Author: Derek Michael Larson

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what areas of my life am I experiencing stress or overwhelm, and how can I acknowledge these feelings without letting them define my worth?
2. Do I find myself prioritizing tasks and productivity over meaningful connections in my relationships? How can I shift my focus to be more present with loved ones?
3. What practical steps can I take to listen more attentively to the voice of Jesus in my daily life, particularly when I feel overwhelmed?
4. How have I allowed external expectations or societal pressures to shape my sense of value and self-worth? What truths can I affirm to counteract these beliefs?
5. In what moments do I feel drawn to “do” instead of “be,” and how can I create space in my life to simply rest in God’s presence?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways do I perceive God’s love in my life, and how does that contrast with feelings of fear or disappointment I may have about my relationship with Him?
2. Have I ever felt like I was being punished or judged by God for my decisions? How can I reframe those thoughts to align more with the message of God’s unconditional love?
3. Reflect on moments in my life where I have experienced compassion instead of judgment. How did those moments transform my understanding of myself and my relationship with God?
4. In what areas of my life do I struggle with feelings of inadequacy? How can I invite Christ’s love into those spaces to experience freedom from those burdens?
5. How can I share the message of God’s love and compassion with others who may be living in fear of judgment, just as the healed man was instructed to do in the Scripture?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. How do I typically respond to pain and suffering in my life, and how does that align with St. Paul’s message about boasting in our sufferings?
2. In what ways can I open myself to the presence of the Holy Spirit during difficult times, allowing my pain to become a vessel for healing and transformation?
3. Reflect on a past experience of pain—how did it shape my character or lead me to a deeper hope? Can I identify the presence of God during that time?
4. How can I better support others who are experiencing pain, ensuring they feel seen and accompanied in their suffering?
5. What does it mean for me to stand on holy ground, both in times of comfort and in times of struggle? How can I cultivate gratitude and awareness of God’s presence in all circumstances?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. How often do I find myself asking “What’s that?” about the world around me, and what are some examples of things I can explore with a sense of childlike wonder?
2. In what areas of my life do I feel the need for certainty and easy answers? How might letting go of these needs open me up to new experiences and perspectives?
3. Can I identify moments when I have chosen judgment or skepticism over wonder? How did this choice affect my relationships and understanding of God’s presence?
4. What fears or discomforts arise within me when faced with the unknown, and how can I cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity in the midst of that confusion?
5. How do I currently invite spiritual curiosity into my life, and what practices can I adopt to deepen my engagement with the mystery of the Holy Spirit?

Find the full text of this homily from the Feast of the Ascension here.

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do I personally embody the values of welcome and community in my daily life, and in what ways could I improve upon this?
2. In what areas am I currently resisting God’s call to participate in the loving community that He desires, and what steps can I take to overcome that resistance?
3. What actions can I commit to this week that will help foster an environment of healing and grace within my community?
4. How can I deepen my understanding of God’s final vision for humanity and integrate it into my personal mission and purpose?
5. Reflect on a time when you felt welcomed or included in a community. How can that experience inspire you to create similar opportunities for others at St. Peter’s?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Also, I have been behind on posting homilies for the last couple months and the website is now updated! If you would like to see homilies from the last few weeks, find them here.

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways do I view my relationships through the lens of possession rather than connection? How can I shift this mindset?
2. Do I tend to see people around me as competitors or burdens? How can I work towards seeing them as siblings and members of a shared family?
3. How do I respond to feelings of unworthiness in my relationships? Do I seek to disconnect or deepen my connections?
4. Can I identify moments when I have referred to others using possessive language (e.g., “your son,” “this son of yours”)? What might change if I used inclusive language that emphasizes connection?
5. How can I actively foster a sense of belonging and community in my interactions with others, both within my family and in the larger community?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. What worries or fears have been consuming my thoughts recently, and how have they impacted my daily life?
2. In what ways can I intentionally seek out moments of solitude and prayer to connect with God when I am feeling overwhelmed?
3. How can I remind myself to rely on God’s love and support during challenging times, similar to a child feeling comforted in a parent’s embrace?
4. What steps can I take to shift my focus from my worries to the mission and purpose that God has for my life?
5. How can I be a source of comfort and support to others who may be navigating their own worries and fears?