Originally delivered on October 7, 1990

Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

In this week’s Gospel, we hear another parable about a vineyard.  Today we hear about tenant farmers who brought forth beautiful grapes, but they thought it was their own doing and forgot about their responsibility to the vineyard owner.  We are challenged to think of how we act toward others and if we see God, as the vineyard owner, as the reason for our abundant harvest. 

Download | Duration: 00:25:10

Originally delivered on September 30, 1990

Readings: Ezekial 18: 25-28; Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; Matthew 21:28-32

Today Jesus speaks to us again in a parable about a son who says he’ll do something for his father and doesn’t while another son who refuses, but eventually does what is asked.  Fr. Healy discusses how we are each like the first son when we accept the call of Jesus and yet we often find it difficult to carry out that promise. There are others , such as Mitch Snyder, who don’t accept any structures or institutions, but then go on to serve their brothers and sisters, in the spirit that Jesus calls us all.  But we are also asked to think of those that go through the motions of faith, but then don’t live the Gospel in their daily actions and habits. We might remember all the amens that we’ve given and reconsider those that we might discard, but who do great works on behalf of our less fortunate sisters and brothers.  

Download | Duration: 00:19:39

Originally delivered on September 19, 1993

Readings: Isaiah 55: 6-9; Philippians 1:20-24, 27; Matthew 20: 1-16

In the second reading, we hear Paul say that he “prefers to be freed from this life and to be with Christ..” We are supposed to be on our way to the vision of Jesus.  May we be getting our thoughts, attitudes, and priorities ever more in harmony with God’s so that our ways are more like His ways. In this week’s Gospel we hear the parable of the vineyard owner who pays those hired at the end of the day, the same wage as those workers that labor all day.  We are challenged, in the context of this Gospel, to think about those among us who don’t receive a fair day’s wage, immigration, national health insurance, and trade policy. 

Download | Duration: 00:27:38

Originally delivered on September 16, 1990

Readings: Sirach 27: 30-28:7; Romans 14: 7-9; Matthew 18: 21-35

Today’s Gospel challenge to us is to forgive, just as Jesus always forgives us.  We must remember that God came in the form of His son, Jesus, and although he was crucified, in his dying breath, He said, “Father forgive them...”  May we be reminded of this example and forgive as Jesus forgives. This doesn’t mean to forget, but rather to remember and still forgive. 

Download | Duration: 00:19:40

Originally delivered on September 9, 1990

Readings: Ezekial 33: 7-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Matthew 18: 15-20

In today’s readings, we are called to be loving critics.  Although it is difficult, it is a responsibility that we cannot escape.  We must be committed to tearing down arrangements that give unfair advantages to some but not all. We cannot elude our responsibility to offer our loving criticism.  As Ezekial tells us today, if we speak out and the wicked man doesn’t listen, then we are not responsible for his demise.  It’s always easier to not share our criticism, but today we are reminded that we are required to share our critical voices.

Download | Duration: 00:25:12

Originally delivered on September 2, 1990

Readings: Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16: 21-27

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, and to us, “Get out of my sight, satan!” We are each challenged to follow Jesus by letting go of the established order and overturning unjust arrangements.  May we be open to new challenges and willing to face the impossible because we have faith.  Today, we are asked to take up the cross of uncertainty.  

Download | Duration: 00:18:30

Originally delivered on August 26, 1990

Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20

Fr. Healy tells us that he always wanted to be parish priest, despite signing up for the Holy Ghost Fathers who are dedicated to missionary work.  He recounts that he had doubts about his ability to remain a priest within the institutional Church.  He lets us know that priests and other religious people are often put up on pedestals thereby making it difficult for many religious to deal with their humanity. In these stories, he challenges us to reflect on the role of Peter in today’s Gospel.  It is the same Peter who Jesus said, “You are a rock and upon this rock I build my Church” that also denied him three times. He suggests that the religious should come down from the pedestals and be with the people to create the Church.

Download | Duration: 00:24:00

Today, September 29th, would have been Fr. Healy's 77th birthday.  For me, as someone that had the privilege of knowing him, being a friend, and most importantly, hearing his inspirational words, I know he went to God too early for my liking.  The sense of loss that I still feel, however, is ameliorated by listening and posting his homilies each week.

Perhaps as a means of remembering him and honoring his commitment to the poorest of the poor, especially our sisters and brothers in Haiti, we can each make a personal contribution.  One hundred percent of all donations received go to help the people of Medor, Haiti - a rural community high in the mountains.  Through the work of the Haiti Committee, we are partnering with the people of Medor to build latrines, cap springs, build schools, plant trees, cook hot lunches and so much more. 

Making a memorial birthday gift for Fr. Healy couldn't be easier.  Donations are now accepted online.  Just click on the upper left hand link titled "Donate".  You will then be directed on how to complete your donation either by check or by credit card online.

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.  The people of Medor appreciate your generosity, support, and prayers.  My guess is that Fr. Healy is smiling and is touched at how we each use our talents and treasures to help our sisters and brothers around the globe and within our local communities. That was his message.  That was Jesus' message.

With Love,

Frank Finamore

Originally delivered on August 19, 1990

Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

In this week’s Gospel, a Canaanite woman addresses Jesus and asks for His help.  Through her persistence, despite being a non-Jew, Jesus recognizes her faith and heals her daughter.  But first, Jesus, in his humanity, rebuffed the woman and, in fact, asked his disciples to get rid of her.  In this homily, Fr. Healy invites us to reflect on the humanity of Jesus reflected in today’s Gospel from Matthew.  In the first reading, Isaiah tells the Jews, and us today, that salvation is for all peoples.  All people are God’s people.  We are asked to examine our own lives to see how we’ve practiced exclusion, but then rise to the challenge of overcoming our sins, in the spirit of Jesus’s example.

Download | Duration: 00:20:02

Originally delivered on August 15, 1993

Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10; Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1: 39-56

In this homily, we hear a reflection of Jesus’ response to woman that yelled out “Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!”  In response, He said, “Rather, blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” Fr. Healy asks us to consider that Mary’s willingness to hear God’s word and carry out His will is her true gift to us so that we might emulate her actions.  

Download | Duration: 00:17:44