Father Kevin Michael Laughery Podcasts

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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 24, 2011 The homilist was away on July 17.  Solomon's prayer for wisdom in governing could not have come at a more apt time, given the pathetic posturing going on in Washington.  We pray that lawmakers will recognize the common good of our country and the world as the treasure buried in the field, the pearl of great price. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011 God provides that human freedom is always in play, so that we may accept or reject his invitation to enter into his life.  It is easy for us to resist the invitations coming from our God.  Let's consider how we can grow and flourish through an acceptance of the invitations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 3, 2011 What does it mean to be "in the flesh"?  How can I not be "in the flesh"?  We find some answers as we consider how our God wishes to establish peace within us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, June 26, 2011 The idea of eating and drinking someone's flesh and blood is utterly offensive.  But the anxieties of those who feel they must sacrifice something to God are likewise quite raw.  In the Eucharist we encounter a God who pays attention to our bewilderment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, June 19, 2011 "God so loved the world ..."  We understand that God, within himself, is relationship, is dynamism.  It is in keeping with who God is that he immerses himself in human existence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, June 12, 2011 Catholics, obviously, are quite focused on the mystery of "the Church."  On the "birthday of the Church," the homilist rambles on for 15 minutes!  Presumably we are captivated by our own experience of this mystery! Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, June 5, 2011 After the Springfield Young Adult Mass on the evening of June 5, a congregant confirmed for me (on the basis of her Holy Land pilgrimage earlier this year) that there are tour guides who point out a "pushing-off" place on the Mount of Olives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2011 We consider today's words from the First Letter of Peter about how to witness to our faith -- not by proselytizing, but by being in touch with our own experience and the ways in which God has changed us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2011 A bit of housekeeping, having to do with the just-published diocesan pastoral plan.  "No one comes to the Father except through me" -- what does this imply for non-Christians? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011 The homilist was away from the parish on May 8; therefore, no homily.  The sentiments expressed herein were influenced by the strange weather being experienced at that time: cool and rainy and seemingly unending. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2011 Thomas speaks for all of us who rely upon the testimony of a few witnesses to the Resurrection of Jesus.  Keeping in mind the validity of our own religious experience (as alluded to at Easter), we understand that we are part of the immense majority of believers who rely on the privileged witness of a few close associates of Jesus. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 The resurrection accounts in the Gospels differ from the passion narratives; the former emphasize the personal experience of individuals.  We can come to understand that our own personal experience of the mysteries of life opens us to encounter with the Resurrected One. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 17, 2011 "His blood be upon us and upon our children."  Can this line from the Passion of St. Matthew be understood as a blessing rather than as a curse? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 10, 2011 God has revealed to us that he intends his people to live forever and glorify him.  Jesus, proclaiming this truth in the raising of Lazarus, moves deliberately toward the death which secures human salvation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, April 3, 2011 The themes of "the man born blind" are rather obvious.  I took this opportunity to advance our sight into the future, and especially to consider the needs of our worshiping communities to have a presider at Eucharist. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 27, 2011 Imagine lugging all the water you need for your household purposes.  Then consider the woman's longing for a spring to which she did not have to travel.  With all who are preparing for baptism, we meditate on water and we recognize that Jesus establishes a fountain of life within us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 20, 2011 Life as a journey with a variety of experiences, and our need to make sense of these varied elements in light of our truest identity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, March 13, 2011 The temptations Jesus experienced were real and appealing.  He wasn't play-acting; he entered fully into the human experience and the tensions we know all too well. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 27, 2011 Alfred E. Neuman as an example of Christian living?  Yes, at least insofar as freedom from worry is concerned.  "Seeking first the Kingdom of God" does, however, require some explicit concentration. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 20, 2011 Our Christian faith does not call us to be doormats.  Every one of the challenges Jesus describes is an opportunity to stress the reciprocity implied in every social situation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 13, 2011 The church was cold, so we moved to the parish hall -- hence my nostalgia for my childhood worship environments.  Today's Gospel gives a good opportunity to consider our feeling life, and how to be at peace in the presence of God as feeling people. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 6, 2011 Salt and light are familiar substances.  As we consider how Jesus is applying these images to ourselves, we may ponder their servant quality.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 30, 2011 What are the qualities of the individuals who make up Christian communion?  They are people who are hungry, and who have learned what is worth being hungry for. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 23, 2011 Today's readings suggest an emphasis on the concept of communion: the goal of all members of the Body of Christ; something achieved with difficulty; something far from complete. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 16, 2011 (again!) My message changed a little bit because at this Mass I was particularly moved by the setting of Psalm 40, "Here I Am, Lord," by Rory Cooney. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 16, 2011 Themes of Christmas are restated upon the inaugural of the ministry of Jesus. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 9, 2011 Baptism is an immersion into all human concerns.  The baptism of Jesus is the promise to us (if his birth does not already signify this!) that, for the sake of our salvation, he does not shy away from any of the griefs of humankind. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord (third time), January 2, 2011 This was the Young Adult Mass in Springfield.  In this homily I mention my niece Erin, who is currently doing volunteer work in Guatemala. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord (again), January 2, 2011 "That thing in our brain" -- Why is it that we make such a sharp distinction between "my people" and "not my people"?  Recorded at New Berlin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 2, 2011 Christmas on Saturday followed by Sunday Masses proved too crazy even to do any recording.  Today I present three homilies from one day.  This first one may suffer from some audio competition.  Recorded at Franklin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2010 We have three very important but quite difficult Scriptures here.  The homily includes comments on the major difficulties to be found when reflecting on each of the readings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2010 It is not only the farmer awaiting the yield of the soil who learns patience.  Everyone staring at a computer screen also comes to appreciate the virtue of patience.  Patience liberates us to look at our life and its blessings in its fullness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2010 Amazing images of peace assure us that peace can conquer even our own hearts.  The call to repentance is an invitation to an astonishing peace. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2010 What is our concept of time?  Do we simply find a succession of events without relation or meaning?  The coming of the Kingdom of God breaks through the tedium and leads us to a moment of conversion, when things unthought of become possible. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King (34th and Last Sunday in Ordinary Time), November 21, 2010 How does Christ the King govern?  Consider how humbly he tends to his realm: from the throne of the cross. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 14, 2010 On the fourteenth anniversary of the death of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, we consider how his example accords with the scriptural call to be confident in the face of the "ultimates" of life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 7, 2010 Resurrection is real.  If there were no resurrection, God would not be God.  As Jesus assures us, God is not a God of the dead but of the living. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 31, 2010 There was no homily for October 24 as I was in Guatemala. A man climbing a tree: an absurd image?  Maybe.  But maybe also it could be a helpful image as we consider the fundamental experience of the Christian life -- conversion -- and our need to open ourselves to new points of view (even up a tree!). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 17, 2010 Never mind mowing down Amalek with the edge of the sword.  The preceding image, of Moses' arms being supported by members of the community, is a beautiful reminder of the ways in which our prayers are enhanced when we are praying together. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 10, 2010 It seems to be a very slow process.  How do we expand our concept of God?  How do we move beyond the "local gods" that Naaman imagined?  How do we get beyond our constant denial that God is the God of all peoples?  Good questions. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 3, 2010 We often find our existence to be dreary.  We are encouraged by the prophet's words:  "The vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint.  If it delays, wait for it.  It will surely come.  It will not be late." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 26, 2010 Each of us wants to be assured that we are properly integrated into the society we believe we are a part of.  Such integration, of course, requires that many people know us by name and are willing to have some acquaintance with us.  We prefer not to be addressed as "hey you."  To be known and called by name means that we have attained a certain level of respect and acceptance within our social circle. On the other hand, one mu ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 19, 2010 Jesus speaks about a wily business manager who uses initiative to prepare for a decent future, now that his boss is firing him.  Apparently what this man is doing -- for which his boss compliments him for resourcefulness -- is lowering the interest rates which he had originally proposed to his boss's debtors, so that these people might look upon him favorably when he is searching for a new situation. Do believers show as much initiative ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 12, 2010 It is curious that the word "prodigal" is used in the English language almost exclusively in reference to this parable of Jesus, popularly known as "The Prodigal Son."  Many of us have learned the parable without learning the meaning of the word "prodigal." Many of us identify with the "prodigal son" (the word "prodigal" means "wasteful" or "spendthrift"), and yet he is the least interesting figure in the parable.  We can imagine w ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 5, 2010 Hate your family?  No -- Jesus is talking about subordinating cherished aspects of our life to the goal of the Kingdom of God.  We do have to deliberate carefully about this, as in the examples of the builder and the king. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 29, 2010 "It's good to be humble."  There's no subtlety in these readings; they hit you over the head as if with a 2x4.  So what is the complete meaning of humility?  It has to do with our connection with people we would prefer to overlook. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 22, 2010 It's not enough to be acquainted with our God; we must enter into the challenge of relationship with the author of our being.  The challenge will feel like discipline, so we must be careful to recognize that discipline is for the sake of growth, not shame. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 22, 2010 It's not enough to be acquainted with our God; we must enter into the challenge of relationship with the author of our being.  The challenge will feel like discipline, so we must be careful to recognize that discipline is for the sake of growth, not shame. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday, August 15, 2010 It amazes us to think that the strange imagery of Revelation and other apocalyptic literature was part of the purpose of encouraging people!  But in fact, this writing is for the sake of comforting people under persecution.  They are invited to recognize the cosmic significance of their own sufferings.  The woman was given a place of refuge in the desert; this is a fitting image of Mary's assumption into heaven.  Recorded at Sacred Heart, Franklin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday, August 15, 2010 It amazes us to think that the strange imagery of Revelation and other apocalyptic literature was part of the purpose of encouraging people!  But in fact, this writing is for the sake of comforting people under persecution.  They are invited to recognize the cosmic significance of their own sufferings.  The woman was given a place of refuge in the desert; this is a fitting image of Mary's assumption into heaven.  Recorded at Sacred Heart, Franklin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Vigil of the Assumption, Saturday, August 14, 2010 The Assumption of the Mother of God calls to mind the presence of the Son of God in this world.  Awareness of the presence of God focused, among the people of Israel, upon the Ark of the Covenant.  The title "Mother of God" is literally translated "God-bearer."  Recorded at St. Sebastian, Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Vigil of the Assumption, Saturday, August 14, 2010 The Assumption of the Mother of God calls to mind the presence of the Son of God in this world.  Awareness of the presence of God focused, among the people of Israel, upon the Ark of the Covenant.  The title "Mother of God" is literally translated "God-bearer."  Recorded at St. Sebastian, Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 8, 2010 A consideration of the concrete experience of faith.  This was recorded at the end of my current weekend schedule, at New Berlin St. Mary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 8, 2010 A consideration of the concrete experience of faith.  This was recorded at the end of my current weekend schedule, at New Berlin St. Mary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 1, 2010 I recorded this homily at the beginning of my weekend schedule, at Visitation BVM Church in Alexander, an unincorporated community on Old U.S. 36 between Springfield and Jacksonville.  We hear from Ecclesiastes the word "vanity," which perhaps for you and me is better rendered "foolishness." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 1, 2010 I recorded this homily at the beginning of my weekend schedule, at Visitation BVM Church in Alexander, an unincorporated community on Old U.S. 36 between Springfield and Jacksonville.  We hear from Ecclesiastes the word "vanity," which perhaps for you and me is better rendered "foolishness." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 20, 2010 For the last time at Holy Cross, a summary of the strangeness of the Christian faith, and its power to shatter all distinctions among human beings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 20, 2010 For the last time at Holy Cross, a summary of the strangeness of the Christian faith, and its power to shatter all distinctions among human beings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 13, 2010 Walking in on the second act of "David and Bathsheba," as we do today, is proof that our appreciation of our worship depends on our taking time to be more familiar with the Bible.  The second reading and Gospel make abundantly clear the gratuitous nature of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 13, 2010 Walking in on the second act of "David and Bathsheba," as we do today, is proof that our appreciation of our worship depends on our taking time to be more familiar with the Bible.  The second reading and Gospel make abundantly clear the gratuitous nature of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2010 When I tried to record this, I failed to turn it off until it had been recording for about four hours.  So here's a summary.  "Eating helps."  This was my discovery in the midst of the pain of facing up to a move.  The eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ keeps sustaining us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2010 When I tried to record this, I failed to turn it off until it had been recording for about four hours.  So here's a summary.  "Eating helps."  This was my discovery in the midst of the pain of facing up to a move.  The eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ keeps sustaining us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, May 30, 2010 Aspects of God as Trinity may be reflected upon when we say the Profession of Faith.  The new English translation highlights the "consubstantiality" of Father and Son, and the incarnation of the eternal Word of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, May 30, 2010 Aspects of God as Trinity may be reflected upon when we say the Profession of Faith.  The new English translation highlights the "consubstantiality" of Father and Son, and the incarnation of the eternal Word of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 23, 2010 The flesh is not evil.  We must understand Saint Paul's use of the term "the flesh."  Perhaps a contemporary equivalent is the modern concept of "addiction." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 23, 2010 The flesh is not evil.  We must understand Saint Paul's use of the term "the flesh."  Perhaps a contemporary equivalent is the modern concept of "addiction." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 16, 2010 "What's up, Doc?"  What is the meaning of "up" when we consider the Ascension of the risen Jesus?  Clues may be found in the Hebrews passage, about Jesus' entrance into the heavenly sanctuary, and in the Gospel passage, about the Apostles frequenting the Temple of Jerusalem. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 16, 2010 "What's up, Doc?"  What is the meaning of "up" when we consider the Ascension of the risen Jesus?  Clues may be found in the Hebrews passage, about Jesus' entrance into the heavenly sanctuary, and in the Gospel passage, about the Apostles frequenting the Temple of Jerusalem. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9, 2010 Of all the things that promise to unite people, jokes have a lot of promise -- although we have to be careful that the humor is not in mere ridicule but in a common sense of absurdity in human life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9, 2010 Of all the things that promise to unite people, jokes have a lot of promise -- although we have to be careful that the humor is not in mere ridicule but in a common sense of absurdity in human life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 2, 2010 On the occasion of First Holy Communion, a reflection on "love one another" and the fact that we can concretely love one another if we engage in the small act of listening. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 2, 2010 On the occasion of First Holy Communion, a reflection on "love one another" and the fact that we can concretely love one another if we engage in the small act of listening. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25, 2010 On April 18, the Third Sunday of Easter, I had to catch a plane right after the last Mass, and I just didn't want to mess around with recording.  On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, I took a look (again) at the unrelenting aftershocks of the clergy sexual abuse crisis.  Crises can make us stronger if we give up our denial and confront the dysfunction in our midst. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25, 2010 On April 18, the Third Sunday of Easter, I had to catch a plane right after the last Mass, and I just didn't want to mess around with recording.  On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, I took a look (again) at the unrelenting aftershocks of the clergy sexual abuse crisis.  Crises can make us stronger if we give up our denial and confront the dysfunction in our midst. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, April 11, 2010 Even though I have spoken about the issue of clergy sexual abuse many times in the past, I had a hard time with this homily, and its length (16 minutes plus) reflects my difficulty.  My RSS feed of The Tablet has just reported that the Vatican has published on its website, in English, norms for handling such cases; there is stress upon the requirement that police be contacted. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, April 11, 2010 Even though I have spoken about the issue of clergy sexual abuse many times in the past, I had a hard time with this homily, and its length (16 minutes plus) reflects my difficulty.  My RSS feed of The Tablet has just reported that the Vatican has published on its website, in English, norms for handling such cases; there is stress upon the requirement that police be contacted. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 The apostles and the other witnesses of Jesus' resurrection found this event to be an inner as well as an outer experience.  His resurrection meant that so many things which they did not understand beforehand made sense now. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 The apostles and the other witnesses of Jesus' resurrection found this event to be an inner as well as an outer experience.  His resurrection meant that so many things which they did not understand beforehand made sense now. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, March 28, 2010 Our anxiety about whether "things are going to be OK" hangs on the meaning of the death of the man in whose Passion we participate today. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, March 28, 2010 Our anxiety about whether "things are going to be OK" hangs on the meaning of the death of the man in whose Passion we participate today. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21, 2010 On my tenth anniversary in Divernon and Auburn, a consideration of the fact that we would like God and his people to respond to us with mercy rather than harshness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21, 2010 On my tenth anniversary in Divernon and Auburn, a consideration of the fact that we would like God and his people to respond to us with mercy rather than harshness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14, 2010 (Year A readings) We say we see.  Do we have insight as well as sight? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14, 2010 (Year A readings) We say we see.  Do we have insight as well as sight? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 7, 2010 Grow or die.  Bear fruit or be rejected.  We know that our God is not the rejecting type; nevertheless, we need to be attentive to the spiritual imperative before each of us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 7, 2010 Grow or die.  Bear fruit or be rejected.  We know that our God is not the rejecting type; nevertheless, we need to be attentive to the spiritual imperative before each of us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2010 It is difficult for us to hold in our minds any thought which would embrace the wholeness of any person.  We use mental shorthand and categorize people into "like us" and "not like us."  The transfiguration of Jesus is a response to the tremendous difficulty the disciples would undergo when it seemed to them that their master was utterly isolated from all human society. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2010 It is difficult for us to hold in our minds any thought which would embrace the wholeness of any person.  We use mental shorthand and categorize people into "like us" and "not like us."  The transfiguration of Jesus is a response to the tremendous difficulty the disciples would undergo when it seemed to them that their master was utterly isolated from all human society. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2010 This is about a guy who takes a funny-looking stick and hits a tiny little ball and people pay him lots and lots of money for doing this. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2010 This is about a guy who takes a funny-looking stick and hits a tiny little ball and people pay him lots and lots of money for doing this. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 14, 2010 Every one of us has need of God as a tree needs to be rooted in a place with an unfailing supply of water.  We must not behave with presumption, as if we could casually postpone a bond with God until the time that suits us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 14, 2010 Every one of us has need of God as a tree needs to be rooted in a place with an unfailing supply of water.  We must not behave with presumption, as if we could casually postpone a bond with God until the time that suits us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 7, 2010 Our call from God makes itself felt when we are caught up in wonder and awe.  Our sense of awe may well be connected with a sense of unworthiness, as in the case of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter.  We are aware of our absolute need for God, and thus God can take command of our life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 7, 2010 Our call from God makes itself felt when we are caught up in wonder and awe.  Our sense of awe may well be connected with a sense of unworthiness, as in the case of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter.  We are aware of our absolute need for God, and thus God can take command of our life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 31, 2010 Our feelings, including feelings of love, must become integrated with our sense of values and of relationship to God and the world.  We must move from the "childish" reaction of the crowd in Nazareth to a realistic sense of our limits and our call to love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 31, 2010 Our feelings, including feelings of love, must become integrated with our sense of values and of relationship to God and the world.  We must move from the "childish" reaction of the crowd in Nazareth to a realistic sense of our limits and our call to love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 24, 2010 We consider the strong feelings surrounding the reading from these scrolls in the books of Nehemiah and Luke. Awareness of our feelings keeps us in touch with our full humanity and our relationship with the Creator. Our being subject to our feelings is a fact which we can carry to our sense of wonder over Jesus, God become human. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 24, 2010 We consider the strong feelings surrounding the reading from these scrolls in the books of Nehemiah and Luke. Awareness of our feelings keeps us in touch with our full humanity and our relationship with the Creator. Our being subject to our feelings is a fact which we can carry to our sense of wonder over Jesus, God become human. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 17, 2010 "Jesus approved of marriage" -- this is like saying "Jesus approved of sunshine." In the analogy of the Church as the Body of Christ, all Christians in their various states of life contribute to the well-being of the whole body. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 17, 2010 "Jesus approved of marriage" -- this is like saying "Jesus approved of sunshine." In the analogy of the Church as the Body of Christ, all Christians in their various states of life contribute to the well-being of the whole body. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 10, 2010 Solidarity with the human race is what Jesus expresses, both in his birth at the beginning of the Christmas season, and in his baptism on its last day. We are called to exercise solidarity with one another as well, for the sake of securing justice. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 10, 2010 Solidarity with the human race is what Jesus expresses, both in his birth at the beginning of the Christmas season, and in his baptism on its last day. We are called to exercise solidarity with one another as well, for the sake of securing justice. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 2010 Making your child a public figure in infancy is probably not what you want to do. The Christ Child, on the other hand, was a public figure from birth, because of his identity as the unique Savior of all the nations of the earth. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 2010 Making your child a public figure in infancy is probably not what you want to do. The Christ Child, on the other hand, was a public figure from birth, because of his identity as the unique Savior of all the nations of the earth. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, Sunday, December 27, 2009 All of us, by reason of our baptism, are living out our call to holiness. There are some highly visible vocations (e.g. priesthood) which we need to pay special attention to. All of us, living out the universal call, act with freedom so that, with the help of God's grace, "what we shall later be" can joyfully surprise us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, Sunday, December 27, 2009 All of us, by reason of our baptism, are living out our call to holiness. There are some highly visible vocations (e.g. priesthood) which we need to pay special attention to. All of us, living out the universal call, act with freedom so that, with the help of God's grace, "what we shall later be" can joyfully surprise us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2009 The Christmas Curmudgeon of the 21st century asks: What does it mean when people say, "I can't believe that Christmas is here already!"? It may be a good experience for us to perceive the recurrence of great feast days and to lift our gaze to the eternal truths that they reveal to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2009 The Christmas Curmudgeon of the 21st century asks: What does it mean when people say, "I can't believe that Christmas is here already!"? It may be a good experience for us to perceive the recurrence of great feast days and to lift our gaze to the eternal truths that they reveal to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2009 "Your redemption is at hand." Instead of denying the fact that each of us faces a moment of ultimate truth before God, we who acknowledge our God as the Lord of all time and history look forward to God's work of fulfilling all of creation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2009 "Your redemption is at hand." Instead of denying the fact that each of us faces a moment of ultimate truth before God, we who acknowledge our God as the Lord of all time and history look forward to God's work of fulfilling all of creation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 22, 2009 "You say I am a king." We are challenged to imagine a different sort of kingship in the Son of God who in ruling us has become the ultimate servant. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 22, 2009 "You say I am a king." We are challenged to imagine a different sort of kingship in the Son of God who in ruling us has become the ultimate servant. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 15, 2009 http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pope0261i.htm The above takes you to the speech of Pope John XXIII which I referenced in today's homily. We all seek meaning in the span of days which is ours. We trust in the one sacrifice of Jesus, as discussed in today's passage from the Letter to the Hebrews. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 15, 2009 http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pope0261i.htm The above takes you to the speech of Pope John XXIII which I referenced in today's homily. We all seek meaning in the span of days which is ours. We trust in the one sacrifice of Jesus, as discussed in today's passage from the Letter to the Hebrews. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 8, 2009 Money is the reward for our personal labors, and we consider the disposition of our money to be quite a personal (and painful!) undertaking. We seek to trust that, if we are devoted to the Kingdom of God, we will discover that God is more devoted to us than we had imagined. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 8, 2009 Money is the reward for our personal labors, and we consider the disposition of our money to be quite a personal (and painful!) undertaking. We seek to trust that, if we are devoted to the Kingdom of God, we will discover that God is more devoted to us than we had imagined. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | All Saints, November 1, 2009 Human history is loaded with anonymity. Think of your multiple-great grandparents whose names you do not know. Think also of how Christian faith was passed on to you, and realize the greater difficulty of tracing your faith-genealogy. All Saints is about the witness of anonymous people, upon whom we depend absolutely for the gift of faith. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | All Saints, November 1, 2009 Human history is loaded with anonymity. Think of your multiple-great grandparents whose names you do not know. Think also of how Christian faith was passed on to you, and realize the greater difficulty of tracing your faith-genealogy. All Saints is about the witness of anonymous people, upon whom we depend absolutely for the gift of faith. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009 James and John last week did not perceive what Bartimaeus this week does perceive: that before one makes elaborate plans for the future, one must make sure of the way that he is traveling. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009 James and John last week did not perceive what Bartimaeus this week does perceive: that before one makes elaborate plans for the future, one must make sure of the way that he is traveling. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 18, 2009 Christians must not settle for "generic religion," but must plumb the depths of the shocking, personal nature of faith in Jesus Christ. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 18, 2009 Christians must not settle for "generic religion," but must plumb the depths of the shocking, personal nature of faith in Jesus Christ. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Theology of Marriage Fr. Kevin has given this talk dozens of times to engaged couples; it's time he recorded it so he won't have to keep giving it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Theology of Marriage Fr. Kevin has given this talk dozens of times to engaged couples; it's time he recorded it so he won't have to keep giving it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 The Word of God cuts through joints and marrow. We are more than naked in the sight of God: our most hidden thoughts and attitudes are known to him. Let us take advantage of this direct and frank relationship, opening ourselves to the help of the one who knows us well. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 The Word of God cuts through joints and marrow. We are more than naked in the sight of God: our most hidden thoughts and attitudes are known to him. Let us take advantage of this direct and frank relationship, opening ourselves to the help of the one who knows us well. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2009 High ideals for marriage are accompanied by the assurance that the Word Made Flesh is pleased to be called our brother. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2009 High ideals for marriage are accompanied by the assurance that the Word Made Flesh is pleased to be called our brother. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27, 2009 Seek consensus and unity, not division. This is a fairly obvious expectation for human collaboration. We have a maddening propensity toward ignoring this expectation, however. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 27, 2009 Seek consensus and unity, not division. This is a fairly obvious expectation for human collaboration. We have a maddening propensity toward ignoring this expectation, however. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2009 It is typical of all of us that, when someone brings up a topic we don't want to think about, we change the subject. The Twelve can do this just as well as we can. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2009 It is typical of all of us that, when someone brings up a topic we don't want to think about, we change the subject. The Twelve can do this just as well as we can. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Exaltation of the Holy Cross (External Solemnity), September 13, 2009 It is permitted to move a popular solemnity or feast of the Lord to a nearby Sunday. What could be more popular than the parish's own feast day? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Exaltation of the Holy Cross (External Solemnity), September 13, 2009 It is permitted to move a popular solemnity or feast of the Lord to a nearby Sunday. What could be more popular than the parish's own feast day? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2009 As we hear of Jesus' healing of a deaf and speechless man, we ask how well we are hearing the Church's teaching of the truth about economic matters. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2009 As we hear of Jesus' healing of a deaf and speechless man, we ask how well we are hearing the Church's teaching of the truth about economic matters. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2009 In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, today was set aside for special readings and prayers for a new bishop. The readings were from Isaiah 61, Hebrews 5, and John 17. The podcast includes a few thoughts on the bishop as someone who is first a good administrator of what's going on in his own heart. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 30, 2009 In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, today was set aside for special readings and prayers for a new bishop. The readings were from Isaiah 61, Hebrews 5, and John 17. The podcast includes a few thoughts on the bishop as someone who is first a good administrator of what's going on in his own heart. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2009 Our affiliations speak about our life priorities. We are free to join ourselves to God or not. Whether we do or not makes all the difference for the direction and meaning of our lives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2009 Our affiliations speak about our life priorities. We are free to join ourselves to God or not. Whether we do or not makes all the difference for the direction and meaning of our lives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2009 We open ourselves to wisdom as we acknowledge how little wisdom we have. We develop our hunger and thirst for Jesus. Some thoughts today on health care and the common good, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Buzz Aldrin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2009 We open ourselves to wisdom as we acknowledge how little wisdom we have. We develop our hunger and thirst for Jesus. Some thoughts today on health care and the common good, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Buzz Aldrin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2009 If we speak of something as "merely a symbol," we don't understand symbolism and its power. Some etymologies say that the word "manna" itself means "what is it?" God's people keep on asking for the food that nourishes to eternity. When Jesus said, "I am the bread of life," he meant it, absolutely. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2009 If we speak of something as "merely a symbol," we don't understand symbolism and its power. Some etymologies say that the word "manna" itself means "what is it?" God's people keep on asking for the food that nourishes to eternity. When Jesus said, "I am the bread of life," he meant it, absolutely. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26, 2009 What can we define as "a lot of food"? Given the insatiable appetites of human beings, it's hard to say that any quantity is a lot. Obviously, our God is calling us to be less concerned about stockpiles and more concerned about our relationship with the one who feeds us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26, 2009 What can we define as "a lot of food"? Given the insatiable appetites of human beings, it's hard to say that any quantity is a lot. Obviously, our God is calling us to be less concerned about stockpiles and more concerned about our relationship with the one who feeds us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19, 2009 There were no homilies the last two weekends, as I was at work camp. Gathering the flock together and making sure that they are fed: these are the responsibilities of the shepherd. Even the shepherd is changed by his interaction with the sheep. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19, 2009 There were no homilies the last two weekends, as I was at work camp. Gathering the flock together and making sure that they are fed: these are the responsibilities of the shepherd. Even the shepherd is changed by his interaction with the sheep. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2009 Evil is not a "force." It is a lack, a deficiency. We find our confidence in knowing that the Author of Life supplies for all the deficiencies we find in ourselves. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2009 Evil is not a "force." It is a lack, a deficiency. We find our confidence in knowing that the Author of Life supplies for all the deficiencies we find in ourselves. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 21, 2009 Is there an incident that better captures the humanity and the divinity of Jesus than his calming the sea? He makes short work of the subduing of nature ... because he wants to get back to sleep! Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 21, 2009 Is there an incident that better captures the humanity and the divinity of Jesus than his calming the sea? He makes short work of the subduing of nature ... because he wants to get back to sleep! Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, June 14, 2009 On June 3, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI transferred Bishop George Lucas of Springfield in Illinois to the Archdiocese of Omaha. We will be experiencing at least a few months of "sede vacante" and waiting for a new bishop. Life is messy, so why should we be so surprised by Moses splashing blood all over the altar? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, June 14, 2009 On June 3, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI transferred Bishop George Lucas of Springfield in Illinois to the Archdiocese of Omaha. We will be experiencing at least a few months of "sede vacante" and waiting for a new bishop. Life is messy, so why should we be so surprised by Moses splashing blood all over the altar? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 31, 2009 The Bible is not the Book of Lists. There are a few lists in the book, and today's celebration highlights a couple of lists: the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5 and their antitheses. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 31, 2009 The Bible is not the Book of Lists. There are a few lists in the book, and today's celebration highlights a couple of lists: the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5 and their antitheses. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | A Wedding Homily This is a big year for weddings for me; I have six scheduled. I thought I might record the homily for my first wedding of the year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | A Wedding Homily This is a big year for weddings for me; I have six scheduled. I thought I might record the homily for my first wedding of the year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 24, 2009 The Lord Jesus ascended because he descended -- into the depths of the misery humans experience because of the broken, sinful situation we are in. He is on his throne but he has also embedded himself in our anguish. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 24, 2009 The Lord Jesus ascended because he descended -- into the depths of the misery humans experience because of the broken, sinful situation we are in. He is on his throne but he has also embedded himself in our anguish. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2009 How can anyone talk about love? The subject overwhelms any human being. God is love, and we discover who we are in being loved by God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2009 How can anyone talk about love? The subject overwhelms any human being. God is love, and we discover who we are in being loved by God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2009 Today is the forty-fifth anniversary of my first Communion. I speak about the "Obama-at-Notre-Dame" thing, questioning the outraged response of some Catholics. The unity that St. Paul sought was not immediate when he made his debut as a converted person. Vine and branches, mother and child -- these say much about the organic unity of the Body of Christ. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2009 Today is the forty-fifth anniversary of my first Communion. I speak about the "Obama-at-Notre-Dame" thing, questioning the outraged response of some Catholics. The unity that St. Paul sought was not immediate when he made his debut as a converted person. Vine and branches, mother and child -- these say much about the organic unity of the Body of Christ. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2009 Profound things are found in each of the readings. "Salvation is in no other name." "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light, but we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." "There will be one fold, one shepherd." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2009 Profound things are found in each of the readings. "Salvation is in no other name." "We are God's children now. What we shall later be has not yet come to light, but we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." "There will be one fold, one shepherd." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2009 The novel I refer to is The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler; I find the lives of Theobald and Ernest to be a caution against the establishment of religion. When religious faith is one with the postal service and internal revenue, what sort of faith is it? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2009 The novel I refer to is The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler; I find the lives of Theobald and Ernest to be a caution against the establishment of religion. When religious faith is one with the postal service and internal revenue, what sort of faith is it? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter (aka "Divine Mercy Sunday"), April 19, 2009 Your homilist still doesn't understand how a Sunday of Easter can be named for a private devotion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter (aka "Divine Mercy Sunday"), April 19, 2009 Your homilist still doesn't understand how a Sunday of Easter can be named for a private devotion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 Get rid of the old yeast and become unleavened. St. Paul's Passover imagery is applied to the change that comes about when we acknowledge the sense of human dignity that follows from the treasure of the resurrection. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 Get rid of the old yeast and become unleavened. St. Paul's Passover imagery is applied to the change that comes about when we acknowledge the sense of human dignity that follows from the treasure of the resurrection. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11, 2009 The amazement of the women at the tomb may, very usefully, be compared with the amazement of the brothers of Joseph when they found that one they thought dead was in the position of saving them from starvation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11, 2009 The amazement of the women at the tomb may, very usefully, be compared with the amazement of the brothers of Joseph when they found that one they thought dead was in the position of saving them from starvation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday Celebration of the Lord's Passion, April 10, 2009 The Passion of St. John is most emphatic about Jesus "laying down" his life, as opposed to having someone snatch it from him. The calm silence of Jesus unnerves Pontius Pilate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday Celebration of the Lord's Passion, April 10, 2009 The Passion of St. John is most emphatic about Jesus "laying down" his life, as opposed to having someone snatch it from him. The calm silence of Jesus unnerves Pontius Pilate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, April 9, 2009 This is a homily on "basics" of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, April 9, 2009 This is a homily on "basics" of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 Was "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" a cry of despair? We must consider the source of this expression in order to understand properly why the writer of Mark's Gospel put it on Jesus' lips when he was on the cross. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 Was "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" a cry of despair? We must consider the source of this expression in order to understand properly why the writer of Mark's Gospel put it on Jesus' lips when he was on the cross. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29, 2009 The image of the grain of wheat "dying" may not be botanically satisfactory, but we certainly know what Jesus means. Conversion means entering into an existence that cannot be foreseen. It demands abandonment of self so that one's true self can be found. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29, 2009 The image of the grain of wheat "dying" may not be botanically satisfactory, but we certainly know what Jesus means. Conversion means entering into an existence that cannot be foreseen. It demands abandonment of self so that one's true self can be found. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22, 2009 An extremely important characteristic of our conversion into Jesus Christ is its personal nature. God as Trinity is personal. We come to understand that, as precious as any of our personal relationships is, there is infinite richness in the relationships among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was truly a personal sacrifice when the Son of God became human. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22, 2009 An extremely important characteristic of our conversion into Jesus Christ is its personal nature. God as Trinity is personal. We come to understand that, as precious as any of our personal relationships is, there is infinite richness in the relationships among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was truly a personal sacrifice when the Son of God became human. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 15, 2009 Tell a psychiatrist what Jesus does in today's Gospel, and you will get a diagnosis affirming that he is suffering from delusions. That's the scandal of Christianity: we acknowledge that anyone else in this circumstance would be delusional, but in the case of Jesus, his identity and his special relationship with the Father are real. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 15, 2009 Tell a psychiatrist what Jesus does in today's Gospel, and you will get a diagnosis affirming that he is suffering from delusions. That's the scandal of Christianity: we acknowledge that anyone else in this circumstance would be delusional, but in the case of Jesus, his identity and his special relationship with the Father are real. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 8, 2009 What sort of God gives a couple a child -- miraculously -- and then says, offer up the child as a sacrifice? The same God who gave his son as the sacrifice which achieves humanity's salvation. Glory is found in the midst of suffering. God is truly personal. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 8, 2009 What sort of God gives a couple a child -- miraculously -- and then says, offer up the child as a sacrifice? The same God who gave his son as the sacrifice which achieves humanity's salvation. Glory is found in the midst of suffering. God is truly personal. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2009 Conversion means becoming who we really are? Strange as it may seem, this is a very helpful way to look at conversion. Conversion is from sin, which distorts our best and truest self. So the "change" of conversion is not into something alien to us; rather, it is ourselves becoming as God has intended us to be. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2009 Conversion means becoming who we really are? Strange as it may seem, this is a very helpful way to look at conversion. Conversion is from sin, which distorts our best and truest self. So the "change" of conversion is not into something alien to us; rather, it is ourselves becoming as God has intended us to be. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 22, 2009 Ah, performance anxiety! I had said exactly what I wanted to say at the 8 am Mass. Regrettably, I had not recorded that one. So at 10:15 I was trying to duplicate the earlier delivery. I was way off. And it is a complicated thing to think about -- the qualitative difference between sight and insight. I find I sound better than I think I'm sounding, so this one is probably not bad. Anyway, we trust in the power of the Word for our deepest healing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 22, 2009 Ah, performance anxiety! I had said exactly what I wanted to say at the 8 am Mass. Regrettably, I had not recorded that one. So at 10:15 I was trying to duplicate the earlier delivery. I was way off. And it is a complicated thing to think about -- the qualitative difference between sight and insight. I find I sound better than I think I'm sounding, so this one is probably not bad. Anyway, we trust in the power of the Word for our deepest healing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2009, alternate edition This homily is a little different from the other one because of a rite of acceptance for a new catechumen. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2009, alternate edition This homily is a little different from the other one because of a rite of acceptance for a new catechumen. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2009 Hear the word "leper," think the word "leopard"? I do. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2009 Hear the word "leper," think the word "leopard"? I do. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 8, 2009 "Thou shalt not whine." Is it possible to live according to this commandment? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 8, 2009 "Thou shalt not whine." Is it possible to live according to this commandment? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 1, 2009 What might I have talked about on this weekend? You'll have to listen to find out. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 1, 2009 What might I have talked about on this weekend? You'll have to listen to find out. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 25, 2009 Today is the 50th anniversary of Pope John XXIII's call for an ecumenical council. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 25, 2009 Today is the 50th anniversary of Pope John XXIII's call for an ecumenical council. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 18, 2009 I do recall that I made mention of the historic character of Barack Obama's assumption of the Presidency. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 18, 2009 I do recall that I made mention of the historic character of Barack Obama's assumption of the Presidency. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 11, 2009 Again, I am uploading this on 2/14/09 and I do not recollect the substance of this homily. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 11, 2009 Again, I am uploading this on 2/14/09 and I do not recollect the substance of this homily. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 28, 2008 Once again, this homily has disappeared into the mists of history, at least as far as my own mind is concerned. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 28, 2008 Once again, this homily has disappeared into the mists of history, at least as far as my own mind is concerned. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2008 Hello, Fr. Kevin is back in business. The other six will upload shortly. I have to run. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what I was talking about on this occasion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2008 Hello, Fr. Kevin is back in business. The other six will upload shortly. I have to run. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what I was talking about on this occasion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2008 It may seem insignificant that John the Baptist answered "no" to the question, "Are you the Christ?" In fact, his "no" shines a light on our tendency to say "yes" and to act as if we are our own saviors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2008 It may seem insignificant that John the Baptist answered "no" to the question, "Are you the Christ?" In fact, his "no" shines a light on our tendency to say "yes" and to act as if we are our own saviors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2008 Can we hold together the words "comfort" and "repent" in the same thought? If not, we need to open ourselves to the chastening received by God's people when they returned from the Babylonian Captivity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2008 Can we hold together the words "comfort" and "repent" in the same thought? If not, we need to open ourselves to the chastening received by God's people when they returned from the Babylonian Captivity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2008 See November 16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2008 See November 16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 23, 2008 See November 16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 23, 2008 See November 16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2008 For four weeks I failed to get my software to recognize my hardware. This morning, at last, it worked. Off the top of my head, I can't remember exactly what I was talking about in these earlier ones. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2008 For four weeks I failed to get my software to recognize my hardware. This morning, at last, it worked. Off the top of my head, I can't remember exactly what I was talking about in these earlier ones. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Dedication of St. John Lateran, November 9, 2008 Why does all the world celebrate the dedication of a church near a subway station on the southeast side of Rome? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Dedication of St. John Lateran, November 9, 2008 Why does all the world celebrate the dedication of a church near a subway station on the southeast side of Rome? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | All Souls, November 2, 2008 How many schools have their own mausoleum, and must one assume that such schools are pretty tough? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | All Souls, November 2, 2008 How many schools have their own mausoleum, and must one assume that such schools are pretty tough? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 26, 2008 It isn't wrong because it's forbidden; it's forbidden because it's wrong.  It isn't right because it's commanded; it's commanded because it's right. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 26, 2008 It isn't wrong because it's forbidden; it's forbidden because it's wrong.  It isn't right because it's commanded; it's commanded because it's right. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 12, 2008 I can't remember what I preached about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 12, 2008 I can't remember what I preached about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 5, 2008 Today is "Vineyard III." Am I coming across as genuine? Why be preoccupied with whether people perceive us as "good people"? We need to free ourselves from maintaining our image, and let God change us. Conversion -- a dynamic process -- is the fundamental reality of the Christian life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 5, 2008 Today is "Vineyard III." Am I coming across as genuine? Why be preoccupied with whether people perceive us as "good people"? We need to free ourselves from maintaining our image, and let God change us. Conversion -- a dynamic process -- is the fundamental reality of the Christian life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 21, 2008 Somebody said economics is the "dismal science." And I can't help sounding less than peppy when trying to talk about economics, even in the light of the Gospel. Of course, we have to stress that the parable of the workers in the vineyard has nothing to do with everyday economics. It is describing the Kingdom of God. Even so, we keep in mind that everyday economics is not divorced from the Gospel. "Greed is good" is wrong. Those involved in our economic system must concentrate on the g ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 21, 2008 Somebody said economics is the "dismal science." And I can't help sounding less than peppy when trying to talk about economics, even in the light of the Gospel. Of course, we have to stress that the parable of the workers in the vineyard has nothing to do with everyday economics. It is describing the Kingdom of God. Even so, we keep in mind that everyday economics is not divorced from the Gospel. "Greed is good" is wrong. Those involved in our economic system must concentrate on the g ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sunday, September 14, 2008 This feast also happens to be our parish feast day. Consider the inconsistency: The people of Israel were not to make a golden calf, but Moses was instructed to make a bronze serpent. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sunday, September 14, 2008 This feast also happens to be our parish feast day. Consider the inconsistency: The people of Israel were not to make a golden calf, but Moses was instructed to make a bronze serpent. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 31, 2008 The calendar cycles have aligned ... to provide a recollection of what I was doing 33 years ago, the weekend I entered the seminary. It is amazing how the very Scriptures I read at my last Mass at home have grown in significance -- especially Paul's instruction to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 31, 2008 The calendar cycles have aligned ... to provide a recollection of what I was doing 33 years ago, the weekend I entered the seminary. It is amazing how the very Scriptures I read at my last Mass at home have grown in significance -- especially Paul's instruction to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 24, 2008 We are all familiar with abuses of authority. Christians are called to a counter-intuitive sort of authority, modeled for us in Jesus himself, who came among us as one who serves. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 24, 2008 We are all familiar with abuses of authority. Christians are called to a counter-intuitive sort of authority, modeled for us in Jesus himself, who came among us as one who serves. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2008 When he speaks of throwing the food of the children to the dogs, Jesus lays bare a nativism which we carefully hide from ourselves. The fact of a child's illness breaks through the barriers we erect so we can create for ourselves that "comfort zone" we so frequently refer to. The human need for health -- for salvation -- is universal. May our self-imposed barriers crumble beneath God's outstretched arm (Alternate Opening Prayer). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2008 When he speaks of throwing the food of the children to the dogs, Jesus lays bare a nativism which we carefully hide from ourselves. The fact of a child's illness breaks through the barriers we erect so we can create for ourselves that "comfort zone" we so frequently refer to. The human need for health -- for salvation -- is universal. May our self-imposed barriers crumble beneath God's outstretched arm (Alternate Opening Prayer). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 10, 2008 I love the Olympics. I always have to see the opening ceremony. Friday night, in addition to the spectacle, we saw a little boy with the towering Yao Ming. I find a connection with Elijah in the cave and Peter trying to walk to his master on water. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 10, 2008 I love the Olympics. I always have to see the opening ceremony. Friday night, in addition to the spectacle, we saw a little boy with the towering Yao Ming. I find a connection with Elijah in the cave and Peter trying to walk to his master on water. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 3, 2008 Our duty to foster communion and dialogue; our assurance that nothing can separate us from God -- these are a few parts of the great variety of thoughts presented to us through the Scriptures. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 3, 2008 Our duty to foster communion and dialogue; our assurance that nothing can separate us from God -- these are a few parts of the great variety of thoughts presented to us through the Scriptures. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 27, 2008 What is your heart's desire?  It becomes obvious to any Christian that we must keep revising our idea of that heart's desire as it comes to embrace nothing less than the Kingdom of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 27, 2008 What is your heart's desire?  It becomes obvious to any Christian that we must keep revising our idea of that heart's desire as it comes to embrace nothing less than the Kingdom of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 20, 2008 Rely not upon the "explanation" of the parable of the weeds in the wheat. Let the parable itself carry you to a consideration of the patience of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 20, 2008 Rely not upon the "explanation" of the parable of the weeds in the wheat. Let the parable itself carry you to a consideration of the patience of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 13, 2008 You need an explanation of the parables of Jesus ... if you want to make them safe and domesticated and toothless. Jesus probably did not provide explanations; somebody in the early Church considered this necessary. Jesus intended his parables to have teeth -- to keep gnawing at us as we consider how we enter into the kingdom of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 4 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 4 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 13, 2008 You need an explanation of the parables of Jesus ... if you want to make them safe and domesticated and toothless. Jesus probably did not provide explanations; somebody in the early Church considered this necessary. Jesus intended his parables to have teeth -- to keep gnawing at us as we consider how we enter into the kingdom of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 3 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 3 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 2 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 2 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 1 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tribunal Advocate Training, part 1 of 4 Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 6, 2008 You need to decide whether the homilist is conscious. After a week spent at Catholic HEART Workcamp, I was suffering from severe sleep deprivation. I seem to recall talking about CREATURELINESS. Believe me, I was feeling like a creature, not a creator. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 6, 2008 You need to decide whether the homilist is conscious. After a week spent at Catholic HEART Workcamp, I was suffering from severe sleep deprivation. I seem to recall talking about CREATURELINESS. Believe me, I was feeling like a creature, not a creator. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 8, 2008 This was the homily given on the occasion of my silver jubilee.  This homily is unusual because I am interrupted by people explaining to me how funny it was for me to say "You don't know one another ... and it's a good thing."  They didn't let me complete my thought -- it's a good thing (for me, at least) that all these people from across nearly 51 years can come together for something very meaningful.  It was especially good for me. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 8, 2008 This was the homily given on the occasion of my silver jubilee.  This homily is unusual because I am interrupted by people explaining to me how funny it was for me to say "You don't know one another ... and it's a good thing."  They didn't let me complete my thought -- it's a good thing (for me, at least) that all these people from across nearly 51 years can come together for something very meaningful.  It was especially good for me. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 1, 2008 Since Easter was the earliest we'll ever see it, we have before us twenty-six weeks of Ordinary Time, and that means six months of a more or less continuous reading from the Gospel of Matthew.  Today's passage is the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  Does the exhortation to "build your house on rock" contradict St. Paul's teaching that salvation is a free gift? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 1, 2008 Since Easter was the earliest we'll ever see it, we have before us twenty-six weeks of Ordinary Time, and that means six months of a more or less continuous reading from the Gospel of Matthew.  Today's passage is the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  Does the exhortation to "build your house on rock" contradict St. Paul's teaching that salvation is a free gift? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, May 18, 2008 We were baptized into "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."  The  communitarian being of God Himself helps us to understand why it is absolutely necessary for us to live our lives in relationship. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, May 18, 2008 We were baptized into "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."  The  communitarian being of God Himself helps us to understand why it is absolutely necessary for us to live our lives in relationship. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 11, 2008 See the Vigil of Pentecost for references to harrowing experiences (does even St. Paul have the right to be the one talking about "labor pains" on the weekend of Mother's Day?).  Going through crises may perhaps purify our sense of what really matters in life.  We may be more responsive to the Holy Spirit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 11, 2008 See the Vigil of Pentecost for references to harrowing experiences (does even St. Paul have the right to be the one talking about "labor pains" on the weekend of Mother's Day?).  Going through crises may perhaps purify our sense of what really matters in life.  We may be more responsive to the Holy Spirit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord (Seventh Sunday of Easter), May 4, 2008 This one features yours truly trying to talk about four different things; the third part is the homily proper.  Jesus commands the Eleven to "go and make disciples" -- in other words, bring people around so that they are as excited about their faith as anyone devoted to a particular teacher. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord (Seventh Sunday of Easter), May 4, 2008 This one features yours truly trying to talk about four different things; the third part is the homily proper.  Jesus commands the Eleven to "go and make disciples" -- in other words, bring people around so that they are as excited about their faith as anyone devoted to a particular teacher. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 20, 2008 The essence of God is sharing.  Now that's something to think about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 20, 2008 The essence of God is sharing.  Now that's something to think about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 6, 2008 I can't remember what I preached about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 6, 2008 I can't remember what I preached about. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, March 30, 2008 The resurrection of Jesus, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, create community.  The first letter of Peter proclaims our new birth in baptism.  Birth means we belong to someone.  We eagerly claim our relationship to the crucified and risen one. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, March 30, 2008 The resurrection of Jesus, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, create community.  The first letter of Peter proclaims our new birth in baptism.  Birth means we belong to someone.  We eagerly claim our relationship to the crucified and risen one. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 22, 2008 Resurrection is real; we just have a hard time perceiving it.  Resurrection, in fact, is a challenge held out to us.  Do we accept the challenge?  Do we submit to the dying that is necessary if we are to rise? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 22, 2008 Resurrection is real; we just have a hard time perceiving it.  Resurrection, in fact, is a challenge held out to us.  Do we accept the challenge?  Do we submit to the dying that is necessary if we are to rise? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, March 21, 2008 "What is truth?"  Pilate doesn't know.  Pilate very likely doesn't want to know.  Truth includes an acknowledgment of human suffering.  Jesus in his death does this very thing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, March 21, 2008 "What is truth?"  Pilate doesn't know.  Pilate very likely doesn't want to know.  Truth includes an acknowledgment of human suffering.  Jesus in his death does this very thing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, March 20, 2008 Through the Passover, and then through the Eucharist, ancient memories are alive and active in our midst, helping us to "remember forward" regarding our dignity and our call from God to service. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, March 20, 2008 Through the Passover, and then through the Eucharist, ancient memories are alive and active in our midst, helping us to "remember forward" regarding our dignity and our call from God to service. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, March 16, 2008 I was a bit distracted on Palm Sunday and did not manage to record a homily.  This is a summary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, March 16, 2008 I was a bit distracted on Palm Sunday and did not manage to record a homily.  This is a summary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2008 "If I can survive death, I can survive anything."  But how does one survive death?  Jesus himself succumbed to death -- but this death was the conquest of death.  The raising of Lazarus prepares us to celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2008 "If I can survive death, I can survive anything."  But how does one survive death?  Jesus himself succumbed to death -- but this death was the conquest of death.  The raising of Lazarus prepares us to celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Work of the Diocesan Tribunal Recorded while I was having my car worked on -- there may be some background noises. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Work of the Diocesan Tribunal Recorded while I was having my car worked on -- there may be some background noises. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 2, 2008 On Laetare Sunday, I was looking for a "respite" from this sorry winter we've been experiencing.  On that particular day, the temperatures got up around 70.  I'm uploading this the following Tuesday, and we've been hit with several inches of blowing snow.  Maybe I should have prayed for more than a respite. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 2, 2008 On Laetare Sunday, I was looking for a "respite" from this sorry winter we've been experiencing.  On that particular day, the temperatures got up around 70.  I'm uploading this the following Tuesday, and we've been hit with several inches of blowing snow.  Maybe I should have prayed for more than a respite. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, February 24, 2008 I'm sorry to be late with this upload.  As I recall, I looked at Jesus and the Samaritan woman as a way of identifying various anxieties of human life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, February 24, 2008 I'm sorry to be late with this upload.  As I recall, I looked at Jesus and the Samaritan woman as a way of identifying various anxieties of human life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, February 17, 2008 How can we act with true hope, and not give in to a despairing attitude?  Jesus gave an answer through his transfiguration.  We can perceive, along with Peter, James, and John, that the good is triumphant, even when we can see only evil surrounding us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, February 17, 2008 How can we act with true hope, and not give in to a despairing attitude?  Jesus gave an answer through his transfiguration.  We can perceive, along with Peter, James, and John, that the good is triumphant, even when we can see only evil surrounding us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 10, 2008 Yes, this year we are going to talk about sin.  Jesus' resistance of temptation is a good occasion for us to think about sins of recklessness, as well as their opposite extreme: sins of shrinking fearfulness toward all the challenges of life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 10, 2008 Yes, this year we are going to talk about sin.  Jesus' resistance of temptation is a good occasion for us to think about sins of recklessness, as well as their opposite extreme: sins of shrinking fearfulness toward all the challenges of life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 3, 2008 Today we are "searching for Bobby Fischer" and thereby presenting a counterexample for the Beatitudes.  We are all tempted to make the activity that most gratifies us our only goal in life.  If we accede to the temptation, we tell ourselves that we are providing ourselves with happiness, but in fact we cut ourselves off from the deeper acceptance of the world and our place in it which in fact brings joy to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 3, 2008 Today we are "searching for Bobby Fischer" and thereby presenting a counterexample for the Beatitudes.  We are all tempted to make the activity that most gratifies us our only goal in life.  If we accede to the temptation, we tell ourselves that we are providing ourselves with happiness, but in fact we cut ourselves off from the deeper acceptance of the world and our place in it which in fact brings joy to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 27, 2008 DISCIPLES are people who submit willingly to a certain DISCIPLINE.  We can think of certain people or ideas that have excited us.  At one time or another, we have wanted our lives to be reflections of the thing that fascinates.  To be a disciple of Jesus means to be open to the many ways in which he calls us to re-think our own existence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Monday, January 21, 2008 This was the first sermon for Auburn's observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in its centennial year.  The venue: Cornerstone Community Church.  I forgot about recording until a couple of minutes into it.  Before turning it on, I got a good laugh when I said: "The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was started by Episcopalians who shortly thereafter became Roman Catholics.  In mentioning this, I do not mean to presuppose any outcome." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 20, 2008 We, the church, the assembly, are called to holiness.  "Holy" is a word rich in significance; yet it can be an obstacle to us when we seek to understand ourselves before God.  We welcome the encouragement of all who have accepted the challenge of the call to holiness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2008 Baptism is death.  This is not the sort of polite conversation that one expects when an infant undergoes baptism.  But this is precisely why Jesus underwent baptism: to be in solidarity with us who face this very strange thing called mortality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2008 Baptism is death.  This is not the sort of polite conversation that one expects when an infant undergoes baptism.  But this is precisely why Jesus underwent baptism: to be in solidarity with us who face this very strange thing called mortality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2008 We live in accelerated times.  Today we attempt to grasp what is of value in this time and for eternity.  We accept the challenge of accepting a gift of universal significance to humanity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2008 We live in accelerated times.  Today we attempt to grasp what is of value in this time and for eternity.  We accept the challenge of accepting a gift of universal significance to humanity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 30, 2007 Family brings to mind familiarity -- and from ancient times it has been held that "familiarity breeds contempt."  Today's scriptures affirm that this does not have to be.  As we appreciate the growth of our family members, we find that learning to forgive is liberating. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 30, 2007 Family brings to mind familiarity -- and from ancient times it has been held that "familiarity breeds contempt."  Today's scriptures affirm that this does not have to be.  As we appreciate the growth of our family members, we find that learning to forgive is liberating. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Vigil of Christmas, Monday, December 24, 2007 I am quite certain that this homily, at the first Mass of Christmas, will be my best effort for the solemnity of the Incarnation.  The mystery of the Word Made Flesh calls us to look deep within ourselves to discover the joy which can emerge from misery as we ask what it means to be human, and ask as well why the Son of God would will to enter this life of ours. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Vigil of Christmas, Monday, December 24, 2007 I am quite certain that this homily, at the first Mass of Christmas, will be my best effort for the solemnity of the Incarnation.  The mystery of the Word Made Flesh calls us to look deep within ourselves to discover the joy which can emerge from misery as we ask what it means to be human, and ask as well why the Son of God would will to enter this life of ours. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2007 We men like to assert our power.  The power or potency to beget children is greatly esteemed.  Today we hear of power being wielded in a way which calls all our power-posturing into question. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2007 We men like to assert our power.  The power or potency to beget children is greatly esteemed.  Today we hear of power being wielded in a way which calls all our power-posturing into question. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2007 As I was uploading this, the host admonished me: "Please be patient."  Patience provides a near-universal challenge to human beings.  It is difficult to see what patience gives us.  Perhaps if we slowed down the processes of our minds, and simply stood quietly before the incredible images supplied by the prophet Isaiah, we might discover that in the slowness God gives much to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2007 As I was uploading this, the host admonished me: "Please be patient."  Patience provides a near-universal challenge to human beings.  It is difficult to see what patience gives us.  Perhaps if we slowed down the processes of our minds, and simply stood quietly before the incredible images supplied by the prophet Isaiah, we might discover that in the slowness God gives much to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2007 On a weekend of difficult weather and general distraction, a brief reflection on knowledge of God covering the earth as water covers the sea. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2007 On a weekend of difficult weather and general distraction, a brief reflection on knowledge of God covering the earth as water covers the sea. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2007 This somewhat windy homily takes the image of the man hammering his sword into a plowshare and applies it to the dream of the parish's becoming more completely a faith community. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2007 This somewhat windy homily takes the image of the man hammering his sword into a plowshare and applies it to the dream of the parish's becoming more completely a faith community. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 25, 2007 Let's get past the reflexive response, "We're Americans -- we don't need kings!"  There is a great richness in the concepts of kingship and kingdom, and we can enrich ourselves by considering these concepts.  Jesus, truly God and truly human, subjected himself to ultimate degradation and made the cross his throne.  If we are in the midst of degradation, his presence there can mean everything to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 25, 2007 Let's get past the reflexive response, "We're Americans -- we don't need kings!"  There is a great richness in the concepts of kingship and kingdom, and we can enrich ourselves by considering these concepts.  Jesus, truly God and truly human, subjected himself to ultimate degradation and made the cross his throne.  If we are in the midst of degradation, his presence there can mean everything to us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Special: "Mass in Slow Motion" (Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 18, 2007) This recording is close to an hour and a half.  I provide explanations of the various parts of the Mass.  We must conduct our lives remembering that we are the ancestors of the people of the future.  Will they be able to look back upon us with gratitude? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Special: "Mass in Slow Motion" (Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 18, 2007) This recording is close to an hour and a half.  I provide explanations of the various parts of the Mass.  We must conduct our lives remembering that we are the ancestors of the people of the future.  Will they be able to look back upon us with gratitude? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 11, 2007 I received some highly gratifying positive feedback on this one.  I was happy to hear from people who said that it made them think!  That's what we must do if we are going to have an adequate appreciation of our relationship with God and what time and timelessness have to do with it.  We must rouse ourselves out of a "pie in the sky when you die" mentality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 11, 2007 I received some highly gratifying positive feedback on this one.  I was happy to hear from people who said that it made them think!  That's what we must do if we are going to have an adequate appreciation of our relationship with God and what time and timelessness have to do with it.  We must rouse ourselves out of a "pie in the sky when you die" mentality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 4, 2007 After two weekends on vacation and some hassles with keeping my account activated, I am back with Sunday homilies.  We all appreciate a quiet, loving hint so that we can be informed of a need to change something.  We don't appreciate it when this need becomes a topic of common conversation and we end up being the last to know.  Jesus was giving Zacchaeus that quiet, loving hint that leads to conversion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 4, 2007 After two weekends on vacation and some hassles with keeping my account activated, I am back with Sunday homilies.  We all appreciate a quiet, loving hint so that we can be informed of a need to change something.  We don't appreciate it when this need becomes a topic of common conversation and we end up being the last to know.  Jesus was giving Zacchaeus that quiet, loving hint that leads to conversion. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 14, 2007 Does the internet make place irrelevant?  Our deepest feelings say no.  Each of us is from somewhere.  We have a lot invested in particular places.  It is taking believers a long time to work through these feelings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 14, 2007 Does the internet make place irrelevant?  Our deepest feelings say no.  Each of us is from somewhere.  We have a lot invested in particular places.  It is taking believers a long time to work through these feelings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 7, 2007 "How long, O Lord?"  This cry from the sixth century B.C. resounds in every age, wherever human beings are.  We experience time now as dragging, now as racing.  We are challenged to understand that God is drawing us from time into the timeless.  If we wonder about the virtue of patience, let us consider the patience of Jesus in casting his lot with humanity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 7, 2007 "How long, O Lord?"  This cry from the sixth century B.C. resounds in every age, wherever human beings are.  We experience time now as dragging, now as racing.  We are challenged to understand that God is drawing us from time into the timeless.  If we wonder about the virtue of patience, let us consider the patience of Jesus in casting his lot with humanity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 30, 2007 A somewhat different take on the rich man and Lazarus.  I consider what it means to take anyone's name in vain.  How do people instrumentalize each other? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 30, 2007 A somewhat different take on the rich man and Lazarus.  I consider what it means to take anyone's name in vain.  How do people instrumentalize each other? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 23, 2007 Jesus' parable of the devious steward is not teaching us to be devious!  Rather, we find here an invitation to "work" a "system" as this man worked the economic system, which was all he could see.  Our "system" to "work" is creation itself.  We are to develop a sense of wonder toward God who, in his creation, constantly expresses his love for us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 23, 2007 Jesus' parable of the devious steward is not teaching us to be devious!  Rather, we find here an invitation to "work" a "system" as this man worked the economic system, which was all he could see.  Our "system" to "work" is creation itself.  We are to develop a sense of wonder toward God who, in his creation, constantly expresses his love for us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 16, 2007 Self-righteousness is hard to get rid of; after all, it feels so good!  But we can trade it in for something better.  May we confront ourselves in a healthy manner so as to accept the sense of peace which is far better than self-righteousness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 16, 2007 Self-righteousness is hard to get rid of; after all, it feels so good!  But we can trade it in for something better.  May we confront ourselves in a healthy manner so as to accept the sense of peace which is far better than self-righteousness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 9, 2007 The death of Madeleine L'Engle; the ideas of C.S. Lewis regarding heaven; our upcoming parish feast day (Friday, September 14) and the prioritizing that occurs when we take up our cross. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 9, 2007 The death of Madeleine L'Engle; the ideas of C.S. Lewis regarding heaven; our upcoming parish feast day (Friday, September 14) and the prioritizing that occurs when we take up our cross. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 2, 2007 (reconstructed) Might heaven be boring?; a mistranslation of Hebrews; one of Jesus' least important parables; Mother Teresa couldn't control God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 2, 2007 (reconstructed) Might heaven be boring?; a mistranslation of Hebrews; one of Jesus' least important parables; Mother Teresa couldn't control God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 26, 2007 I have to apologize for the strange appearance of this page.  I have to scroll down quite a bit through blank space to see the latest posts.  Libsyn has sent me some advice on how to correct this, but I don't have it figured out yet. Apparently Libsyn has been having some problems over the last few days with access to their site. Anyway, here's my first theology-bite on heaven, and my thought on responding to what is ultimately a meaningless question.  Accept discipline and ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 26, 2007 I have to apologize for the strange appearance of this page.  I have to scroll down quite a bit through blank space to see the latest posts.  Libsyn has sent me some advice on how to correct this, but I don't have it figured out yet. Apparently Libsyn has been having some problems over the last few days with access to their site. Anyway, here's my first theology-bite on heaven, and my thought on responding to what is ultimately a meaningless question.  Accept discipline and ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 19, 2007 After two weekends away doing ecumenical training, the crusty old pastor is back.  This homily starts from a reflection on the practice of dueling. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 19, 2007 After two weekends away doing ecumenical training, the crusty old pastor is back.  This homily starts from a reflection on the practice of dueling. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 29, 2007 Due to technical difficulties, this homily is appearing rather late.  The Scriptures give us a lot to consider regarding prayer.  It is most important to note the communal nature of prayer (even when we think we're "alone") and to take confidence in the strength of praying liturgically with people all over the world.  Does it help to tell people that the Tridentine Mass was never abrogated?  Does it help to treat the Christians of the Reformation as some virus ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 29, 2007 Due to technical difficulties, this homily is appearing rather late.  The Scriptures give us a lot to consider regarding prayer.  It is most important to note the communal nature of prayer (even when we think we're "alone") and to take confidence in the strength of praying liturgically with people all over the world.  Does it help to tell people that the Tridentine Mass was never abrogated?  Does it help to treat the Christians of the Reformation as some virus ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 22, 2007 We finish our reflection on the meaning of hell.  We also consider the virtue of hospitality, acknowledging that activity (of whatever kind) can get in the way of our focus on why we engage in various activities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 22, 2007 We finish our reflection on the meaning of hell.  We also consider the virtue of hospitality, acknowledging that activity (of whatever kind) can get in the way of our focus on why we engage in various activities. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 15, 2007 Treatment of eschatology continues with a consideration of hell, where jokes fall flat.  There has been a lot of name-calling in state government lately; we must consider the fact that labeling people is a foolish excuse for not responding to people spontaneously with love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 15, 2007 Treatment of eschatology continues with a consideration of hell, where jokes fall flat.  There has been a lot of name-calling in state government lately; we must consider the fact that labeling people is a foolish excuse for not responding to people spontaneously with love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 8, 2007 Today is my fiftieth birthday.  It's a time somewhat like Dante's mezzo del cammin di nostra vita (the middle of the walk of our life) and it was then that he looked into the "last things" in writing The Divine Comedy.  Today I complete my look at Purgatorio.  We also consider the meaning of fulfillment in life.  -- Well, I found an English translation of yesterday's motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI and I can tell you that I don't like it one bit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 8, 2007 Today is my fiftieth birthday.  It's a time somewhat like Dante's mezzo del cammin di nostra vita (the middle of the walk of our life) and it was then that he looked into the "last things" in writing The Divine Comedy.  Today I complete my look at Purgatorio.  We also consider the meaning of fulfillment in life.  -- Well, I found an English translation of yesterday's motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI and I can tell you that I don't like it one bit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 1, 2007 Freedom is the opportunity to choose a direction for one's life.  Jesus knew that he was proceeding resolutely to Jerusalem and an appointment with a cross.  Our challenge is freely to embrace everything that comes with the path of holiness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 1, 2007 Freedom is the opportunity to choose a direction for one's life.  Jesus knew that he was proceeding resolutely to Jerusalem and an appointment with a cross.  Our challenge is freely to embrace everything that comes with the path of holiness. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Birth of John the Baptist, Sunday, June 24, 2007 Zechariah was unable to speak.  That doesn't mean he was unable to hear.  So why are the good fellows around him communicating in some sort of sign language?  Self-consciousness in difficult social situations can lead us to to do strange things (may I say "dumb" things?).  We recognize the un-self-consciousness of John the Baptist, whose vocation was to point to Jesus, Messiah and Savior. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Birth of John the Baptist, Sunday, June 24, 2007 Zechariah was unable to speak.  That doesn't mean he was unable to hear.  So why are the good fellows around him communicating in some sort of sign language?  Self-consciousness in difficult social situations can lead us to to do strange things (may I say "dumb" things?).  We recognize the un-self-consciousness of John the Baptist, whose vocation was to point to Jesus, Messiah and Savior. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 17, 2007 Finally we get to a post-death "destination" -- although it's not a final destination.  Purgatory is the antechamber to heaven, and the concept of this state of purification is difficult to understand.  More to the point are the words of Jesus to Simon the Pharisee and of Nathan the prophet to King David.  God is merciful. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 17, 2007 Finally we get to a post-death "destination" -- although it's not a final destination.  Purgatory is the antechamber to heaven, and the concept of this state of purification is difficult to understand.  More to the point are the words of Jesus to Simon the Pharisee and of Nathan the prophet to King David.  God is merciful. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, Sunday, June 10, 2007 In this time-bound existence of ours, we touch the timeless as we open our hearts to our God.  The Holy Eucharist proclaims to us that we are fed and nourished in Jesus' Paschal Mystery in ways which are not readily perceivable.  We remember that sacrament and mystery are equivalent terms. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, Sunday, June 10, 2007 In this time-bound existence of ours, we touch the timeless as we open our hearts to our God.  The Holy Eucharist proclaims to us that we are fed and nourished in Jesus' Paschal Mystery in ways which are not readily perceivable.  We remember that sacrament and mystery are equivalent terms. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, Sunday, June 3, 2007 How well developed is your sense of play and celebration?  Can you experience life with the enthusiasm of God the Creator?  He made us that we might in some way reflect the love shared among the persons of the Trinity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, Sunday, June 3, 2007 How well developed is your sense of play and celebration?  Can you experience life with the enthusiasm of God the Creator?  He made us that we might in some way reflect the love shared among the persons of the Trinity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007 The Holy Spirit is at work through the words of Sacred Scripture.  It is important for all of us to read the Bible in its entirety.  We also need to let Scripture guide our prayer.  Our liturgical experience of the proclamation of Scripture is a dramatic way in which we experience the Word of God being addressed to us in a way that responds to the drama of our life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007 The Holy Spirit is at work through the words of Sacred Scripture.  It is important for all of us to read the Bible in its entirety.  We also need to let Scripture guide our prayer.  Our liturgical experience of the proclamation of Scripture is a dramatic way in which we experience the Word of God being addressed to us in a way that responds to the drama of our life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, Sunday, May 20, 2007 A lot was going on today.  We begin "Eschatology" with "Limbo."  What experiences do we have that give us a sense of the peace of "dwelling in the house of the Lord"? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, Sunday, May 20, 2007 A lot was going on today.  We begin "Eschatology" with "Limbo."  What experiences do we have that give us a sense of the peace of "dwelling in the house of the Lord"? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 13, 2007 Since, in my locality, the Ascension falls on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, we are permitted to use readings of that Seventh Sunday on this day.  I used the Gospel from next Sunday: "That all may be one."  How does the incident in the Acts of the Apostles demonstrate for us the manner in which we should seek communion among all believers?  How are we preparing to enter the New Jerusalem? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 13, 2007 Since, in my locality, the Ascension falls on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, we are permitted to use readings of that Seventh Sunday on this day.  I used the Gospel from next Sunday: "That all may be one."  How does the incident in the Acts of the Apostles demonstrate for us the manner in which we should seek communion among all believers?  How are we preparing to enter the New Jerusalem? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 29, 2007 (First Communion) A different take on the same readings.  NOTE:  Next weekend I will again be away from the parish; therefore no homily for May 5-6. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 29, 2007 (First Communion) A different take on the same readings.  NOTE:  Next weekend I will again be away from the parish; therefore no homily for May 5-6. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 29, 2007 You who are listening to the podcast know very well the concept of "multitasking."  Can people multitask and do justice to any of the work they do?  Jesus' attention was fixed on one matter alone.  His singleness of heart led to the salvation of all of us and each of us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 29, 2007 You who are listening to the podcast know very well the concept of "multitasking."  Can people multitask and do justice to any of the work they do?  Jesus' attention was fixed on one matter alone.  His singleness of heart led to the salvation of all of us and each of us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2007 Recorded at Divernon on Saturday, April 14.  Personally I will always have esteem for Thomas in his unwillingness to be deceived -- though I grant that we can improve upon him and learn to appreciate the need to accept the testimony of witnesses.  -- NOTE: I was not in my parish April 21-22 and did not preach. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2007 Recorded at Divernon on Saturday, April 14.  Personally I will always have esteem for Thomas in his unwillingness to be deceived -- though I grant that we can improve upon him and learn to appreciate the need to accept the testimony of witnesses.  -- NOTE: I was not in my parish April 21-22 and did not preach. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 7, 2007 Resurrection allows us to accept our memories -- even the most bitter.  Our participation in Christian baptism means that we have accepted the invitation of Jesus to accept all the good that comes from his confrontation of the contradictions of human existence -- especially the contradiction called death.  We are grateful for the invitation we've been given -- the invitation to live fully. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 7, 2007 Resurrection allows us to accept our memories -- even the most bitter.  Our participation in Christian baptism means that we have accepted the invitation of Jesus to accept all the good that comes from his confrontation of the contradictions of human existence -- especially the contradiction called death.  We are grateful for the invitation we've been given -- the invitation to live fully. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday, April 6, 2007 As I attempted to record my homily for Holy Thursday, I discovered that the battery was dead.  Sorry.  You will note that my Triduum homilies are building upon the concept of memory. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Good Friday, April 6, 2007 As I attempted to record my homily for Holy Thursday, I discovered that the battery was dead.  Sorry.  You will note that my Triduum homilies are building upon the concept of memory. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 1, 2007 Luke is my favorite Gospel, and likewise the Passion of Luke is my favorite of the narratives of the death of Jesus.  It seems to me that Luke has an eye on the universal implications of the sacrifice of the Word Made Flesh.  When he says to the one crucified alongside him, "This day you will be with me in Paradise," we understand that God in fact brings into the Kingdom those who seem to be irrevocably excluded.  Recorded at the 8:00 am Sunday Eucharist at Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 1, 2007 Luke is my favorite Gospel, and likewise the Passion of Luke is my favorite of the narratives of the death of Jesus.  It seems to me that Luke has an eye on the universal implications of the sacrifice of the Word Made Flesh.  When he says to the one crucified alongside him, "This day you will be with me in Paradise," we understand that God in fact brings into the Kingdom those who seem to be irrevocably excluded.  Recorded at the 8:00 am Sunday Eucharist at Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 25, 2007 Well, is this a stretch or not?  In the incident of the woman caught in adultery, can we see an element of class consciousness?  I will leave it to you to form your opinion.  Anyway, this passage from the Gospel of John is unfailingly powerful. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 25, 2007 Well, is this a stretch or not?  In the incident of the woman caught in adultery, can we see an element of class consciousness?  I will leave it to you to form your opinion.  Anyway, this passage from the Gospel of John is unfailingly powerful. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2007 This is the Sunday 10:15 am Mass in Auburn.  Once again, we consider the parable of the Prodigal Son -- this time, without reference to etymology. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2007 This is the Sunday 10:15 am Mass in Auburn.  Once again, we consider the parable of the Prodigal Son -- this time, without reference to etymology. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2007 Is there a connection between the words prodigal and prodigy?  I said so in this homily, but without checking a dictionary.  Now that I have, I find I can't verify this.  At least I know that prodigal doesn't mean "repentant" but rather "wasteful."  And it is an open question how repentant the prodigal was.  Recorded Saturday evening in Divernon. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2007 Is there a connection between the words prodigal and prodigy?  I said so in this homily, but without checking a dictionary.  Now that I have, I find I can't verify this.  At least I know that prodigal doesn't mean "repentant" but rather "wasteful."  And it is an open question how repentant the prodigal was.  Recorded Saturday evening in Divernon. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 11, 2007 (Year A readings for first scrutiny of the elect) I preached on these readings only once today.  The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent have two sets of readings in Years B and C (this year is C) when the scrutinies are celebrated for people preparing for baptism at Easter.  There is a richness to the Gospel of Jesus and the Samaritan woman which could lead to a very long homily.  Mine is rather brief. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 11, 2007 (Year A readings for first scrutiny of the elect) I preached on these readings only once today.  The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent have two sets of readings in Years B and C (this year is C) when the scrutinies are celebrated for people preparing for baptism at Easter.  There is a richness to the Gospel of Jesus and the Samaritan woman which could lead to a very long homily.  Mine is rather brief. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 4, 2007 This has nothing to do with the homily; I merely present this as a public service.  -- People apparently are up in arms about "In God We Trust" not being on the new dollar coins.  Think again.  "E Pluribus Unum," "In God We Trust," and the minting year are on the rim of the coin (I remember this sort of thing being done on one-pound coins in the UK).  So all you people who love to be sanctimonious: find something else to be sanctimonious abo ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 4, 2007 This has nothing to do with the homily; I merely present this as a public service.  -- People apparently are up in arms about "In God We Trust" not being on the new dollar coins.  Think again.  "E Pluribus Unum," "In God We Trust," and the minting year are on the rim of the coin (I remember this sort of thing being done on one-pound coins in the UK).  So all you people who love to be sanctimonious: find something else to be sanctimonious abo ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2007 Jesus underwent temptation just as we do.  But he never sinned.  So how much like us is he, really?  Can we relate to him?  Can his fidelity to his Father be attributed to superhuman powers?  These are vital questions which we must answer if we are to make our way through Lent to the celebration of the Easter Mystery.  Recorded Saturday evening, February 24, in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2007 Jesus underwent temptation just as we do.  But he never sinned.  So how much like us is he, really?  Can we relate to him?  Can his fidelity to his Father be attributed to superhuman powers?  These are vital questions which we must answer if we are to make our way through Lent to the celebration of the Easter Mystery.  Recorded Saturday evening, February 24, in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 18, 2007 How do we view people?  Can we expand our vision so we can see people more in the way that God sees us?  It is possible, and we can develop an appreciation for human beings which is a step toward the vision of Jesus in his challenging command to love our enemies. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 18, 2007 How do we view people?  Can we expand our vision so we can see people more in the way that God sees us?  It is possible, and we can develop an appreciation for human beings which is a step toward the vision of Jesus in his challenging command to love our enemies. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 11, 2007 We're back, thanks to Brian Noe's expertise.  For this first attempt with a new recording device, I'm a little bit self-conscious wearing the thing on my wrist.  We cast aside all distracting thoughts and extend our roots so we will always be one with the source of life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 11, 2007 We're back, thanks to Brian Noe's expertise.  For this first attempt with a new recording device, I'm a little bit self-conscious wearing the thing on my wrist.  We cast aside all distracting thoughts and extend our roots so we will always be one with the source of life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 21, 2007 Don't you get angry when people tell you how to feel?  I thought so.  It seems that Ezra is doing this very thing in the first reading.  Jesus, on the other hand, does not try to manipulate us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 21, 2007 Don't you get angry when people tell you how to feel?  I thought so.  It seems that Ezra is doing this very thing in the first reading.  Jesus, on the other hand, does not try to manipulate us. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 14, 2007 Marriage is a process of embracing the ordinary.  Our God calls us to discover how wonderful the ordinary is. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 14, 2007 Marriage is a process of embracing the ordinary.  Our God calls us to discover how wonderful the ordinary is. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 7, 2007 I'm still sick, as you can hear.  Considering the word "epiphany" as meaning coming to a new insight or an "aha" moment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 7, 2007 I'm still sick, as you can hear.  Considering the word "epiphany" as meaning coming to a new insight or an "aha" moment. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 31, 2006 I have been sick for over a week -- hence the late upload.  The gist of my thoughts for the Holy Family is that we as a Church thought we had all the answers to what families are supposed to be.  We have been proven wrong.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Holy Family, December 31, 2006 I have been sick for over a week -- hence the late upload.  The gist of my thoughts for the Holy Family is that we as a Church thought we had all the answers to what families are supposed to be.  We have been proven wrong.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2006 I waited till my last Mass to make a recording.  It turns out that that Mass was the one where I had the stiffest "competition."  The Scriptures for the Mass of Christmas Day have us considering messengers and messages and our need to distinguish between them. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2006 I waited till my last Mass to make a recording.  It turns out that that Mass was the one where I had the stiffest "competition."  The Scriptures for the Mass of Christmas Day have us considering messengers and messages and our need to distinguish between them. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2006 Do you enjoy being visited?  Mary and Elizabeth visit each other in order to proclaim that God has visited his people. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2006 Do you enjoy being visited?  Mary and Elizabeth visit each other in order to proclaim that God has visited his people. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2006 How do we find joy in being reminded over and over that we are merely human beings?  PRECISELY in embracing our identity as human beings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2006 How do we find joy in being reminded over and over that we are merely human beings?  PRECISELY in embracing our identity as human beings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2006 (second try) Sorry, the first upload was the wrong format. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2006 (second try) Sorry, the first upload was the wrong format. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2006 Sorry about the screechy recording from last week.  What voices do we listen to? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2006 This year we observe the briefest Advent possible.  Seize the moment and consider what a coating of ice and snow has to say to us about God, our beginnings, and our fulfillments. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2006 This year we observe the briefest Advent possible.  Seize the moment and consider what a coating of ice and snow has to say to us about God, our beginnings, and our fulfillments. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 26, 2006 This is relatively lengthy, starting as it does with an issue I'm going to be talking about for several weeks: dismal weekend Mass attendance. -- My time in London helped me to consider the matter of kingship; I think I have some helpful insights. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King, November 26, 2006 This is relatively lengthy, starting as it does with an issue I'm going to be talking about for several weeks: dismal weekend Mass attendance. -- My time in London helped me to consider the matter of kingship; I think I have some helpful insights. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 12, 2006 I was sick and this homily was very brief.  I believe that this was the Gospel of "the widow's mite." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 12, 2006 I was sick and this homily was very brief.  I believe that this was the Gospel of "the widow's mite." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 5, 2006 "Love God with all your heart" -- this is the first and greatest commandment.  But it is certainly not the first commandment of which we have a practical grasp.  Let us consider how we learn to love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 5, 2006 "Love God with all your heart" -- this is the first and greatest commandment.  But it is certainly not the first commandment of which we have a practical grasp.  Let us consider how we learn to love. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 29, 2006 Those of us who use computers must be impressed with the visual nature of the interaction between ourselves and these devices.  We equate seeing with understanding.  The word of God today encourages us in our understanding.  As Hebrews declares today, God understands us, not because he is standing by and looking on from a distance, but because in Jesus he experienced the effects of living in the obscurity of a sinful world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 29, 2006 Those of us who use computers must be impressed with the visual nature of the interaction between ourselves and these devices.  We equate seeing with understanding.  The word of God today encourages us in our understanding.  As Hebrews declares today, God understands us, not because he is standing by and looking on from a distance, but because in Jesus he experienced the effects of living in the obscurity of a sinful world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Hello from London After an uneventful air trip, I am in London where I worked as a deacon in the summer of 1982.  I arrived at the parish for the 9:00 am Mass with three minutes to spare.  I have located an internet cafe, from which I am sending this message.  I am walking around the old neighborhood.  Both of the hospitals where I worked have undergone great changes.  The parish church has a completely remodeled interior, in keeping with guidelines on providing for baptism of adults ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 24, 2006 When we are faced with the unpleasant or the perplexing, we do our best to distract ourselves -- even if that means taking a flight into fantasy.  So Jesus' disciples did in trying to ignore his words to them that he must be put to death, and launching into a discussion of who is the greatest among them.  Let's put aside fantasy and acknowledge what truly gives meaning to our life. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 17, 2006 Powerful readings: Isaiah 50, the third Suffering Servant Song; from James, the "faith-works" controversy; from Mark, "Get behind me, Satan!" Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 17, 2006 Powerful readings: Isaiah 50, the third Suffering Servant Song; from James, the "faith-works" controversy; from Mark, "Get behind me, Satan!" Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 10, 2006 How good it is for our ears to be opened once again to hear Sunday reflections on the Word of God.  Reflecting on the life of my first seminary spiritual director, I add the image of the "heart of stone" (Ezekiel 36: 24-28) to the prescribed readings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 10, 2006 How good it is for our ears to be opened once again to hear Sunday reflections on the Word of God.  Reflecting on the life of my first seminary spiritual director, I add the image of the "heart of stone" (Ezekiel 36: 24-28) to the prescribed readings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2006 The Holy Eucharist responds well to our humanity.  It is the satisfaction of an immediate need alongside other immediate needs about which we are frequently reminded during the course of a day. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2006 The Holy Eucharist responds well to our humanity.  It is the satisfaction of an immediate need alongside other immediate needs about which we are frequently reminded during the course of a day. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 13, 2006 I was away last week.  In the meantime, our bishop made a long-awaited announcement regarding an investigation.  We as the People of God are called to recognize the strength that allows us to make our various life-journeys, especially in adversity.  "Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 13, 2006 I was away last week.  In the meantime, our bishop made a long-awaited announcement regarding an investigation.  We as the People of God are called to recognize the strength that allows us to make our various life-journeys, especially in adversity.  "Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 30, 2006 (take 2) I was much happier with this homily, given at 10:15 am.  What happened at the "multiplication of the loaves and fishes"?  Did Jesus just get everybody to share?  Would that have served his purpose completely?  We consider the abundance of God's love and accept the challenge, given today by St. Paul, to rely upon a deep source of love and patience in our hearts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 30, 2006 (take 2) I was much happier with this homily, given at 10:15 am.  What happened at the "multiplication of the loaves and fishes"?  Did Jesus just get everybody to share?  Would that have served his purpose completely?  We consider the abundance of God's love and accept the challenge, given today by St. Paul, to rely upon a deep source of love and patience in our hearts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 30, 2006 I am somewhat dissatisfied with this homily, given at 8:00 am, so I will give it another try at 10:15 am.  For one thing, the homily goes 11 minutes.  I am consistently urged to preach no more than 10 minutes (in seminary, I was taught that eight minutes is enough!). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 30, 2006 I am somewhat dissatisfied with this homily, given at 8:00 am, so I will give it another try at 10:15 am.  For one thing, the homily goes 11 minutes.  I am consistently urged to preach no more than 10 minutes (in seminary, I was taught that eight minutes is enough!). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 23, 2006 Having returned from vacation, Fr. Kevin sounds as if he'd really like to be with Jesus and the Twelve, going to that out-of-the-way place to rest a while.  He got very accustomed to the relaxation!  He sounds kind of tired.  Pray for peace. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 23, 2006 Having returned from vacation, Fr. Kevin sounds as if he'd really like to be with Jesus and the Twelve, going to that out-of-the-way place to rest a while.  He got very accustomed to the relaxation!  He sounds kind of tired.  Pray for peace. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 9, 2006 Today I share a story of an incident which occurred back in 1970, when I was thirteen.  It's a good complement for today's readings and a continuing matter of wonder for me, as I find myself looking deep within to consider the obstacles in our hearts which could constitute a "thorn in the flesh." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 9, 2006 Today I share a story of an incident which occurred back in 1970, when I was thirteen.  It's a good complement for today's readings and a continuing matter of wonder for me, as I find myself looking deep within to consider the obstacles in our hearts which could constitute a "thorn in the flesh." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 2, 2006 The way of the world is death, but we have the audacity to believe in a Creator who preserves us to eternal life, and in a Savior who came quietly into this world to triumph over death and to give that full life to those who exercise faith. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 2, 2006 The way of the world is death, but we have the audacity to believe in a Creator who preserves us to eternal life, and in a Savior who came quietly into this world to triumph over death and to give that full life to those who exercise faith. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 25, 2006 Fear can be a good thing, if it's the reverential fear that we owe to God.  We lift up our hearts to God who gives us life and all good things, and we remember, with Job, that God even tells chaos how far it can go. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 25, 2006 Fear can be a good thing, if it's the reverential fear that we owe to God.  We lift up our hearts to God who gives us life and all good things, and we remember, with Job, that God even tells chaos how far it can go. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, June 18, 2006 The readings in Year B focus greatly on the blood of Christ.  Let us acknowledge the differences between the ancient mentality and our own, and appreciate their understanding of blood as a sign of atonement for sin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, June 18, 2006 The readings in Year B focus greatly on the blood of Christ.  Let us acknowledge the differences between the ancient mentality and our own, and appreciate their understanding of blood as a sign of atonement for sin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, June 11, 2006 The dynamism of the Holy Trinity should be reflected in the dynamic action of love in our lives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Holy Trinity, June 11, 2006 The dynamism of the Holy Trinity should be reflected in the dynamic action of love in our lives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, June 4, 2006 "Now, listen up; this is the Holy Spirit talking.  Everybody start talking Latin!"  This is not the way the Holy Spirit works.  Unfortunately, the recent unpleasantness regarding English liturgical texts would lead one to believe that some highly-placed people in the Church do think that this is how the Spirit operates.  Today's passage from Acts contradicts them.  -- I do have one retraction of something I said.  I do believe that God deals with sinn ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, June 4, 2006 "Now, listen up; this is the Holy Spirit talking.  Everybody start talking Latin!"  This is not the way the Holy Spirit works.  Unfortunately, the recent unpleasantness regarding English liturgical texts would lead one to believe that some highly-placed people in the Church do think that this is how the Spirit operates.  Today's passage from Acts contradicts them.  -- I do have one retraction of something I said.  I do believe that God deals with sinn ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 28, 2006 After you hear this homily, you may find yourself humming the Beatles' "In My Life."  I am. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 28, 2006 After you hear this homily, you may find yourself humming the Beatles' "In My Life."  I am. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006 Where I live, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on the Seventh Sunday of Easter.  Therefore, on the Sixth Sunday of Easter we can use readings from the Seventh Sunday which we otherwise would never hear.  Today I used the Seventh Sunday's Gospel, Jesus' prayer "that all may be one."  Catholics need to watch their language when they refer to Christians of different denominations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006 Where I live, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on the Seventh Sunday of Easter.  Therefore, on the Sixth Sunday of Easter we can use readings from the Seventh Sunday which we otherwise would never hear.  Today I used the Seventh Sunday's Gospel, Jesus' prayer "that all may be one."  Catholics need to watch their language when they refer to Christians of different denominations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006 Today we consider the image of the vine and the branches, which, if you think about it, may suffer from some inadequacies.  We also consider the awkwardness of a former attacker coming over to the enemy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006 Today we consider the image of the vine and the branches, which, if you think about it, may suffer from some inadequacies.  We also consider the awkwardness of a former attacker coming over to the enemy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2006 Even Jesus cannot provide a perfect analogy.  It's just the nature of an analogy that it is always in some way inadequate.  And in the case of the Good Shepherd, the deficiency is this: WE'RE NOT SHEEP. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2006 Even Jesus cannot provide a perfect analogy.  It's just the nature of an analogy that it is always in some way inadequate.  And in the case of the Good Shepherd, the deficiency is this: WE'RE NOT SHEEP. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2006 My take on The Da Vinci Code.  Also, is it true that, after the Resurrection, you still get to eat?  This was from the 8:00 am Mass at Auburn (10:15 was First Communion). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2006 My take on The Da Vinci Code.  Also, is it true that, after the Resurrection, you still get to eat?  This was from the 8:00 am Mass at Auburn (10:15 was First Communion). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 9, 2006 I had a little competition at the beginning of this homily.  These are some thoughts on the various titles given to Jesus and their meaning.  Recorded at the late Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 9, 2006 I had a little competition at the beginning of this homily.  These are some thoughts on the various titles given to Jesus and their meaning.  Recorded at the late Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 2, 2006 The Covenant ... and how it is expressed to its fullest degree in the one who was lifted up and draws all to himself. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 2, 2006 The Covenant ... and how it is expressed to its fullest degree in the one who was lifted up and draws all to himself. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 26, 2006 A week ago I was having problems with uploading.  Now, I am having problems remembering what I talked about.  Having referred to a lectionary, I recall now that I talked about the Babylonian Exile.  Also, of course, about John 3:16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 26, 2006 A week ago I was having problems with uploading.  Now, I am having problems remembering what I talked about.  Having referred to a lectionary, I recall now that I talked about the Babylonian Exile.  Also, of course, about John 3:16. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 19, 2006 I was windy today -- this is over 14 minutes, at the early Mass at St. Benedict. I am covering various aspects of participation in liturgy. I would love to go deeper into the social situation of "convenient sacrifice" at the time of Jesus. My personal spirituality is founded upon the notions of sacrifice as discussed in Hebrews 9 and 10. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday of Lent, March 19, 2006 I was windy today -- this is over 14 minutes, at the early Mass at St. Benedict. I am covering various aspects of participation in liturgy. I would love to go deeper into the social situation of "convenient sacrifice" at the time of Jesus. My personal spirituality is founded upon the notions of sacrifice as discussed in Hebrews 9 and 10. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2006 Is anxiety necessary? Was Abraham's imperative to kill his son all in his mind? We will try to answer these questions today. Recorded at the 8 am Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2006 Is anxiety necessary? Was Abraham's imperative to kill his son all in his mind? We will try to answer these questions today. Recorded at the 8 am Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, March 5, 2006 Once I finished this homily, I realized that I had not mentioned the date of Easter; it's April 16. Lent does not exist for its own sake; rather, it is our preparation for Easter. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Lent, March 5, 2006 Once I finished this homily, I realized that I had not mentioned the date of Easter; it's April 16. Lent does not exist for its own sake; rather, it is our preparation for Easter. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 26, 2006 Where was I the previous two weeks? Well, I was at the ambo ... but I don't have recordings to prove it. I know I inadvertently erased Feb. 19 -- but I don't know what happened to Feb. 12. Today's reflection continues with practical matters of living as a parish community, and it focuses on that church staple put together with staples: the humble missalette. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 26, 2006 Where was I the previous two weeks? Well, I was at the ambo ... but I don't have recordings to prove it. I know I inadvertently erased Feb. 19 -- but I don't know what happened to Feb. 12. Today's reflection continues with practical matters of living as a parish community, and it focuses on that church staple put together with staples: the humble missalette. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 5, 2006 Today I talk about money. Listen to determine whether I make a convincing case for money being "boring." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 5, 2006 Today I talk about money. Listen to determine whether I make a convincing case for money being "boring." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 29, 2006 The early Mass at St. Benedict. The man crying out in the synagogue makes me think of 1) kids in church -- an emotionally-charged issue, and 2) mental illness. Listen to my thoughts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 29, 2006 The early Mass at St. Benedict. The man crying out in the synagogue makes me think of 1) kids in church -- an emotionally-charged issue, and 2) mental illness. Listen to my thoughts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 22, 2006 The last and best-attended Mass. A familiar theme of mine: We don't go to Mass to make God happy. Rather, God makes us happy (repentance/conversion) and then we, out of thanksgiving, are present for worship. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 22, 2006 The last and best-attended Mass. A familiar theme of mine: We don't go to Mass to make God happy. Rather, God makes us happy (repentance/conversion) and then we, out of thanksgiving, are present for worship. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 15, 2006 You were perhaps looking for the "First Sunday in Ordinary Time"? Sorry -- it doesn't exist! A bit of housekeeping, plus a look at the built-in eagerness for God that all of us have. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 15, 2006 You were perhaps looking for the "First Sunday in Ordinary Time"? Sorry -- it doesn't exist! A bit of housekeeping, plus a look at the built-in eagerness for God that all of us have. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 8, 2006 This was a week ago. I don't remember much. Mainly I was, I think, talking about the officialization of the new parish. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Epiphany of the Lord, January 8, 2006 This was a week ago. I don't remember much. Mainly I was, I think, talking about the officialization of the new parish. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Mary, Mother of God, January 1, 2006 Two listeners noted that my original recording was truncated. Here, I believe, is the complete recording. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Mary, Mother of God, January 1, 2006 Two listeners noted that my original recording was truncated. Here, I believe, is the complete recording. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christmas Midnight, Sunday, December 25, 2005 Midnight in Auburn: my fourth of five Christmas Eucharists. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christmas Midnight, Sunday, December 25, 2005 Midnight in Auburn: my fourth of five Christmas Eucharists. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2005 Earlier I had posted an explanation of my absence on the Second and Third Sundays of Advent -- but that recording was blank, because I had not turned the microphone on. I'm back with a homily recorded at the early Mass at Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2005 Earlier I had posted an explanation of my absence on the Second and Third Sundays of Advent -- but that recording was blank, because I had not turned the microphone on. I'm back with a homily recorded at the early Mass at Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2005 The late Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2005 The late Mass in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King (Thirty-fourth and Last Sunday in Ordinary Time), Nov. 20, 2005 This was the early Sunday Mass, held at the St. Benedict Parish Center because the church interior is being painted. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Christ the King (Thirty-fourth and Last Sunday in Ordinary Time), Nov. 20, 2005 This was the early Sunday Mass, held at the St. Benedict Parish Center because the church interior is being painted. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 13, 2005 I am still not used to turning on my recorder AFTER I have proclaimed the Gospel. November 13 I was one sentence into the homily (at my last Mass) and I said to myself, "No, I'm not going to stop now." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 13, 2005 I am still not used to turning on my recorder AFTER I have proclaimed the Gospel. November 13 I was one sentence into the homily (at my last Mass) and I said to myself, "No, I'm not going to stop now." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 6, 2005 I goofed and recorded the Gospel passage. Is this illegal, or am I just PREMATURELY RIGHT? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 6, 2005 I goofed and recorded the Gospel passage. Is this illegal, or am I just PREMATURELY RIGHT? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 30, 2005 I note some extraneous noise; I think the mic must have been rubbing against fabric. On "Priesthood Sunday," there are some pertinent readings! Fr. Kevin recalls his interview for the seminary. Recorded in Auburn, Sunday morning. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 30, 2005 I note some extraneous noise; I think the mic must have been rubbing against fabric. On "Priesthood Sunday," there are some pertinent readings! Fr. Kevin recalls his interview for the seminary. Recorded in Auburn, Sunday morning. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 23, 2005 "You can't have everything you want." See whether this glum pronouncement leads to anything good. Recorded Sunday in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 23, 2005 "You can't have everything you want." See whether this glum pronouncement leads to anything good. Recorded Sunday in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2005 The copyright cops have spoken! Until further notice (because the USCCB is still looking at the phenomenon of podcasting), I am not to podcast the proclamation of the Scriptures from the New American Bible. So we go straight to the homily. As Americans, we are wired to take the incident of Caesar's coin and project onto it all of our anxieties about the delicate balance of church-state relations. This homily was delivered Sunday morning in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2005 The copyright cops have spoken! Until further notice (because the USCCB is still looking at the phenomenon of podcasting), I am not to podcast the proclamation of the Scriptures from the New American Bible. So we go straight to the homily. As Americans, we are wired to take the incident of Caesar's coin and project onto it all of our anxieties about the delicate balance of church-state relations. This homily was delivered Sunday morning in Auburn. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | On the Holy Eucharist In observance of 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist, Fr. Kevin spoke during the older kids' PSR time about the meaning of the sacrament. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | On the Holy Eucharist In observance of 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist, Fr. Kevin spoke during the older kids' PSR time about the meaning of the sacrament. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 9, 2005 Fr. Kevin recalls his recent high-school reunion and considers the inclusiveness of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 9, 2005 Fr. Kevin recalls his recent high-school reunion and considers the inclusiveness of God. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 2, 2005 Recorded in Auburn on Sunday morning. I can't make many connections with "Murders at the Vineyard." Our minds are on the likely development of a new parish being formed from Pawnee St. Mary, Divernon Sacred Heart, and Auburn St. Benedict (with Waverly St. Sebastian under the care of the pastor of New Berlin). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 2, 2005 Recorded in Auburn on Sunday morning. I can't make many connections with "Murders at the Vineyard." Our minds are on the likely development of a new parish being formed from Pawnee St. Mary, Divernon Sacred Heart, and Auburn St. Benedict (with Waverly St. Sebastian under the care of the pastor of New Berlin). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 25, 2005 Recorded Sunday morning in Auburn. A reflection on how a relationship with God "works." The example of Jesus' emptying of himself (Philippians 2). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 25, 2005 Recorded Sunday morning in Auburn. A reflection on how a relationship with God "works." The example of Jesus' emptying of himself (Philippians 2). Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 18, 2005 "The parable that everybody hates." This is the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Consider the deliberate provocation that Jesus is making by telling this story. Recorded Saturday, September 17, in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 18, 2005 "The parable that everybody hates." This is the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Consider the deliberate provocation that Jesus is making by telling this story. Recorded Saturday, September 17, in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2005 Recorded in Waverly, Saturday, September 10. I am now uploading using a high-speed wireless connection. This cuts the upload time dramatically. I am also using a new microphone. Unfortunately, my voice is not at its best. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2005 Recorded in Waverly, Saturday, September 10. I am now uploading using a high-speed wireless connection. This cuts the upload time dramatically. I am also using a new microphone. Unfortunately, my voice is not at its best. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2005: Introduction Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2005: Introduction Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 21, 2005 Recorded in Auburn. A look at leadership through the life and death of Brother Roger Schutz of the Taize ecumenical monastic community in France. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 21, 2005 Recorded in Auburn. A look at leadership through the life and death of Brother Roger Schutz of the Taize ecumenical monastic community in France. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Recorded in Auburn at 7:50 am Sunday. The selection of readings steers us toward a consideration of "who are foreigners?" and "who are God's people?" This is a common and very important theme in the Scriptures. I seek to expand beyond the idea of "nationality" and think of other ways in which we needlessly divide people up. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Recorded in Auburn at 7:50 am Sunday. The selection of readings steers us toward a consideration of "who are foreigners?" and "who are God's people?" This is a common and very important theme in the Scriptures. I seek to expand beyond the idea of "nationality" and think of other ways in which we needlessly divide people up. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 7, 2005 Recorded in Waverly on Saturday. I had some difficulty in turning off my recording device, so the Gospel and homily are in fact much briefer than this recording. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 7, 2005 Recorded in Waverly on Saturday. I had some difficulty in turning off my recording device, so the Gospel and homily are in fact much briefer than this recording. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Parish Arrangements, July 31, 2005 Recorded in the Waverly basement. This is my introductory summary of the challenges facing us in having priests for parishes. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Parish Arrangements, July 31, 2005 Recorded in the Waverly basement. This is my introductory summary of the challenges facing us in having priests for parishes. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 31, 2005 On developing a taste for God. Recorded in Auburn. Later today: audio of some remarks at parish meetings on inevitable changes in parish arrangements. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 31, 2005 On developing a taste for God. Recorded in Auburn. Later today: audio of some remarks at parish meetings on inevitable changes in parish arrangements. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 24, 2005 Here's the real thing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 24, 2005 Here's the real thing. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 24, 2005 Recorded Sunday in Auburn. My RCIA coordinator spoke right after the Gospel. My local ISP keeps disconnecting, so I have uploaded a brief sound file to indicate this. I hope before the day is out to upload by alternate means. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 24, 2005 Recorded Sunday in Auburn. My RCIA coordinator spoke right after the Gospel. My local ISP keeps disconnecting, so I have uploaded a brief sound file to indicate this. I hope before the day is out to upload by alternate means. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 17, 2005 Recorded in Waverly, Saturday, July 16, 2005. On prayer as "groaning." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 17, 2005 Recorded in Waverly, Saturday, July 16, 2005. On prayer as "groaning." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2005 I was away on July 9-10; therefore, no homily. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2005 I was away on July 9-10; therefore, no homily. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 3, 2005 Recorded Saturday, July 2, 2005, in Waverly, Illinois. Faithful Listener, do you find any difference in recording quality between Waverly and Divernon? I began this liturgy by talking about how much I dislike the word "meek." There was once a comic strip about mice called "Eek and Meek," and "meek" sounds to me like a sort of squeak coming from a mouse. It's a wimpy, doormat-like, mousy word, to me. But listen for a new and positive take on "meek." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 3, 2005 Recorded Saturday, July 2, 2005, in Waverly, Illinois. Faithful Listener, do you find any difference in recording quality between Waverly and Divernon? I began this liturgy by talking about how much I dislike the word "meek." There was once a comic strip about mice called "Eek and Meek," and "meek" sounds to me like a sort of squeak coming from a mouse. It's a wimpy, doormat-like, mousy word, to me. But listen for a new and positive take on "meek." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 26, 2005 Recorded Saturday evening at Divernon. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 26, 2005 Recorded Saturday evening at Divernon. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | 2005-06-19 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Recorded in Auburn. Goes into tedious detail about these recordings, the Catholic Times newspaper, and Catholic marriage law. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | 2005-06-19 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Recorded in Auburn. Goes into tedious detail about these recordings, the Catholic Times newspaper, and Catholic marriage law. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 12, 2005 This one runs a little long. I was examining a recent tragic local event. Recorded in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 12, 2005 This one runs a little long. I was examining a recent tragic local event. Recorded in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 5, 2005 Recorded on Saturday in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 5, 2005 Recorded on Saturday in Waverly. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, May 29, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | The Body and Blood of Christ, May 29, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 15, 2005 Once again, I did not preach. Fr. Phil Kraft covered my weekend schedule. I am feeling fine and look forward to posting a homily on May 22. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Pentecost, May 15, 2005 Once again, I did not preach. Fr. Phil Kraft covered my weekend schedule. I am feeling fine and look forward to posting a homily on May 22. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2005 Sorry, I'm away from my parishes; therefore, no homily for this weekend. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2005 Sorry, I'm away from my parishes; therefore, no homily for this weekend. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 8, 2005 Sorry, I'm away from my parishes, so no homily for this weekend. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Ascension of the Lord, May 8, 2005 Sorry, I'm away from my parishes, so no homily for this weekend. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2005 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 17, 2005 "Good Shepherd Sunday" and the worldwide flock's anticipation of a new Pope. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 17, 2005 "Good Shepherd Sunday" and the worldwide flock's anticipation of a new Pope. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |