Homilies
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 2/04/23
Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 | Ps 146 | 1 Cor 1:26-31 | Mt 5:1-12a
Throughout the Scriptures, we hear the consistent message that God does not operate in the ways we would imagine. God regularly proclaims a preference for the poor and oppressed and a special care for the widow ... Read More »
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/16/23
Is 49:3, 5-6 | Ps 40 | 1 Cor 1:1-3 | Jn 1:29-34
At the start of Advent, we entered a new liturgical year, which simply meant we began a new cycle of readings as we journey through a year from the announcement of the birth of Jesus through ... Read More »
The Epiphany of the Lord
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/08/23
Is 60:1-6 | Ps 72 | Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 | Mt 2:1-12
In the 1993 film, “Rudy,” Rudy isn’t smart enough to get into Notre Dame. He’s too small to play football. Could he make a touchdown for the Fighting Irish in the final game of his senior year? ... Read More »
The Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/08/23
Nm 6:22-27 | Ps 67 | Gal 4:4-7 | Lk 2:16-21
Today’s gospel scene of the shepherds visiting the newborn Jesus takes place in what our second reading refers to as “the fullness of time.” There, Paul says to the Galatians, “When the fullness of time had come, God ... Read More »
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Is 9:1-6 | Ps 96 | Ti 2:11-14 | Lk 2:1-14
The manger scene is one of the many beautiful traditions we as believers have around the Christmas season. In the weeks leading up to it, many of us have one on display in our homes whether on a ... Read More »
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Gn 3:9-15, 20 | Ps 98 | Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 | Lk 1:26-38
One afternoon, a chef, as she sliced a red onion to sauté in butter, said that the storyboard of her mind floated back to the tiny onion seeds she had planted the January prior. She shared ... Read More »
Third Sunday of Advent
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Is 35:1-6a, 10 | Ps 146 | Jas 5:7-10 | Mt 11:2-11
This weekend, we hear of John the Baptist sitting in prison. He waits for the one who is to come. No angel bursts his bonds. No heavenly blast levels the stones to release him. The holy prophet ... Read More »
Second Sunday of Advent
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Is 11:1-10 | Ps 72 | Rom 15:4-9 | Mt 3:1-12
A forester, when he was in school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, recalls skiing one winter morning through a birch grove as the sun rose. The white birch bark glowed pink in the snow, reflecting the sunrise. ... Read More »
First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Is 2:1-5 | Ps 122 | Rom 13:11-14 | Mt 24:37-44
For those who have been privileged to stand at the lip of the Grand Canyon, you can see into a vast distance. You know that you are the edge of something. Today, we are on the edge of ... Read More »
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls')
Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/31/22
Wis 3:1-9 | Ps 23 | Rom 6:3-9 | Jn 6:37-40
Today’s Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed invites us to renew our hope of resurrection. Together, the Universal Church calls to mind our beloved friends, relatives, and ancestors who have died and profess a steadfast belief in their ... Read More »