Author: Frank Finamore
4th Sunday of Lent
Originally delivered on March 5, 1989
Readings: Joshua 5:9, 10-12; Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
In this famous parable of the Prodigal Son, we hear that Fr. Healy depends on this story because of it reminds us of God’s immeasurable and unconditional love, always forgiving, and always accepting us as HIs children. We can reflect on this story and see which son we might be, but we should also remember that God’s love is infinite and He bestows it on each of us. We don’t need to be perfect, but only willing to accept God’s forgiveness, compassion, and love. Jesus laid down His life for us, as the fatted calf, to celebrate our return to the Father.
3rd Sunday of Lent
Originally delivered on March 19, 1995
Readings: Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15; Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Luke 13:1-9
In this week’s homily, Fr. Healy talks about the role of the preacher to be a messenger of Jesus’s message. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us not to do the simplistic thing of blaming people for their struggles. We are called to love each and every person. We must stop blaming God and take responsibility for our collective circumstances.
7th Sunday of Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38
Originally delivered on February 23, 1992
We are called and anointed to make peace, forgive our enemies, and do good to those that would persecute us. In the Gospel today, Jesus says, “To you who hear me…” Are we hearing Him? Indeed, we must hear with our hearts. In the second reading, Paul tells us that we are natural beings before being divine. We are reminded that we are called to bring the Kingdom of God and His love and forgiveness to our sisters and brothers in the here and now. We know that Jesus told us to love our enemies, have we heard it in our hearts? Have we translated that love into deeds? Will we seize this sacred moment and make something of it?
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Originally delivered on February 5, 1989
Readings: Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8; Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8,11; Luke 5:1-11
In this week’s Gospel, we hear Jesus tell us to push beyond our security to take a chance on Him and to enter into the work of the Gospel. For each person hearing this message, it is a unique experience. Perhaps god is speaking to us to tithe unto the Lord and to take seriously His challenge to let go of our need for security.
Presentation of the Lord
Originally delivered on February 2, 1992
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we are reminded that we will likely always experience highs as well as our lows. Our God comforts and challenges us. We must be ready to be servants of our God.
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-12
Originally delivered on January 15, 1989
In this week’s Gospel we hear of the first miracle at the wedding of Cana. We are invited to see Mary as a symbol for the Church itself. Furthermore, we are challenged to be like Mary and get involved. And in the second reading, Paul tells us that each of us is uniquely gifted. Do we believe it? Are we brave enough to use that gift to make glorious things for God? Anne Frank and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were both ordinary people. We too are ordinary people. How might we make our light shine as they did?
Epiphany
Originally delivered on January 8, 1995
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Today we are reminded that there are strangers waiting to be welcome by us. They, the strangers, are also waiting to share their gifts with us. To what extent are we living in celebration of one another?
Christmas
Originally Delivered on December 25, 1991
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25
On this Christmas Day, we are reminded that we must be a hopeful people because of Jesus. We are again called to be the hope for our sisters and brothers.
Weekly Homilies 