Homilies (Page 2)

A Note from the Pastor – Oct 25

In previous weeks, we heard Gospels about division, money worship, and people thirsting for power. Everyone held on to something like life rafts while their lives were sinking in greed. On this occasion, Jesus passes by Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. He needs to rush before dusk falls. As he tries to leave Jericho…

A Note from the Pastor – Oct 18

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, followed by the twelve. In the Lord’s mind, it’s crystal clear that the leaders who harassed him during his public Galilee ministry will now try to entrap him during his obligated pilgrimage for the feast of Passover. The disciples, still like spiritual infants, have no idea; instead, they…

October 13 Homily

“Life” and “Love” are two similar words in our language. The quality of our life is directlyrelated to the amount of love in our relationships. When Jesus is asked which are the greatestcommandments, he tells us, love your God and love your neighbor. Our love for God helps usto love others, because God knows our…

A Note from the Pastor – Oct 11

Jesus is out on the road, his favorite place to see God at work when anyone crosses his path or waits for him at the route’s turn. Jesus is a master who teaches the art of encounter. Behold, an unidentified person rushing to meet him as if hurrying to catch a breath. “Good Master,” he…

A Note from the Pastor – Oct. 4

During their journey to the promised land, the people in the wilderness complained about the food, weather, their companions, spouses, and even Moses. In his wisdom, Moses composed rules to set community boundaries, achieve peace, and avoid conflict by allowing males to reject their partners. Twelve hundred years later, the Pharisees sought Jesus’ interpretation of…

A Note from the Pastor – Sept 27

John, the beloved disciple, the fine theologian, “the son of thunder,” a man with so much Godly potential, still reacts like a child of a small heart when bitten by jealousy. Master, an outsider works miracles in your name but is not enrolled in our group. He is improving people’s lives but is perhaps inexperienced…

Sept 22 Homily

Today I want to focus on a key word from today’s gospel and shed some light on its translation.  Jesus, embraces a child and says, “Whoever RECEIVES one child such as this in MY name RECEIVES ME…”   THIS biblical translation uses the word “receives,” a word that is pivotal to the core message of…

A Note from the Pastor – Sept 20

Jesus’ unexpected announcement of his impending death shocked the disciples, grappling with why and what would happen to them afterward. The disciples quietly contemplate candidates for the position. Jesus demonstrates masterful handling of relationships by not rebuking, judging, or accusing but instead presenting a strategy for educating. Jesus reveals his infallible method: ‘The first shall…

A Note from the Pastor – Sept 13

After blessing Israel with numerous miracles while facing opposition from the leaders, Jesus wanted to hear the opinions and perceptions of the crowds. He turned to his disciples, who walked with him, to voice what they heard on the margins. Who do people say I am? This poll determines whether people’s hearts can perceive God’s…

A Note from the Pastor – Sept 6

They brought a deaf-mute to Jesus. He was a prisoner of silence, living without words, lullabies, or music, but he had a circle of friends who cared for him and looked for things that made him better; they led him to Jesus. Healing begins when someone puts his hand to the very human art of…