Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ
 
Today’s Homily begins with a personal story from the seminary when, out of inexperience, . . .

. . . he failed to show proper respect to a bishop by kissing his ring.

This memory connects to the Gospel message where Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes: they teach the truth but fail to live it out, burdening others while seeking power, honor, and recognition.

The Homily challenges us not to discard the truth of the message because of flawed messengers but instead to focus on living faithfully. Hypocrisy is not only a clerical problem but one that all Christians can fall into when their actions contradict their faith.

Jesus warns against the temptations of power, pleasure, and honor, urging believers to be authentic witnesses. The Blessed Mother serves as a model of humility, love, and faithfulness, pointing us to her Son and calling us to align our words with our actions.

Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to

Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ
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The Twelve-Year Old Jesus in the Temple: German Artist and Painter: Max Liebermann: 1879
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Gospel Reading Matthew 23: 1-12
First Reading Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Meditation for the Week

Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ

A formation talk on "The Soul", given to friends on Aug.30/25.

The Soul- A Talk - SD Formation on Aug 30:25

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on August 31, 2025. The readings are from Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29, Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a & Luke 14:1, 7-14.

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You Have Wounds. They Can Be Healed

Holy Spirit

Deacon Tom Cabeen’s homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Livestreamed on August 31, 2025, for the 11:15 am Holy Mass from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Deacon Tom Cabeen’s homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 31, 2025. 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how Jesus invites us to take the lowest place so that He we can encounter Him there and He can take us up to a higher place.

August 31, 2025. The Lowest Place

Fr. Walsh reminds us that Ash Wednesday ashes are a sign pointing to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, not the source of salvation. He urges us to live true humility by reaching out in service to those in need, where Christ continues to suffer with His people.

Fr. Walsh: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on September 1, 2025. The readings are from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13 & Luke 4:16-30.

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Connect with us!
 
Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw

Caught in a Thorn Bush - Submit to Being Saved

Homilies for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

Archbishop Etienne @ Vigil Mass
Fr. Dodoma @ Life Teen Mass
Fr. Chad @ 730 Mass

Homilies | 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

Homilies for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

Fr. Chad @ Vigil Mass
Deacon John @ 730 Mass

Homilies | 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

A community dedicated to Christ and the evangelization of Payne County, OK.

Slaking Thirsts is a podcast for those whose hearts ache, pine, hunger and thirst for more.  With his dying breath, Jesus looked upon humanity and said, "I thirst."  He thirsts that we would thirst for Him, and He is our thirst quenched.  This podcast is meant to bring these two great thirsts into conversation, that thirsts would be slaked by love, intimacy, vulnerability and friendship with the LORD.

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