History

American and Church History

by

ERIKA KIRK & FORGIVENESS

Is it Even Possible to Forgive in such an Unforgiving Culture?

During a Memorial rally for her husband, Erika Kirk publicly declared that she forgives her husband’s killer. Fr. Bill discusses the basic Christian mandate to Forgive and discusses the many misunderstandings people attach to the idea and practice of Forgiveness.

by

IGNORANCE OF HISTORY LEADS TO CATASTROPHE

Fr. Bill discusses how an Ignorance of History has led to the divisions we see today in the Nation and in the Church, illustrating the dire consequences that result from a willing and often coerced ignorance of History, of the Nation, of the Church, of the Mass, even of the Scriptures themselves, and how such ignorance has led to the sharp divisions that result in the violence we are seeing in current events. Fr. Bill also suggests how growing in our knowledge of History, and with the use of modern means of communication, we can take the initiative, for the first time in history, to put as serious curb on the trends of violence and ignorance and move forward as a society in peace and knowledge.

by

THE CROSS OF CHRIST & THE AMERICAN FLAG

Two Symbols of Freedom Joined

Homily – TRIUMP OF THE CROSS

The Cross is the symbol of Freedom for the Human Race. The American Flag is the Symbol of Freedom for the United States; Founded on Christian principles and enjoying Freedom of Religion. Fr. Bill preaches on the Triumph of the Cross of Christ and the Anniversary of the Siege of Fourt McHenry and how Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner” is a fitting tribute to the National Flag of a Christian Nation.

by

WILL POPE LEO BE A LOST OPPORTUNITY

The Ascension of Jesus
—-
Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11

Fr. Bill preaches about the new papacy of Pope Leo XIV in light of the celebration of the Lord’s Ascension into Heaven.

by

Vatican II & the Conciliar Tradition of the Church

Homily – 6th Sunday of Easter – C
—
Acts of the Apostles 16:1-29
List of Ecumenical Councils
16 Documents of Vatican II (list)

Fr. Bill preaches on the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem and how Catholic conciliar tradition, down to the Second Vatican Council, is modeled after the first crisis and resolution faced by the Apostolic generation.

by

MORE ON POPE LEO XIV

It was reported that when Pope Leo XIV was asked if he had any message for his country of origin, the USA, he responded “a few”. Fr. Bill talks about how we Catholics can anticipate (and get ahead of) any message the Holy Father might have for the people of the United States, regardless of what that message eventually is.

by

DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS – Remembering His Papacy in Context

Pope Francis passed away the morning after Easter Sunday. Fr. Bill offers thoughts on his papacy in light of the history of the Church since Vatican II, the age of social media, the criticism of aspects of his papacy, and the overall trio of papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis (the first).

by

HOW DOES GOD PUNISH EVIL?

The Parable of the Fig Tree
Luke 13:1-9
—–
Homily – 3rd Sunday of Lent – Year C

Was AIDS a punishment for sin? Was 9/11 a punishment of the United States for its sins? Were the victims of the collapse of the Tower of Siloam more sinful because they suffered that catastrophe? Fr. Bill preaches on the issue of God punishing for sin and how the Parable of the Fig tree clarifies the question, bringing in a whole new element to the issue.