Central idea: True poverty and riches. Doctrine: Poverty of heart and Christ’s grief over the rich. Practical application: Growing in detachment. Read more »
True riches and poverty – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings are on the virtue of charity and on the call of the prophet Isaiah and of the apostle Peter. Below are links to two outlines. The fear proper to a child of God. The virtue of awe and the vice of presumption. Read more »
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ fellow townspeople flip from adulation to murderous anger. This is unfortunately the pattern of his life. Here are links to two full, updated and revised outlines. The virtue of hope and acts of hope The laity’s legitimate role in the prophetic office of Christ Read more »
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The lectionary readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on (a) Ezra’s reading of the rediscovered Scriptures to the remnant who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity and (b) Jesus’ reading of the prophet Isaiah followed by his proclaimation that He is the promised long-awaited messiah. Here are […] Read more »
The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time is the Wedding Feast of Cana. Christ reveals himself to be God through his miracle. He also blesses human marriage, perhaps at that moment instituting the Sacrament of Matrimony. He also shows forth the spousal relationship between him and every baptized […] Read more »
The Epiphany
Four doctrinal homily outlines for the Feast of the Epiphany. Read more »
Baptism of the Lord
Here are three outlines for the Baptism of the Lord. The image is by El Greco. Isaiah prophesied Christ and acts of contrition Christ’s kenosis or self-emptying The heart of the Blessed Trinity Read more »
Mary the Mother of God
Here are links to four outlines for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. Like Mary, ponder what God has done for us Contemplate Christ and His Mother Honor Mary, the Theotokos The New Law and the Blessings of the Children of God Read more »
Feast of the Holy Family
Here are links to four outlines for the Feast of the Holy Family. The domestic Church The fourth commandment Family virtues The Holy Family and our families Read more »
Christmas
The Nativity of the Lord There are four sets of Lectionary readings for Christmas. To access any of them, plus a fifth outline based just on the Gospel readings for the day, click the links below. Vigil At Night At Dawn During the Day Based on all four Gospels Read more »
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
To view Lectionary 12, click here. Basic Question: Our Lady believed God would keep the promises he made to her. That is why St. Elizabeth said to her, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” God has made you many […] Read more »
Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Word became flesh
The Word became flesh. The Son became incarnate to do the Father’s will. Contemplation of the Unborn Christ. Read more »
Third Sunday of Advent – Joy
Central idea: Prepare for joy. Doctrine: Joy. Practical application: Becoming more joyful. Read more »
Third Sunday of Advent – Purity of heart
Central Idea: We can experience some of the peace and joy of salvation right now, on the condition that we purify our hearts. Doctrine: Purity of heart. Practical Application: Having purity of heart and acting for a right intention. Read more »
Second Sunday of Advent – Hope
Central Idea: Even though as followers of Christ we are each undergoing a difficult but good transformation, we can feel a lot of joy in this life anticipating the joy of heaven. Doctrine: The Theological Virtue of Hope. Practical Application: Ways to activate hope. Read more »