Homily - 1B Lent Sunday homily (18 February 2024) Repent and believe in the Gospel

 

1B LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 1:12-15, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 

1. STORY

After his death, John was refused entry into heaven because of his poor record during life.  However, the angel of heaven’s gate gave him a chance to enter.  He must go back to earth and discover what would make God most happy.  He went back to earth and returned with a drop of a martyr’s blood.  The angel said that God was pleased but there was something even more pleasing to him.  He must try again.  The second time John brought back a drop of sweat of the brow of a missioner, but the angel said he could try one more time.  For the third time and final time, John brought back a drop of the tear of a repentant sinner.  The angel agreed that this was the gift most pleasing to God and permitted him to enter heaven.  God is truly happy when a sinner repents.

 

2. GOSPEL: MARK 1:12-15

A. JESUS TELLS US TO REPENT.

Jesus tells us that we must repent.  Repentance means to change our thinking, our heart, and our actions. 

B. JESUS TELLS US TO BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL.

Jesus tells us that we must accept the gospel.  The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to teach us.  The core of the gospel is love.  We must love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

Here are three changes we can begin to make during Lent.

A. CHANGE OUR MINDS.

Jesus wants us to place God as the number one priority in our life.  Even though there are many important things in our life such as a home, a job, money, good health, and a good family, we must remember that God is our number one priority.  When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mt. 22:37). 

B. CHANGE OUR HEARTS.

Jesus wants us to have a forgiving heart.  Many people have been offended and find it hard to forgive others.  Jesus teaches us in the Our Father, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt.6:12). We should forgive those who have offended us.

 

C. CHANGE OUR ACTIONS.

Jesus wants us to be kind towards others in our speech.  It is very easy to be angry and hurt others by what we say and how we say it.  St. Paul reminds us “No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear it” (Ep.4:29).  We should be kind toward others in our speech.

 

4. CONCLUSION

During this Lent, please try to do the following.

i) Help the poor by taking home the Lenten donation boxes. 

ii) Attend the Stations of the Cross. 

iii) Make a good confession.

iv) Attend the parish retreat.  We ask Jesus to help us repent and believe in the Gospel.

Homily - 6B Sunday homily (11 February 2024) Christ cured the leper

 

6B, SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 1:40-45, FEBRUARY 11, 2024 

1. STORY

On a cold winter day, an elderly man was waiting for a ride across a small river.  Several horsemen came riding by.  He let the first and second one pass by without saying a word.  Finally, the old man caught the last rider’s eye and asked for help.  The rider agreed and helped the man onto the horse.  The rider not only helped the man across the river but he also took the man home.  The rider asked the elderly man why he let several riders pass by but waited for him to ask for help.  The elderly man said, “I looked into the eyes of others and knew they would not help, but I looked into your eyes and saw kindness and compassion.  I knew you would help me.”  The rider thanked the elderly man.  That man, Thomas Jefferson, the American president, turned his horse around and returned to the White House.  He followed Christ’s example.

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 1:40-45

A. THE LEPER ASKED JESUS FOR HELP.

The leper knelt down and begged for help.  “If you wish, you can make me clean.”  This sickness had a profound effect on his life as it separated him from his family, from his friends, and from God. 

B. JESUS CURED THE LEPER.

Jesus, moved with pity, said, “I do want to. Be made clean.”  The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.  The cure changed the man’s life as he could be reunited with his family, with his friends, and with God.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE ASK JESUS FOR HELP.

We ask Jesus for forgiveness when we participate at Mass.  We ask at the beginning of Mass, “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins.”  We ask during the Gloria, “Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.”  We ask when reciting the Our Father, “forgive us our trespasses.”  We ask when praying, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.  Sin separates us from God, our friends, and our family. 

B. JESUS FORGIVES US. 

i) Jesus helps us in two major ways.  First, at baptism when all of our sins are forgiven.  Our souls are clean in the sight of God.  Second, when Jesus forgives us through the sacrament of confession or reconciliation.  This helps us to understand the importance of this sacrament.  We are united with God, our friends, and our family.

ii) The cured leper was so happy with this gift and so grateful for what Jesus had done that he “he spread the report abroad,” and told others.  We, too, should thank Jesus and tell others about what he does for us and in our lives.

 

4. CONCLUSION

In the story the elderly man asked and received help from the merciful and compassionate man, President Jefferson.  In the gospel the leper asked and received a cure from the merciful and compassionate Jesus.  The cure changed his life as he was reunited with his God, friends, and family.  We constantly receive forgiveness for our sins from Jesus, especially through the sacrament of confession.  As the cured leper spread the good news about Jesus, we should thank Jesus and tell others what a blessing it is to know Jesus.

 

Homily - 5B Sunday homily (04 February 2024) You are important

 

5B SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 5:13-16, February 4, 2024

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. I t 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 place 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.

Homily - 4B Sunday homily (28 January 2024) Jesus taught and cured

 

4B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 1:21-28, JANUARY 28, 2024 

1. STORY

John, (Lobsang Tsering) a 36-year-old Tibetan emergency doctor, was in an ambulance with a Tibetan nurse responding to a request for help.  The ambulance stopped when the crew saw a Han Chinese man holding his son who was in desperate need to help.  When they helped the pair into the ambulance, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by an angry mob demanding the boy.  Though the rioters smashed the windows and jumped into the vehicle and battered the doctor on the head, the jaw, and back with stones and clubs, the doctor refused to hand over the boy.  The heroic doctor saved the life of the little boy.

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 1:21-28

A. JESUS TAUGHT

i) It was the custom of Jesus that he would teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath, the day of rest.

ii) Jesus was a powerful teacher as the people were astonished by his teaching.  He was much different from the other teachers. 

B. JESUS CURED

i) In the synagogue, there was a sick man with an unclean spirit.

ii) Jesus took pity on him and cured him with just one command, “Come out of him.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. TODAY, JESUS CONTINUES TO TEACH US.

i) Jesus teaches us at every Mass we attend when we hear the scriptures and the homily.

ii) When the Pope or our bishop speaks, Jesus teaches us.

iii) When we read the bible, Jesus teaches us.

iv) When people like our parents or good wise friends give us advice, Jesus teaches us.  We should listen attentively to Jesus. 

B. TODAY, JESUS CURES US.

Jesus cured a man with an unclean spirit. Jesus cured his spirit.

i) Jesus cures those who are hopeless and those who see life as useless with no chance of joy and happiness.  He puts hope into their lives.

ii) Jesus cures those who have sinned and see no chance of forgiveness.  Jesus forgives them.

iii) Jesus heals those who have hate in their lives.  He loves them.  Just as the doctor was willing to suffer to save the boy, Jesus died on the cross to save us, to give us hope, forgiveness, and love.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The young doctor protected and saved the boy even though he had to suffer in doing so.  Jesus taught the people and cured the man who was troubled in spirit.  Today Jesus continues his work of teaching and curing the sick.  He speaks to us at Mass, through our Pope and bishop, through the bible, and through good friends.  Jesus cures our heart by giving us hope, forgiveness, and love.  We thank him for all his help and ask for an increase in faith in him.

Homily - 3B Sunday homily (21 January 2024) Come follow Me

 

3B Sunday Homily, Mark 1:14-20, January 21, 2024 

1. STORY

A FAMOUS General, John, was ordered to take charge of an army that was losing the war.  When the tired and discouraged soldiers heard who was to be their new general, their attitude changed completely.  It went from hopelessness to hope, from discouragement to encouragement, and from a sense of defeat to a sense of victory.  Under General John’s command, the army eventually won the war.  (This is a true story of General McClellan, who during the American Civil War, eventually helped lead the North to victory over the South).

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 1:14-20

A. JESUS CALLS THE FISHERMAN

i) Jesus saw ordinary fishermen, Simon, Andrew, James and John

and invited them to come after him.  He gave them a call.

ii) He gave them a purpose.  Jesus wanted them to help him by becoming fishers of men. 

B. THE FISHERMEN’S RESPONSE

i) They were busy at their work casting their nets into the sea and mending their nets.  Despite this, they immediately abandoned their nets. 

ii) They followed Jesus not knowing how to do this work, or would they even like it, or would they be successful at it.  They had faith in Jesus as their leader.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. JESUS HAS CALLED US TO FOLLOW HIM

You may ask when did Jesus call us to follow him.  Jesus called us at our baptism to follow him.  Not only is baptism a great blessing by making us children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus with the Holy Spirit as our guide, but it also makes us members of the Church, the family of God.  This is a great responsibility.  Jesus expects us to help him by working along with him to spread the gospel, the good news, that he loves all men and wants all men to follow him. 

B. OUR RESPONSE TO JESUS’ CALL

We must follow the example of the fishermen by doing our best to help Jesus.  We remember that Jesus wants us to work along with him to spread the good news.  Here are two suggestions to help us.

i) We must follow the example of Jesus by being kind and caring when dealing with people.    People are more willing to listen when they are treated kindly. 

ii) We must tell people of some of the advantages of following Jesus. They are:

a) Jesus brings us peace and happiness.

b) He helps us to know what is right and what is wrong.

c) He gives us strength to do what is right.

d) He comforts us during our difficulties.

e) He gives us eternal life.

People need the help of Jesus even though they do not know there is such a person as Jesus. 

 

4. CONCLUSION

Just as the soldiers needed an inspiring general to lead them to victory, too, did the fishermen need Jesus as their leader.  They immediately responded to the invitation to follow Jesus and work along with him.  At baptism, Jesus invited us to follow him and to work along with him sharing the good news that God loves them.  Today, Jesus again calls us to work along with him.  We do this by being kind toward others and by letting people know the blessings that Jesus gives to those who believe in him.

Homily - 2B Sunday homily (14 January 2024) We have found Jesus the Messiah

 

2B SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 1:35-42, JANUARY 14, 2024 

1. STORY

The superior of a monastery went to a wise man for advice.  His monastery was once very famous and flourishing with vocations.  People from all over the world went there to pray.  However, this has all changed with fewer vocations and fewer people going there.  The superior asked if it was some sin of theirs that caused this.  The wise men said it was because of the sin of ignorance.  One of their members in disguise was the Messiah, and they were ignorant of this.  The superior returned to the monastery with the amazing news that the Messiah was one of their members in disguise.  Could it be Brother Cook?  Brother Gardener?  Brother Cleaner?  One thing was certain: If the Messiah was there in disguise was it not likely that they would recognize him.  So, they treated each other with respect and consideration.  The result was that the atmosphere in the monastery was full of joy.  Many came to pray and to seek admission as the monastery was filled with the spirit of love.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 1:35-42

A. ANDREW FOUND JESUS THE MESSIAH

i) John the Baptist, when he saw Jesus walking by, informed Andrew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Lamb of God.

ii) Andrew immediately followed Jesus and stayed with him. 

B. ANDREW TELLS PETER THAT HE HAD FOUND THE MESSIAH

i) Andrew informed his brother Peter about the good news that he had found the Messiah.

ii) He then brought Peter to meet Jesus who welcomed him.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. WE HAVE FOUND JESUS

When we have found a lost house key, or a lost ID card, or a lost sum of money, we are overjoyed as these are important for our daily living.  We are blessed as we have found Jesus who is the source of our joy, peace, and happiness.  He is the light of the world helping us to know right from wrong, what is important and not so important, and what is good and what is harmful for our soul.  He is the bread of life nourishing us with the Eucharist and his word.  He is the living water comforting us as we meet troubles and failures in our life’s difficult journey. 

B. WE HELP OTHERS FIND JESUS

We have the opportunity, ability, and responsibility to tell others about Jesus.  They, too, are in need of joy, peace, and happiness.  Here are three suggestions to help others find Jesus. 

i) Pray daily for one friend or relative who is not baptized or for a baptized person who has left Christ.

ii) Be kind, patient, and forgiving to others. 

iii) Invite a relative, a friend, or neighbor to church or to study a catechism class.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The monastery was changed when the monks knew that the Messiah was among them.  Andrew found Jesus and brought his brother Peter to Jesus.  We have found Jesus, and we must bring others to know Jesus.  Jesus brings joy, peace and happiness.  He will also do the same for others whom we bring to him.

Homily - 1B Epiphany of the Lord (07 January 2024) Helping others to find Jesus

 

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - Sunday Homily, Matthew 2:1-12, January 7, 2024 

1) STORY

One day John’s family asked me to go to the hospital to anoint him as John was very sick.  He was in Room 1 on the first floor.  Several weeks later around 8PM, I received a call from the family asking me to visit John as he was in a critical condition.  I immediately went to the hospital looking for John in Room 1 on the first floor.  To my great surprise, he was not there.  The nurse told me via an intercom to try the tenth floor.  I went to Room 1 on the tenth floor to discover it was a baby’s ward.  I was now lost with no phone and no family contact number.  Then my “star” appeared in the form of a nurse.  The nurse in the baby’s ward was willing to help me.  She guessed he was in Block C and we were in Block A.  She asked for permission to go through Block B to get to Block C where I finally found John. Thanks to her kindness.  She was my “star” leading me to my goal.

 

2) GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2:1-12

A) THE MAGI: The Magi, wise men from the East, were looking for the newborn king of the Jews.  They needed help to find the new king. 

B) THE STAR: “They saw his star and wanted to do him homage.”  The star led them to Bethlehem where they found the new born king of the Jews, Jesus.

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) MODERN MAGI: There are many people searching for happiness, peace, a purpose in life and how to live a meaningful life.  Though they may not be aware of it, they are searching for God who alone can give them the desires of their heart. 

B) MODERN STARS: People need help to find God just as the Magi needed help to find Jesus, and I needed the help of a nurse to find John.  God has sent us to be like stars leading people to Jesus.  We do this by our kindness towards others, by our willingness to help them, and the example of living a good life.  We have the power and responsibility to lead others to Jesus.

 

4) CONCLUSION

Just as I needed a star to help me find John and the Magi needed the help of a star to find Jesus, so too, do those looking for peace, joy and happiness need help in their search for these precious gifts.  We are modern stars helping by leading them to Jesus who alone can give them peace, joy, and happiness.