Christ at the Center

January 5, 2025: The Purpose of Worship is to Praise God

It seems to be obvious that the purpose of worship is to praise God. However, everyone who talks about worship is not speaking about praising God. In the Gospel Reading, King Herod is an example for that. The Magi show us practices of worship that truly praise God.

December 29, 2024: Imitating the Holy Family is Possible

The Collect (Opening Prayer) of Holy Mass refers to “the shining example of the Holy Family.” We may wonder how we can imitate this family that was brought together by God as part of salvation history. Considering the experience of the Holy Family, such as the events of today’s Gospel Reading, inspires us to emulate them. 

December 25, 2024: Renewing our Hope in Christ our God

The celebration of the “Christ Mass” is an opportunity to renew our hope in Christ our God for every circumstance of our lives. The love of God liberates us for life.

December 22, 2024: Exult and Proclaim the Lord

Part 4 and the conclusion of the series, “Anchored: Hope in the Lord.” Cooperating with the Lord through prayer and penance will help us to experience peace in the Lord. It will also lead us to exult and proclaim the Lord. The Visitation of the Blessed Mother to her cousin, Elizabeth, teaches us to exult in God, who offers the gift of salvation to humanity. These women also teach us to encourage one another in the name of the Lord.

December 15, 2024: Experiencing Peace in the Lord

Part3 of the series, “Anchored: Hope in the Lord.” In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul testified about his hope in the Lord. His imprisonment did not take away his freedom in Christ. Writing to a congregation that experienced persecution by outside forces and conflict within, Saint Paul offers a pathway to experiencing peace in the Lord. This is the context in which we will experience peace with each other. 

Habits of Hopeful People: Penance before the Lord

Part 2 of the series, “Anchored: Hope in the Lord.” The theological virtue of hope enables us to trust in that God will fulfill His promises. The greatest fulfilled promise is salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This series notes four habits that strengths our hope in the Lord. Penance begins with sorrow for sin and cooperating with God to sanctify our mind. What influences our minds will influence our actions. Express contrition to the Lord. Experience conversion to the Lord. Engage in your consecration to the Lord.

December 1, 2024 - "Habits of Hopeful People; Prayer to the Lord"

Part 1 of the series, “Anchored: Hope in the Lord.” For the first Christian generations, the anchor was used as a symbol for placing our hope in the Lord for our salvation. God gave us the ability to hope when we were baptized. This homily series will look at aspects of growing in the virtue of hope. In the Gospel Reading, the Lord Jesus teaches us to have a prayerful perspective about life. It makes the difference between responding to the coming of the Lord now, at Christmas, and at the end of time.

October 13, 2024 - How Christ Welcomes Us Defines a Welcoming Church

The Lord Jesus Christ welcomed a man to follow Him. How Christ welcomes us defines a truly welcoming parish. A welcoming Church helps people to encounter Christ, embrace God's commandments, experience conversion to Christ, and enjoy contentment in Christ.

October 5, 2024 - Cultivating Relationships with Commitment and Care

The Lord Jesus Christ teaches about creating relationships with commitment and care. Whether they are marriages and other relationships. The example of a child shows that no one is insignificant in the sight of God. Father Harris introduces Holy Family Parish to its Respect Life Month observance. He addresses possible objections to his homily before speaking about the opportunities.

September 15, 2024 - An Identity Check

“And [Jesus] asked them, “But who do you say that I am” (Mark 8:29a)?  When the Lord asked this question, He was not having an identity crisis. He wanted to teach His disciples to avoid having an identity crisis. Knowing the true identity of Jesus informs our identity in relationship with Jesus. It is insufficient to declare our faith. It must be demonstrated by our manner of life.