St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

Homily for the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Jesus, as we have just heard, proclaims that works of love and mercy may—and should—be done on the Sabbath. He Himself does God’s work on the Sabbath by healing a man’s withered hand in the synagogue. Yet, irrationally, some religious and political leaders began to plot together to destroy Jesus for doing something they considered sinful. This story takes place in only the third chapter of Mark’s Gospel, but it points ahead to the end of the Gospel story. Jesus was crucified because He was dedicated to doing God’s work among the poor and the marginalized—and put that work ahead of the letter of the law.

 

Jesus’ life shows us that good works do not always bring their appropriate reward in this life. It is a strange paradox, but one that is often true: good can provoke an evil response from some people. The goodness of some brings out the evil in others. Yet, Jesus teaches us that goodness is its own reward. He Himself persisted in the good work that His Father gave Him to do, regardless of the harsh response of the authorities.

 

Hopefully, we strive to be faithful to what is right and good, not because of any praise it might bring us, but because it is what God asks us to do. Let us pray that we may persist in being faithful to our calling to share in the work of Jesus by bringing compassion, healing, and life to others, regardless of the cost.

Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for picking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath, believing this act constituted work and was therefore prohibited. The Pharisees were deeply committed to upholding the religious laws and traditions passed down over generations. As a result, they were often quick to judge any actions they perceived as violating those laws. They assumed they fully understood what God expected of people on the Sabbath, but in reality, they did not understand the true intention behind it.

 

Although they considered themselves experts on the subject, the Pharisees had important lessons to learn from Jesus and His perspective on the Sabbath. Jesus challenged their narrow interpretation by reminding them of God's mercy and compassion. He pointed out that the Sabbath was made to benefit people, not to burden them with excessive rules. His teaching revealed a deeper understanding of God's heart, emphasizing love and grace over rigid legalism.

 

In our faith journey, we all have much to learn from the Lord. Just as the Pharisees needed to be open to Jesus' teaching, we, too, are called to listen for God's voice in our lives. He continues to speak to us and wants to teach and enlighten us through His Word. When we approach the Scriptures with openness and humility, we allow God to correct our misunderstandings and lead us into greater truth.

 

As learners, we should come to the Word not as experts, but with a willingness to invite the Lord to enlighten us and guide us further in our quest for complete truth. By placing our trust in God and remaining teachable, we can grow in wisdom and better reflect His love and character in our daily lives.

Homily for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

Wine played a vital role at wedding celebrations in Jesus’ time, marking the beginning of a marriage and symbolizing joy, abundance, and God’s blessing on the couple. This is clear from the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana, which comes before today’s Gospel reading. At Cana, Jesus performed his first public miracle by turning water into wine, saving the hosts from embarrassment and bringing joy to the celebration. When Jesus later referred to Himself as the bridegroom, He compared His presence in the world to new wine, signifying the arrival of something wonderfully new and transformative.

The new wine, representing the Lord’s loving presence and life-giving action, needs new wineskins to contain and share it. In biblical times, new wine was placed in fresh wineskins so it could ferment and expand; using old, brittle wineskins would cause them to burst, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the skin. In a similar way, the love and grace that Jesus brings cannot be contained in rigid, unchanging hearts. While the Lord’s love is a free gift, it also calls us to ongoing personal transformation, urging us to continually renew our lives so His love can truly shape us.

With new wine comes the need for new wineskins: we must continually shed our old habits, attitudes, and limitations, making room for God’s grace to work within us. This ongoing renewal allows us to grow in faith, hope, and love, always moving closer to God and allowing His presence to transform every aspect of our lives.

Homily for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

All of us have mirrors in our homes, and most of us look into a mirror more than once a day—some of us look in the mirror several times a day—but we all look into a mirror to see ourselves. We want to know how we look because we will be seen by others.

 

Descriptions of John the Baptist suggest that he really didn’t care how he looked. To many, he looked like a madman. He wore camel hair for clothing; he’s described as dirty, unkempt, unshaven, and with wild hair. Maybe a mirror would have helped him, but his focus was never on himself—instead, it was on proclaiming that the Savior was coming. His focus was on looking for the Holy Spirit to descend upon someone, marking them as the Messiah.

As we visit the scene of the Baptism of Jesus by John at the Jordan River, we are invited to place ourselves in that moment, to imagine the sights and sounds along the riverbank. Picture the anticipation in the crowd, the gentle flow of the water, and the sense of sacredness as John immerses Jesus in the waters of the Jordan. In that powerful moment, the Holy Spirit descends not just for Jesus but as a promise to all who would follow.

 

We’re called to remember that the Holy Spirit also came down upon us on the day of our Baptism. For most of us, there was no visible sign—a dove did not land somewhere, the heavens did not open—yet something profound took place. Even if we didn’t perceive it with our physical senses, the gift was real, settling deep within our souls. That spiritual reality continues to shape us, even if we remain unaware of its daily influence.

 

John the Baptist was so in sync with God’s message that he could see the Holy Spirit at work when it descended upon Jesus like a dove. His spiritual vision allowed him to recognize God’s presence in ways others could not. In the same way, we are called to cultivate a spiritual awareness, to look beyond appearances and recognize the quiet movements of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.

 

As God’s people—those baptized in water and anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit, those anointed like Jesus as priest, prophet, and king—each of us is called not simply to passively wait to hear the voice of God, but to actively seek God’s plan as John the Baptist did. This means living with expectation, listening in prayer, and being ready to respond when God calls, no matter how subtle or unexpected the invitation.

 

The more we seek God’s plan, the more we can begin to see the Holy Spirit at work in others and in ourselves. Looking into that spiritual mirror, we begin to notice the image of God reflecting back at us—sometimes clearly, sometimes dimly, but always there. Although we probably won’t see a dove, we will recognize the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in ourselves and others: in changed hearts, in a growing desire to avoid sin, in a deepening prayer life, and in a genuine urge to serve and love others. It’s then that we truly mirror the love of Christ to the world.

Homily for the Memorial of St. Anthony

Today's Gospel illustrates how Jesus wants us to share His message—with openness, compassion, and a willingness to reach beyond our comfort zones. He dined with many, including sinners, tax collectors, and others whom society considered less acceptable than law-abiding Pharisees. This was a radical act at the time, challenging religious and social norms and expectations. By breaking bread with sinners, He likely shared God’s Word with them—God’s healing and merciful message. Jesus showed that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. Defending His actions, He said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” His words remind us that God’s invitation is not limited to a select few.

 

Jesus reveals a Father who does not withhold His living Word or grace from us, even when we feel unworthy. No matter our past mistakes or shortcomings, God’s love remains steadfast. The Lord continues to speak words of love and light into the darkest and most troubled parts of our lives, bringing hope and comfort when we need it most. He offers us the Bread of His Word to satisfy our deepest hunger and waits for us to take and eat, inviting us into a relationship that nourishes our souls and brings lasting fulfillment.

 

We are called to reflect God’s mercy and to invite everyone to the Lord’s Table, not just those who seem to conform to the ideal of Christian living. ALL are called, especially sinners, because God’s love knows no boundaries. Our role is not to judge who is worthy, but to extend the same welcome that Jesus offered to all. God’s grace and mercy are not rewards for perfection; instead, they are essential as we strive to be perfect, just as our heavenly Father is perfect. Through His mercy, we find the strength to grow in faith and love, helping others to experience the transformative power of God’s embrace.

Homily for Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

In our Gospel reading today, we encounter the well-known story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man on the mat. The scene is filled with anticipation as the man's friends, driven by hope and determination, lower him through the roof to reach Jesus. While the man's healing is significant, it is part of a larger narrative: the forgiveness of sins. This healing shows the doubters and critics that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins—a radical claim that challenged the religious leaders of his time. As we see in many healing stories, it is through their faith that people receive healing and forgiveness. This is not simply a reward; their faith opens them to God's healing power, which is always present and available to us.

 

The main focus of this story is not just the healing of the body but the transformation of our souls through God's forgiveness of our sins and the restoration of our relationships with God and one another. The courage and faith of the paralyzed man's friends are central—they went to great lengths, overcoming obstacles and social pressure, because they truly believed Jesus could heal him. Their faith not only brought physical healing to their friend but also brought them all closer to God. Their example reminds us of the power of community and intercessory prayer in our own spiritual journeys.

 

Let us pray for the kind of faith that moves us to action—faith that brings us and those we love closer to God's healing power. May we have the courage to reach out, support one another, and trust that God's grace is always at work in our lives.

Homily for Thursday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Throughout His earthly ministry, the people who came to Jesus in the greatest numbers were often those who were suffering, distressed, or had little to hold on to in life. These people recognized that He came to bring them life, especially for the broken, the lost, and those in pain. Jesus never turned away those who approached Him with humble hearts and desperate needs. Whether it was the blind calling out for sight, the lepers seeking cleansing, or the parents pleading on behalf of their children, He responded with compassion and power, restoring hope where there was none. His ministry was marked by an open invitation to all who recognized their need for help, regardless of their status or past mistakes.

 

Similarly, we approach the Lord with a sense of urgency when we are struggling or in distress. Like the crowds in the Gospel, we reach out to touch the Lord in our moments of brokenness, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of healing and life.

 

The Lord is just as present to us today as He was to the crowds in Galilee long ago. Though we may not see Him face-to-face, His presence is felt through the movement of the Holy Spirit, the love of those around us, and the quiet moments of prayer and reflection, and, of course, in the Eucharist. He remains our strength in weakness, healing in brokenness, and life amid our varied experiences of loss. We can approach Him with the same confidence and assurance of being welcomed as those crowds did in Galilee, knowing that His heart is always open to us, ready to receive us with understanding and grace.

 

Homily for Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel passage, we encounter two distinctive traits of Jesus. The first is His ministry of healing. Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law, who was suffering from a fever, by taking her hand and helping her to stand. Later that evening, many people brought others who were ill or possessed by demons to Him. The town gathered as He cured the sick and cast out numerous demons, making it a public event.

The Gospel then highlights a second, more private trait of Jesus. It describes how He went to a deserted place in the morning to pray. However, Simon and others pursued Him, interrupting His time for prayer, rest, and solitude because they wanted Him to continue His work. Eventually, perhaps feeling weary, He agreed to move on, saying, "Let us go on to the nearby villages so that I may preach there also. For this purpose, I have come."

Simon Peter and the others did not appreciate Jesus' need for quiet time and rest. They even rebuked Him by saying, "Everyone is looking for you." Yet, Jesus understood that the source of His life-giving work was His relationship with God, which required dedicated time for prayer. For Him, this time spent in prayer was just as important as His healing work.

Prayer is not just a spiritual practice; it is a necessity for us as it was for Jesus. We must maintain a close relationship with the Lord to live as He desires and partake in His work. In prayer, we acknowledge and express our dependence on the Lord; we open ourselves to His life-giving presence, enabling us to become channels of that presence for others. 

Homily for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ new authority, contrasting it with the empty words of the scribes. It reveals His power to free us from sin and evil, showing that He brings liberty, not bondage. He calls us to submit to His transformative touch, marvel at His presence, and allow Him to cast out our inner darkness so that we may experience true, abundant life.

 

The man with the unclean spirit immediately recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God and fears Him because Jesus’ presence exposes and destroys evil. This underscores Jesus’ power to free people from the “spirits” that bind them—fear, addiction, self-centeredness, and other compulsions. He brings true freedom so that we can live life to the fullest.

 

All of us have things that hold us back—habits, fears, past wounds, or attitudes that prevent us from living a full and abundant life as followers of Jesus. Sometimes these burdens are obvious, but often they are hidden deep within our hearts. Let’s pray that we become aware of these areas in our lives and have the honesty to face them. May we ask Jesus to give us the courage, openness, and humility needed to seek His help, trusting in His power and grace to free us from whatever binds us, so that we can truly embrace the life He desires for us.

 

Homily for Monday of the 1st Week in Ordinary tIme

In today’s Gospel, Jesus announces that a new time has arrived—a time that brings us closer to an awareness of the Kingdom of God; a time to repent, to turn away from sin and from those things that keep us from God and His ways, and to turn toward His Gospel in every aspect of our lives. This message is both urgent and hopeful. Jesus is not simply inviting us to a minor adjustment in our routines, but to a radical reorientation of our lives. He calls us to look honestly at where our priorities lie and to ask ourselves whether our daily choices truly reflect the values of the Gospel. The invitation is for all people, in all walks of life, to be open to transformation and to embrace the deeper meaning and joy that comes from living according to God’s will.

 

When Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, they do so and leave their nets behind. As fishermen, the nets were their livelihood and security, yet they simply left them where they were and followed Jesus. Imagine the courage and trust this required. They didn’t have all the answers or a clear idea of what lay ahead, but they sensed the power and promise in Jesus’ call. Their willingness to let go of what was familiar and safe challenges us to consider what it might mean to take a leap of faith in our own lives, to respond to God’s call even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown.

 

We, too, have nets—things we cling to—that can keep us from following Jesus with all our heart, mind, and soul. These nets might be habits, attitudes, relationships, or possessions that distract us from our spiritual journey. Perhaps it’s a grudge we can’t let go of, an unhealthy attachment to material things, or even fears that keep us from embracing God’s plan. We need to discover what these nets are and set them aside, giving us the freedom and focus we need to be His true disciples. This process isn’t easy, but it’s essential if we want to experience the fullness of God’s love and purpose for us.

 

And we need to do this constantly throughout our lives. Repentance—choosing to follow Jesus—isn’t a one-time event; it’s something we do over and over on the way to the perfection and full life that awaits us in heaven. Each day presents new opportunities to realign our hearts with God’s will. Sometimes we stumble or fall short, but God’s mercy is always available to help us start anew. The journey of faith is ongoing, marked by continual growth, conversion, and a deepening relationship with Christ. As we strive to respond to Jesus’ call, we can be confident that He walks with us, guiding, strengthening, and encouraging us every step of the way.