Homily

November 26, 2018

Spending more money than we need is the enemy of generosity, Pope Francis says

Pope Francis gives the homily as he celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican Nov. 26.

VATICAN – The desire to spend vast amounts on shopping and needless extravagances can prevent Christians from being generous with others, Pope Francis said.

Published in Reflections

November 17, 2018

God's Word on Sunday: Treat every day as a day of judgment

"Machabeusze", a depiction of the revolt by 19th century Polish artist Wojciech Korneli Stattler.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 18 (Year B) Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32

Published in Faith

November 12, 2018

Bishops must be 'blameless' servants of God, not businessmen, Pope says

Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharist during morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican Nov. 12.

VATICAN – A bishop must be "blameless" and at the service of God, not of cliques, assets and power, especially if he is ever to "set right" what needs to be done for the church, Pope Francis said.

Published in Reflections

November 10, 2018

Fr. Scott Lewis: Valuable lessons on fear and generosity

Elijah fed by an Angel, by Ferdinand Bol (1616–1680)

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Nov. 11 (Year B) 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

Published in Fr. Scott Lewis

November 10, 2018

God's Word on Sunday: Valuable lessons on fear and generosity

Elijah Receiving Bread from the Widow of Zarephath.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Nov. 11 (Year B) 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

Published in Fr. Scott Lewis

November 9, 2018

Sacraments are gifts, not for sale, Pope says at Mass

Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze and Pope Francis concelebrate Mass May 20.

VATICAN – The sacraments are gifts from God that are given freely and are not a way for the church to fill up its coffers to cover expenses, Pope Francis said.

Published in Reflections

November 3, 2018

God's Word on Sunday: Faith meant to guide all parts of life

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 4 (Year B) Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 12:28-34

Published in Fr. Scott Lewis

October 27, 2018

God's word on Sunday: God reveals path out of darkness

Jeremiah, as depicted by Michelangelo from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 28 (Year B) Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52

Published in Faith

October 19, 2018

Beware of hypocrisy, which leavens selfishness, Pope Francis says

Pope Francis looks on during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 17.

VATICAN – Hypocrisy is the leaven that causes men and women to be self-centered and indifferent to the world around them, Pope Francis said.

Published in Reflections

October 13, 2018

God's word on Sunday: Real wisdom begins with open mind

The Judgement of Solomon, 1617, by Peter Paul Rubens

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 14 (Year B) Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30

Published in Fr. Scott Lewis

October 12, 2018

Devil uses friendliness to destroy, encouraging people to be lukewarm, Pope says

Pope Francis prays during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 10.

VATICAN – The devil is more dangerous when he is polite and friendly, persuading people to be "lukewarm" and worldly, than when he shows his true face and blatantly pushes people to sin, Pope Francis said.

Published in Reflections

October 2, 2018

'Do you listen to your angel?': Guardian angels accompany us to God, Pope says

VATICAN – Christians have guardian angels to encourage and guide them so they won't become sluggish on their journey in life, Pope Francis said.

Published in Faith

September 27, 2018

California priest’s abuse story hits a raw nerve during homily

Fr. Brendan McGuire revealing his own story about abuse to his parishioners in San Jose, Calif.

WASHINGTON – To be a voice for victims of clerical sexual abuse, Fr. Brendan McGuire realized he had to come to terms with the abuse he suffered at the hands of a priest when he was 18. It was a secret he had held for 35 years.

Published in International

September 15, 2018