Christ at the Center

November 27, 2022 - Overcoming the Perils of Procrastination

Part 1 of the Advent series, “Reclaim: Believing in Christ and Belonging to His Church.” The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His Church to make disciples (cf. Mathew 28:16-20). HFC's mission is, "to help people to believe in Christ, belong to His Church, and bless our communities." Believing and belonging set the foundation for blessing our communities through prayer and action. The greatest blessing is to make Christ-like disciples. In the Gospel reading, the Lord warns us to be ready for His coming again in glory (cf. Matthew 24:37-44).  Jesus helps us to be faithfully prepared. He empowers us to overcome the causes of procrastination, such as iniquity, indecision, and intimidation. We experience growth as His beloved disciples and engage in our parish mission.

November 6, 2022 - Eternal Life: A Promise Fulfilled

Thinking about death can make one scared due to the grave nature of the subject. It can cause sadness due to grief over the death of a loved one. It is a sobering thought. Our lives on earth are just a moment in view of eternity. The Sadducees tried to draw the Lord Jesus into a controversy, but His response gives us comfort (cf. Luke 20:27-38). The promise of eternal life is offered by a faithful God who desires it to be fulfilled in us.

October 23, 2022 - The Benefits of a Spiritual Check-up

"Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else" (Luke 18:9). In this parable, the Lord Jesus Christ tells us about the benefits of undergoing a regular spiritual check-up. It requires humility and honesty. There is no need to fear what changes may happen when we give God permission to enter the wounded areas of our lives. God desires for us to become whole persons who share in the His life and love, and are willing to be a sign of that to others.   

September 25, 2022 - Enriched by God to Be a Blessing

At the time of this Gospel reading, some people believed that enjoying prosperity was a sign of righteousness and divine favor in contrast to those who were enduring poverty. The Lord Jesus rejects this notion. Regardless of one's economic status, we cannot have divided loyalties between God and anyone or anything. Our loyalty to God informs how we will treat others, including those who are in need. What are some things to consider as we strive to help others in need? When we are enriched by God dwelling within us, we want to be a blessing to others. 

August 21, 2022 - What Really Counts in Life

“Someone asked [Jesus], ‘Lord, will only a few people be saved’” (Luke 13:23)? This question could have been posed out of curiosity, but it was probably out of concern. As the Lord Jesus leads His first disciples on the journey to Jerusalem, He has given several challenging teachings about discipleship. In His response to the question, the Lord Jesus does not give an exact number. However, He teaches about what really counts in life, in view of time and eternity.

July 24, 2022 - Devoted to Praying to a Faithful God

The desire to pray is natural and supernatural. We were created to share life and love with God. The desire to pray disposes us to learn from the Lord Jesus about the dynamics of prayer. This leads us to be devoted to praying. Encouraging others to be devoted to prayer, Father Harris gives two personal examples.

June 26, 2022 = ”Overcoming Obstacles to Resolute Discipleship”

The mission of the National Eucharistic Revival is, “To renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist” (www.eucharisticrevival.org/mission-vision-and-timeline). The Lord Jesus offers Himself wholeheartedly for our salvation and asks for a wholehearted response from us. Some may be tempted to discount their ability to do that. We should not declare impossible what Christ makes possible when we make following His teaching and example our purpose for living. In the Gospel reading, the Lord Jesus warns us about obstacles in becoming a resolute disciple (cf. Luke 9:51-62).

June 12, 2022 - God Wants to be Known and Loved

God reveals His identity and invites us to live in a relationship with Him. God wants to be known and loved (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church #1). This is a remarkable statement. God is God and does not have any needs. It is for our sake. God invites us to share in His life and love. We learn about the identity of God and our identity in relationship to God. We are eternally significant to God. We are being saved by God. We have been made sacred by God.

June 5, 2022 - Patterns of a Spirit-Filled Parish

This is the conclusion of the series, "Going in Faith: Our Mission from Christ." Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Church engages in the mission that Christ has entrusted to her. When discussing about the patterns of a Spirit-filled parish, reference is not being made to Christian denominations which began in the 20th century. We are looking at the patterns which began in 33 AD. These patterns are to gather in faith, go in faith, and grow in faith.

May 22, 2022 - The Peace of the Lord Be With You Always

Part 5 of the series, "Going in Faith: Our Mission from Christ." "[Jesus said to the Apostles,] 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27). The prayer that precedes the exchange of the Sign of Peace is based on this verse. We encourage each other to believe that God's loving commitment to us is consistent and will never change. We remain confident in this certainty amid life's countless uncertainties.