POPE ST. JOHN XXIII – The Great?

Catholics throughout the world were excited with the canonization of John Paul II as a Saint, many calling for his designation as “The Great”. Fr. Bill discusses the “overlooked Pope” canonized the same day. What was the legacy of Pope St. John XXIII, and, perhaps, should he also be considered among “The Great” among Popes?

…AND GOD MADE MARRIAGE

How God Made Marriage and What it Means for Christians
—–
Homily – 27th Sunday of the Year (B)
Mark 10:2-12

Fr. Bill preaches on how Marriage is linked to Creation, what it means for us as Human Beings, and how We are Called to more fully embrace it as God Created it.

CUTTING OFF THE GREAT MILLSTONE – Why Did Jesus Use Such Extreme Rhetoric

Sunday Homily
26th Sunday of the Year – B
—–
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Cut off your hand! Cast into the sea with a great millstone around your neck! Jesus uses extreme language in his teaching. Fr. Bill discusses what it all means, why Jesus uses such language, and how we as Christians can follow such extreme teaching (without resorting to dismemberment).

ELECTION 2024 & OUR NATION’S FOUNDING – Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

Fr. Bill has decided to read the Federalist Papers beginning October 1. In preparation he is reading through “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, written to present an argument in favor of the Revolution against English rule.

Fr. Bill takes points of Paine’s work and discusses how “Common Sense” is still relevant to what the nation is experiencing now in the midst of the current election cycle.

How Does Election Rhetoric Measure Up to the US Constitution?

During Election Seasons there is a lot of soaring rhetoric by candidates for office, some hopefully, some doomsaying, some declaring what the candidate will or will not do if elected. Fr. Bill addresses some of the rhetoric and matches it against what is directed in the Constitution of the United States.

HOW TO RESPECT AND RENEW CATHOLIC TRADITION

Homily
22nd Sunday of the Year – B

“Tradition” is a word that is tossed around a lot in Catholic circles. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees clinging to human tradition. Fr. Bill preaches about what Tradition, what it means for the Church, what its origins and aims are and how we can renew and restore meaningful Catholic traditions.

SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE – AMERICAN STYLE

Fr. Bill discusses the Western Political principle of the Separation of Church and State in light of Catholic Saints like Stephen of Hungary and the Gospel reading that is shared on the occasion of his Feast Day. Fr. Bill applies the example of St. Stephen to Modern Political Leaders who profess a Catholic Faith in a society that exercises the Separation of Church and State while also enjoying Freedom of Religion.

CATHOLIC/CHRISTIAN READING – Fr. Bill’s Recommendations

Fr. Bill presents a handful of recommendations from Catholic History. Recommendations include the writings of such Church Fathers as Ignatius of Sts. Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Justin Martyr, Augustine, Benedict as well as the works of St. John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila and Thomas Merton.