Homilies of Fr. Steve Adrian
Please feel free to listen and benefit from the homilies presented by Fr. Steve Adrian, former pastor of the Church of St. Matthew.
Related article: Father Steve Adrian’s Retirement
Homilies 2020 and newer uploaded to Podbean:
July 1, 2012 – Father Steve’s last homily
The scriptures today teach us 3 lessons about being a disciple
- Everything is created by God, and it is good. All people carry within them the image of the living God.
- All that I have is a gift from God, and I should use these gifts for my good and the good of others, so that no one has too much, and no one has too little.
- Jesus teaches us to identify with those who are the least among us.
June 24, 2012 – Birth of John the Baptist
Father Steve exhorts us to follow the example of John the Baptist. We are called to prepare the way of the Lord, to smooth out the path to bring people to the Lord, to announce the Good News of God’s love.
June 17, 2012
The Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us how to look for the signs of the Kingdom. It is found where the hungry are fed, the thirsty are give to drink, the naked are clothed, the homeless are sheltered, the sick are cared for, the prisoner is not abandoned. Or the kingdom is like the mustard bush – it is not neat and orderly – it grows until it takes over everything.God
June 10, 2012 – The Body and Blood of Christ
In the new translation of the liturgy, Jesus says His blood will be poured out for “many”. The Greek word “many” means “universal” or “all”. So the Mystery of Christ is meant to bring all of creation into union with God.
June 3, 2012 – Holy Trinity
Graduation of St. Matthew’s class of 2012. The beginning of the Gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus will be called Immanuel – “God is with us.”
In the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel from today, Jesus reminds us “I am with you until the end of the world.”May 27, 2012 – Pentecost
In every age, the Spirit enables us to proclaim the inclusive and embracing love of God in a way that people can hear it.
May 20, 2012 – Feast of the Ascension
Jesus is not just somewhere out in the clouds. He is with us:
1) wherever the community gathers
2) where the Word is read
3) in the work of ministry
4) in the SacramentsMay 13, 2012
Peter learns how all people are called to share in the life of Jesus – not only the people of Israel.
May 6, 2012
In the first reading we learn how Barnabus encouraged the early church. He gives us an example of leading people to Jesus.
April 29, 2012
The Letters of John help us to understand the Gospel more fully. We are children of God. Jesus the Good Shepherd knows us intimately, and we will see Him face to face.
April 22, 2012 – Recording not available
April 15, 2012
All 4 Gospels speak of the appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection. Matthew, Mark, and Luke call us to be believers. John calls us to be witnesses.
April 8, 2012 – Easter
The disciple Jesus loved saw and believed – with his heart. just as we are called to draw into a relationship with Jesus,
April 1, 2012 – Palm Sunday
Simon of Cyrene is a perfect example of a disciple of Jesus – he takes up his cross and follows Jesus.
March 25, 2012 – Not recorded
March 18, 2012 – Fouth Sunday of Lent
John’s Gospel is like unraveling a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Nicodemus doesn’t quite understand what Jesus is telling him. The fullness of Jesus’ message is revealed through the series of conversations Jesus has with people He encounters in the story.
March 11, 2012 – Third Sunday of Lent
Jesus drives out the moneychangers. The Court of the Gentiles was meant to be a sacred space of peaceful dialog between people of faith and non-believers – a place for “religious” and “spiritual” people to meet.
March 3, 2012 – Second Sunday of Lent
Who is this Jesus? Mark’s Gospel answers this question 3 times – in the Baptism in the Jordan, at the Transfiguration, and at the Crucifixion.
February 26, 2012 – First Sunday of Lent
The Mercy of God – Mercy is the very manifestation of God’s presence. As God shows His mercy to us, we are called to show mercy to each other.
Ash Wednesday 2012
Jesus tells us – the time is now – the kingdom is at hand – repent – believe in the Good News.
February 19, 2012
February 12, 2012
Sorry – not able to record
February 5, 2012
January 29, 2012
January 22, 2012
Being a disciple is like going fishing – you need to go to where the fish are. You need to capture their attention, and you need patience.
January 15, 2012
Andrew – the first disciple, shows us how to bring people to Jesus. Andrew is a connector.
January 8, 2012
Epiphany – the angels announce God’s plan of salvation is for all people.
January 1, 2012
Mary treasured these words in her heart. She gives us the example of meditating on God’s word.
Christmas Day Mass 2011
God made His word small, He made it abbreviated. The angels announce that the sign of God’s presence among us is found in what is little, in what is considered unimportant, is found in weakness.
Christmas Midnight Mass 2011
God is found in what is small. We find HIm in the presence of a child.
Christmas Vigil 4PM, 2011
God is with us. This is the message from Isaiah through Matthew – God comes to us in a helpless child, and is with us always.
December 18, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Matthew and Luke’s Gospels tell us that Jesus is the son of David, He is the Son of God. This is the mystery present since the early Church.
December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent – This week’s Gospel focuses on John the Baptist – the herald of the Good News. Father Steve tells us about John and his role in salvation history, and some things you probably didn’t know about John.
December 3, 2011
Second Sunday of Advent. We are the gospel of Jesus Christ, in how we live out our lives. We are called to bring the Good News to the world.
November 27, 2011
First Sunday of Advent. Start of the year of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus tells us we need to be awake to be a disciple. As Fr. Steve reminds us, “you can’t be a disciple in a LaZyBoy.”
November 20, 2011
In this summary of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus answers some fundamental questions: What must I do to inherit eternal life? What must I do to be a disciple of Jesus? The answer is very simple. “When I was hungry…”
November 13, 2011
What will we do with the talents God has given us?
November 6, 2011
Wisdom – the Spirit of God – opens our minds and hearts to embrace the presence of God.
October 30, 2011
A call to accountability for religious leaders – when the Law becomes number one, and the Gospel becomes number two, people are going to get hurt.
(includes a tale about Fr. Steve’s visit to a Coptic Mass in Cairo)
October 9, 2011
You are invited to the banquet, whether you receive an individual (fancy) invitation or by e-vite.
October 2, 2011
The parable of the vineyard. As disciples we are called to enter the vineyard and produce the fruit of God’s kingdom.
September 25, 2011
God always give us a second chance. His mercy never shuts the door to us.
September 11 and 18 unavailable due to recording difficulties.
September 4, 2011
Jesus teaches his followers how to preserve unity. He give Peter the responsibility of leadership in order to help the community grow as disciples.
August 28, 2011
“Take up your cross and follow me.” The cross is the symbol universally recognized as central to our Christian faith.
August 21, 2011
Jesus gives Peter the keys. Jesus shows us an example of leadership in order to allow the Spirit to guide the growth of the Church.
August 14, 2011
Mass in the Park – No recording possible
August 7, 2011
“Do not be afraid.” Fear is an obstacle to faith.
July 31, 2011 – Welcome back from vacation Father Steve
Miracle of the loaves and fishes. This is the most recorded miracle of Jesus in the Gospels. His followers wanted to be sure we knew how important this event was in our life as disciples.
July 24, 2011
Visiting Priest – No homily recorded
July 17, 2011
Visiting Priest – No homily recorded
July 9, 2011
As Paul writes in Romans, there is something deeply within us that yearns for union with our Creator. This links us with all God’s creation.
July 2, 2011
“Take my yoke … for my burden is light”
June 26, 2011
Corpus Christi – Jesus tells us He is the Living Bread – food for the whole world.
June 19, 2011
Holy Trinity – Today’s first reading from Exodus describes God’s nature –
God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. We are made in God’s image, and thus we are called to reflect these qualities.June 12, 2011
Pentecost – The Spirit of God comes to bring unity. The Spirit gives gifts to build the community. The Spirit brings peace.
June 5, 2011
Ascension – Today’s Gospel is the conclusion of the story. Jesus reminds us that He will never leave us alone – He is always with us. Father Steve’s message to St. Matthew’s graduation class of 2011.
May 29 2011
Homily not available due to technical difficulties
May 21, 2011
We hunger & desire to see God: Jesus is the face of the living God!
May 15, 2011
Christianity is not about philosophy or ethics – it’s about a relationship with Jesus.
May 8, 2011
Homily not available due to technical difficulties.
May 1, 2011
Homily not available due to technical difficulties.
April 24, 2011
Easter Morning
April 23, 2011
Easter Vigil
April 17, 2011
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Lent (Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead) – Father Steve talks about a lesson he heard at a Mass in Rome 6 years ago today – that Jesus brings freedom. Just as he released Lazarus from the binding cloths that held him in death, so He brings us God’s message of freedom from those things that would bind us.
April 3, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Lent (The Cure of the Man Born Blind) – The crowds and Pharisees showed no rejoicing in the miracle of the man receiving his site. They could not comprehend what was beyond their experience. Jesus calls us to see the world through the light of Christ.
March 27, 2011
Third Sunday of Lent (The Women at the Well) – A conversation about faith. Jesus meets the woman in a way that allows the Spirit of God to move in her. “Heart speaks to heart.”
March 20, 2011
Second Sunday of Lent – God works in us through the circumstances and people He puts in our life. Our job is to be attentive to His leading.
March 5, 2011
125th Anniversary Mass – Archbishop Harry Flynn shares reflections on the 125th anniversary of St. Mathew’s parish
Archbishop Flynn’s closing remarks
February 27, 2011
Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. We cannot be the servant both of God and of greed.
February 20, 2011
“An eye for an eye.” Jesus teaches us that God is a God of compassion, not of vengeance. If we are to truly know God, we need to understand the meaning of mercy and compassion.
February 13, 2011
Jesus came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it. He teaches us that we are to show the compassion and mercy of God.
February 6, 2011
“You are the light of the world.” Jesus tells us that we are called to reflect His love and light to the world. He echoes the words of Isaiah in the first reading, if we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, the our light will shine.
January 30, 2011
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Blessed are they who have the humility to understand their humanity. Learn 4 important sentences on the road to gain true wisdom.
January 16, 2011
Jesus announces that He is sent to bring the news to all the world, not only the nation of Israel
January 9, 2011
Baptism of the Lord – in Baptism, God claims us as His own. We don’t need to look for God – we just need be attentive to the hand of God reaching out to us
January 2, 2011 (Epiphany)
The revelation that the mystery of Christ is for all nations, cultures, and people
January 1, 2011 – New Year’s Day
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – the day Jesus was given His name when He was presented in the Temple. Father Steve talks about the importance of showing reverence and respect for a person’s name in the time of Jesus.
| Date | MP3 link | Description |
12-25-10 | Christmas 2010 Midnight Mass
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12-5-10 | Second Sunday of Advent – Sister Anne Becker shares about the ministry of service and justice and the history of the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Matthews | |
11-28-10 | First Sunday of Advent – WAKE UP | |
11-21-10 | Feast of Christ the King – the whole message of the Gospel comes together when we celebrate the Kingship of Jesus | |
11-14-10 | Jesus tells us that even when we find ourselves in times of great trials, God’s love is there for us. Also a preview of the Campaign for Human Development next week | |
11-7-10 | Jesus talks about the resurrection of the dead. In November, we remember our loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord | |
10-24-10 | Jesus calls us not to see ourselves as better than others, but to show a heart of compassion. Next steps in the Archdiocesan plan – working committee to review St. Matthew’s School | |
10-17-10 | Father Steve speaks about the Archdiocesan reorganization | |
10-10-10 | Three lessons from today’s Gospel: Gratitude, love the Lord with our whole heart, Jesus embraces those on the margin. | |
10-3-10 | “Lord increase our faith.” Jesus gives us the big picture, that no matter what trials we encounter in life, God’s love is greater. | |
9-26-10 | The parable of the rich man & Lazarus – “I confess to almighty God … in what I have failed to do.” The rich man was oblivious to the needs of those around him. | |
9-19-10 | The feast of St. Matthew – “I want mercy, not sacrifice”. God calls us to show mercy and compassion to those on the margin, like Matthew – the outcast and tax collector. | |
9-12-10 | The Gospel of the outcast. The parables show God as the one who searches for and welcomes back the lost. | |
9-5-10 | To forsake all to follow Jesus brings us true freedom. Example of C.S. Lewis conversion- he needed to expand his imagination to embrace the message of the Gospel. | |
8-29-10 | Jesus teaches us about humility – being grounded | |
8-22-10 | Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for laying burdensome yokes upon the people. His yoke is meant to guide us in the discipleship of His kingdom. | |
8-15-10 | Assumption Mass & picnic in Cherokee Park As Mary proclaims in the Gospel, our whole existence comes from God, and He has truly done great things for us | |
8-1-10 | All 3 readings today warn us against the danger of greed. Jesus teaches us to seek first His kingdom, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude for all God’s gifts to us. (Welcome back Father Steve) | |
7-11-10 | no audio | Compassion – what the Good Samaritan showed by his actions . Jesus calls us to show our compassion by reaching out to those we see wounded in life. |
7-4-10 | In today’s Gospel the message of Jesus is peace. This theme is echoed in Isaiah and Paul’s letter. | |
6-27-10 | The journey as a metaphor for our life in Christ. The Church as a pilgrim people. | |
6-20-10 | We need to pick up our cross and follow Jesus | |
6-13-10 | God is full of mercy and compassion | |
6-6-10 | Feast of Corpus Christi St. Matthew’s Class of 2010 If we bring our needs to the Lord, there will be enough. | |
5-30-10 | When the Spirit comes, he will do 3 things: 1) He will guide us to the truth 2) He will speak what he has learned and tell what is to come 3) He will glorify Jesus | |
5-23-10 | no audio – technical difficulties | Pentecost |
5-16-10 | When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us with the gift of the Holy Spirit so we could carry on His work | |
5-9-10 | Our first reading teaches how the leaders of the Church settled disputes so that all the disciples could live in peace with respect and harmony | |
5-1-10 | Jesus last words to His disciples – “Love one another as I have loved you.” | |
4-25-10 | “My sheep hear my voice; I Know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” | |
4-18-10 | The risen Lord is present to us today in the life of the Church | |
4-11-10 | When Jesus appears to the Apostles, his greeting is “peace”. As it was foretold in the scriptures, He comes as the Prince of Peace – the fullness of God’s life in us. | |
Easter Vigil | The lessons from our Easter scriptures 1. What God made is good 2. There is one God, who is the source of life, and will be with us 3. God comes to free us 4. In God there is peace, through the gift of Jesus | |
Holy Week 2010 |
| no homilies on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. We listen to the words of the Gospel Passion. Fr. Steve shares reflections at the weekday Masses on the Servant Songs from Isaiah that foretell Jesus’ passion. |
3-21-10 | Fifth Sunday of Lent – The story of the woman caught in adultery. As in last week’s parable, Jesus illustrates the depths of God’s mercy. Father Steve describes how the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a means for us to experience God’s love and forgiveness. | |
3-14-10 | Fourth Sunday of Lent – Parable of the Prodigal Son. God’s lavish love for us. | |
3-7-10 | Third Sunday of Lent – Parable of the fig tree. It’s about God’s patient love for us, not about judging who is observing the Law. | |
2-28-10 | Second Sunday of Lent – Transfiguration. Jesus shows us the complexity of life. His glory came only after His suffering and humiliation. | |
2-21-10 | First Sunday of Lent. The Temptation in the Wilderness. It’s about the fundamentals – put God first! | |
2-14-10 | In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to a conversion in heart and spirit. Preparation for the lessons of the Lenten season. | |
2-7-10 | Jesus invites us to a fishing expedition. Father Steve talks about the work of chaplains supported by the Catholic Services Appeal | |
1-31-10 | In Jesus Christ is revealed the all-embracing, all-encompassing, universal love of God. | |
1-24-10 | The importance of hearing the Word of God. Ezra the priest read the Word to the people of Israel after their captivity ended. Jesus read the Word to the people in Nazareth. He proclaimed liberty to captives, and the Lord’s favor. | |
1-17-10 | The Wedding at Cana – The gaze of Jesus transforms what is ordinary into something greater. “Jesus looked. Water blushed.” (quote from author Oliver Goldsmith) Contributions for relief to Haiti – inspired by Blessed Pierre Toussaint, Haitian-American en route to canonization | |
1-10-10 | Baptism of the Lord – “My favor rests on you.” This feast is a culmination of the Christmas message | |
1-3-10 | Epiphany – Joseph led the Holy Family to a place of safety, and they became immigrants. Their journey is similar to the plight of many people in today’s world. | |
12-27-09 | Feast of the Holy Family- Jesus embraces the fullness of family life. The Incarnation is a reality, God among us | |
12-24-09 | Christmas – God is not an idea – He is a person who came down to be one of us, as a vulnerable newborn child | |
12-13-09 | 3rd Sunday of Advent – John the Baptist calls us to change. We act our way into a new way of thinking. We don’t think our way into a new way of acting. | |
12-6-09 | 2nd Sunday of Advent – Sister Carolyn Fasnacht, SSND shares about the Retirement Fund for Religious | |
11-22-09 | Feast of Christ The King – the conclusion of our Liturgical year | |
11-08-09 | (technical difficulty – Homily not recorded) | Trust in God for everything, like the poor widow who gave the 2 coins in the Temple. |
11-01-09 | Feast of All Saints “Blessed are the poor in spirit”. Those who recognize that all we have is a gift from God. We are called to be good stewards of what God has given to us. | |
10-25-09 | Bartimaeus saw with the eyes of faith. Jesus opened his heart to understand the meaning of this faith. | |
10-18-09 | Jesus – the Servant of God – teaches us to serve one another | |
10-11-09 | Wisdom and the Word of God will lead us to the truth. Anything else is of little or no value. | |
10-4-09 | Jesus teaches us that the good of the community must not be jeopardized by the desire of the individual. | |
9-27-09 | Do not oppose those who work in Jesus’ name, even if they don’t do things the way we’re used to | |
9-20-09 | Feast of St. Matthew Just as Jesus showed mercy to Matthew the tax collector, God wants us to learn the meaning of mercy. | |
9-13-09 | “Take up your cross and follow Me.” In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to action, not just words. | |
9-6-09 | Jesus opened the ears and tongue of the deaf man so he could hear and proclaim the word of God, just as we are anointed in the Sacrament of Baptism. | |
8-30-09 | The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not follow the traditions of our elders?” Jesus teaches us that rules and laws are meant to enhance the living of our values, but they are not an end in themselves. | |
8-23-09 | The people could not accept the words of Jesus. Jesus calls us to see beyond this physical world to the life of the Spirit. | |
8-16-09 | “My flesh is real food.” The Eucharist is at the center of our life of faith. | |
8-9-09 | The mystery of the Eucharist – the gift of life | |
8-2-09 | “Believe in the One whom He has sent” Our faith is shown in the actions we do as live out our belief. | |
7-26-09 | Miracle of the loaves and fishes. When we place our gifts at the service of God’s kingdom, there is enough for us and enough left over to share. | |
7-5-09 | The people asked, “who is this man?” Who you are versus what you are. We come together each week in the Eucharist so we can more fully understand who we are as the people of God, baptised into the mystery of Christ. | |
6-28-09 | “Your faith has made you well.” Jesus invites us to rely on faith when it seems like our life is out of control | |
6-21-09 | Jesus asks “Have you no faith in me?” When we encounter storms and trials in our life, Jesus is there to help | |
6-14-09 | Feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus The Eucharist is the center of our life In Christ | |
6-7-09 | Trinity Sunday Jesus calls us to “Go and teach all nations” and bring God’s love to the world | |
5-31-09 | Pentecost Sunday St. Matthew’s Class of 2009 Graduation The Spirit calls us to go forth to announce the goodness of God | |
5-24-09 | Feast of the Ascension -Jesus draws all creation onto Himself. We are called to be His witnesses to all the world. | |
5-10-09 | Jesus is the vine, we are the branches | |
5-3-09 | Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us to a personal relationship with him. “I know my own and my own know me.” Fr. Steve welcomes St. Matt’s alumni to the All-School Reunion | |
4-26-09 | Just as He did to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus reveals Himself to us through the Scriptures and the Eucharist. | |
4-19-09 | “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe.” We can trust the eyewitness of the Apostles as a reliable authority for our faith. | |
4-12-09 | Easter Sunday -We are invited to make an act of faith in the risen Jesus. We have the testimony of the eyewitnesses in today’s Gospel – Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the other disciples. Fr. Steve thanks parents for bringing their chlidren to Mass | |
4-5-09 | Palm Sunday – reflection at Communal Penance service | |
3-29-09 | 5th Sunday of Lent Jesus foretells His suffering , death , and resurrection. Fr. Steve describes the unique views of Jesus’ Passion through the prism of the 4 Gospels. | |
3-22-09 | 4th Sunday of Lent Nicodemus progresses from a secret follower of Jesus to a bold disciple | |
3-15-09 | 3rd Sunday of Lent “Destroy this temple and in 3 days I will raise it up.” Jesus teaches us that He is the center of Worship. | |
3-8-09 | 2nd Sunday of Lent – Jesus showed Peter, James, and John the glory of the Kingdom of God | |
2-22-09 | Father Steve draws a parallel between the healing of the paralyzed man and the sacrament of Baptism. No one comes to the Lord on their own. Everyone is brought to the faith by others. Just as the paralyzed man was brought into a relationship with Jesus, so in Baptism we are reconciled to God. | |
2-15-09 | No audio file | When Jesus heals the leper, He breaks the rules to reach out to the outcast, just as on the cross He takes our sins upon Himself. |
2-8-09 | A day in the life of Jesus. Mark introduces us to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry of preaching and healing. | |
2-1-09 | Jesus speaks with authority. We are called to follow His example of integrity. | |
1-25-09 | No audio file | Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul – Apostle to the Gentiles |
1-18-09 | We grow in faith from a personal encounter with God. Samuel heard God’s call. Jesus invited Andrew and Peter to “come and see. | |
1-11-09 | Baptism of the Lord | |
1-04-09 | Feast of the Epiphany | |
12-28-08 | Feast of the Holy Family | |
Christmas 2008 | God loves us so much and wants to draw us close to Him, that He came in the form of a helpless infant. | |
12-21-08 | Fourth Sunday of Advent – Mary’s central role in the story of the Incarnation | |
12-14-08 | Third Sunday of Advent – “I have come to bring Good News to the poor.” Sister Stephanie shares about the ministry of the Sisters and the Retirement Fund for Religious | |
12-7-08 |
| Second Sunday of Advent – “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” Father Steve’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination |
11-30-08 | First Sunday of Advent Stay awake and keep watch | |
11-23-08 | Feast of Christ the King. Conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel. Sheep versus goats. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to reach out to the most vulnerable among our neighbors. | |
11-16-08 | Parable of the Talents. What we are given by God grows and multiplies to the degree that we give it away. | |
11-9-08 | Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran It is not the church building which is holy, but the holy people of God that make the place of worship holy | |
11-2-08 | Feast of All Souls – Rededication of the baptismal font from the original St. Matthew’s Church | |
10-26-08 | Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. | |
10-19-08 | “Render onto Caesar what is Caesar’s,and onto God what is God’s. “ We face this challenge in exercising our civic duty. The virtue of prudence helps us to make choices in accordance with our conscience, to advance the common good. | |
10-12-08 | The feast of Blessed John XXIII. The anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. | |
10-4-08 | We are called to tend the Lord’s vineyard, like the tenant farmer. We need to do our work for the common good, and avoid greed. | |
9-28-08 | Sin and repentance | |
9-21-08 | Feast of St. Matthew – our patron saint In the Old Testament, the priest went into the Holy of Holies to offer the sacrifice for the sins of the people at the Mercy Seat. | |
9-14-08 | Exultation of the Cross. The cross of Jesus Christ is the most revolutionary symbol in the world! In the cross of Jesus we find the answer to the mystery of life. | |
9-7-08 | Jesus says to His disciples, “What you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” We are called to promote good order in the community by seeking reconciliation when there is conflict. | |
8-31-08 | Labor Day Weekend. Analysis of post-modern world and the rise of individualism. Jesus asks, “What will you gain if you win the whole world for yourself, but in the process lose your very self?” We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and we are called to be interdependent upon each other. And we are called to serve the common good.. The work I do has an effect on the life of my neighbor. It is in the work we do that the image of the Creator God is manifest. The worker is entitled to be treated with dignity and to receive the full value of the work of his or her hands. | |
8-24-08 | “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” The exercise of authority is an art. Leaders are called to ensure that there is enough freedom within the community so the Spirit of God can move and create. | |
8-17-08 | Jesus encounters the Canaanite woman. Jesus uses her example of persistent faith to demonstrate that His ministry is for all people, not just the people of Israel. The Church is called today to affirm that the love and saving grace of God is meant for all.
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8-10-08 | Jesus walks on the water. Like Peter, when we face the storms of life and cry out for help, Jesus is there to reach out His hand for us. | |
7-20-08 | Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is like yeast that is meant to grow so that God’s presence fills every aspect of our life. | |
7-13-08 | The Parable of the Sower. The seed of God’s presence is sowed. Despite the obstacles, we have hope that the harvest will be plentiful. Our challenge is to look and listen for the presence of God in our daily lives. | |
7-6-08 | Jesus said “take my yoke upon your shoulders, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” In Jesus’ time, “yoke” was a term indicating The Law of God, forming the guiding principles for the nation of Israel. Over time, the Law became burdensome. Jesus invites His disciples to take His yoke – a yoke of intimacy with Him and the Father. | |
6-29-08 | No audio file | Fr. Steve’s homily was about the special role of Peter as the one who binds and the one who loosens. Fr. Steve said that this is a vital role in the community. If a leader binds too tightly, he stifles freedom and creativity. But if he binds too loosely, it can result in anarchy. He mentioned a quote from John XXIII – regarding the Vatican Council, and evaluating those things in the church which we need to bind or loosen:
On this feast of Saints Peter and Paul begins a church “Pauline” year, with an emphasis on studying the writings of Paul. |
6-22-08 | What we hear in the dark, we must speak in the light. We are called to live in such a way that our life would make no sense if there were no God. | |
6-15-08 |
Prayer litany for Fr. Steve read before the final blessing: A Litany of Thanksgiving We gather this day in thanksgiving for and remembrance of the work and presence of a man of God, Stephen J. Adrian. For leading 2,850 babies and others through the waters of Baptism May God bless and keep you | |
6-8-08 | When Jesus said “Follow me” to Matthew, He saw in him what others could not see. No one is outside of the compassionate love of God. In every human being God sees what we don’t see in ourselves. We are called as a community to call forth the best in each person. | |
6-1-08 | Salvation does not come through just listening to Jesus, but it is in | |
5-18-08 | Feast of the Holy Trinity The scriptures today show us the face of God as One who is faithful, merciful, compassionate. | |
5-11-08 | Feast of Pentecost – Birthday of the Church. Just as the disciples spoke to the diverse people they encountered on Pentecost, the Church today is called to speak to the diverse, post-modern world we live in about the great works of God. | |
5-04-08 | Feast of the Ascension. Jesus calls us to make a difference in the world, to be His hands and voice in the world, to proclaim the Good News. Welcome to St. Matthew’s School Alumni. Catholic education continues to make a difference in the lives of the young people it touches. | |
4-27-08 | How does the community of faith handle diversity | |
4-20-08 | The search for the face of God is common to all World religions. It is the passion to know God in heart and mind. | |
4-13-08 | The Gospels as a manual for discipleship. Images of shepherd and sheep are symbolic of authority and leadership. The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd. The shepherd is obedient to the good order. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and thereby have a relationship with the shepherd. The shepherd calls his sheep by name. Ascribed vs. acquired authority. The shepherd leads the sheep through the gate by stepping out in front, without hesitation or cowardice. | |
4-6-08 | St. Luke’s account of Cleophas and an unnamed disciple on a journey, accompanied by the risen Lord. Many traditions abound relating to this story. We are a pilgrim people on the road. Sometimes we don’t recognize Jesus. Know Christ in the Word of God and at the Eucharistic table. | |
3-22-08 | Easter Vigil service (8 PM). Everything that exists is good. And the men and women whom God created are the best. Older people help younger people do their best. | |
3-16-08 | Palm Sunday Passion Reading. | |
3-9-08 | Death is the ultimate anxiety. The story of Jesus, Martha and Lazarus. “I am the Resurrection and the life. If you believe in Me, even though you physically die, you shall have life in Me.” Eternal life is what you possess now and forever. Invite Jesus to live within. In the Eucharist our life with Christ is deepened and strengthened. | |
3-2-08 | Jesus said, “We must do the work of Him Who sent Me.” Light and darkness as real material stuff. Eyes as the window to the soul. Fear of the blind. Fear of darkness. Let the darkness be an occasion for God’s work to be done and seen. Bring light! | |
2-23-08 | John the Evangelist’s perspective on the Word of God in a secular society. Pew Forum survey about the religious landscape of the U.S. We all have a hunger for deeper meaning in life. What is the role of a believer in Jesus Christ? We must be able to express our longings to one another. Our invitation to and sharing of faith are the path to God. | |
2-17-08 | Sorry, recording not available due to a technical glitch with the iPod. Synopsis by RCS: | |
2-10-08 | Christ’s Temptation in the desert is a story about identity and fidelity. In Jesus’ suffering, dying and rising, we are drawn into union and we become children of God. | |
2-3-08 | Homily | |
1-27-08 | – Catholic Schools Week introduction by Asst. Principal Lynn Volkenant. | |
1-20-08 | Homily | |
1-13-08 | Baptism of Our Lord: parallels in Book of Isaiah the Prophet. | |
1-6-08 | Feast of the Epiphany. | |
12-30-07 | Feast of the Holy Family. The birth of Christ in Bethlehem. The family’s flight into Egypt and their making of a home in Nazareth in Galilee. From out of Egypt, the child Jesus – Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of God and Savior – comes as the new Moses. Joseph’s integral role. The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is rooted in history and community. | |
12-25-07 | The Feast of Christmas. Note: We are includung music, readings and Fr. Steve’s homilies from both Midnight and 10:30 AM Masses. In the beginning was The Word – the understanding and rationality of God. Religious faith and reason go hand-in-hand. Guard against imbalance and extremism. God is wed to human reason. Most religions have at their center man’s search for God. For Christians and Jews, religion is about God’s search for us, through alleys and labyrinths. There is nothing we need to do to have God embrace us. Stop running, hiding and fearing. Allow God to draw near. Our fright is relieved as God entered our lives as a child. No one is afraid of a baby. It is a blasphemy to harm or ignore a child. | |
12-23-07 | Fourth Sunday of Advent.” Hurry up!” Matthew’s story of the Annunciation as seen through the eyes of Joseph. | |
12-16-07 | Third Sunday of Advent. “Cheer up! Once I accept that it is not about me, I can look for the hand of God in life.” Readings and homily are from the 2 PM Reconciliation Service. | |
12-9-07 | Second Sunday of Advent. “Shape up! It’s not about me.” Sr. Marjorie speaks about today’s scripture readings and the needs of retired religious. (We apologize for the poor audio quality in the first half of the recordings. It gets better about a minute into Sister’s talk.) | |
12-2-07 | First Sunday of Advent. “Wake up!” | |
11-25-07 | Readings and homily. The Feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI during a period of world divisions and economic instabilities: massive strikes, work disruptions, expansion of the Japanese empire, Mussolini’s dictatorship, Hitler’s Mein Kampf, Stalin’s succession to Lenin, political and ethnic purgings. Pius saw the need to call everyone to a basic appreciation of truth. Everything finds its meaning in the cross of Christ, whereby all creation is reconciled to God. Our church’s crucifix (a donation of the Rossi and Wolf families) is a sign of hope, not an instrument of death. It carries the image of Christ who is drawing all things to self – reaching out, reconciling, restoring. In the year 2007, the world is still deeply divided. We must be instruments of hope. | |
11-18-07 | Readings and homily. Symbols of security and stability. General Motors, Ready Kilowatt, the Temple in Jerusalem. We fear the destruction of our security which would bring to an end our world. Christ says “fear not, and do not be led astray”. Trust in God. Do not be dominated by possessions. Do not be victimized by those predicting the end times. St. Theresa of Avila, who established Carmelite monasteries, said it would be a shame if the monasteries made a big noise when falling down. Charles Péguy, in his poem “The Portal of the Mystery of Hope”, has God say that the faith He loves best is hope. The truth frees us. | |
11-11-07 | Readings and homily. The Resurrection – an event, a time, a thing? Scriptures say it is a person. Jesus Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Resurrection is a relationship. There is a tension, urging and pull toward the completion of life. Learn from our elders. Our God is a living God. If we all truly believed that, how different our lives would be! | |
11-4-07 | Hymns, readings and homily. Gospel of the outcasts, rescuing the lost. Jesus vindicates Zachaeus the tax collector. | |
10-28-07 |
| True discipleship is about self-identity, attitudes and relationships. Some people try to focus God’s attention on their good works, as opposed to the tax collector who sought the mercy of God in utter humility. The important thing is to be in a right relationship (justified) with God. Religion comes from the Latin word religare – to be bound to something. We cannot bind ourselves to God. God binds to us. |
10-21-07 |
| Readings and homily |
10-14-07 |
| The story of the ten lepers. All had been made clean, one realizes that he was also healed. “It is your faith that has healed you.” Giving thanks. Studies by three university professors cite the benefits of gratitude. For gracious people, life is good. The gift of life that is from God demands an expression of appreciation. Eucharist is a Greek word that simply means giving thanks. |
10-7-07 |
| Jesus as the Servant of God. The parable of the mustard seed. The quality, not the quantity, of faith is what is important. |
9-29-07 |
| The parable of the rich man. On self-absorption and social sin. “I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own faults, in my thoughts and my in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do .” Open your eyes and your heart. Be concerned about those who are disadvantaged and on the margin. |
9-23-07 |
| On good stewardship. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and man. Be wise and just in managing things large and small. |
9-16-07 |
| Jesus demands mercy and compassion, not sacrifice. All any person wants is to be fully known and fully loved. View others without prejudice or preferences. Do not be prisoners of your own pride and arrogance. Love the truth more than you love yourself. |
9-9-07 | Our “Blue” Mass. Honoring those who protect and serve. Jesus, in the gospel, emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment to de a disciple. Jesus is the answer to the agony and searching of the human soul. Pope Benedict’s pilgrimmage to Austria for the 850th anniversary of the Mariazell shrine to Mary near the city of Vienna. “Auf Christus Schauen” means “Look to Christ”. | |
9-1-07 5 PM Mass |
| Will you stand with Jesus Christ or with Hyacinth Bouquet? |
8-26-07 |
| Dining at the banquet of the kingdom of God. Who gets in the door? Who doesn’t get in? The gift of the Eucharist. Eating and drinking together at a common table is a sign of intimacy, connectedness and unity at the level of soul. Listening to the teacher, not just with ears, but with the heart. Lighting the fire inside. Cardinal Newman described Christian faith as “cor ad cor loquitor” (“heart speaking to heart”). Bishop Leonard Cowley modified that motto translation to “dancing cheek to cheek”. It’s what gets us in the banquet hall door. |
8-19-07 | Powerful words from Jesus. He calls His disciples to recognize the seriousness of the invitation to faith. He is proposing a substantial transformation, not just a simple change. The Spirit turns life upside down. Jesus said, “I have come to bring fire upon the earth and I am eager to have it kindled.” The meaning of those words in ancient Middle Eastern culture. | |
8-12-07 | Luke: Jesus as Master refers to our Lord after the Resurrection. Early Christians believed that our Lord would return on a Sunday at the time of the Eucharist. The Risen Lord will do for us what he did for the disciples the night before He died. Jesus as servant. When He comes in glory, He we wait upon us. Likewise, we are to be a servant Church. We gather at the table each week to be nourished by His Word, body and blood. We are to wash the feet of each other. The New Testament’s specific, hands-on images of service. In 1980, in Saginaw, Michigan, newly arrived Bishop Ken Untener said to his diocese, “Hi, I’m Ken. I’m going to be your waiter.” Twenty-four years of servant-leadership followed. | |
8-4-07 | Human beings seek happiness. Wisdom pilots us to right choices in the pursuit of happiness. How our fixation on a project or goal makes our world very small as we become consumed by ourself. How do we use our time and resources? How do we achieve a balance that places us in right relationships? The value of “time wasting” or “just hanging out”. A reflection on the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. | |
7-29-07 | Jesus teaches us how to pray with The Lord’s Prayer (in the gospels of Matthew and Luke). Prayers are given to us in scripture, Church teachings, song and liturgy. We take those words and make them our own. | |
7-15-07 | Luke’s parable of The Good Samaritan. God’s compassion. Maternal nurturing and care. Our hunger for God. The Mystical Body of Christ. | |
7-1-07 |
| Readings and homily. 9th chapter of St. Luke. Christ’s long pilgrimmage to his glorification, suffering, dying and rising begins, leaving Galilee and “fixing his face” (with resolve) toward Jerusalem. Jesus teaches what it means to be His disciple. We are a pilgrim church and people. Where is God to be worshipped – in the temple, on the mountain, or anywhere there is spirit and truth? Christ tempers the impetuousness (haste) of James and John (the “sons of thunder”). We are called to be spontaneous disciples of Christ, individually and as a Church.
The symbolism of the many bags of food that were brought to church this weekend. Peter Maurin said, “The world will be better off when people are better, and people will be better when they are not so concerned about being better off.” Be generous. |
6-24-07 |
| The Feast of St. John the Baptist. “The Little Christmas”. John the Baptist as the announcer of The Light. The wonder and mystery of the birth of a child are shrouded in the mystery of God. “What will this child become?” |
6-17-07 |
| Forgiveness and reconciiation. Jesus, as a guest, demonstrates the mercy of God. The “sin eater” in indigineous American tradition. |
6-10-07 | The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Also known as “the last supper in Galilee” – a foreshadowing of the night before Jesus died. Our spiritual hunger. | |
5-27-07 |
| Pentecost Sunday . Homily: The crowning moment of the Easter season. All that Jesus did and said leads to this moment. The unleashing of the power of the Spirit by which all creation is renewed, enlivened and brought into union with God. Wind and breath are representative of the Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit ennoble the human lives.
Baptism of Zoila. Petitions. |
5-20-07 |
| 7th Sunday of Easter: Ascension of the Lord . Three lessons from Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel According to Luke. In decision making and discernment processes, the standard for resolution is the mission – witnessing to the mystery Christ and the reconciliation of all people.
First Communion of Henry, Eleanor and Sarah. |
5-13-07 |
| 6th Sunday of Easter . Jesus’ gift of peace in the form of the Holy Spirit is the beginning of right relationships with God, ourself and our neighbors. In essential matters of Christian faith we must have unity. In doubtful matters we must have liberty. In all matters we must have charity.
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4-26-07 | Choral meditation | Confirmation ceremony at Cathedral of Saint Paul. St. Matthew’s Choir singing “Holy Spirit, Come to Us / Veni Sancte Spiritus” by Jacques Berthier (Taize Community).
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4-22-07 | Father David Schwinghamer, MM, presided at masses while Father Steve continued to enjoy a few days out of town. Fr. David talked about mission. | |
4-8-07 | Readings & homily | Easter . 8:00 AM mass. Men’s Club singing.
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4-5-07 | Chants, readings, homily | Holy Thursday .
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4-1-07 | Liturgy | Palm Sunday. No homily today. This recording includes opening songs, blessing of palms, scripture readings, responsorial psalm and a reading of the Passion of Jesus Christ.
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3-25-07 |
| 5th Sunday of Lent. Passiontide approaches. Step beyond to something that is new. Isaiah: “Remember not the events of the past. I am making something new. Now it springs forth. Do you see it?” Even though Paul’s life was nearing its end, he looked with promise and conviction to the future. Look to the Resurrection of Christ, look toward a new beginning. Through fasting, almsgiving and prayer (listening), we are all in solidarity.
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3-24-07 | Morning Prayer during Lent. Saturday, 9 AM.
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3-18-07 |
| 4th Sunday of Lent. The third story in the 15th chapter of Luke’s Gospel: The Prodigal or “Lost” Son. The all-encompassing love of God is unconditional. There are no limits to God’s merciful love. The meaning of forgiveness.
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3-17-07 | Lenten Lecture. A comparison of the four Gospel accounts of Jesus being called before the high priests and Sanhedrin, the denial of Peter, and the trial of Jesus. This is the fourth of five Saturday 90-minute lectures given by Fr. Steve Adrian for the preparation of our mental and spiritual life for Holy Week.
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3-11-07 |
| 3rd Sunday of Lent. H.V. Morton’s travel essay. Pilate had previously carried out in Herod’s territory a massacre of “Galilaeans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). By sending Jesus to Herod, Pilate made amends for his previous lack of courtesy. The day that Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus was the same day Pilate and Herod became friends: for before there was enmity between them.
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3-4-07 |
| 2nd Sunday of Lent. Today, we read and understand the Old Testament through different glasses than those of Jesus and His contemporaries. Moses and Elijah symbolized the prophets and the law of Israel. The story of David and Absalom foreshadows the Agony in the Garden and Judas hanging himself. It is important to listen attentively to the the Hebrew scriptures, for Jesus and all generations since are the continuation and fulfilment of those ancient stories.
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2-25-07 |
| 1st Sunday of Lent. On prayer and hunger.
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2-18-07 |
| 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Entrance song, Old Testament readings, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel. Sermon: Capital campaign to replace windows in our 50-year-old Parish Center (formerly the SSND convent). The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. See bulletin for schedule of worship and educational opportunities. Examine your prayer life — both public and private prayer — and be prepared to make a commitment to make space for prayer. The importance of listening.
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2-11-07 |
| 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Scout Sunday. Scout anthems. Old Testament readings, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel. Sermon: Words about scouting programs at St. Matthew’s. Mentoring by word and example. Scripture readings today are about character. In Jesus’ time, “Woe to you who are rich” meant woe to those who stole from others. The poor, by contrast, were able to trust and look outward to others. The Beatitudes.
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2-4-07 |
| 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s scripture readings, these persons are called: Isaiah, Paul, Peter, James and John. They claimed they weren’t ready. It made no difference. When you are invited to discipleship, you are called not for yourself but for others. Alida Mae’s baptism.
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1-28-07 |
| 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus comes to worship in the synagogue in Nazareth. Jesus reads from Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.” Jesus begins teaching. The people of Nazareth ask for favor from Jesus. Jesus quotes a proverb, “Physician, heal yourself.” Elijah and the foreign widow’s faith in time of famine. She gives of her scarcity and much is returned to her. The worship of God is about going out and meeting the needs of your neighbors. It is not about you.
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1-21-07 |
| 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The beginning of St. Luke’s Gospel. The story of Jesus returning to His hometown to read from Isaiah. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s plan. The 61st chapter of Isaiah describes the work or mission of Jesus – to proclaim the good news of God’s presence and love. God’s love is inclusive.
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1-14-07 |
| 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Walking as a disciple with Christ. Jesus leaves the pride of Jerusalem to preach in Galilee, a diverse cultural crossroad symbolic of inclusiveness. The changing of water to wine is symbolic of the coming of the kingdom of God. Miracles or signs work in tandem with people.
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1-7-07 |
| Feast of the Epiphany. Contradictions regarding persons, places and emotional response in the telling of the Christmas story. Three wise men eagerly seek the truth. Herod fearfully denies the truth. The “insignificant” town of Bethlehem. Where there is a dominance of power, there is a willingness to succumb to passivity and comfort. Recent writings of Pope Benedict about the specter of materialism and the dictatorship of relativism. An infant challenges the grandiosity and pride of a society, turning things upside down.
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12-31-06 |
| Feast of the Holy Family. The boyhood story of Jesus — His coming of age. The slaughtering and sharing of lambs during Passover. The role of rabbis and elders in the temple. Jesus takes possession of his place in His Father’s house. Mary’s trust in God is the model of faith.
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12-24-06 to |
| Christmas Midnight Mass. Luke’s story of Jesus has consequences in this world, as opposed to the stories of Roman deities whose activities took place on mountain tops and in clouds. The simple and complex scenes that have been painted of Jesus’ birth. The angel of the Lord announced the Good News to lowly, rowdy shepherds. Read Book of Isaiah, chapter 1, regarding the ox and the donkey who were attentive to the mystery of Christ’s birth. View the world standing on your head.
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12-24-06 |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent . After the Annunciation, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea and shares the good news. Elizabeth replies, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” To be a disciple of Jesus is to hear and then act. William Butler Yeats’ commentary on a Medieval painting of Mary.
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12-17-06 |
| 4:00 PM Communal Penance Service . Mother Mary’s presence in the life of Christ. She is the model of discipleship and the Church. Mary’s Magnificat: “My whole being proclaims the glory of God.”
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12-17-06 |
| Third Sunday of Advent . John the Baptist calls people to a newness of heart, to prepare for the coming of the Savior. Make sure your neighbor is clothed and fed. Avoid greed. Christmas gifting is to be a reminder of the great gift of God’s Son, Jesus. It is an act of religion. Keep your gifting simple and inexpensive. Fr. Steve’s appreciation of John Claus.
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12-10-06 |
| Second Sunday of Advent . Luke’s world perspective of the story of Jesus. Luke’s gospel and his Acts of the Apostles are framed in the context of Jesus proclaimed to all the world. Archelaus as governor of Judea. John the Baptist. The valleys, mountains, crooked paths and rough paths of human behavior which must be made even and smooth. We are to be more than signposts. We must be construction workers for God, preparing the way.
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12-3-06 |
| First Sunday of Advent . Sr. Virginia, SSND, representing the retirement fund for religious sisters and brothers, comments on today’s scripture readings. More on the annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious at National Religious Retirement Office – http://www.usccb.org/about/national-religious-retirement-office
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11-26-06 |
| Feast of Christ the King . What is truth? Aristotle’s definition. An anecdote about Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Doing the work of truth is not easy. Truth is often sugar coated or spun. Three scripture passages that define truth.
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11-19-06 |
| The meaning of discipleship, part 6 . A disciple of Christ is attuned to the times, seeing hope, promise and opportunity where others see despair and gloom. Pope John XXIII’s letter about signs of the times: 1. The collapse of colonial empires as the thirst for freedom grows; 2. The expansion of new technology; and 3. The beginning of the women’s movement. Wear the glasses of hope. Trust in the presence of God. Erica’s baptism.
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11-12-06 |
| The meaning of discipleship, part 5 . The widow and her contribution of two small coins. The cost of discipleship. The worth of a gift is not in its monetary value but in what it “costs” you. Discipleship means sacrifice, loving God with your whole mind, heart, soul and strength.
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11-5-06 |
| The meaning of discipleship, part 4 . A lawyer asks Jesus which of the 613 commandments is the most important. About wrestling with choices. Lives fall apart when we respond to every whim that comes along. Use your time, energy and resource wisely, as way to prove your love for the Lord God. Jesus is interested in that which makes the difference, that which transforms your life and the lives of your neighbors. Hannah’s baptism.
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10-29-06 |
| The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick was administered today.
The meaning of discipleship, part 3 . Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. Gratitude or stewardship marks the life of a disciple. We must manage well the gift of life that has been given us. Generosity (from the Latin word for birth) flows from those who are blessed. Greed (from the Greek word pleonexia) means to desire more. As good stewards, we carve out time for public and private prayer, share our gifts and talents with others, and offer our financial resource to works of charity and the work of the gospel.
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10-22-06 |
| The meaning of discipleship, part 2 . How do we answer the call? How do we place God at the center of life? Look to serve, not be served. Service means placing the common good above my private good. Joseph O’Hanlon on the Gospel of Mark: The cross of Christ is central to the mystery of faith.
See separate link for Sr. Ann Becker’s pitch for Rainbow Pals – adults to partner with our students – and a word about Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
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10-15-06 |
| The meaning of discipleship, part 1 . What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How do we regard material things? We need to step back from possessiveness. The rich man found it difficult to do that. |
10-7-06 |
| Jesus challenges the exclusion of people, i.e. the “second class” condition. Every human being bears the image of God. In Jesus’ time, a woman could not divorce her husband. Exposing the exploitation of children today in economics and military conflict. What do we do about it? |
10-1-06 |
| The power of the Word and Spirit of God can flow from anyone. Giving a cup of cold water is a sign of holiness and sanctity. Poet Philip Sydney: “Thy necessity is greater than mine.” In his book Jesus in America , Richard Fox said, “Some people get it right.” Scandalizing another is like putting a stone in their path. Stephen cites a Jewish prayer that is a model of respect for neighbors. Words about the fire of Gehenna. We pray for the gift to be as Jesus taught us to be.
See separate link for Fr. Claudio of diocese of Bucharest who expresses his appreciation for $7100 check from the Community of St. Matthew for the orphan children of Romania.
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9-24-06 | The apostle James on wars and conflict. Envy and selfish ambition. Wanting something you can’t get or have no right to. Forcing ideologies on others. Christ says we must be willing to yield rather than demand our right-of-way. Read the manual. | |
9-17-06 | Feast of St. Matthew. Matthew the tax collector was an outsider and imperfect. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” Matthew responded and became an apostle and evangelist. He is the patron of those on the outside. | |
9-3-06 | History of Labor Day and Labor Sunday. The social letters of Pope Pius XI and Pope Leo’s 1891 Encyclical on Capital and Labor (Rerum Novarum) helped lay the groundwork for unions and the minimum wage, as well as the moral rights, responsibilities and expectations of both workers and employers. These papal writings influenced Monsignor John A. Ryan and Secretary of State Frances Perkins , who were instrumental in passage of the National Labor Relations Act and the Social Security Act . Fr. Frank Gilligan founded the country’s first labor school in St. Paul, MN. Good comes from the heart within, not from the outside. Become part of the solution. Click here for bulletin letter on labor from Fr. Steve. | |
8-27-06 | Who we are is reflected in the decisions we have made, large and small, good and poor. Joshua asks the people to make a decision. Jesus similarly challenges his disciples. Some stay, some walk away. In whom will you place your faith? The radical choice is for Jesus Christ. Linking your faith to others’ faiths invigorates your own. | |
8-20-06 | The mystery of God’s desire to be in relation with creatures. A reconciliation of all creation is the work of Jesus Christ. He comes that we might have the fullness of life in God. He comes to break down barriers between familes, between neighbors, and between creation and creator. The Eucharist draws us into unity. We become sacraments, ambassadors and agents of God’s reconciliation. | |
8-13-06 | We are a pilgrim people. Like Elijah in the desert, we need the Bread of Life from heaven to help us on our journey to the fullness of God. | |
8-6-06 | Gospel: The Transfiguration of Christ. Homily by local missionary Brother Hillary, one of nine Franciscan Brothers of Peace who do street and prison ministry in the City of Saint Paul. “Growing up in a household full of love, my parents gave me everything. I lacked nothing. I only knew what it was to receive. I knew that in accepting God’s invitation to the religious life, I would be able to satisfy that one curiosity in the back of my mind: what it is to give.” | |
7-30-06 | The miracle of the loaves and fish. In John’s gospel, the young boy who gave his lunch to Jesus empowered Jesus to feed the crowd. The action of human beings is absolutely essential for the action of God to occur. | |
7-23-06 | Celebrant: Fr. Harvey Ballance from Montclair, New Jersey, representing Catholic Relief Services. He spent 18 years in Argentina. Reflections on world peace. Prayer knows no distance, borders or walls. In today’s gospel (Jesus and His disciples going to a deserted place) is our justification for a “vacation” – a retreat, cursillo, marriage encounter, etc. Catholic Relief Services is a service of the U.S. Catholic Bishops which helps needy people outside of the United States. It is an agency with heart. | |
7-16-06 | The metaphor of the Christian journey. We are a pilgrim people called, sent forth and empowered to proclaim the reign of God. Make the journey simply, with as little baggage as possible. | |
7-8-06 | Neighbors of the child of Mary and the carpenter. Some deeply resented him. They had a desire to control Jesus, impeding His ability to act. Jesus said “allow God to be in control”, however uncomfortable that may be. Trust God to lead you. | |
7-2-06 | The inclusive love of God. Jesus smashes paradigms when He heals the outcast woman, as well as the daughter of the prominent synagogue leader. When the faith of the righteous meets the faith of the outcast, they are both saved. We are called to view our neighbor through the lens of God’s inclusive love. | |
6-25-06 | Processional song, readings, Gospel and homily. The storm on the sea. The disciples fear drowning. Jesus calms the wind and waves and rebukes his disciples’ lack of faith. Seeing life through various lenses. Hans Lipperhey and the story of how his children helped him invent the telescope in 1600. More at Who invented the telescope? Those who believe are called upon to see the world through the lens of Jesus Christ. They will see the world as God sees it. A far-off God thus becomes close-up and intimate with creation. | |
6-18-06 | Readings and homily. Feast of the Eucharist. Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover — freedom from slavery. In the praying and eating as a community, liberation becomes personal, real and effective in our lives. The challenge of the Eucharist is for men and women to become witnesses to freedom and liberation. One should not spiritualize the Eucharist to the point of stripping it of flesh and blood. The story of the Passover is about freedom from physical servitude. God cares about the full spectrum of human endeavor. Freedom and salvation are one in the waters of Baptism and in the bread of Communion. | |
6-4-06 | Feast of Pentecost. First Reading from Acts of the Apostles is presented in seven different languages. Homily: The Feast of Pentecost is a commencement, a new beginning. The disciples of Christ were waiting for the coming of the Spirit. The Spirit comes when people stand together. The Spirit turns life upside down, revealing what we have not seen or heard before. Fr. Steve demonstrated “seeing with the heart” with a huge pair of “God glasses”. Creation must be shared with all men and women. If we all truly respect each other, we will live in peace. Only through the power of the Spirit can we see with the eyes of God and hear with the ears of God. | |
5-21-06 | Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is a saint for the modern world, and especially for the young people of our time. Born in 1901 in Turin, Italy, his time on earth was short–only 24 years–but he filled it passionately with holy living. Pier Giorgio was a model of virtue, a “man of the beatitudes,” as Pope John Paul II called him at the saint’s beatification ceremony. More at http://www.3op.org/frassati.php | |
5-14-06 | St. Isadore, a simple farmer. The work of Christ is done even in commonplace tasks. | |
5-7-06 | Old Roman Catholic insularity. What my childhood relationships with the Schissler, Fetterman and Applebaum familes taught me. The Church learned its lesson about forbearance and universality at Vatican II in the early 1960s. John Courtney Murray. Archbishop LeFebvre. Society of St. Pius X. Adeeb Hassenat. | |
4-30-06 | In meeting the risen Lord in the Eucharist, we grow in goodness and friendship. | |
4-23-06 | The Spirit of the Living God dispels fear. Collectively, we have enough resources to do the work of Christ. We are called to have courage and hope, to step beyond our fear of scarcity. | |
4-16-06 | Each of us is destined for everlasting life. That doesn’t begin in the future. We are living everlasting life from the moment of our conception. Ask yourself, “Is there life before death?” | |
4-9-06 | Palm Sunday Passion reading. Holy Week: the culmination of Lent. Walk in the mystery with Christ. Fr. Steve gave a closing talk (which was not recorded) about the Cainites and the Lost Gospel of Judas. Read about it here: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/ | |
4-2-06 | Creating an open heart | |
3-26-06 | The Light came into the darkness. Let your light shine. | |
3-19-06 | Jesus in the temple with the elders and the crowd. | |
3-12-06 | Mountain-top experiences | |
3-5-06 | Contracts between God and people | |
2-26-06 | Containers, taking risks, Paderewski w/child | |
7-20-03 | Eulogy: Colleen Hau. The Resurrection. | |
6-29-03 | Peter and Paul: charity of Christ must prevail | |
6-21-03 | The brotherhood of Christ | |
6-15-03 | God is present in our lives |
