Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, invites us to rejoice because the Lord is near. It reminds us that Christian joy comes from Christ’s presence, not ideal circumstances, and encourages us to recognize God’s work in our lives, even amid hardship. As we prepare for Christmas, we are called to embrace patience, strengthen the weary, and nurture authentic joy.

May this Advent be a time of honest conversion and deepened faith.

First Sunday of Advent (Year A) sermon titled “Waking Up to the Sacred ‘Now’.”

Awaken my heart to Your presence, Lord Jesus, and deepen my desire for You.

The parish surpassed last year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive record, collecting 1,690 lbs. of food, including 24 turkeys, for the Father English Food Pantry.

As the Church’s liturgical year ends, readings focus on the end of time, Christ’s return, and eternal life. These themes, though dramatic, offer hope, reminding us of God’s unfolding plan and His faithfulness amidst uncertainty. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to reflect on God’s presence throughout the year, cultivate gratitude, and trust in His unwavering promises.

The Gospel story of Jesus cleansing the temple is often interpreted as a condemnation of commercialism, but it also highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with God. Jesus’ anger was directed at the transactional nature of worship, emphasizing that God desires our hearts, not just our offerings. This story invites us to examine our own lives, identifying distractions and habits that hinder our connection with God, and to allow Jesus to cleanse and renew our hearts.

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica celebrates the Church as a living connection with God and His people. The Basilica, the cathedral of the Pope, symbolizes unity for Catholics worldwide. The readings emphasize the Church as God’s dwelling, with each person being a temple of the Holy Spirit, and call for reverence and care for sacred spaces and communities.

All Souls’ Day is a time to remember and pray for the souls of the departed, affirming that love transcends death. The readings emphasize God’s care for the souls of the just and the hope of resurrection through Christ. Praying for the dead is an act of love and participation in God’s mercy, helping souls in purgatory reach heaven.

All Saints Day celebrates the saints in heaven, reminding us that they were real people who loved God despite their imperfections. The saints are a diverse group, including well-known figures and everyday individuals who let the light of Christ shine through their lives. Holiness is not about perfection but about turning back to God, living out the Beatitudes, and growing in love through ordinary acts of kindness and faithfulness.

The homily explores the theme of life’s unfairness, using examples like Georges Bizet and John Micofsky to illustrate how good people often face hardship. It emphasizes that while life may be unjust, God’s justice is certain and will prevail. The homily encourages holding onto faith during difficult times, highlighting how suffering can lead to growth and redemption.

Today’s readings emphasize the importance of persevering faith, community support, and reliance on God’s Word. Moses’ intercession, Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, and Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow all call for steadfastness in prayer, faith, and mutual support. As autumn brings shorter days and busier schedules, we are reminded to remain persistent in prayer, trust in God’s timing, and support one another.

Only one of the ten lepers healed by Jesus returned to give thanks. Gratitude, Jesus teaches, is more than polite manners—it reveals the condition of the heart. True faith is not complete until it turns back in thanksgiving. This story reminds us how often we forget to thank God and others once our prayers are answered. Gratitude is a sign of character, it strengthens and refines that character, and it keeps love and relationship alive. Like the Samaritan who returned, we are called to recognize our blessings, to thank the Giver, and to pass on that goodness to others. Each act of thanksgiving reopens the channel of grace between us and God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers who call out to Him for mercy. As they go on their way, they are cleansed—but only one returns to say thank you. And that one, Jesus tells us, is a Samaritan.

Religion is a starting point, a marble block from which we must carve out our faith. Jesus outlined three steps to living a faithful life: forgiving those who repent, believing with even a small amount of faith, and serving as a duty, expecting nothing in return. These steps, though simple, are essential to living a life centered on God.

This Sunday’s Gospel, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the needs of others, especially the poor and suffering. Jesus condemns indifference and complacency, urging us to act with compassion and live out Christian discipleship actively. The feast of the Archangels reminds us of God’s guidance and protection, encouraging us to be attentive to the needs of others.

This Sunday’s readings emphasize the responsible use of wealth and influence in light of faith. The prophet Amos condemns exploitation of the poor, while St. Paul urges prayer for all, especially leaders. The Gospel parable of the dishonest steward highlights the need for urgency in preparing for eternity, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and wealth.

In today’s Gospel of the dishonest steward (Luke 16:1–13), Jesus challenges us to reflect on how we use the gifts God has entrusted to us. The steward is not praised for dishonesty, but for acting decisively with the resources he had. Likewise, Christians are called to use worldly wealth wisely — not to raise our standard of living, but our standard of giving. Faithfulness begins in small things: how we treat people, how we handle daily responsibilities, how we share what we have. Saints like Lawrence, Francis, and Thérèse remind us that true riches are not money, but generosity, trustworthiness, and love. Finally, Jesus makes it clear: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Wealth is temporary, but God is eternal. Our task is to be wise stewards, faithful servants, and undivided disciples — so that one day we may be welcomed into eternal dwellings.