Homily: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Needless to say, it seems these past few weeks have been a challenge for many.  For example, just days ago our country basically ended the humanitarian aid provided through USAID. And when I hear that, and so many other things, I wonder have we forgotten who we are and as disciples of Christ, what we are supposed to be doing? As baptized Christians, we are priests. We are prophets. We are royalty. The call as baptized disciples is to live these attributes and to live them well. But are we?  Check it out…

Click here for a podcast of the homily

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Homily: The Baptism of the Lord

Original Sin versus Original Blessing? On this Feast of the Baptism of our Lord we come to the end of the Christmas liturgical Season as we celebrate Jesus revealed to us in the Trinity. But do not miss the key part of the baptism story – for they are words that should echo in your hearts each day.  What are those words?  And what does your baptism call you to do? And how does the wisdom of Pope Francis and the concept of a 'mirror neuron network' help explain that?  Check it out!

For the text of the homily, click here

For the readings of the day, click here

Homily: Feast of Christ the King 2015

This morning we come to the end of our Liturgical Year with the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King as the Church reminds us that Christ is King of all things.  But we cannot forget that we, too, are baptized into Christ’s kingship. 

But with all this talk about ‘kings,’ when Pilate asked Jesus if he was the 'King of the Jews,' Jesus sidesteps that question and says that he came to testify to the ‘truth.’ But what does that ‘truth’ look like? (Funny, Pilate asked the same thing!)

Looking for clarity on all this?  Perhaps Pope Francis, as well as the parable of the Old Turtle can shed light on the “Truth” and better explain what we are called to do with this Feast of Christ the King?

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Homily: Baptism of the Lord 2014

Water.  It is such a strong symbol and sacramental sign.   It is used throughout the Church and its sacraments. Everyday many will come and go through the doors of the church, dipping their fingers in the holy water fonts, blessing themselves.  But on this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we need to take a moment to pause and remind ourselves of the meaning and obligations that this carries for each and everyone one of us.  What does that look like for you?

And so we end this Advent/Christmas season as it began – with John the Baptist, at the River Jordan – this time, reluctantly baptising his cousin Jesus as Christ begins his public ministry.  So what does your ministry look like?  And how does a cello player, among the rubble of Sarajevo, provide insight to what we are called to do?

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What is your “Feast Day?”



May 17, 1959 - Buffalo NY



Today is my Feast Day! Feast Day you say?  What is one’s Feast Day? 

Indeed all of us (at least those under a certain age) find great fun in celebrating our birthdays.  Best wishes are posted on Facebook by ‘friends.’  Cards arrive in the mail. Families gather around the birthday cake (or in the case of my son, around a block of feta cheese – but I will save that for another blog!)  And all sing the quintessential song, “Happy Birthday.”

But how many of us take the time to celebrate the beginning of our discipleship – the day that we were baptized?  Early on, my wife and I did not want this day to be forgotten by each of our four sons.  So as they grew, each year we celebrated their ‘Feast Day’ – the day they were baptized.  It was a day that they would get to pick out their favorite dinner meal and dessert.  Afterwards we would gather around with pictures and videos of that day.  With their baptismal candle lit, we would retell the story of the day they were baptized.

All this to remind them….and to remind us…of our calling, through baptism, that we are sons and daughters of Christ.  That we are called to be disciples of the risen Lord.  That we are called to “Teach What You Believe.” And most importantly, that we are unconditionally loved by the one who created us. 

What greater thing could there be to celebrate!  So dig in the family records and photo albums, research the actual date that you were baptized and celebrate, with a feast, your calling to be a disciple of Christ!