In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Baptism of the Lord, exploring its profound significance as adoption into God’s family and the beginning of a journey toward glory. Baptism is more than a moment; it is the seed of eternal life, calling us to live lives of virtue, especially charity. Fr. Michael illustrates how the grace of Baptism transforms every aspect of life, using the example of marriage to show how virtue grows as we learn to lay down our lives in tenderness and love.

“Baptism: A Seed of Glory and a Call to Virtue” - Homily - Baptism of the Lord, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana and the First Reading, revealing how Christ invites us into a profound, loving, and joyful marriage covenant with God. By turning water into wine as His first miracle, Jesus shows His intent to draw us into a deep union with Him as the spouse of our soul. Fr. Michael explores the beauty of this covenant, where the Church becomes the bride of Christ, called to a life of love and joy in Him.

“The Bride of Christ: A Joyful Covenant of Love” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound proclamation of Jesus in the Gospel. Though suffering and injustice remain, Christ’s mission brings a revolutionary transformation through God’s grace, flowing from His wounded heart. Fr. Michael explores how this grace has reshaped the world, bearing fruit in politics, education, care for the poor, human rights, science, art, forgiveness, and community life. Discover how Christ’s grace continues to invite us into this divine transformation.

“The Revolution of Grace: Transforming the World Through Christ” - Homily - 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple and how Mary lived interiorly of the liturgy. She offered her Son to the Father, consecrating Him to God, while remaining open to the prophecy of Simeon and Anna. Fr. Michael challenges us to do the same—placing our lives, our children, our work, and all that we have on the altar. This is not just an act of worship but a way of life. He also encourages us to be open to hearing God’s voice today through Scripture, the Church, and the community.

“Living a Life of Worship: Placing Everything on the Altar” - Homily - Presentation of the Lord

Sermon by Pr. Craig Mueller on the Presentation of Our Lord + Sunday, February 2, 2025. 

Groundhog Day in Church

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the call of Peter and the words of Jesus: “Put out into the deep.” (Duc in altum). He explores the maturation of faith, using Peter as a model of spiritual growth. From listening in faith to stepping out in faith to becoming a fisher of souls, we see how Christ calls each of us into deeper trust, discipleship, and mission. How is Christ inviting you to grow in faith today?

“Duc in Altum: The Maturity of Faith” - Homily - 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ teaching that a tree is known by its fruits. He explores how we often misjudge ourselves, focusing on exterior success instead of the true interior fruits of peace, love, and forgiveness. Through powerful stories of family wounds, forgiveness, and accompanying the dying, he highlights how the spiritual state of our hearts is revealed at life’s most critical moments. Are we bearing good fruit—Christ’s love—or are we clinging to bitterness? Fr. Michael challenges us to trust God fully, let go of resentment, and conform our hearts to Christ, who forgave even from the Cross.

“A Tree is Known by Its Fruits: Seeking the Heart of Christ” - Homily - 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ forty days in the desert and the invitation for each of us to follow Him into that place of encounter. Sharing his personal experience of time in hermitage and the story of St. Catherine of Siena, he explains how the “desert” is where we learn to listen to God and face our temptations. Lent is a time to strip away distractions, make space for God, and renew our choice to give our lives to Him. Fr. Michael encourages us to embrace this season as a real encounter with God’s love and to seek the grace of confession if needed.

“Into the Desert: Listening to God This Lent” - Homily - 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Transfiguration and the meaning of “glory” as Christ reveals it—a glory that comes through love and self-gift. He shares how glory is not worldly success, but the radiance of a life given in love, like Christ on the Cross. Fr. Michael draws on personal experience to show how embracing responsibility, whether in priesthood, marriage, or family life, deepens joy and enlarges the heart. Like Christ on the mountain, we too are called to shine with the glory of love by carrying the responsibilities God gives us. This is the path of the Cross and the Resurrection.

“The Weight of Glory: Embracing Love and Responsibility” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C

Sermon by Pr. Craig Mueller on the Day of Pentecost + Sunday, June 8, 2025. Read more at htchicago.org/sermons

Languages on Pentecost

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. Open to the Mystery…
Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy! Guiding Principles: act with courage, be radically inclusive, cultivate empowering relationships, delight in God’s beauty, engage with intention.

Reflections and homilies rooted in the Gospel of John and the wisdom of the Church, helping you walk the journey of faith. Join Fr. Michael, a priest of the Community of St. John in New Zealand, as he unpacks the Word of God, explores the depths of grace, and leads you to encounter Christ, the Word made flesh.

New tracks tagged #yearc