St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Flexibility is a valuable gift because things don’t always go as planned. In the morning, we may intend to complete specific tasks by the end of the day, yet sometimes they remain unfinished. On a broader scale, we might envision particular goals for our lives that don’t come to fruition for various reasons. Such experiences can lead to feelings of despair. However, we can choose to respond differently and move beyond disappointment or frustration.

Jesus faced similar situations regarding His plans and those of His followers. As we heard in today’s Gospel, He intended to take them to a deserted place for quiet prayer and reflection because they had been so busy that they barely had time to eat or pray. However, when they arrived at that secluded spot, they found it crowded with people who had gotten there before them.

Jesus’ response to the disruption of His plans was not anger or resentment. Instead, “His heart was moved with pity for them... and He began to teach them many things.” His plans needed to change because a situation arose that aligned with God’s larger purpose.

Whenever our plans veer off course, we should remain open to the possibility that something better might take their place. Being flexible allows us to recognize greater opportunities beyond our own desires. Ultimately, God’s plan always takes precedence over our personal plans. When we must set aside our own goals and dreams, we should pray that the Lord’s life-giving purpose for our lives prevails.

Homily for the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

The Gospel describes John the Baptist as a "righteous and holy man." He courageously spoke the truth about God and His ways, even when it was unpopular or dangerous to do so. John didn’t waver in his commitment to God, even when it cost him his freedom and ultimately his life.

In a similar way, Jesus was crucified for the same reason: He also proclaimed the truth and purpose of God's teachings, challenging the status quo and inviting people to live according to God's will, no matter the consequences.

We are all called to share God's ways, as revealed by Jesus, not only in our words but also in our actions and choices. This often requires courage, as John the Baptist and Jesus showed. Standing up for what is right, defending the vulnerable, and living out our faith can sometimes put us at odds with the world around us.

Courage is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to persevere even when we feel afraid or uncertain. Today, maybe more than ever, we need courageous faith and the strength of the Holy Spirit to stand up for the values and messages of the Gospel, as John the Baptist and Jesus did.

It's important to remember that courageous faith is not the same as arrogant faith; it's not condescending or self-righteous. True courage in faith is humble and compassionate, rooted in love for God and others. It's a solid, lasting faith that stays strong in tough times because its roots run deep. Even when we face challenges, criticism, or rejection, our faith can be a source of hope and strength, helping us remain steadfast and loving in all circumstances.

Homily for the Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr

St. Mark illustrates that, early in His ministry, Jesus sent out the Twelve disciples He had chosen to assist Him in His work. He commissioned them to do what He had been doing: preaching the gospel and healing the sick. Jesus recognized that He needed help from others to accomplish the mission He had been given. Similarly, Jesus still needs us today to carry out His work. We are called to be His eyes, ears, hands, feet, voice, and presence wherever we are. He desires to work in and through us.

St. Paul understood this concept clearly. He viewed the Church as the Body of Christ in the world. The Body of Christ cannot function effectively unless everyone fulfills the role they are called and equipped to play through their baptism. Each person has a unique contribution to make to the life of the Body and, consequently, to the work of the Lord in today’s world. Every individual is indispensable and essential. The letter to the Hebrews expresses this clearly: in the Church, everyone is regarded as a “first-born child” and a “citizen of heaven.” There are to be no second-class citizens in the Church. Each of us is a vital member of Christ’s Body, uniquely endowed by the Lord for His work and mission in the world.

Homily for Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

The people of Nazareth should have recognized that God the Father was working through Jesus in a unique way. Instead, they mocked Him and looked down on Him, unable to see beyond their limited expectations. They thought He was too familiar, too local, and too well-known. They knew His mother and His family, and they may have grown up alongside Him, seeing Him in the marketplace or at the synagogue.

Because He was one of their own, they saw Him as too ordinary to take seriously, forgetting that God often works through the ordinary and the overlooked. This is a classic example of "familiarity breeds contempt," where being too close to someone blinds us to their true significance.

Often, we fail to recognize God's presence in everyday life and the familiar. We may overlook the blessings and opportunities right in front of us because they seem too ordinary or routine.

In truth, we don't need to travel far or witness extraordinary miracles to acknowledge God's wisdom and power. His presence is all around us—in the nearby, the familiar, and the ordinary—if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear. Even simple acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or moments of quiet reflection can be signs of God's activity.

The Gospel urges us to view the familiar and the ordinary with a fresh perspective, to open our hearts and minds to the possibility that God is at work in ways we might not expect. The people of Nazareth's failure to see this way limited what Jesus could accomplish among them.

When we change our perspective, it creates space for the Lord to work among us in new and profound ways, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Homily for the Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr

Throughout the four Gospels, Jesus asks many different questions. Reflecting on these questions can be valuable.

 

In today’s Gospel passage, we find one such question: “Who has touched my clothes?” The disciples were baffled by this question, responding, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?'” After all, many people were touching Him.

 

However, Jesus knew that one person had touched Him out of deep hope as a final effort to be healed. Although many people were in contact with Him, one woman intentionally reached out in faith to make personal and physical contact. When Jesus realized who it was, He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”

 

The Lord is always present; He walks among us, often unnoticed. The woman in today’s Gospel shows the power of intentionally reaching out to the Lord. By doing so, we can experience His life-giving presence more deeply.

Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

In today’s Gospel, St. Luke shares a joyful encounter in Jerusalem. A young couple and their infant son meet two elderly people named Simeon and Anna. When Simeon encounters Jesus, he prays aloud, cradling the child in his arms and praising God. Anna’s response is to tell everyone about Jesus, especially those awaiting a sign of God’s favor.

 

These two devout Jewish people demonstrated two essential qualities for recognizing God’s presence: Simeon lifted his heart in prayer, while Anna spoke to others about Jesus.

 

Simeon’s encounter with the Holy Family led him to God through prayer, and Anna’s meeting inspired her to share the Good News. Each teaches us valuable lessons about welcoming the Lord into our lives. We should thank the Lord in prayer, as Simeon did, for the gift of His Son, the Light who brightens our lives. Like Anna, we are called to proclaim God’s gift to others through our words and actions.

 

The Lord, who entered His temple as the Light of the World, has also entered our lives. Simeon and Anna show us how to respond to His gracious coming.

Homily for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

These words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew urge Christians to actively pursue reconciliation, not simply avoid conflict, by demonstrating the love of God in Jesus Christ. Peacemakers foster harmony in divided situations, reflecting God's nature and earning the title of His children through active, courageous work instead of remaining passive and hoping for peace. There are at least three primary things to consider when striving to be peacemakers.

First is active reconciliation: Peacemaking requires that, to some extent, we step into conflict, take risks, and bear burdens, rather than standing on the sidelines, remaining neutral, or avoiding tension.

Second, the peace described in Scripture is more than just the absence of war and conflict—it includes complete well-being, justice, and harmony with one another and all creation.

Third is the imitation of Jesus Christ: He is the ultimate peacemaker, and we are called to follow his example by bringing reconciliation to broken relationships.

Jesus says that peacemakers will be called children of God. Think of the saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Just as children often resemble their parents in how they approach life, followers of Christ who make peace show they belong to God the Father, the source of all peace.

Being a "child of God" is a gift of grace that empowers Christians to live out this high calling and carry God's "family name" into the world.

There are practical steps we can take to be peacemakers in our daily lives.

We can choose understanding over division, love over anger, and kindness over strife. We should recognize that, despite differences or even failures and shortcomings, we should not reduce others to those things or judgmental labels, thus dismissing our responsibility to seek peace.

We can choose humility by addressing complex issues without pride or the need to be right.

And we can work toward internal peace. External peace comes from having inner peace through prayer, letting go of hatred and labels, and keeping a positive attitude, even during difficult times.

This Beatitude challenges us to be active voices of God's love in a world full of discord. By building a "civilization of love" and seeking reconciliation, we are recognized as true children of our Heavenly Father.

Homily for the Memorial of St. John Bosco

The words Jesus spoke to the sea—"Quiet! Be still!"—are more than just a record of a past miracle; they communicate a timeless truth that can deeply impact our lives today. In the middle of our fast-paced, often chaotic schedules, it is crucial that we intentionally set aside time and space for quiet and stillness. This kind of purposeful stillness allows us to truly listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, helping us to reset our course as we navigate the stormy seas of life. These moments of quiet are not simply breaks from activity; they are essential opportunities to reflect, gain perspective, and realign ourselves with the hope and joy God created us to experience.

 

We need these moments of stillness not only to regain a sense of control over our lives but also to surrender ourselves fully to God—the Giver of life, the Author of love, and the Father of all that is good. In these sacred pauses, we are never alone; we become deeply connected to the Source of all life and love, who fills us with a profound sense of peace, security, and belonging. Embracing these moments helps us to remember who we are and whose we are, empowering us to move forward with confidence and faith.

Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Today, once again, we hear Jesus delivering an important message through parables—using simple language and familiar metaphors that lead us to a deeper understanding of God’s truth. Jesus often chose to teach in this way because He wanted everyone, regardless of their background or education, to grasp the profound truths about God’s love and the way His kingdom works. These stories connect with our everyday experiences, making it easier for us to reflect on what God is asking of us in our own lives.

 

In today’s message, He compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny seed that grows into the largest of plants, providing plenty of space and shade for many birds. Just as a small seed can become something great and life-giving, so too can small acts of faith, kindness, and love have an impact far beyond what we might imagine. The Kingdom of God often begins in the simplest, most humble ways, but with time and care, it grows into something truly remarkable, welcoming and nurturing all who come to it. This familiar part of life illustrates the nature of God’s Kingdom—a place of unexpected growth, hospitality, and abundance.

 

As the Church, the Body of Christ on earth, we are all called—both collectively and individually—to help build up the Kingdom of God. This means that each of us, in our daily lives, has a role to play in spreading God’s love and making His presence known. We are encouraged to take our seeds—our gifts, talents, and skills—no matter how small they may seem—and plant them in our world. Every kind word, selfless action, demand for justice for all people, or moment of compassion is like planting a seed that can grow and flourish. By allowing God’s grace to strengthen our efforts, we can contribute to the realization of the Kingdom of God, transforming our communities and making a lasting difference in the lives of those around us.

 

We are living in very challenging times, and we may think our individual talents and voices make little difference in the big picture. However, with prayer and a strong trust that God is always with us, we can be a part of bringing His mercy, compassion, and justice to our world.

 

Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

We must pay close attention to what Jesus says: “Take care what you hear.” Every day, we hear countless things, but we don’t always focus on or truly notice what is being said. Just as a person can have depths beyond what is seen, the same can be true for their words—there may be more meaning beneath the surface that a distracted listener could miss. This foundational idea of attentive listening prepares us for a deeper engagement with the Lord's words.

 

This principle of attentive listening is even more important when it comes to the Lord's words. The Lord’s message has layers of meaning that aren’t always obvious right away. Jesus teaches us in the Gospel that the more carefully we listen, the more we’ll receive. By truly listening, we open ourselves to greater understanding and spiritual growth.

 

The riches found in the Lord’s words are abundant, and He generously shares them. However, it’s our willingness to listen attentively and openly that allows us to unlock those treasures in our lives. In this way, listening becomes the foundation for meaningful action.

 

Once we hear and understand the Lord’s words, we must follow that with action. For example, when Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” it’s not enough to know that those who work toward peace are blessed; we must recognize the challenges we face as we strive to become peacemakers. It is only by listening for the Lord's call and allowing it to move us beyond our comfort zones that we can truly do what He asks. Thus, attentive listening and action are inseparable in the life of faith.