Liturgical Seasons and Celebrations

Regarding Feast Days and Liturgical Seasons

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WILL POPE LEO BE A LOST OPPORTUNITY

The Ascension of Jesus
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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.

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THE “PAGAN” FEAST OF CHRISTMAS?

Fr. Bill addresses the assertion of some groups that Christmas was originally a pagan feast.

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Waiting for Christ & Anticipating Death

Homily – 33rd Sunday of the Year – B
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Mark 13:24-32

Christians do not fixate on when Jesus will Return in Glory. Fr. Bill preaches on how Catholics wait in hope for Christ’s Return, but live their lives in anticipation of Death; once the ultimate alienation from God because of sin, is now saturated with God’s presence because of Christ. Fr. Bill also talks about how Catholics anticipate Death, and ultimately celebrate it as they commend the faithful departed.

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ST. PATRICK OF IRELAND AND THE CONFIDENCE OF CHRISTIANS

Homily
5th Sunday of Lent / St. Patrick’s Day

John 12:20-33

The Second Half of the Gospel of John presents a Confident Jesus, determined to carry out His Father’s will. St. Patrick evangelized Ireland with the same zeal and surety in his message and mission. Fr. Bill ties the two together, including a prayer from among the earliest tradition of Christian evangelization as the Church begins the final days and weeks of the Season of Lent.

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LENTEN RESURRECTION

Lent inevitably ends with the 50-day celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Bill talks about how the Resurrection is presented in the Gospels, what patterns they follow, what themes they present, and how we can encounter the Risen Jesus continually as His Followers.

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TEMPTING THE TEMPTER

The Temptations of Jesus in the Desert
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Homily – First Sunday of Lent

Fr. Bill preaches on the Temptation of Jesus and how engaging fully in the practices, observances, penances and sacrifices during Lent actually invite temptation as part of the Spiritual Exercises of the season.