Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2024
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas
Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
First Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
Mary’s positive response to the Archangel Gabriel’s message of the Annunciation was to travel in haste to attend in love to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, whose pregnancy would have difficulties because of her advanced age. Mary’s journey is made “in haste” because the mission of the Lord defies indifference and passivity, it is a vocation that requires a prompt response, it possesses a dignity and importance requiring urgency and mindfulness for it is offered and can only be received in the freedom of love. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is a song, an outpouring of joy for what God has done in her life. Through her song, Mary heralds the victory of her Son over the dragon.
Read more…
Homily for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
April 8, 2024
Assumption Seminary
San Antonio, Texas
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
The section of Luke’s Gospel that immediately precedes the Gospel reading that we have just proclaimed is the annunciation to Zachariah that his wife Elizabeth is to conceive in her advanced age and bear a son, whom he is to name John and who will be known as John the Baptist. Zachariah was unable to speak for the entire time of Elizabeth’s pregnancy after he had experienced the vision of the Archangel Gabriel. The silence of Zachariah was not just a gift that the Lord gave to his wife Elizabeth to assist her in what would undoubtedly be a difficult pregnancy at her advanced age.
Read more…
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 24, 2023
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a-16
Psalm 89:2-3 4-5, 27, 29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
The background to the first reading today is that King David has conquered his enemies and earned a reputation as a clever and courageous warrior. He was enjoying a rest in his comfortable palace when he suddenly realized that the Ark of the Covenant was housed in a simple tent. He intended to correct that situation and announced his plan to the prophet Nathan not to live more simply but to treat the Ark of the Covenant in the opulent style to which David had become accustomed. The prophet Nathan initially approved his intentions, but after discerning a revelation from God, he withdrew his approval.
Read more…
Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2021
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
Today we celebrate Mary’s being assumed body-and-soul into heaven. As she shared so closely in Jesus’ life and mission, so now she shares His Resurrection. Today’s solemnity invites us to contemplate the mystery of vocation, response, and love most perfectly exemplified in the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The call and response truly involve authentic freedom on God’s part and on Mary’s part. Neither the call nor the response is pre-determined – they each spring from and bear fruit in real love. Mary is portrayed in the Book of Revelation as being glorified by the sun, moon and stars as her garments. She is further pictured as being pregnant. The birth of Jesus was not just a personally defining moment of her life, but also the focal point of history. The mission of her Son became her own, but the threat to that mission is symbolized by the dragon ready to devour her Son. The dragon we face today is predominantly the dragon of indifference towards God’s love for us and the basic needs of our brother and sister human beings. It appears differently in each of our lives: sometimes preoccupation with self or boredom, often forgetfulness or thoughtlessness, always some sin, some form of selfishness or pride.
Read more…
Life on the Chrism Trail 