St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

We have all noticed that the days are getting shorter in recent weeks, the air is crisper, and the trees have nearly lost all their leaves. Our part of the world is becoming darker as winter approaches, bringing us closer to the end of the calendar year and the liturgical year. This is a time for reflection on the end times, often called the Apocalypse. Therefore, the words of Jesus in our Gospel become increasingly relevant during this season.

In examining today's Gospel, it is essential to understand what Jesus was conveying to his disciples and how it affected them. While discussing apocalyptic matters, His message differs from what is often portrayed in literature.

The word "apocalypse" comes from the Greek meaning to unveil and reveal.

Jesus said that the world would be destroyed, the stars would fall from the sky, and the moon and the sun would be darkened. For the people in ancient Jerusalem, the sun, moon, and stars were crucial points of reference for time and location. They guided them on their journeys and indicated the time of year and the time of day.

Jesus went on to say something that causes many doubters to question the truth of His words: that all these events would occur before that generation passed away. Yet, two thousand years later, the sun, stars, and moon remain in their places. So, was Jesus wrong? Was he mistaken?

For a person of faith who thoughtfully reflects on Jesus' words, it becomes clear that Jesus often conveyed messages that went beyond their surface meaning. He had a more profound significance to reveal to us, aiming to unveil profound truths.

Essentially, Jesus informed His followers that nothing in this world is certain, particularly concerning death. Death serves as a significant reference point for all human beings. We are all aware that it is inevitable, and many of us strive to accomplish specific goals before we reach that boundary.

When death is feared, it exerts significant control over us; it is the tool that tyrants and terrorists use to manipulate people into doing their bidding.

The fear of death has been described as the root of all sin. Every form of tyranny and system of domination gains power from our fear of death. This fear makes us vulnerable to manipulation in various ways.

Jesus understood that people's perceptions of the world, their place in it, and the significance of death would be transformed.

Jesus' death and Resurrection and the promise that we will rise after death change our perspective on life. For the faithful, death no longer holds power over us, as we no longer view it as final. Because of the Resurrection, the grip of sin can be broken, allowing us to live in the freedom of being God's children and in accordance with His will. While death remains inevitable, the Resurrection reveals the truth about death, transforming it into something magnificent—a doorway to everlasting life.

Homily for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

The parable of the widow and the unjust judge teaches us an important lesson. The widow's persistence, despite being rejected by a judge who did not fear God and had little respect for others, is truly inspiring. She did not lose hope, she persisted, believing that her cause was just. Jesus presents her as an example of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a beacon of inspiration for us all.

Towards the end of the parable, Jesus poses a profound question that continues to resonate with us today: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?" The answer hinges not on God's faithfulness, which is always certain, but rather on our own. We must strive to maintain our faith during difficult times through prayer, just as the widow did. Prayer, our primary means of sustaining our faith, is a source of reassurance and comfort, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Homily for Friday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

The Gospel reminds us of the danger of becoming so consumed with our daily routines that we forget what truly matters. While it’s necessary to eat, drink, read, write, buy, sell, plant, build, and nurture our relationships, these activities alone cannot fulfill us.

There is a deeper purpose to our lives that extends beyond the mundane. Jesus referred to it as the day of the Son of Man, a reality that is both imminent and eternal, a reality that should fill us with awe and reverence. The Lord is present in our daily lives, even in the most ordinary moments. We need to be aware of His presence and actively seek Him out. After all, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we can experience His presence in our lives today.

Therefore, let’s not allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with our daily activities that we neglect our spiritual lives. Instead, let’s keep the Lord at the center of our lives and, in doing so, discover true fulfillment and purpose, a source of hope and motivation that can guide us through our daily routines.

Homily for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

At times, we fail to grasp the importance of seemingly ordinary things and miss their worth, even when they are right in front of us. When the Pharisees inquired about the arrival of the kingdom of God, they were taken aback by Jesus' response: "The kingdom of God is among you." This revelation, though not in the form they anticipated, was a powerful reminder that the kingdom of God was indeed present.

Christ's presence is not always grand or showy, but it is always felt in our lives. He works through those who uplift, heal, and bring life to others. His influence, though subtle, is profound, shaping our daily experiences in ways we may not even realize. He promised, "I am with you always," ensuring that we will never be without His healing power. We need faith, as well as open eyes and ears, to recognize his presence. Let us pray for an increase in our faith.

Homily for the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

Sometimes, we overlook the fact that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. The story of the Samaritan leper in today’s Gospel highlights this vital truth. Ten lepers were cured by Jesus, but only one returned to thank God and acknowledge Him as the source of his healing. This man recognized that God was the one who healed him.

Jesus praised the Samaritan for his gratitude and understanding. He didn’t seek recognition for Himself; instead, He wanted to emphasize God’s healing power. Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.” This leper had a heart full of gratitude and could see God’s hand in his recovery.

Let us recognize God’s work in our lives, praise Him for His goodness, and give thanks for the numerous blessings we receive.

Homily for the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

In the passage that precedes today's Gospel, the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. His response, in today's passage, reminds us that faith is not a mere set of requirements, but a transformative force that shapes our lives and inspires us to exceed expectations.

Jesus wants us to understand that true faith is not merely about going through the motions. It is about living and embodying our faith daily in every aspect of our lives. It involves being active participants in the mission of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us remember that faith is not just about what we do but about who we are. We should reflect our faith in our actions, words, and attitudes daily. When we do this, we will truly live the life Jesus calls us to lead, and we will be actively contributing to His mission here on earth.

Homily for the Memorial of St. Martin of Tours

It's not uncommon for people with high ideals to be intolerant, easily scandalized, or easily offended. While some may suggest that they need to be more streetwise, Jesus teaches us not to give anyone a reason to be scandalized, regardless of how hardened they are to life's challenges.

Idealistic individuals find it challenging to forgive the weaknesses and flaws of others. Despite their admirable virtues, they often find it hard to comprehend the power of temptation. They might miss the goodness in those around them. This struggle with forgiveness can be a stumbling block for unbelievers, potentially pushing them away from the Church.

Yet, Jesus reminds us that sin and failure are inevitable. He doesn't ask us to condemn those who sin. Instead, He calls us to balance our pursuit of holiness with faith in God's work in the lives of others, even those who fall short—something that applies to all of us.

Let's strive to be more forgiving, understanding, and merciful as we journey toward our shared goal of spiritual perfection.

Homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

On August 28, 1774, an extraordinary person named Elizabeth Bayley was born in New York City. At age twenty, she married a successful businessman named William Seton. They settled in a fashionable house on Wall Street, and the young couple had five children over time.

Tragedy struck when they lost all their wealth due to a conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, forcing them to move into a small house. To make matters worse, William contracted tuberculosis. The couple moved their family to Italy in hopes that the climate would help him, but his condition was terminal, and he died in 1803 at the age of 34. Despite these hardships, Elizabeth's resilience shone through.

With the support of a generous Catholic family in Italy, Elizabeth and her young children returned to the United States. The kindness of this family deeply touched Elizabeth, prompting her to explore the Catholic Church. Two years later, she underwent a profound transformation as she converted to Catholicism.

Elizabeth's journey to Catholicism was not without its challenges. Her family and friends were shocked by her decision and virtually disowned her. She was compelled to find a teaching job to support her five children, all the while grappling with her newfound faith and the rejection of those she held dear.

After her children reached adulthood, Elizabeth became a nun and founded the American branch of the Sisters of Charity. This order was instrumental in pioneering the Catholic school system in America, a legacy that continues to this day. Elizabeth's deep devotion to the Eucharist, her genuine love for Scripture—especially the 23rd Psalm—and her strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary were the guiding forces behind her work.

Like her late husband, Elizabeth also contracted tuberculosis and died on January 4, 1821, at the age of 46. Throughout her life, she was not a mystic or a martyr; instead, she was a widow who dedicated everything she had to God. She transformed tremendous personal tragedy into a remarkable gift for God and the Church.

In 1963, Pope John XXIII beatified her, stating, "In a house that was very small, but with ample space for charity, she sowed a seed in America which, by Divine Grace, grew into a large tree."

Pope Paul VI canonized Elizabeth as the first American-born saint on September 14, 1975, in a ceremony held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. This momentous event marked the formal recognition of her extraordinarly holy life and contributions.

Her story resonates with our Scripture readings today, as two of the readings also feature generous widows. Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, these widows gave from a generous heart. Each had valid reasons to excuse themselves from giving, yet both chose not to do so.

The giving we are discussing goes beyond material or monetary gifts; it encompasses gifts from the heart and soul. It's about returning to God what God has given us in terms of love, talent, compassion, and mercy. It involves using all that we have and all that we are to be instruments of God's love and compassion in our world.

Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

The first Christian emperor, Constantine, commissioned the construction of a church on land that once belonged to the Laterani family. This 4th-century church was the precursor to the present Basilica. The Baptistery attached to the current Basilica is where Emperor Constantine was baptized. Today, this Basilica serves as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. It is considered the Pope's church as Bishop of Rome. For this reason, it is called the "mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world," including our parish church, where we gather for prayer and worship.

While our church is much smaller than the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, both serve as important monuments to the people's faith. In the first reading, Paul tells the Christians in Corinth, "You are God's building; you are God's temple." More fundamental than the physical structure we call a church are the people we refer to as the Church. The church building exists to help us express our identity as a community of faith called to worship God through Christ in the Spirit.

For our worship to be authentic, the shape of our worship must reflect the shape of our lives. Our entire lives should be a movement towards God, through Christ and in the Spirit. This is the essence of being the Church, the temple of God in the world, and it lies at the heart of our baptismal calling.

Homily for Friday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

In the parable from today's Gospel reading, a rich man confronts his steward about the mismanagement of his property. He orders the steward to prepare a full accounting and informs him that he will no longer be employed.

Recognizing his predicament, the steward, with admirable courage, decides to seek the help of his master's debtors. He calls each one of them and reduces the amount they owe. While this act involves a certain level of dishonesty, it conveys a more profound message.

Notice that the master appears less angry with the steward after he sees how the steward has eased the burden on the debtors. Perhaps, witnessing the mercy of the steward treating the debtors, the master also softened his response with mercy. This highlights the transformative power of mercy in the face of wrongdoing.