Faith for the Climb: Living Between the Mountain and the Valley

 2 Sunday Lent, year C

Life isn’t just mountaintop moments—it’s also the valleys, and Jesus shows us that both are part of the journey. The Transfiguration reminds us that while we glimpse God’s glory at times, much of life is about walking faithfully through challenges, knowing Christ walks with us. By following St. Ignatius’ ERGO—Encourage, Regularize, be Generous, and stay Open—we can navigate the ups and downs with trust, resilience, and hope.

Listen to homily:

Read full homily:

Faith for the Climb: Living Between the Mountain and the Valley

We live in a world filled with advertising and marketing, where every product is presented in the best possible light. If a company is selling food, they emphasize how delicious it is—without mentioning if it’s unhealthy. If I were promoting our church, I’d highlight that St. Peter’s is just a short walk from Columbia SkyTrain Station, but I might not mention that the walk is a steep uphill climb.

That’s why the Transfiguration can seem puzzling. In this moment, Jesus reveals His divine glory to His disciples. They see Him as He truly is—radiant, standing alongside Moses and Elijah, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It’s a powerful moment of revelation. But then, Jesus descends from the mountain and returns to His humble, ordinary appearance. He chooses not to display His divinity in an awe-inspiring way all the time. From a marketing standpoint, this might seem like a bad strategy. Why not always appear as He did on the mountain? Why not make it undeniably clear that He is the Son of God?

The answer is love. Jesus chose to be with us in the valley. He chose to experience suffering, rejection, and hardship. His life was not lived on the mountaintop but in the everyday struggles of ordinary people. As He begins His long journey toward Jerusalem—what Luke calls His "exodus"—Jesus walks the path of suffering that leads to salvation.

If we’re honest, our lives are more often lived in the valley than on the mountaintop. Yes, we have moments of great joy, peace, and clarity—times when prayer feels easy, when God feels close, when life seems to make sense. These are moments of consolation, as St. Ignatius of Loyola describes them. They are times of strength, like being on the mountaintop with Christ.

But more often, we find ourselves in desolation—times when prayer is difficult, when forgiveness feels impossible, when life is full of uncertainty. St. Ignatius explains that consolation and desolation are natural parts of the spiritual life, and neither is a sign of our worthiness or closeness to God. They are simply experiences we go through on the journey. The key is to learn how to navigate both well.

Ignatius describes times of consolation as rest stops on our journey—moments when God refreshes and strengthens us for what lies ahead. Think of a long bus ride with necessary stops to stretch your legs and refuel. Consolation is like that: a gift that prepares us for the road ahead.

But desolation is where we grow. We cannot stay at the rest stop forever. The journey must continue, even when it’s hard. Ignatius offers practical advice for navigating desolation, which can be summed up in the acronym ERGO (which means "therefore" in Latin and "I work" in Greek—a fitting reminder that perseverance requires effort):

• Encourage yourself: Remind yourself that this difficult time will pass. Just as the sun is always there, even when hidden by clouds, God's presence remains even in desolation.
• Regularize: Stick to the commitments you made in times of consolation. Don’t abandon prayer, good works, or important decisions just because things feel hard.
• Generosity: Go against your resistance. If you don’t feel like praying, pray a little longer. If you feel reluctant to be kind, go out of your way to show kindness.
• Openness: Share your struggles with someone you trust. Keeping difficulties bottled up can make them seem worse than they are. A friend’s encouragement can make all the difference.

Recognizing these cycles of consolation and desolation helped me understand that spiritual dryness is not a failure but a normal part of the journey. The Transfiguration reminds us that while we will experience moments of clarity and strength, much of our faith is lived in the valley. Yet whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley, Christ is always with us. If we commit to living well in every season, we will continue to grow in faith, strengthened by the knowledge that our final destination is the glory of God.

From Trials to Triumph: Finding Grace in the Wilderness

 1 Sunday Lent | Luke 4:1-13

Lent is a time of sacrifice, but today's Gospel reminds us that trials and suffering—when united with God—can lead to transformation and grace. Just as the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a greater purpose, our own hardships can refine us and even inspire others, as seen in the lives of figures like Terry Fox and Samra Zafar. This Lent, as we give things up, let us also offer our struggles to Christ, trusting that He is with us, bringing life out of suffering.

Listen to homily here:

Homily;

There was once an elderly gentleman who lived in Ireland. At one point in his life, he had to change villages, so he moved to a new village and began attending the local pub. The first time he visited, he went to the bartender and asked for three beers. The bartender, a bit puzzled, asked, "Would you like them one after the other?" The gentleman replied, "No, at the same time, please. I’d like to order three beers."

Though confused, the bartender served the beers. The elderly gentleman sat there, drank all three, and then left. This continued each time he visited the pub. The same bartender would serve him, and each time he would order three beers, drink them, and leave.

One day, after getting to know him a bit, the bartender finally asked, "I have to ask—why do you always order three beers and drink them at the same time?"

The elderly gentleman smiled and said, "Well, I have two brothers who have moved across the world—one lives in America, and the other in Australia. Before we separated, we made a promise that whenever we go to a pub, we would each drink a beer for ourselves and one for each of our brothers, so we could stay connected and united in this way."

The bartender thought this was a very thoughtful and touching custom.

This continued for some time until, one day, the elderly gentleman came into the bar and only ordered two beers. He sat down and drank them, and this pattern continued for a few more days. Concerned, the bartender approached him and, with a sincere voice, said, "Sir, let me be the first to offer my condolences. I noticed you are now only having two beers."

The elderly gentleman looked a little confused at first, then suddenly understood. "Oh, no, no! Don’t worry about that," he said. "My brothers are still alive and well—one in America and one in Australia. It’s just that I’ve given up drinking for Lent, so now I only have the beers for my brothers!"

Lent, of course, is a time for us to give things up, to make sacrifices. Hopefully, we make a sacrifice that is a little more meaningful than that elderly gentleman’s, but he certainly figured out a system! The purpose of Lent is to remind ourselves of what is most important in our lives. Sacrifices also remind us that suffering, trials, and tests are a natural part of life that we cannot avoid. However, today's Gospel teaches us a very hopeful message: though we encounter sufferings and trials, God can use them for our good and for the good of others. Suffering or trials, when united with God, can actually be for our benefit.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. He is there for 40 days and is tempted by the devil in various ways. This is a passage I had heard many times in my life, but for years I missed an important detail at the beginning. When I finally noticed it, it changed my perspective. The detail is this: "And the Spirit led him into the wilderness to be tempted."

It was the Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit that Christ received at his baptism—that led him into the wilderness. It wasn’t as if the devil ambushed him or dragged him there. God had a purpose in this. Somehow, the hand of God the Father was present even in this temptation, in this trial. It was for Jesus' benefit—he needed to go through this before continuing his ministry and mission.

This teaches us that sometimes the Spirit can also lead us through trials, difficulties, and suffering. However, we need to be clear: I do not believe that God forces suffering upon us. God does not cause us to suffer. For example, if someone is ill, we shouldn't say, "God sent this into their life." We live in a broken world—creation is not as it should be. Going back to the transgression in the Garden of Eden, we see that our world is both wonderful and broken. Jesus has come to make all things new, but in the meantime, suffering is part of the human condition. God does not punish us with suffering, but He is with us in the midst of it. Just as the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness and was with him there, God is with us in our trials.

Suffering can also help us focus on what is truly important—our relationships with God and one another. It can serve as a wake-up call to remind us how much we need God. Many people turn to prayer when they suffer. Suffering can also help us develop empathy; by experiencing difficulties, we can better understand and support others going through similar struggles. Although God does not will our suffering, He can use it for our benefit and for the good of others.

A few examples come to mind.

One well-known Canadian example is Terry Fox. Many of us know his story. At 18, he was diagnosed with cancer and lost one of his legs. He could have approached this trial in various ways, but instead, he was inspired to do something remarkable. He embarked on his Marathon of Hope, attempting to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He ran over 5,500 kilometers before his cancer resurfaced, forcing him to stop. Though he passed away shortly after, his journey inspired millions. His suffering became a source of hope and motivation for others, raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

Another powerful example is Samra Zafar, originally from Pakistan. She was forced into marriage at a young age and endured years of hardship. Eventually, she found the courage to escape that situation and build a new life in Canada. She pursued her education, graduating from the University of Toronto, and went on to write a bestselling memoir, A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose. Her story resonated with many, and she used her experiences to advocate for women's rights. She founded a non-profit organization called Brave Beginnings, which supports survivors of abuse. Her suffering gave her the strength to help others and raise awareness of important social issues.

These examples show us that when we are guided by the Spirit, suffering and trials can be transformed into something good—not only for us but for those around us. God does not cause suffering, but His Spirit guides us through it. And when we pass through moments of trial, Christ is always with us, bringing some good from it.

The Gospel today also connects with the first reading from Deuteronomy, which refers to the Exodus—when God led His people out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness. Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. But while Israel failed their tests, Jesus remained victorious. The people of Israel gave in to temptation, but Jesus overcame it through the power of God's word.

We are all human; we all fail and make mistakes. But Jesus, the perfect one, is with us in our sufferings. He is with us to bring good from them, just as He reversed Israel’s failures in the wilderness.

During this Lenten season, as we give things up, pray more, and perform works of charity, today's Gospel reminds us that suffering and trials—though difficult—can be opportunities for grace when we walk with Jesus. Perhaps this evening, as we celebrate the Eucharist, we can call to mind a trial or difficulty in our lives. We can bring it to Jesus, knowing that just as He was with us in the wilderness, He is with us now—guiding us, strengthening us, and bringing life out of suffering.

What we do (to the least) echoes in eternity

 8 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C | Lk 6:36-45; 1 Cor 15

What we do in this life echoes in eternity—especially how we treat the least among us. If we truly believe every person is destined for eternal life, it should change the way we act, speak, and love. Jesus calls us to see others with this perspective, challenging us to live with mercy, dignity, and deep compassion.

Listen to homily here:

One of my favorite movies, which came out quite a while ago now, is Gladiator. Some of you might have seen it. There’s even a sequel that has just been released—I haven’t seen it yet, so no spoilers after Mass, please!

The movie Gladiator, as the title suggests, is about gladiators in the Roman Empire. It follows their struggles against a corrupt emperor, focusing on the journey of the main character, Maximus, played by Russell Crowe. One of the most well-known lines from the film has taken on a life beyond the movie itself. Maximus says, “What we do echoes in eternity.” He delivers this line to inspire his fellow gladiators as they prepare for what, for many of them, will be certain death.

Today, as we reflect on our readings—especially the second reading and the Gospel—I’d like to suggest that this phrase holds profound truth for us as Christians. However, I’d like to offer a slight amendment: What we do, especially for the least among us, echoes in eternity.

What We Do Echoes in Eternity

Why does what we do have eternal significance? This idea is expressed clearly in today’s second reading from 1 Corinthians. Paul, in this passage, conveys one of the most central messages of his teaching: with the coming of Jesus, death has been defeated. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have a firm hope that we, too, who are in Christ, will be raised and will live forever. Death no longer has the final word.

Throughout his letters, Paul frequently references Genesis to explain this transformation. In 1 Corinthians, he describes how, through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world. But through Jesus, the last or second Adam, death is overcome by his obedience and self-sacrifice. In today’s reading, Paul proclaims that death has been swallowed up in victory—a victory won by Christ. Because of this, we now live with the hope of eternal life. This means that our actions, our choices, and how we treat others are not fleeting; they have eternal consequences.

C.S. Lewis on Our Eternal Destiny

I once read an essay by C.S. Lewis that left a deep impression on me. Many of you may know him from The Chronicles of Narnia, but he also wrote profoundly about Christianity. In his essay The Weight of Glory, Lewis speaks about the eternal significance of every human being. He writes:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.

When I first read this, it changed the way I thought about my interactions with others. How different would our actions be if we truly understood that every person we encounter will live forever? How would it change the way we speak to them, the way we treat them?

This is precisely the perspective that Jesus is trying to instill in us in today’s Gospel.

Living with an Eternal Perspective

Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ teachings from what is known in Luke’s Gospel as the Sermon on the Plain. In Matthew’s Gospel, we find a similar discourse, but there it takes place on a mountain. Regardless of the setting, the focus is the same: Jesus is teaching us how to live as members of the Kingdom of God—a kingdom that begins now but lasts forever.

His teaching challenges us. We often live as though the people around us are temporary, as though relationships are merely transactional. We interact with others based on what they can offer us, how they benefit us. Unfortunately, this attitude isn’t just present in personal relationships; we see it in politics, in society, and even in the way we treat the poor, the weak, and the marginalized.

But Jesus calls us to something radically different. He reminds us that every person has eternal value. This truth should shape how we interact with others—not as means to an end, but as people created for eternal life.

“Ghosting” and the Christian Life

In our modern world, we have even created a term for cutting ties with people—ghosting. If a relationship becomes difficult or inconvenient, we might simply stop responding, delete their contact, or remove them from social media. But as Christians, we are called to something greater. We cannot ghost people because no one simply disappears. Every person we encounter is an immortal soul. We are meant to live in relationship with one another, not just for a time, but for eternity.

That’s why Jesus instructs us in today’s Gospel not to judge others harshly—not to focus on the speck in our neighbor’s eye while ignoring the log in our own. He is teaching us how to interact with people in light of their eternal dignity.

An Examination of Conscience

Reflecting on today’s readings, we might ask ourselves:

• How does my behavior change when I truly believe that every person I encounter is destined for eternity?
• Would I still say that unkind word if I recognized that I am meant to be in relationship with that person forever?
• Do I truly value and respect those who may seem powerless—the unborn, the elderly, the poor, the suffering—knowing that they, too, will live forever?

When we embrace this eternal perspective, our relationships and our actions are no longer just about personal gain. Instead, they become opportunities to reflect God’s love and dignity to others.

Conclusion

So today, let us allow these readings to shape the way we live. Let us be mindful of how we treat others, knowing that our actions carry eternal weight. And let us return to that famous line from Gladiator: What we do echoes in eternity.

 

But as Christians, we take it one step further: What we do—especially for the least among us—echoes in eternity. May we live in the light of that truth.

Loving enemies (7 Sunday OT, C)

 7 Sunday Ordinary Time, C

Among the most radical of Christ's commands is that we love our enemies (Luke 6:27–38). When we witness someone living this way, it is inspiring. However, trying to love our enemies can often feel impossible. Jesus gives us some helpful guidance for how we can live out this command by not judging those who harm us. On the cross, Christ put this into practice when He prayed, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".

Listen to homily here:

Seeing things differently

 6 Sunday OT, year C

At Jesus' time, as at our own, a particular way of seeing the world and set of values prevails. In the beatitudes (Luke 6:18, 20–26), Jesus flips this worldview upside down. Rather than the rich, powerful, and oppressive, in God's eyes it is the poor, marginalized, and needy who matter most. By taking time to be in silence and allowing the words of Christ to touch our hearts we can begin to see the world the way God does.

Listen to homily here:

From experience to Mission (5 Sunday OT)

5 Sunday OT, year C (Luke 5)

In our baptism, we all receive a mission to become, in the words of Pope Francis, "missionary disciples". The readings today show us that the drive for mission is born out of an experience of God's grace. This jubilee year is an opportunity to experience anew the grace of God and become re-energized for mission.

Listen to homily here:

Christ our Hope and Light

 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord | Luke 2:22-32

The celebration of the Presentation of the Lord gives us the hopeful and inspiring message that Jesus is the light of the world, who scatters all darkness and fear. This message is particularly important to focus on when times are dark and troubling. The Gospel calls us to imitate Anna and Simeon, who were able to recognize the goodness and grace of God in their midst. When we do this, we are called to be a light to others.

Listen to homily here:

The team of the Church, unified for Mission

3 Sunday of Ordinary Time

Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 | Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

A good team is one in which all its members are able to contribute their own talents as everyone works together for a common goal. In the Gospel today, Jesus declares His mission and our own in His hometown of Nazareth. As Paul describes in the second reading, we are all members of the body of Christ, carrying out this mission in the world. When we hear God's word at Mass, it is an opportunity for us to be reminded of our calling as the Eucharist unifies our community for our common mission.

Listen to homily here:

Ordinary into Extraordinary

2 Sunday Ordinary Time, Year C

Like any sign Christ works in John's Gospel, the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana is meant to teach us about who Jesus is (Jn 2). We learn that Christ is very close to married people, especially those who struggle. We discover that where Jesus is there is abundance. In addition, we learn that for Christ to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary we must "do whatever He tells us".

Listen to homily here:

When was Jesus, the anointed One, actually anointed?

Baptism of our Lord, year C

In his Gospel, Luke makes the case that Jesus was anointed at His baptism. It is there that His identity is proclaimed, and He enters a definitive stage in His ministry. A our own baptism, we receive a new identity and are given the task of continuing the mission of Christ. Therefore, as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we should also give thanks for the gift of our own baptism.

Listen to homily here:

Epiphany helps us see more clearly

Epiphany 2025, year C

The coming of Jesus in the world changes the way we see. The Magi recognized that God does not work through power, wealth, and might, but rather through humility and service. Those who saw the Magi learned that the Saviour of Israel, Jesus, was in fact the Saviour of all peoples. We pray for our own Epiphany, that God may grant us new vision to see the world differently.

Listen to homily here:

Blessings for 2025 (Mary Mother of God)

 Mary Mother of God

Happy New Year! In the first reading from Numbers (Num 6:22–27), we discover that God is always seeking to bless us. However, do we recognize how God is blessing us? From Mary, we learn how to search out and understand the ways God is working in our lives, blessing us (Luke 2:16–21). The assurance of God's support assists us in journeying forward with confidence into 2025, this Jubilee year.

Listen to homily here:

Luce, mascot of 2025 Jubilee

Expanding our Family

Holy Family, year C

We can relate to a lot about the Holy Family. Like our families, they experienced both joy and challenges. On the other hand, there is a lot about the Holy Family that can be difficult to connect with: Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a Saint, and Jesus is the Son of God! Similarly, the feast of the Holy Family reminds us that with the coming of Christ, the dignity of family has been affirmed. At the same time, we are challenged to expand our concept of family. Being Christian makes us part of a larger family.

Listen to homily here:

We never journey alone

Christmas, year C

Merry Christmas! In the Nativity story, we hear of many characters who are on a journey: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We too are on a journey in our own life. This journey can be difficult at times. We can be confused about our destination. We can feel alone. Christmas changes the way we journey forever. We know our destination: Jesus Christ. We are strengthened by Him. As well, we receive the gift of community, people who strengthen, nourish, and support us along our way. It is good to journey together! 

Listen to homily here:

"Does anyone know what Christmas is all about"

 4 Sunday Advent, year C

"Does anyone know what Christmas is all about"? This is a question posed by Charlie Brown in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Today in the Gospel (Luke 1:39–45), we hear the story of the Visitation. This meeting between two pregnant women, Mary and Elizabeth, teaches us some of what Christmas is all about: hospitality, welcome, service, and sharing the joy of Jesus.

Enluminure de Visitation, réalisée par un anonyme au XVe siècle, conservé au Musée Condé à Chantilly

Listen to homily here:

Why wait

3 Sunday Advent: Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

Advent is a time marked by the spirituality of waiting. Like when we sit in the arrivals area waiting for a loved one to return, the waiting of Advent reminds us of our need for Jesus and strengthens our desire to follow Him.

Listen to homily here:

Change our hearts change the world

 2 Sunday Advent, year C | Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1; Lk 3:1-6

In Luke's account of the Baptist's preaching, we are reminded that the scope of Jesus' salvation is universal. Christ came to change our hearts and all structures of the world. While we wait for Jesus' return and the full actualization of His kingdom, we care called to build a more just and peaceful world.

Listen to homily here:

Christ born in us (1 Sunday Advent)

1 Sunday Advent, year C | Jer 33:14–16; 1 Thess 3:12–4:2; Lk 21:25–36

During this season of Advent, we pray that the life of Christ may be born anew in our hearts, especially in circumstances that seem hopeless and lifeless. As the mystic Angelus Silesius once wrote,“Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem – but all in vain until He is born in me.”

Listen to homily here:

Rethinking power and influence

 Christ the King, year B

We can feel powerless and insignificant when we consider the incredible wealth and oppressive and even violent power of some people. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus exercises ultimate power and influence in an unexpected way, through selfless service to the least among us. When we follow Jesus' call to love others as He has loved us, our actions truly has significance now and forever.

Listen to homily here:

A light in darkness

 33 Sunday OT, year B | Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32 

Apocalyptic literature, like we find in the first reading and Gospel today (Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32), are some of the strangest and most difficult to decipher genres in the Bible. At their core, these texts are meant to inspire hope in a persecuted community. They convey that God is in control and therefore their suffering will not last forever. These texts encourage the community to live in faithfulness to the covenant. The Gospel in particular reminds us that Jesus is a light in our darkness.

Listen to podcast here:

People watching with Jesus

32 Sunday OT, year B | Mk 12:38–44

I think we all like to go people-watching from time to time. In the Gospel today (Mk 12:38–44), Jesus is in the Temple people-watching with His disciples. There he teaches them, and us, important lessons about who are the people worthy of our attention and imitation. Surprisingly, Jesus calls attention to a poor widow, calling us to imitate her sacrificial generosity.

Listen to homily here:

Back to Basics (31 Sunday OT, B)

 31 Sunday of Ordinary Time, B | Mk 12:28–34

In response to a question, Jesus gets back to basics, revealing the core of what it means to follow God's path: love God and love our neighbour (Mk 12:28b-34). In order to truly love our neighbour, we must get to know them so that we can serve them in the way that is truly best for them, not what we might think is best.

Listen to podcast here:

A blind man who sees

(30 Sunday OT, B)

In the Gospel today, we meet Bartimaeus (Mark 10:45-52). Although he is physically blind, he has better spiritual vision than others around him since he is able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and knows Christ will heal him. We can become spiritually blind when we fail to see Christ present in our neighbour and daily experiences.

Listen to homily here:

 

Service and Synod (29 Sunday of OT, B)

29 Sunday OT, B | Mk 10:35-45

In the Gospel today, Jesus presents a vision of His community where all participate, all serve, and each and every voice matters. The Synod, currently happening in Rome, is an opportunity for the Church to become this kind of community.

Listen to homily here:

Decluttering and focusing on what brings joy (28 Sunday, B)

28 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B | Mark 10:1-30

In his interaction with the rich young man (Mark 10:17–30), Jesus gives guidance for how we can focus better on what bring our greatest joy – our relationship with Christ – by decluttering or putting in proper perspective things like possessions and even family. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to focus on what brings us joy.

Listen to homily here:

Marriage ministry of care and encouragement

27 Sunday OT, B

In discussing marriage, Jesus shows his care for married people who are vulnerable as well as emphasis on the goodness of marriage. As a Church, we are called to continue this ministry of care and encouragement. We care for those for whom marriage has been a source of pain, creating space for healing and welcome. We encourage those who are married, promoting the value and beauty of the sacrament of marriage.

Listen to homily here: 

Jesus talks tough (26 Sunday, OT, B)

26 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

Like parents warning their children from danger and harm, Jesus uses strong language to have us move away from the damaging impacts of sin (Mark 9:38-43; 45, 47-48). We all have behaviours that harm ourselves and those around us. The Gospel, as well as the writings of saints like St. Ignatius, give us helpful guidance for how to overcome temptation and live a fuller life.

Listen to homily here:

Finding meaning in routine

25 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

The Gospel today (Mk 9:30-37) teaches us that human fulfilment is not found in having power. Rather, we live a joyful life when we make of ourselves a gift to others. Doing this allows us to find meaning, even in the midst of routine and seemingly ordinary daily life.

Listen to homily here:

Peter (sort of) gets it right

24 Sunday of OT, year B | Mk 8:27–35

Our understanding of who Jesus is will impact how we think a follower of Jesus will act. In the Gospel today (Mk 8:27-35), although Peter correctly identifies that Jesus is the Messiah, Peter cannot grasp that the Messiah will be a suffering servant. Since Jesus is a Saviour who came to serve others, we are called to do the same.

Caesarea Phillipi

Listen to homily here:

New beginnings (23 Sunday OT, B)

23 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B

The start of each school year is a time of hope and possibility. New beginnings are a time to choose new behaviours and attitudes. The second reading today from Saint James challenges us to behave with special care and attention for the needy (James 2:1–5). The healing in the Gospel (Mk 7:31–37), which we relive in the Ephphatha ritual in our baptism, reminds us that Jesus give us the grace to see the needy in our midst and respond to them in a positive way.

Listen to homily here:

Cause and cure of brokenness

22 Sunday OT, year B; Mark 7

In the Gospel today (Mark 7), Jesus is asked about what causes division, separation, and broken relationships. Jesus explains that it is not certain external observances which create problems. Rather, it is the human heart that has the power both to divide and to unite.

Listen to homily here:

Doubt and faith

 21 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

Having doubts about what we believe is a common experience in our faith journey. In the Gospel (John 6:60–69), we find people experiencing doubts about who Jesus is. In the midst of this struggle, the Apostle Peter shows a way through doubt. Focusing on the person of Jesus can transform doubts into an opportunity to grow.

Listen to homily here:

Saying Amen to the Body of Christ

 20 Sunday of OT | Jn 6:51-58 

In the Eucharist, Jesus the Bread of Life nourishes us, and leads us into communion with God and each other. The Gospel this Sunday (Jn 6:51–58) focuses our attention on the precious gift of the Eucharist.

Listen to homily here

The Word gives life

19 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

As we continue the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus describes today how He is the Bread of Life in His word (Jn 6:41–51). In the Sacred Scripture Christ nourishes us, giving us encouragement, direction, and hope. Do we read Scripture expecting Christ to speak personally to us?

Listen to homily here: