Category: Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. What are the names of those experiencing homelessness in my area?
2. In what ways, like the rich man, might I overlook the needs and humanity of those around me, especially the marginalized or those in poverty?
3. How can I practice seeing others not just as problems to be solved, but as individuals with unique stories and inherent dignity?
4. What are specific actions I can take to foster deeper connections and build relationships with people who are often overlooked?
5. How do I respond to discomfort or anxiety when encountering homelessness or poverty, and what steps can I take to reshape my response?
6. In what small ways can I incorporate the practice of knowing and using names in my interactions with those I serve or encounter in my community?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do I perceive God’s love for me, and in what ways does this perception affect my self-worth and actions?
2. In what areas of my life am I holding onto the voice of condemnation rather than embracing the message of being beloved by God?
3. How can I embody Affirming Theology in my interactions with others, especially those who I may see as unworthy?
4. What does the concept of repentance mean to me, and how can I view it as a joyous homecoming rather than a burden?
5. How can I actively challenge the voices of grumbling and condemnation in my life, replacing them with messages of love and acceptance for myself and others?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. What are some things in my life that I am clinging to too tightly, preventing me from fully embracing the way of Jesus?
2. In what areas of my life have I been avoiding discomfort or change, and how might that be hindering my spiritual growth?
3. Have I genuinely counted the cost of following Jesus? What sacrifices am I willing to make in my journey of faith?
4. How can I create space in my life to let go of those things that hold me back, allowing for new opportunities for growth and transformation in my faith?
5. Reflect on a time when letting go of something painful or challenging led to unexpected blessings or spiritual renewal. What did I learn from that experience?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. Personal Barriers: What personal barriers do I face when it comes to initiating conversations with strangers, and how can I work to overcome them?
2. Experiences of Connection: Can I recall a time when reaching out to a stranger led to a meaningful connection? What did that experience teach me about the value of friendship?
3. Practicing Hospitality: In what ways can I actively practice hospitality to strangers in my daily life? Are there specific groups in my community that I feel called to engage with?
4. Changing Perspectives: How can I shift my perspective to see strangers as opportunities for connection rather than potential threats? What practical steps can I take to approach interactions with compassion?
5. Community Involvement: How can I encourage my church or community group to engage more deeply with strangers? What initiatives or partnerships could we explore to foster inclusivity and love for those outside our immediate circle?

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do I typically experience prayer in my daily life, and in what ways can I make it feel more intimate and personal, like a conversation at my kitchen table?
2. In what areas of my life do I need to ask for God’s daily bread, and how can I be more aware of God’s presence in those situations?
3. How do I understand the concept of God as Father in my own life, and how does that affect my relationship with God?
4. How can I create an environment in my home that encourages open conversations with God, fostering a deeper connection in my spiritual life?

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?