January 2024 – Life on the Chrism Trail

Homily for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

January 14, 2024
Saint Philip the Apostle Parish
Flower Mound, Texas

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
John 1:35-42

Last Monday, the Church invited us to reflect on the sacrament of Baptism as we celebrated the end of the Christmas season with the Baptism of the Lord. This weekend we begin Ordinary Time. The Church offers us these readings for reflection on vocation and service. Vocation and service follow sacramentally from Baptism through Confirmation and the Eucharist and in the sacraments of service, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders, as the ordinary means by which Christ offers us His Grace.

Homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

January 7, 2024
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Church’s liturgy offers us readings that convey the theme of light over darkness, revelation over discovery, and peace over war. All three of these themes are cast from the truth that God has entered human history by taking on human nature, purifying it of sin, and being born in Bethlehem in accord with the prophets and the Law.

Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

January 1, 2024
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6-8
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

Christmas is a time for giving gifts. There are diverse ways in which we approach gift-giving depending on how well we know the person to whom we are offering the gift. Husbands and wives exchange gifts appropriate to their relationship, just as fathers and mothers give gifts to each of their different children in accord with each child’s unique personality, interests, and needs. The same holds true for children’s gifts to their mothers and fathers. A “gift” is an item that is given without any expectation of payment. It is given for love and for joy.