Sunday, February 24, 2013, Second Sunday of Lent—“The Patient Process of Transfiguration” Our efforts at engaging conversion and growing in our spiritual lives can be as frustrating as playing golf: as soon as you get one part improved, another part seems to fall apart. Lent provides us with a time to aware of the patience needed to attend to our efforts to grow in holiness and to trust that Christ will transform us in the same way he was transfigured on the mountain.
Sunday, February 17, 2012, First Sunday of Lent – “Pope Benedict’s Resignation: He Teaches Humility” Fr. David takes time to explain the surprising announcement from Pope Benedict XVI that he will resign from the Petrine ministry and how the process of selecting a new Holy Father will take place.
Sunday, February 10, 2012, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time –“God Calls Sinners to Serve Him”
Fr. David shares the amazing story of the counterfeiter and impersonator Frank Abignale, Jr., featured in the film “Catch Me if You Can” to illustrate how a criminal came to serve the cause of justice and integrity. Similarly, Isaiah, Paul and Peter experienced God calling them in spite of their sinfulness. God calls us all to forgive, strengthen and send us forth to witness to his presence in our world.
Sunday, February 3, 2012, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Hospitality Makes Room for Change”
When Jesus preached so eloquently in his hometown synagogue, the townspeople were not able to change their perception of him. They still thought of him as a carpenter’s son, and they could not welcome him. The virtue of hospitality calls us to be willing to change our perceptions of others and our personal habits to welcome others.
Sunday, January 27, 2012, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. David was away from the parish for the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.
Sunday, January 20, 2013, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time—“The Unique Bond and Symbolism of Marriage” The marital imagery in the passages from Isaiah and John provide an opportunity to consider the US Bishops' request that Catholics pray for the protection of marriage as the unique relationship and union of one man and one woman. We are called to support marriage and to reach out in compassion to those who experience same-sex attractions.
Sunday, January 13, 2013, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord—“The Declaration of Baptism” Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan river signaled the beginning of his campaign against the Devil and liberation of all human beings from his grasp. Our baptism should also be a moment of declaration for belief in Christ and calling upon his aid to resist the wiles of the Evil One
Sunday, January 6, 2013, Feast of the Epiphany—“What the Star Really Tells Us”
What really was the star that Matthew describes and which the Magi followed to find Christ? Modern means of astronomy reveal a fascinating story of a celestial poem that God wrote for his Son in the heavens.
Sunday, December 30, 2012, Feast of the Holy Family—“Praying with the Intensity of a Parent”
The children of the congregation help Fr. David illustrate the story of the lost boy Jesus being found by his parents, Mary and Joseph. The same fervent prayer of a parent seeking a lost child should model the intensity with which we pray for the protection of life, marriage and religious freedom in our country.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012, Christmas Midnight Mass—“A Christmas Gift of Self”
Fr. David shares a story of a boyhood gift he received that illustrates the great hope we may all have in the gift of Jesus born for us at Christmas. The greatest gift is the gift of our very selves.
Sunday, December 23, 2012, Fourth Sunday of Advent—“Called to Share out of Gratitude”
Bishop Michael Jackels offers his Christmas message to the faithful of the diocese and seminarian JD Betzen shares how our support of the Christmas Call to Sharing enables his continued pursuit of a priestly vocation.
Sunday, December 16, 2012, Third Sunday of Advent—“When Tragedy Darkens Joy” This Sunday's exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord always” was greatly challenged by the occurrence of the deadly shooting at a grade school in Newton, Connecticut. How can we be joyful when we mourn for those whom tragedy has struck or when we ourselves face tragic events in our lives? How does the mystery of Christ's birth and his ultimate tragic death address this conflict in our lives of faith? Fr. David explores this daunting experience.
Sunday, December 9, 2012, Second Sunday of Advent—“Advent: A Time to be Unhindered” This weekend’s opening prayer for Mass asks God that we not be hindered by earthly undertakings as we make haste toward Christ, His Son. St. Juan Diego, whose feast day is celebrated on December 9th, is an example of a humble man who was unhindered with the help of Blessed Virgin Mary to be a messenger for her and her Son.
Sunday, December 2, 2012, First Sunday of Advent—“Raise Your Head at Christ’s Coming” Jesus’ admonition to his followers to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand,” presents a hopeful theme for the beginning of the season of Advent. No matter the challenges or calamities that life may pose to us, Our Lord assures us that our faith in Him will save the day.
Sunday, November 25, 2012, The Solemnity of Christ the King—“A Kingdom of Loving Service”
Pontius Pilate’s confusion about the nature of Jesus’ kingship and kingdom may be similar to the misunderstanding currently existing between our government and the Catholic Church. Christ comes to serve as our King, to be served. The life of one of His subjects, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, illustrates the great service and citizenship that members of the Church may offer our society.
Sunday, November 18, 2012, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Seeing the Signs of the Season” Just as we can begin to look around and see the signs of the holidays manifesting themselves in decorations and music, so we can also follow Jesus’ admonition to watch for the signs of His second coming in glory. As the end of the liturgical year approaches, so do we once again rouse ourselves to be observant for Jesus’ presence in our lives by practicing the Stewardship Way of Life: ‘When will we start striving for eternal life?’
Sunday, November 11, 2012, Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time—“The Widow’s Might”
Fr. David reflects upon the life and example of his next door neighbor, Mrs. Carmichael, who, as a widow, cared for her grandson, Fr. David’s childhood friend. Mrs. Carmichael was a living example for Fr. David of the same trust and sacrifice that the widow, whom Jesus notices, displays. Her sacrificial gift is a hallmark of the practice of Stewardship.
Sunday, November 4, 2012, Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Stewardship Renewal: Boiling it all Down to Love” “Which is the greatest commandment?” asks the scribe of Jesus: Loving God and loving neighbor. This dual love is also reflected in the Stewardship Way of Life which calls us to “share these gifts in love of God and neighbor.” Just as the two great commandments are not options for us Christians, so Stewardship is not an option for us today. It is a way of life.
Sunday, October 28, 2012, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“The Lifelong Journey of Stewardship” The scriptural images of a pathway in the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah and the roadway along which the blind Bartimaeus sat as he called to Jesus, provide an apt way of introducing the new Stewardship theme: “Stewardship opens the door of faith to a lifelong journey.” Fr. David explains the meaning of the Stewardship poster and the renewal materials for parishioners of St. Mary.
Sunday, October 21, 2012, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“God Suffers out of Love for Us” How often have we or people we know gotten angry with God because of sufferings or losses we faced? How many of us think that God is impervious to feeling sadness from such suffering and trial? This Sunday's readings give us reason to consider how, when God ransomed his Son for us, both he and his Son experienced the pain and alienation of suffering.
Sunday, October 14, 2012, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Tithing Places God above Riches” ‘What must I do to gain eternal life?' The writer of the Book of Wisdom and the rich young man who approaches Jesus in Mark's gospel have different answers to this question that involve how they value riches. Each of us as Catholics are called to value our relationship with God wisely through the practice of tithing.
October 7, 2012, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Five Threats to Successful Marriage” Marriage is a sacrament and a gift to all of us; a loving relationship between a husband and wife that has the potential to save our culture. Sadly, many accepted cultural behaviors this day lead to the failure of marriage and the banishment of the happiness people think those behaviors will bring them. Fr. David identifies five such harmful behaviors.
September 30, 2012, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Principles Before Politics”
The scriptures this weekend portray Moses and Jesus as demonstrating that God’s Spirit of Truth rises above what camp or group to which one may belong. Similarly, the principles of our Catholic faith rise above political parties or candidates and guide us in voting according to the principles of Truth revealed to us through the Church.
September 23, 2012, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Wisdom from Above: God’s Natural Law” James speaks of a conflict between human passions—illustrated by the apostles jostling for power in Mark’s gospel—and God’s Wisdom, which establishes harmony, order and peace. This wisdom is expressed in natural law, an apprehension of the truth with which God has created the world, and a wisdom which can guide our daily actions.
Sunday, September 9, 2012, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Are Our Ears Open to Listening?” Jesus' use of the command, “Ephphatha—Be Opened!” to heal the deaf man gives us reason to consider if we are open to listening to God and neighbor in our life. What impediments to hearing well may need to be removed in our lives?
Sunday, September 2, 2012, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time—“It Takes a Church to Make a Bible” - While Moses tells the Israelites not to add or subtract from the commandments, Jesus takes the Pharisees to task for doing that very thing: adding to the law and making mere human precepts into doctrines. It may seem like the Catholic Church does the same thing by practicing many things that are not described in the Bible. Fr. David describes two other important sources of divine revelation besides the Bible.
Sunday, August 26, 2012, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time – “It's Easier to Love a Person than a Saying” - Many of Jesus' disciples cannot accept him as the Bread of Life, his Body and Blood given as food for Eternal Life. It is a hard saying for them. Perhaps if they got to know Jesus better and grew in their relationship with him, that hard saying would have been easier to bear. When have we done something hard because of who we did it for or with? Relationships make hard things easy.
Sunday, August 19, 2012, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time –“Checklist for the Worthy Reception of Holy Communion” - Just as a KC-135 pilot does a pre-flight check to insure optimum flight performance, so we Catholics can maximize our spiritual life. Fr. David shares a checklist of steps to enable Catholics to receive Holy Communion worthily and reap the graces that God wishes to bestow upon us.
Sunday, August 12, 2012, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – “Coping with the Fatigue of Elijah” - The prophet Elijah journeys into the wilderness and asks for death to escape his tribulations, but God provides bread and water for him to continue his trek. When we face life's trials and would just as soon hide in bed or worse, God nourishes us with the Eucharist to continue our trek through life and encounter Him along the way.
Sunday, August 5, 2012, Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – “God's Miraculous Dew” - Before Mt. Dew was energizing people as high-caffeine soft drink, God provided his own dew that brought about divine life to the Israelites, as manna, and for us today in the Holy Eucharist. The second Eucharistic prayer speaks about this dew of the Holy Spirit that descends upon us at Holy Mass.
Sunday, July 29, 2012, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - "Humility:
A Beneficial Reality Check" - The virtue of humility offers us the gift
of accepting ourselves as we are, with our strengths and our weaknesses,
and enables us to be more effective instruments of God, who works
through the humble person.
Sunday, July 22, 2012, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Father David
was away from the parish visiting family.
Sunday, July 15, 2012, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - "Mission
Outreach: Sharing the Excitement of Discovery" - Fr. David shares a
humorous anecdote about his summer roommate, Fr. Brian, that serves as
an example of the type of enthusiasm that he hopes would inspire
missionaries to go out and proclaim the Gospel. He also shares insights
from the Catechism that speak of the missionary endeavor of the Church
in the world.
Sunday, July 8, 2012, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Father David
was away from the parish attending a high school youth rally in Denver.
Sunday, July 1, 2012, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Faith Accentuated by Humility” - Fr. David explores some of the details in the story of the synagogue official Jairus who beseeches Jesus to cure his daughter. Not only is faith necessary, but the virtue of humility.
Sunday, June 24, 2012, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity—“Preparing a Nation” Fr. David explains the unique status of the celebration of the birth of St. John the Baptist in the liturgical year as well as how the Baptist's role as a prophet may inspire us to continue our prayerful efforts to overturn the mandate by the Department of Health and Human Services and defend our constitutional right to freedom of religion and conscience.
Sunday, June 17, 2012, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time—“Heroes of the New Evangelization” Fr. David shares the life story of Blessed Chiara Bodano, an 18 year old Italian girl who bravely bore the ravages of cancer and is now on the road to canonization. Her life is an example of the heroism that the youth of the Church provides to bring about conversion of our world. Fr. David announces the renewal of Middle School youth ministry and invites Ms. Amber Williams to speak about plans to start EDGE youth ministry again at St. Mary.
Sunday, June 10, 2012, Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—“Blood that Bears Life, Not Infection” Today's sensitivity to the handling of and exposure to blood is negatively characterized by the fear of blood-born diseases. On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we Catholics challenge that notion as we meditate upon the divine life which the Blood of Christ transmits to us.
Sunday, June 3, 2012, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity—Father David was away from the parish and participating on the Pilsen Pilgrimage Walk in commemoration of Servant of God Chaplain Emil Kapaun.
Sunday, May 27, 2012, Pentecost Sunday— “A Promise Fulfilled” As the Apostles received spiritual gifts, or charisms, with which to serve the good of the Church, so each of us are endowed with charisms for serving others. Pentecost marks the fulfillment of God's promise to send the Spirit back into the hearts of men.
Sunday, May 20, 2012, Solemnity of the Ascension—“Raising Our Hope with the Ascension”
The Ascension, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, contains three meanings: humanity is ascended to and exalted in heaven; we are inspired to hope that where Christ has gone, we can follow; and Jesus now intercedes for us at his Father's right hand.
Sunday, May 12, 2012, Sixth Sunday of Easter—“The Gift of a Growing Church…and Our Responsibility”
The growth of the early Church described in the story of Peter and Cornelius in the Acts of the Apostles, continues today as evidenced by a recent article in the Wichita Eagle that points out how Catholicism is the largest and most growing denomination in Kansas in spite of a downward trend elsewhere in the nation. That same growth at St. Mary give an opportunity for a financial state of affairs by a member of the parish Finance Council.
Sunday, May 6, 2012, Fifth Sunday of Easter—“First Holy Communion: Remain Connected to Jesus!”
Fr. David encourages the children making their First Holy Communion to stay connected to Jesus like a branch stays connected to the vine, the True Vine, who is Jesus.
Sunday, April 29, 2012, Fourth Sunday of Easter—“Faith and Reason Lead to Miracles”
The story of a crippled man's healing in the Acts of the Apostles, of a young man's healing through the intercession of Servant of God Chaplain Emil Kapaun, and of a scientist's unimaginable experience in the motion picture “Contact” provide illustrations for how the act of Faith still has a role in our rationalistic world and supports reason to understand God even more clearly.
Sunday, April 22, 2012, Third Sunday of Easter – “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty”
Fr. David offers an update on the efforts of the Catholic Church in America, led by the US Bishops, to preserve the First Ammendment right to freedom of religion. He quotes from the Bishops' latest letter ‘Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,' and also beseeches Catholics to review their lives and faith on the matter of the use of artificial contraception and being converted to the openness to life in order to best witness to our government.
Sunday, April 15, 2012, Second Sunday of Easter - Fr. David was away from the parish this weekend.
Sunday, April 8, 2012, Easter Sunday – “The Easter Gift of Faith”
Why did Jesus only appear to just a few witnesses after his resurrection? Why didn't he show himself to all those who disbelieved and condemned him? Fr. David explores why the gift of faith precedes understanding that Jesus rose from the dead, and that those early witnesses, as well as we, ourselves, can pray for the supernatural gift of faith that strengthens our relationship with and witness to Jesus Christ.
Thursday, April 5, 2012, Mass of the Lord's Supper – “Which is Easier: to Serve or to be Served?”
While Jesus' example of washing his disciples' feet gives us an example of service, he also shows us the importance of allowing others to serve us when Peter at first refuses to let Jesus wash his feet. Jesus tells Peter that he must let his feet be washed if he is to be a follower. Can we be humble enough to ask others for the help of their service when we are in need?
Sunday, April 1, 2012, Passion/Palm Sunday – Instead of offering a homily, Fr. David invited the congregation to reflect upon the passion narrative of St. Mark in a period of silence.
Sunday, March 25, 2012, Fifth Sunday of Lent – “Covered and Bound Like Lazarus”
The story of Lazarus sets the stage for the beginning of Holy Week as Jesus faces a foreshadowing of the tomb in which he would soon be placed. And, as he called others to remove the coverings from Lazarus, so does Jesus remove the coverings and binding of sin and weakness that we experience.
Sunday, March 18, 2012, Fourth Sunday of Lent – “The Blind Man's True Worship”
The story of Jesus' healing of the man born blind is a story of the life of every Christian in miniature. That life includes a growth from blindness to true worship of God and the readings point out three important themes of anointing, vision and true worship.
Sunday, March 11, 2012, Third Sunday of Lent – Fr. David was away from the parish to present a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend.
Sunday, March 4, 2012, Second Sunday of Lent – “Withholdings from God” Using the memories of receiving his first paycheck, and a scene from the film “Rounders,” Fr. David reflects upon our call to the Stewardship Way of Life as one that poses no withholdings from God. Abraham was blessed in not withholding Isaac from sacrifice, God did not spare his own Son and blessed us, and we strive to hold nothing back as we recognize and receive God's gifts.
Sunday, February 26, 2012, First Sunday of Lent – “Seeking a Clear Conscience”
Father David asks for the help of the children of the congregation, particularly the Second Graders preparing for First Holy Communion, to help everyone reflect upon the importance of forming sound and well-educated consciences for a life-time of faithful living.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 – “The Limitless Effects of Forgiveness”
Using an illustration from the movie, “Limitless,” Fr. David expounds upon the positive spiritual effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our lives as Catholics and encourages us to make frequent use of Confession.
Sunday, February 12, 2012 – “False Compromises”
Fr. David follows up from last weekend on the Health and Human Services mandate that violates freedom of religion for Christians, as well as the right to follow conscience by speaking about the latest actions of the President to seek a compromise. That compromise ends up being no compromise at all, and the threat of the governments incursion into practice of faith and morals is still imminent, as a letter from Bishop Jackels states.
Sunday, February 5, 2012 – “Standing for the Rights of Conscience in Health Care Plans”
All of the readings at Mass this weekend speak about the burden that proclaiming the gospel entails. Even Jesus experienced fatigue in preaching and healing from village to village. Today, our Catholic bishops and we as Catholic faithful, must also assume the burden of the Gospel by praying for an end to a plan by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to mandate the coverage of contraception, sterilization and abortion in private health care plans.
Sunday, January 29, 2012 – Father David was away from the parish this weekend for a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 – “Keeping Faith in the Big City”
Both the prophet Jonah and St. Paul proclaim God's message of repentance to citizens of large cities: Ninevah and Corinth. They had to battle secularist-or worldly-ways of life to do so. As Catholics, we too must be willing to live our lives in a culture that distances itself more and more from an acknowledgement of God.
Sunday, January 15, 2012 – “No Family, No Vocations!”
Father David enlists the acting abilities of young members of the congregation to explore the story of the boy Samuel who learned God was calling him with the help of Eli the priest. Similarly, our sons and daughters need the help of their parents and family to learn to hear God's call to them. Without fruitful families, we will continue to lack vocations!
Sunday, January 8, 2012, Epiphany – Father David was away from the parish this weekend.
Sunday, January 1, 2012, Mary Mother of God – “Conquering Pornography: Pondering in our Hearts Purely”
Mary used her imagination and memory to ponder and reflect upon the life of her Son, Jesus. The scourge of pornography corrupts the use of human memory and imagination to objectify persons for sexual pleasure and devolves into fantasy. Mary and St. Joseph are strong allies in ending addictions to lust and growing in chastity.
Christmas Midnight Mass, December 25, 2011 – “The Ox and the Donkey”
The history of the Nativity Scene, first assembled by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, and a children's story about two stable animals present during Jesus' birth and first days on earth, provide illustrations for Fr. David's Christmas homily. Are we able to see and acknowledge Christ as did those first witnesses of his birth in Bethlehem?
Sunday, December 18, 2011 - “Christmas Call to Share”
This weekend, Bishop Jackels invites us to imitate the “Mary-like courage” of our Blessed Mother in saying yes to God’s plan for our lives and in supporting our retired priests and seminarians. Second year seminarian Zachary Pinaire also offer his thanks for the support of St. Mary parish and the diocese in helping him prepare for the priesthood.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 – “Being Recognized as a Catholic”
John the Baptist tells the Jews that one among them, whom they do not recognize, is the Messiah. Do others recognize us as Catholics, or are we reluctant to stand out? The recent news about Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, and his Christian witness provides an example of what bearing witness can look like in our lives.
Thursday, December 8, 2011, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – “Grace Doesn't Stop a Free Will”
Although Mary was conceived without Original Sin, she nevertheless still had a choice to make, her will to exercise, when Gabriel asked her to be the Mother of God. Grace doesn't take away our freedom of will. Like Mary we, too, can make a choice to accept or reject God's plan for us.
Sunday, December 4, 2011 – “Engaging in Spiritual Construction Work”
Fr. David recalls the experience of construction work on the Togwatee Pass in Wyoming during his summer vacation as a way of considering Isaiah's image of making a highway for the Lord in the first reading. The delays that such work may create (2 Peter) is, in fact, God's gift of time to help us do the necessary work of growing in our faith!
Sunday, November 27, 2011 – “Running Forth with Resolve”
The new translation of the Collect (Opening Prayer) for the First Sunday of Advent provides an image of running to meet Christ with expectation. Do we have that same resolve in our spiritual lives as do Black Friday shoppers seeking holiday gift bargains?
Sunday, November 20, 2011 – “Will we be Among ‘The Many?'”
Jesus' parable of the Last Judgment presents us with the fact that not “all” are saved, but only the “many” who respond to the least of His brothers. The new translation of the words of consecration for the Precious Blood also make us aware that, while God desires all people to be saved, not all will accept the gift…will we?
Sunday, November 13, 2011 – “Will We Invest in the New Translation?”
Just as the master of the industrious servants allowed them to share in his wealth with the talents that they multiplied in his absence, so God wants us to share in the abundance of his graces multiplied for us at Mass. Fr. David explains the translations of the prayers before the Preface of the Eucharist, the Holy, Holy, Holy, and he announces four new “translations” of the arrangement of the worship space at St. Mary.
Sunday, November 6, 2011 – “A Bride's Worst Nightmare?”
What would a bride do if five of her bridesmaids showed up for her wedding without their dresses? This modern day scenario might put into perspective the calamity that the five foolish virgins in Jesus' parable of watchfulness caused. What calamity might await us if we are preparing for the wrong things in life and overlooking our watchfulness for our Lord's return in glory?
Tuesday, November 1 – “Becoming Experts in Holiness”
How can we best explain our Catholic practice of venerating the saints? How do the saints support us now, during our lives on earth? What is one way to learn more about the saints? Fr. David answers these questions in his All Saints Day homily.
Sunday, October 30 – “Living the Faith We Profess”
The opening prayer for Mass on this Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time encourages us to “live the faith we profess.” Fr. David explores some of the new translations applied to the Nicene Creed, the Profession of Faith that we proclaim every Sunday.
Sunday, October 23 – “Gloria in excelsis Deo!”
The English philosopher Thomas Hobbes presented a grim outlook on the life of man which might be supported by the admonitions against corruption offered in the Book of Exodus. However, it was into this sometime grim world that the Son of God was sent to save us. Announced from on high by angelic choirs, the Incarnation is proclaimed every Sunday in the “Gloria” at Mass. The new Roman Missal's translation of the Gloria deepens our joy at God's saving plan.
Sunday, October 16 – “Give to God What is God's”
Jesus eludes a verbal trap of the Pharisees and declares that we give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. We Catholics give to God what is God's in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The new translation of the Roman Missal provides new insights into the Penitential Act that begins Mass wherein we give God sorrow for our sins, and He gives us pardon and peace.
Sunday, October 9 – “RSVP'ing for the Banquet”
How do we respond to invitations? In the mail? On Facebook? The invited guests to the wedding banquet of the king's son, as portrayed in Jesus' parable, ignore his invitation or come ill-prepared. At this time, we Catholics are being invited to participate in a new translation of the Roman Missal, the book of prayers for the Mass. Fr. David offers a brief history of the new translation and some of the new responses we are invited to learn.
Sunday, October 2 - Fr. David was away from the parish to offer a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend.
Sunday, September 25 – “United TOGETHER as a Diocese”
Bishop Michael Jackels offers this homily to encourage us as parishioners of St. Mary's and as members of the Diocese of Wichita to “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,” as St. Paul encourages the Philippians, and respond to the diocesan TOGETHER Vision appeal.
Sunday, September 18 – “A God of No Comparisons”
Fr. David invites the children of the parish to illustrate the gospel story of the laborers in the vineyard and shows that, while we may feel jealous when comparing ourselves to others, God offers his love unconditionally and with no comparison whatsoever!
Sunday, September 11 - “Forgiveness Heals Twice”
The Book of Sirach and gospel of Matthew speak of the act of forgiveness and how mercy heals not only the one who offends, but the one who is offended as well. A story about the Rwandan genocide survivor, Immaculee Ilibagiza, provides a poignant illustration of the freeing and healing effect of forgiveness for both her and her persecutors.
Sunday, September 4 - “Speaking Out as Watchmen for One Another”
The prophet Ezekiel is called to be a watchman for the Israelites and offer correction and guidance when needed. It is a role that we may find ourselves performing at times even though it may be uncomfortable for us. A newspaper article that Fr. David presents offers a present day example of speaking up to correct poor behavior.
Sunday, August 28 - “If You Could Do It Over Again”
Both the prophet Jeremiah and the Apostles face moments in which they reconsider their callings because of the struggles they entail. If they knew then what they knew now, perhaps they would have reconsidered accepting God's call! Haven't we also had similar moments of disillusionment? Nevertheless, God gives us the strength and courage to take up those crosses of doubt when they come.
Sunday, August 21 - “Fathers are the Key”
Eliakim, Chief Steward of the royal palace named in Isaiah, and St. Peter, the successor to Christ as head of the Church, receive symbolic keys of leadership. Just as important is the key leadership of fathers in their families as head of the household and primary example of living the faith as a spiritual leader!
Sunday, August 14 - “From Outside In”
Have you ever felt like an outsider? Fr. David relates his memory of being left out during a trying time in grade school as a way to relate to how the Canaanite woman might have felt when Jesus seemed to ignore her. Her great faith opened the door to God's gift of salvation that is for all people, not just insiders.
Sunday, August 7 - “Can You Hear Me Now?”
The prophet Elijah and Jesus ascend mountains to encounter God and communicate with him more clearly. Just like trying to get a cell phone signal in the mountains, we need to go up to higher ground, above the hectic pace of life, and tune in quietly to God's signal for us.
Sunday, July 24 - "Wise Treasure Hunters"
Synopsis: this weekend's scriptures speak of the Gift of Wisdom and how it helps us judge the things of the world as stepping stones to salvation. The examples of young king Solomon, the pearl merchant and even the bidders in the A&E reality series "Storage Wars" provide illustrations.
Sunday, July 17 - “Fields of Hope”
Whether it's a landowner whose wheat has been infested with weeds or a Kansas wheat farmer whose ripening crop was flattened by a hail storm, the hope that they demonstrate is inspiration for us all. When we hold out hope to sort out the weeds and wheat, sin and grace in our lives, we can be assured of God's mercy to give us “good grounds” for that hope to experience it's object: the joy of heaven.
Sunday, July 10 - “Riddles of Faith”
Fr. David shares a riddle he solved years ago as an example of how Jesus used parables—story riddles—to teach and inspire people to a deeper understanding of, and relationship with, him. The answer to the riddle that Fr. David shares is a five pointed star: the five points and five intersecting lines of the star mark the ten trees that the farmer had to plant in five rows with four trees in each row! (0:00-3:40 Gospel; 3:41-10:54 homily; 10:55-15:23 John & Connie Kennedy/PSR Enrollment)
Sunday, July 3 -
“The Yoke that Leads to Freedom”
Just as July 4th, Independence Day, commemorates the struggle for freedom between the American colonies and Great Britain, so this weekend’s readings present a spiritual struggle for freedom in which every Christian is engaged: the struggle between the flesh and Spirit. Jesus promises that his yoke will help us persevere. (0:00-1:20 Gospel; 1:21-14:07 homily)
Sunday, June 26
Fr. David introduces himself to St. Mary parish and draws upon a comparison to the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy in which
Moses assures the Israelites of God's continued care and guidance as
they prepare to enter the Promised Land. (0:00-01:40 Gospel;
1:41-14:09 Introduction and homily )
