Fr. Raymond: Sunday Homilies

January 05, 2025 (The Epiphany of The Lord)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we explore the journey of the Holy Family and the first visitors of Christ, the shepherds, and the wise men. The wise men, guided by a star, represent the pursuit of knowledge and the recognition of Jesus as the Lord.
In today’s society, as modern wise individuals, we often overlook attributing our discoveries to God. The episode draws parallels between the journey of the wise men and the spiritual journey of contemporary Christians. It emphasizes the significance of the Eucharist as our guiding light, akin to the star that led the wise men to Jesus.
Listeners are encouraged to bring their own gifts, just as the wise men did, by participating in the Mass with personal offerings and intentions. The homily calls for a reflection on what we have to offer and how we can let the Eucharist guide us in our daily lives, ensuring that the encounter with Jesus leaves a lasting impact, much like the wise men experienced.

January 01, 2025 (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God)

Start the new year by honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus, and explore her essential role in spiritual intercession. Delve into the significance of Mary in the Holy Trinity and her enduring influence in helping us connect with Jesus.Discover how Mary's motherly love comforts us when approaching our faith, offering a bridge to Jesus through her nurturing presence. Learn why intercessors, like Mary, help us overcome hesitations in our spiritual journey towards God.Reflect on the vital role of motherly figures and their tenderness, and let Mary guide you to a profound relationship with Jesus, experiencing the divine through the Blessed Trinity.

December 29, 2024

This Homily explores the profound challenges faced by modern families seeking to live out their faith in today's society. With shifting values and societal norms, maintaining a Christian marriage and raising children in the faith has become increasingly difficult. Drawing on the teachings of St. John Paul II,  the importance of community support for families.
Reflecting on the biblical story of Mary and Joseph, we delve into the anxiety parents feel and the spiritual dynamic within families. Emphasizing the vital role of prayer, both between spouses and as a family, as a cornerstone for faith development.
The challenges of declining faith among younger generations and the importance of a supportive church community. Encouraging prayer, family meals, and seeking the intercession of saints like St. Monica, aims to inspire hope and action in re-centering faith within the home.

December 24, 2024

This homily invites listeners to deeply reflect on the profound mystery of God becoming man, a pivotal event celebrated with awe and reverence. Through a personal anecdote of visiting the Holy Land and the birthplace of Jesus, it explores the lengths to which God went to show us our potential as human beings.
The narrative emphasizes the notion of Jesus as the embodiment of true humanity, encouraging listeners to see Christ not only in others but also within themselves. It highlights the challenges and sacrifices in living a life modeled after Jesus and the transformative power of His miracles both 2,000 years ago and today.
Listeners are invited to embrace the presence of Jesus in their lives, remaining vigilant and open to His influence. The homily concludes by inviting each person to welcome Christ anew into their hearts, experiencing His rebirth within us as we navigate life's journey.

December 22, 2024

This homily delves into the true essence of joy during Christmas, exploring how this divine joy unites families and communities. The narrative draws inspiration from the story of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting the contagious nature of joy rooted in faith and hope.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the power of small, joyful moments and the potential they have to inspire others. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the homily underscores how a simple act of kindness or a shared moment of happiness can blossom into lasting connections.
As families gather this festive season, the importance of genuine interactions, understanding, and unconditional love is emphasized. The homily encourages embracing the joy that comes from within and allowing it to radiate to others, leaving the growth of these interactions in the hands of the divine. Discover how the smallest experiences of joy can leave a profound impact on yourself and those around you, even beyond the holiday season.

December 15, 2024

“What should we do?” This timeless question, asked in today’s Gospel, echoes throughout our spiritual journeys and everyday lives. In moments of uncertainty—whether starting a new job, navigating family life, or seeking deeper purpose—it captures our desire to live with meaning and strive for eternal life.
This Homily invites us to embrace the call to goodness, even as we recognize our human imperfections. It acknowledges the tension between our ideals and the reality of modern distractions, especially the impact of social media. To realign our focus, we are challenged to take a bold step: disconnecting from digital noise to cultivate a richer spiritual life and deeper connections with others.
Through this experiment, we may feel initial discomfort, but it opens the way to lasting peace and joy, the very gifts Christ, the Prince of Peace, offers us. Let’s journey together toward reclaiming divine tranquility and finding God’s presence in our daily lives.

December 9, 2024 (Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception)

In this homily, we explore the profound spiritual significance of Mary in the Christian faith. From the story of Adam and Eve to God’s preservation of Mary for the sake of Jesus, we consider how her humanity provides a model for us all. Despite our fallen nature, God’s grace offers us a path to redemption—a journey that Mary herself can guide us on.
 
Drawing on the insights of Father Wilfrid Stinissen and other theologians, we reflect on how Mary prepared the way for Jesus and how we, too, are drawn toward grace by God’s love. Through her example, we learn to embrace our struggles, accept divine mercy, and find the courage to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives.
 
As we navigate our spiritual journeys, Mary, fully human yet uniquely preserved by God’s grace, teaches us how to approach Jesus with greater trust and love. Let her motherly wisdom enrich your faith and draw you closer to the heart of Christ.

December 08, 2024

In this Homily, I explore the deep meaning of Advent—not just as a liturgical season, but as a season of life. Drawing on the prophet Isaiah’s call to make our paths straight and smooth, we consider our shared longing for clarity and grace in our spiritual journey.
 
Together, we’ll unpack the historical context of John the Baptist as presented in Luke’s Gospel, hearing his call to repentance and preparation for the coming of Jesus. This sacred time, symbolized by the color purple shared with Lent, invites us to face the mountains and valleys in our lives—the obstacles that keep us from God—and to embrace true repentance.
 
Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a call to lifelong spiritual readiness. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on what draws us away from the Lord and how we can prepare our hearts for His coming. I’ll also share how making a good confession during our parish mission or penance service can be a powerful way to journey together, leveling the valleys and lowering the mountains in our lives.
 
Join me for this time of introspection and preparation as we walk this Advent path toward Christ.

December 01, 2024

It's a time for us to prepare for something incredible: Jesus becoming human. I talk about how we all hate waiting, whether it's at the grocery store or for a red light to change, but how this season of waiting is actually a gift. It's a chance for us to grow closer to God and reflect on some big questions about our faith and our relationships. I also remind everyone that our whole life is about waiting and preparing for what's to come. So, instead of getting caught up in the rush of the holiday season, let's take a moment to pray, be vigilant, and let the joy and hope of Jesus fill our hearts.

November 24, 2024 (Christ the King)

I explored what it means for Jesus to be a king and the nature of the Kingdom of God. I shared how Jesus' kingdom is not of this world and how his teachings and life show us how to live in it. I also shared insights from the catechism and emphasized the importance of everyday holiness and the role of the church and sacraments.