Romero
1st Sunday of Advent
Originally delivered on December 3, 1989
Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Now is the time for us to take action. In a passionate homily, even more so than usual, Fr. Healy encourages us to be participants and seize the sacred moment, and to turn our swords into plowshares. Let us put on the armor of light that is Jesus Christ. Now is the hour, for us to work for peace, love, and fellowship with our sisters and bothers throughout the world. We are reminded of the martyrs from El Salvador and Nicaragua, including Archbishop Romero, who were slain in the name of peace. Let the blood of these martyrs to propel each of us to be peacemakers in our time.
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Originally delivered on November 19, 1989
Readings: Malachi 3:19-20; Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21: 5-19
In this week’s Gospel, we hear Fr. Healy’s anger and passion regarding the murder of fellow priest, Segundo Montes, S.J., in El Salvador just three days before the homily was delivered. He goes on to talk about what the financial realities were with Duquesne University and the Washington Office on Haiti. We are reminded that ten years earlier, Archbishop Oscar Romero was also murdered because he fought for the poor. He goes on to remind us that this week’s Gospel tells us that horrible things will happen, including death for some. Despite these things, we are called to bear witness and to stand up for our sisters and brothers. Indeed, we must bring light to every area of government and society where injustice exists. Are we willing to get into a little bit of trouble, in the name of Jesus?
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Originally delivered on September 10, 1989
Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18; Paul to Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33
In this Gospel, we are reminded of what it takes for us to be followers of Jesus. We must be ready to sacrifice ourselves, as Archbishop Romero did, for our sisters and brothers. Unless we embrace the cross each and every day, we cannot be a disciple of Jesus. Although alone we cannot change a corrupt system or arrangement, we can each do something to change the situation for the good of all. If we feel overwhelmed by this challenge from the Gospel, then we can look to the first reading in the book of Wisdom and remember that God sent his Holy Spirit from to enlighten and empower us to be instruments of peace, justice, and love.
Weekly Homilies 