Christ at the Center

July 2, 2023 - Fully Committed to the Cross with Christ

Father Harris focuses on two verses of the Gospel reading for this homily (cf. Matthew 10:37-38), particularly when the Lord Jesus teaches, “… ‘and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me’” (Matthew 10:38). Taking up the cross involves offering a total commitment of love to Christ, who offers Himself totally in love to us. By ourselves, we cannot do that; but with God, we can. We are observing, “The Year of Parish Revival” as part of the multi-year National Eucharistic Revival. It is important to understand how the Lord uses the rhythm of Holy Mass to encourage us to persevere in taking up our crosses and prevailing with Him.

June 25, 2023 - Fearlessly Living An Authentic Christian Life

Being authentic is key to having a secure identity and trusting relationships. That applies to our identity in God and our relationship with God too. Some are tempted to become inauthentic due to fears that others will not like or love them otherwise. In the Gospel reading, the Lord Jesus tells us not to give into this temptation. Living an authentic Christian life is rewarding within time and for eternity (cf. Matthew 10:25-33). 

Summoned and Sent by Christ to Serve

During Holy Mass on The Lord's Day, we profess, "I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." These are essential characteristics of the Church that the Lord Jesus has founded. The Gospel reading invites us to consider the meaning of being apostolic (cf. Matthew 9:36-10:8). We are summoned and sent by Christ to serve the needs of humanity. Christ-centered lives demonstrate what a Christian looks like. It happens by cooperating with the One who has called us. Christ uses our testimony to invite others to follow Him in His Church.

June 10, 2023 - Disciples Formed by Doctrine and Devotion

The Lord Jesus offers His Most Holy Body and Blood in the Eucharist. We can have an intellectual assent to the doctrine, but not allow it to lead to an intimate relationship with the Lord. This will lead to a disconnect between what we are believing and how we are behaving. The National Eucharistic Revival is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the doctrine, our devotion to our Lord, and our determination to engage in the mission of His Church.

May 21, 2023 - Courage to Fulfilll our Commission from Christ

Part 6 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." The first generation of Christians courageously fulfilled the "Great Commission" from the Lord Jesus. Our generation is called to do the same. Courage or fortitude is a gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. Isaiah 11:2c). Before we engage in discussing the practical ways to fulfill this commission, we need to agree with the Lord Jesus that we can do it with His help.

May 14, 2023 - The Logic of Loving God

Part 5 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." Logic involves a way of reasoning or thinking. Jesus said to His disciples, "'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.'" (John 14:15). If we appreciate the depth of Christ's love for us, then we will act according to His directions for our lives. The Holy Spirit dwells with us and enables us to do it.

Experiencing Abundant Life in Christ

Part 4 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." Some define having an abundant life according to material gain and popularity. Even a strain of Christianity promotes that. The Lord Jesus Christ teaches that experiencing an abundant life consists of listening ot His voice and living according to His values.

April 23, 2023 -Christ Draws Near to Us

Part 3 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." Two disciples were returning to Emmaus after rejecting the initial reports about the resurrection of the Lord.  As a result they did not recognize that the Risen Lord was accompanying them. Those who expect to "get nothing" out of Holy Mass will meet their expectations. But the Lord Jesus draws near to help them to raise their expectations. These disciples returned to the incipient Church in Jerusalem when they accepted the revelation if the Lord and how He revealed it. The Lord strengthens us in His Word and Sacraments. We are being nourished by Divine Life! Declare this wonderful work of the Lord.

April 16, 2023 - Encountering Christ in His Church Works

Part 2 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." Encountering Christ in His Church works because the Church is a work of the Lord. A key reason that Thomas remained a Christian, fulfilled his vocation as an Apostle, and is a saint in heaven today is because of the Church. Saint Thomas encountered the Risen Lord and entered a redemptive relationship with Him. Thank God for those persons who have allowed the light of Christ to illuminate their lives and influence us to do the same. Declare the works of the Lord in His Church!

April 9, 2023 - The Greatest Work of the Lord

Part 1 of the series, "Proclaim: Declare the Works of the Lord." Saint Augustine is is quoted as saying, "The resurrection of Christ was God's supreme and wholly marvelous work." Through Holy Baptism, we are risen with Christ. As we renew our baptismal promises, we are remembering our identity in God and our inheritance from God. We are resolved to live intentionally as disciples of Christ within His Church. The Gospel Reading (cf. Matthew 28:1-10) provides some ways to know if we are doing that.