Sacrament of Confirmation

Homily for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Confirmation

January 22, 2023
Holy Family of Nazareth Parish
Vernon, TX

1 Kings 3:4-13
Psalm 127
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 5:1-12

The prophecy of Isaiah is meant to be a consolation for the people of Galilee who were conquered by the Assyrians and sent into exile. It expresses hope that God will bring light to their darkness and return them from slavery to freedom. Saint Paul also speaks about the darkness that the Corinthians face, which is their inability to find unity and harmony. They contribute to this darkness by placing their personal opinions above the truth of the faith that unites. They have rejected the Communion and fellowship of the Church and have replaced them with factions and cliques.

Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 21, 2022
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
Hillsboro, TX

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

When someone asked Jesus if only a few people would be saved, His answer was not immediately very comforting. “Try to come in through the narrow gate; many will try but few will be strong enough.” He says the master of the household doesn’t seem to recognize those who stand outside knocking, even though they had been his companions. And the wailing and grinding of teeth that awaits those outside the door is not a pretty thought. Their love for sin has made them to become unrecognizable to God because they have become what they love: sin.