Sunday Homilies - Year C

The phomily explores Christian teachings, emphasizing that **God's law is inherently known** and accessible through **natural law and conscience**. It highlights the **Good Samaritan parable** as a central illustration of **Jesus's role as Savior** and the **compassion Christians are called to emulate**. The sources discuss **humanity's fallen state due to original sin** and the **necessity of God's grace** for overcoming temptation and living a holy life. Ultimately, the text asserts that **fidelity to Christ** involves **loving God and neighbor**, active participation in **sacraments like reconciliation**, and a **commitment to ongoing spiritual growth** through divine assistance.

Homily-15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily explores the Christian virtue of hospitality, extending beyond mere social courtesy to encompass an intimate welcome of Christ into our homes, lives, and hearts, emphasizing the importance of our internal disposition when serving God and others.  Furthermore, it delves into St. Augustine's interpretation of Martha and Mary as representing the Church's active service (Martha) in the world and its contemplative longing (Mary) for future union with God, asserting that the Church, as the Mystical Body of Christ, perpetually "receives the Lord into her heart" primarily through the Eucharist, which fosters unity and empowers its mission. Fr. Blair concludes by advocating for a balanced integration of active and contemplative life for all disciples, stressing that true understanding comes from realizing that "the one thing necessary" is a relationship with God.

Homily-16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

the homily emphasizes three core aspects of personal relationship with God: divine intimacy, persistent prayer, and trust in God's generosity. In this relationship we should foster a close, familial relationship with God, akin to children speaking to a loving Father. Father Blair highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer, citing the centuries-long construction of cathedrals as an analogy for enduring effort, and uses Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah to exemplify faithful persistence. Finally, it stresses trust in God's boundless mercy and desire to give good gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, assuring believers that through baptism and Christ's sacrifice, they can confidently approach God without fear, just as Jesus taught in the "Our Father."

Homily-17 Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily explores the concept of "becoming rich toward God," emphasizing that true fulfillment comes not from worldly possessions, but from prioritizing a relationship with God and living according to His will. It argues that many people mistakenly root their priorities in "the things of this world," leading to spiritual imbalance. Instead, the text highlights that Jesus offers the only truly human path to abundant life, holiness, and heaven through an "all-encompassing and transformative relationship." The path to this spiritual richness involves two primary avenues: engaging in a sacramental life to receive divine grace and become more Christ-like, and cultivating virtues, particularly the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, which foster a deep connection with the Holy Trinity. Ultimately, the homily asserts that aligning our lives with God's moral law, as exemplified by Jesus, is essential for spiritual well-being and is the definitive way to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."

Homily-18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

The homily emphasizes the Catholic understanding of "Semper Paratus," or "Always Ready," as a call to an active, intentional, and vigilant Christian life. Fr. Blair urges believers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly ones, fostering a deep and dynamic relationship with God through faith, hope, and charity. He highlights the importance of constant readiness for God's coming, whether at the end of one's life or time, and underscores the necessity of ongoing purification, as exemplified by the concept of purgatory, for ultimate communion with God. Furthermore, he connects individual spiritual preparedness with a commitment to transforming the world through good works and living out the Gospel in daily life, drawing upon biblical examples like Abraham to illustrate faith as a journey of trust and detachment.

Homily - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily expands on Hebrews 11 and 12, interpreting the "great cloud of witnesses" as the heroes of faith who have gone before, now residing in the "stands of heaven" and cheering on contemporary believers. The speaker draws parallels between this spiritual stadium and modern sports arenas, emphasizing that believers are part of a community of saints, both living and departed, who are all striving toward holiness and eternal life. Ultimately, the message reinforces that individuals are not alone in their faith journey, but are surrounded, supported, and interceded for by a vast multitude of those who have already completed their race.

Homily-20thSundayofOrdinaryTime_01

 Fr Blair's homily explores the multifaceted nature of salvation, emphasizing its universal call to all people while also highlighting the personal effort and perseverance required to achieve it. It discusses God's justice and mercy, the reality of heaven and hell, and the importance of genuine friendship with Christ over mere external observance. The author also addresses and refutes the theological heresies of universal salvation and "once saved, always saved," underscoring human freedom to reject God and the ongoing struggle inherent in Christian discipleship. Ultimately, Fr Blair asserts that salvation is an open invitation through Jesus, the narrow gate, demanding radical love and a faithful response to God's grace throughout one's life.

Homily-21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

The homily focuses on the biblical concept of humility, drawing from a Gospel reading in Luke where Jesus teaches about seeking the lowest place at a banquet and inviting those who cannot repay. Fr. Blair emphasizes that humility is the antidote to pride, a deadly sin that fosters self-love and division. 

Homily-22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Fr. Blair's homily explores the demands of authentic Christian discipleship, emphasizing that it requires more than superficial emotions. It highlights the necessity of intellectual engagement, commitment, and sacrifice, contrasting this with the appealing but ultimately misleading "prosperity gospel" which prioritizes material gain over spiritual growth. Also discusses the importance of prioritizing God above all else, even over family or personal possessions, and offers practical tools like a "program of life" and spiritual exercises to foster spiritual maturity. Ultimately, it argues that true discipleship involves voluntarily embracing difficulties as a consequence of faith and developing a freedom from worldly attachments.

Homily - 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily centers on the profound meaning of the cross, moving beyond its historical brutality to its spiritual significance. It emphasizes that Christ's crucifixion, though a horrific act of human cruelty, is ultimately a symbol of God's immense love and salvific mercy. It urges believers to reflect deeply on Jesus's suffering, not to dwell on the "bloody awfulness," but to understand the cost of salvation and the bridge it forms between humanity and God. This understanding should inspire a call to action, transforming believers into "missionary disciples" who embody Christ's love and are willing to sacrifice for the spread of His message. Ultimately, the cross is presented as a constant reminder of God's love and grace, a catalyst for repentance, transformation, and a commitment to living a life of active faith.

Homily-Feast of the Exultation of the Cross

The Declaration of Independence & The American Dream: An Incarnation of the Human Condition 

Homily - 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This Homily explores the concept of faith, contrasting mere natural belief with the profound trust in God central to Jewish and Catholic traditions, exemplified by Abraham. It emphasizes that biblical faith, or emunah, is not simply intellectual assent but an active reliance and faithfulness that compels consistent behavior and action, clarifying that what people often seek when asking for "more faith" is actually a desire for greater faithfulness. The text explains that faith is a foundational theological virtue—a free gift from God that leads to a deep desire to understand and act upon divine revelation. Ultimately, this living faith works through charity and is perfected by the Holy Spirit, enabling the Christian to live a righteous life that is marked by fidelity to commitments and the constant imitation of Christ.

Homily-27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily explores gratitude as a fundamental moral virtue that requires daily nurturing to prevent a shift toward indifference and entitlement. It contrasts the innate wonder and awe observed in infancy with the adult tendency to lose this virtuous disposition, drawing on biblical references like St. Paul's letter to the Romans to illustrate the consequences of ungrateful thinking. Fr. Blair emphasizes that gratitude is rooted in the recognition that everything is a divine gift, aligning the heart with God’s generosity and leading to fruits such as deeper communion, humility, and increased generosity. Crucially, the text positions the Eucharist—meaning "thanksgiving"—as the central act of Christian worship where this virtue is most fully nurtured and where human thanks are transformed into divine offering.

Homily-28th Sunday of Ordinary time

The homily primarily discusses the Christian imperative to be immersed in scripture and persistent in prayer to maintain faith until the return of Christ. Fr. Blair stresses that true persistent prayer is not about struggling to make time for specific prayers but about cultivating a prayerful disposition—an abiding awareness of God's presence throughout all daily activities, including while driving or sleeping. He explains that while formal prayers and participating in Mass are important, they serve to support this deeper state of persistent prayerfulness. 

Homily - 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily centers on the Gospel parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing the crucial disposition of humility required to receive God's grace and forgiveness. The Pharisee, convinced of his own righteousness, was condemned because he exalted himself and demonstrated no need for God's mercy, essentially praying only to himself. In stark contrast, the tax collector humbly confessed his sinfulness, crying out, "Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner," and was therefore justified by God. Fr. Blair connects this humble plea to the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") and stresses that God is tirelessly forgiving, urging listeners to seek reconciliation frequently and immediately, recognizing that only the refusal to ask for mercy can hold back God's boundless love.

Homily-30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily explores the Catholic theology surrounding the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell, focusing particularly on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls' Day. The central theme is the Christian hope for eternal life through sharing in Christ's resurrection, which is contrasted with a necessary acknowledgment of the spiritual realities of death, judgment, and the possibility of hell.

Homily - All Souls

Homily-All Saints

A homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the ancient mother church and seat of the Pope. The Gospel reading recounts Jesus cleansing the temple and referring to his own body as the ultimate temple, which frames the homily's central theme. The celebration honors the People of God—the faithful who are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit—rather than merely the physical structure. This leads to a strong emphasis on the universal call to holiness and the critical need for believers to offer an authentic witness to the world, using Jesus as the model for true human excellence. Without a deep commitment to personal transformation and love, the church becomes nothing more than a system of rules and buildings. Ultimately, the homily encourages the audience to recognize and honor the sacredness of every human being as their mission to transform the world.

Homily-Feast of St John Latteran

The homily contrasts the radical individualism of Ayn Rand’s Objectivism with the Christian call to communal faith and sacrifice, framed by a Gospel reading about impending judgment and the need for perseverance. The speaker details Rand's fierce opposition to Pope Paul VI's 1967 encyclical, which warned against avarice and soul-stifling materialism as hindrances to true human development. Arguing that one cannot effectively straddle these two worldviews, the homilist stresses that a person must choose between prioritizing self-interest or committing fully to a relationship with Jesus Christ. He shares a personal anecdote, noting that reading Rand’s works—which he initially embraced—served as a crucial, horrifying catalyst for his spiritual awakening. The overarching message encourages believers to live an integrated Christian life defined by love of God and neighbor, ensuring readiness for the inevitable judgment mentioned in the day's scripture.

Homily-33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

This homily celebrates the Feast of Christ the King, emphasizing that it was established to recall humanity’s only hope amidst societies striving to build utopia by rejecting Christian values. The text highlights that Christ’s sovereignty is paradoxically revealed through his loving obedience and sacrifice, which transfers followers from darkness into his redemptive kingdom, as demonstrated when he offers salvation to the repentant thief. Consequently, Christians are called to profess their allegiance to Christ the King by aligning every aspect of their lives—not just private worship—with Gospel values, maintaining an integrity of being in the public sphere. Ultimately, this commitment requires active participation and a courageous public defense of faith through obedience and self-forgetting love, mirroring martyrs who died proclaiming, "Long live Christ the King!"

Sunday Homilies - Year C

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