Christ at the Center

June 9, 2024 - Do Not Doubt or Deny God's Saving Love

In the Gospel Reading, the Lord Jesus warns, "'But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness'" (Mark 3:29). What are sins against the Holy Spirit? Father Harris’ homily answers that question and responds to possible concerns among us.

June 2, 2024 - A Living Testament of Christ's Love for Us

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ gives of Himself totally in love for our salvation. We cannot allow familiar rituals to lull us into complacency. These rituals convey a relationship with our wonderful, faithful God. We must resist the temptation to not magnify the Lord but to mark time, wondering how long Holy Mass will last. The Most Holy Eucharist is a living testament that the love of Christ liberates us for life.

May 26, 2024 - A Great Commitment to the Great Commission

The Seek the City to Come Fiinal Plan is the culmination of a two-year process to realign the Catholic Church in Baltimore City and nearby suburbs for mission. This si the first Lord's Day in which affected parishes have gathered in worship since the plan was published. We pray for the consolatio of those who are grieving. We also pray for a renwed commitment in the entire Archdiocese of Baltimore to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and build His Church. Today's solemnity reminds us that God has revealed Himself to inivite us to be in relationship with Him. In the Gospel Reading, Jesus commissions His Church to share this message.

May 19, 2024 - The Power of a Witnessing Church

Part 8 of ther series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor" Filled and fortified by the Holy Spirit, the Church is empowered to fulfill her mission from Christ. Personal example and personal invitation are practical ways to fulfill this mission. 

May 5, 2026: To Be Loved and To Love as Christ Teaches

Part 6 of the series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor.” God is love (1 John 4:8b; cf. 1 John 4;7-10). God defines and demonstrates the true meaning of love. The favor of God enables us to receive the love of Christ and to reflect it in our relationships. What are practical principles of loving and being loved according to Christ?

April 23, 2024 - Making the Time to Listen to the Voice of Christ

Part 4 of the series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor." In the Gospel Reading, the Lord Jesus Christ testifies about His identity and our identity in relationship to Him. The Lord loves us and wants us to trust in Him. Our desire to love Christ is expressed by listening to His voice and living according to His values. Do you make the time to listen to the voice of Christ?

Correction on the Scripture citations: “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Father Harris regrets the errors, will continue to read the Bible, and have the right citations in the future.

April 14, 2024: Transformed by the Truth of the Risen Lord

Part 3 of the series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor.” God’s favor enabled terrified disciples to be transformed by the truth of the Risen Lord. Repentance and reconciliation are our responses to the resurrection of our Lord. Our Lord commissions us to invite us to respond to His love and make a similar response.

April 7, 2024: From Denying the Faith to Declaring It

Part 2 of the series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor." Initial news about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was met with confusion. By God’s favor, confusion gave way to having the conviction that it was good news for Christ and those who live in union with Him within His Church. While he has been nicknamed, “Doubting Thomas,” his definitive response that he would not believe it unless he touched the wounds of Lord. By the grace of God, Thomas moved from denying the faith that the Lord had revealed to His Church to declaring it. The Lord teaches that Thomas’ testimony encourage succeeding generations of believers.

March 31, 2024 - Determined to Declare the Works of the Lord

Part 1 of the series, "Triumph: Testify about God's Favor." Initial news about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was met with confusion among His disciples. This included, "The Holy Myrrhbearers." What enabled them to move from being devastated disciples to determined disciples? They remembered the teaching and example of Christ, accepted the good news of His resurrection, and was determined not to be silent about it. As we renew our baptismal promises, we must have the same determination.

February 25, 2024 - FollowingJesus Builds our Confidence

Part 2 of the series, "Inheritance: Living in the Favor of God." The favor of God is sharing in His life and love. This is our divine inheritance. Yet, Peter the Apostle lacked confidence that he could wholeheartedly live as a Christian. The Transfiguration of the Lord encourages Peter and us to place our confidence in Christ. Trusting in His love and mercy, we can complete what we have started with Christ.