, Lord.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. GOD’S MESSAGE TO US

Just as God had work for Mary to do, he also has work for us to do.  Through Baptism, God has chosen us to become his adopted children.  He wants us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.  We are disciples of Jesus, and we must continue the work of Jesus.  We must do what Jesus did.  We must preach the gospel and help the needy.

 B. OUR RESPONSE

We must be like Mary saying, “Yes, Lord.”  As adopted children of God, we must strike to love holy lives, God, our neighbor, and ourselves.  As disciples of Jesus, we must share the good news with others.  During this Christmas season, invite someone to go to Mass with you and send a Christmas message to a relative or friend.

 

4. CONCLUSION

St. Ambrose said “yes” to God.  Mary said “yes” to God.  So, too, must we say “yes” to God by living as adopted sons of God and faithful disciples of Jesus.

 

Homily - 3B Advent Sunday homily (17 December 2023) John the Baptist helps the people to prepare for Christ's coming

 

3B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28, December 17, 2023 

1. STORY

Father John was a prison chaplain who visited several prisons every week.  He noticed that the prisoners enjoyed the coming of Christmas.  Father John asked them why Christmas made them so happy.  They gave two reasons.  i) They had several days of vacation.  ii) They had extra food like eggs and chicken wings to eat during their meals.  When asked did they know that Christmas was the celebration of the birth of Jesus, all of them responded that they had never heard of that before.  They did not know Jesus.

 

2. GOSPEL: JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

A. WHO WAS JOHN?  When asked who he was, John told the leaders that he was not a prophet like Elijah and he definitely was not the Christ.  Rather he was one who had a very important task to do.  He came to prepare the coming of an extremely important person, Jesus Christ, who was the savior of the people.  He was like a voice crying in the desert, making straight the way of the Lord. 

B. WHO WAS JESUS?  John the Baptist told the people that Jesus was there among them, but they did not recognize him.  Jesus was the light of the world who would teach them the truth.  Jesus was the Christ, their savior, who would bring them happiness and eternal life.  John came to help the people to recognize and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.  The people must be well prepared for the coming of the savior.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW JESUS.

Christmas is a very popular feast.  It is a time for fun and enjoyment.  People like to send Christmas cards, buy gifts, enjoy a special meal, or go on vacation.  Students like Christmas as they usually have a long school vacation.  What is forgotten is the reason for Christmas.  It is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus.  We must be prepared well to celebrate Christ’s birthday. 

B. WHO IS JESUS?

Jesus is God’s gift to the world.  He is the light of the world who will guide us to happiness, joy, and eternal life.  Jesus is the savior of the world who gives us the power to resist sin and live a life imitating his.  We prepare to celebrate this great birthday by doing the following.  i) Making a good confession.  ii) Having a Christmas crib in your home.  iii) Inviting someone to go to Christmas Mass.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Father John knew that the prisoners enjoyed Christmas.  He also knew that the prisoners did not know that this great feast was to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.  John the Baptist came to help the people recognize and prepare for the coming of Jesus.  We must also help others to know about Jesus and to prepare their hearts for his coming. We must prepare well for his coming into our hearts.

 

Homily - 2B Advent Sunday homily (10 December 2023) Prepare the way of the Lord

 

2B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 1:1-8, DECEMBER 10, 2023 

1. STORY

There was a king who loved to visit the villages of his country, give gifts, and help the people solve their problems.  Though he tried several times to visit a certain village in the mountains, he was not able to do so due to the landslides which blocked the road.  One day the people complained that the king never came to visit their village.  A wise old man said that it was not the king’s fault; rather it was their fault for not preparing the road for the visit.  The villagers worked together clearing the road of the rocks and dirt which made it impossible for the king to come.  The next year the king was able to come.  All welcomed him and he brought them much joy, gave gifts, and helped solved their problems.  This was all possible for they prepared the way for the coming of the king.

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 1:1-8

A. Prepare THE WAY OF THE LORD

John the Baptist appeared in the desert telling the people that one greater than he was coming soon and that they must prepare for the coming by asking for forgiveness of their sins. 

B. THE PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SINS

When the people heard this message, they admitted that they had sinned.  They were baptized in the Jordan river as a sign that they wanted their sins forgiven so as to welcome Jesus.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. THE COMING OF JESUS

During the season of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus will be coming to us in a special way at Christmas.  Many will prepare for this great feast by sending Christmas cards, buy gifts, decorating their homes, going out for a meal, or taking a vacation.  Though these things are good, John the Baptist advises us that we must prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. 

B. PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR JESUS

Here are three suggestions for preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus. 

i) Make a good confession during Advent.   Confession is telling Jesus that you are sorry for the sins you have committed and asking for his help to be more like him in obeying God and being good to our neighbors.

ii) Have a Christmas crib in your home as a reminder that Jesus is the center of Christmas.  The crib will also help those in your family know more about the meaning of the great feast.

iii) Invite another person, a non-Catholic or a Catholic who does not go to church, to go along with you to Mass on Christmas.  An invitation on your part might be the help they need to go back to church or to study to become Catholics.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The king wanted to visit the people to bring them happiness and help solve their problems.  He was able to come only when the people cleared the road of rocks and dirt.  John the Baptist told the people that Jesus was coming and that they had to remove the sins in their lives as to have a place for Jesus in their hearts.  They were washed in the Jordan river as a sign that they wanted forgiveness for their sins.  Jesus comes to us at Christmas in a special way.  We prepare for his coming by making a good confession, putting up a crib in our home, and inviting someone to go to Christmas with us.

Homily - 1B Advent Sunday homily (03 December 2023) Be watchful! Be alert!

 

1B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 13:33-37 December 3, 2023 

1. STORY

A farmer found it difficult to hire workers for his farm which was near the ocean and often had terrible storms.  The farmer interviewed John, a short thin man, who said he could sleep when the wind blows.  One night, when there was a severe storm coming, the farmer rushed to John’s sleeping quarters and told him to tie things down before they blow away.  John said firmly, “No sir, I told you that I could sleep when the wind blows.”  The farmer hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered all haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins, cows were in the barn, chickens in the coops, doors barred, and shutters tightly secured.  The farmer went to bed knowing that all had been prepared for the storm because John, the hired man, had been watchful and had been alert.

 

2. GOSPEL: MARK 13:33-37

A. THE SERVANTS MUST BE WATCHFUL

The servants are given their own work to do, and they must be faithful in carrying this out during the absence of the master.  They must not fall asleep or fall in their duty, as they do not know when the master will return. 

B. THE MASTER’S RETURN

Nobody knows when the master will return home from his journey.  He has given no forewarning so he could return at any time.  He expects his servants to be ready for his return.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS

Most people are very busy at school, at work, in the home, and in society.  Christmas is an even busier time as people send out Christmas cards, buy gifts, decorate their homes, plan parties, or go on vacation.  Christ’s words are very important.  “Be watchful, be alert!”  The master will come at a time that we do not know. 

B. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas means Christ’s birthday.  Here are three suggestions on how to celebrate his birthday. 

i) Place a Christmas crib in your home as a reminder of the true meaning of this great feast.  This is also a way to evangelize in your home. 

ii) Prepare your hearts by going to confession during Advent. 

iii) Invite someone to go to church with you at Christmas.

 

4. CONCLUSION

John was well prepared for the coming of the storm.  This brought peace to the farmer.  The servants are warned that they must be alert and watchful for the return of the master at an unknown time.  We, the disciples of Jesus, must be alert and wisely use the season of Advent to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ.  We do this by having a Christmas crib in our homes, making a good confession, and inviting someone to go to Christmas Mass with you.