Homily: Feast of the Holy Family

I love how the lectionary uses the story of two parents who lost track of their son during a Passover Festival as the Gospel for this Feast of the Holy Family.  It does reminds us never to equate ‘holy’ parents with ‘perfect’ parents!  I also like the fact this feast day is celebrated so close to Christmas for it allows us to really look at how this God Emmanuel who is with and among us – has a direct connection to our daily life and our family. 

What does that look like for you and your family?  And how does a story of what took place on a battlefield some 100 years ago shed like on what should be happening at your table…in your home…within your ‘family church’?

To listen to the podcast, click here

For the text of the homily, click here

For the readings of the day, click here

Homily: 5th Sunday of Lent - Lazarus

God’s love is often described as a Divine flow of love and grace - movement that is never restricted.  Nothing we say or do changes the love that is poured out upon us by God.  It is unmerited in every sense – freely given to all.  The only thing we have to do is be willing to accept and trust and share in the flow of that love.

So during Lent we have been examining our lives to see what blocks that flow - in other words, to examine our personal garbage. Thus shifting through our hurts and wounds and addictions so that we can be present and aware and participating in that ever present flow.

And today's gospel gives deeper insight on the fully human and fully divine side of Jesus Christ and his relationship to the community and the importance of our active participation.  What does that look like?  And what is the ending of this story that is often missed, but key in bringing forth the good news?

 

Click here for the podcast of the live recording of the Homily

Click here for the text of the Homily

 
Click here for the readings