The Emmaus Pastorate’s Podcast

Homily from 12-5-21

"Prepare the way of the Lord!  Make straight his paths!" (Luke 3:4-5)  These words from the John the Baptist call us to get ready for the Lord's coming.  But 2,021 years after Jesus came, how do we do this?  How exactly do we prepare our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our lives, our society for the coming of Christ?  And how do we do that everyday, not just during the season of Advent?  If this journey seems too daunting, fear not, for St. Paul tells us that Jesus Christ began a good work in us and will continue to complete it until he comes again (Philippians 1:6)!

Homily on 11-28-21

So we've arrived at Advent!  Happy (liturgical) new year!  This Advent, the Emmaus Pastorate looks at four related words: Who, What, Where, and When.  This first week, the question is: Who do we say God is?  Is God a vending machine that gives us x, y, or z for three Hail Mary's or 10 Our Fathers?  Is there something that we let pull us away from a closer relationship with God?  Or is Christ the center of our lives, even more important than our proudest moments?  Is Jesus someone for whom we long, a person we see in the people around us?  Who is God to you this Advent?  

Homily from 11-21-21

What does the kingdom of God look like?  Jesus describes it in several ways throughout the Gospels, and near the end of his life Pilate asks him whether or not he is a king and, if so, where his kingdom exists.  In 2021 on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ KING OF THE UNIVERSE, we're asked the same questions.  Is Jesus your king?  What have you done to bring about his kingdom?

Archbishop‘s Homily 11-14-21

It's hard to be guilty of sin.  It's easy to be forgiven and welcomed home into heaven.  At least, that's true for Christians who see the world upside down compared to secular society.  While the world is very quick to judge and condemn us for our misgivings, Christ is like the "running father" who saw his repentant child returning to him.  As the liturgical year ends, let us rejoice in that fact that we have a forgiving Father who longs for us to dwell with him in heaven! 

And thanks to Archbishop Jackels for visiting this weekend as Father John goes on retreat!

Homily on 11-8-21

Those widows have something to teach us!  One shared the last morsel of bread with a stranger, and another gave all the money she had to the temple.  So we're faced the questions: Do we give everything we have, and do we give it from our surplus or from our livelihood?  A further question to ponder: Do we give just our money and treasures, or do we also give our time and skills (i.e. talents)?  Giving from our surplus is OK, but when we're personally invested in each other, in God, and in our Church, our sacrifices carry more.  Let's learn from those widows!

Homily from 10-31-21

Are you a good enough Catholic?  When you come to Mass, give your charity, help out at various events, are you giving just enough of yourself?  Today, Jesus challenges us - like the Hebrews before him - to love the Lord with all of our heart, all of our mind, and with all of our strength.  We are asked to be not just good enough but to love and give our all.  Can you do that?

Homily on 10-24-21

So one day you see Jesus passing by with a crowed following you.  You need some healing, some kind of assistance in your life, and you call out to him.  Someone escorts you over to him, he looks you square in the face, and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?"  What's your answer?  

Homily from 10-17-21

Are you an admirer or a follower?  Jesus' two key disciples ask to sit at his right and left when the kingdom comes, and all Jesus can see are admirers: people who aren't committed to following in his footsteps.  Being a follower is more than just looking on in amazement; it requires dedication, commitment, and - many times - sacrifice.  Are you an admirer or a follower?

Homily from 10-10-21

Do you possess things?  Do YOU possess things, or do your THINGS possess you?  This guy in the Gospel today, no matter his age, has observed all the rules.  That's good!  Following the 10 Commandments and obeying God's law are great actions and virtues!  But Jesus says those aren't enough.  It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone whose THINGS possess them to enter heaven.  The rich young man went away sad.  When we get to heaven, will you be turned away sad too?

Homily from 10-3-21

Do you love your Church?  Do you love your parish?  Do you love them like you love your spouse or family?  Relationships, especially marital ones, get very rocky sometimes, and obviously there are times of great joy.  In marriages though, spouses promise to be true to each other "in good times and in bad."  Is the same true when it comes to your local parish?  Do you stay true to the global Church in good times and in bad?