Liturgy of the Word
Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18
Becoming one with the Good Shepherd
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘They too will listen to my voice …’
We continue our journey through Eastertide, experiencing the joy of the Risen Lord.
This fourth Sunday of Easter traditionally features Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and is also kept annually as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
In the First Reading, Peter explains that the miracle he has been able to perform came not from him, but from the name of Jesus Christ, the keystone rejected by the builders.
The Psalm, normally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, is a thanksgiving prayer from someone who has been rescued from an ordeal. It uses the same cornerstone image as the First Reading. Like Peter, the psalmist acknowledges the Lord as his Saviour.
The writer of the Second Reading stresses that we are God’s children. Although we might find the path difficult, and feel unsure of what the future holds, we will be transformed into God’s likeness when we meet him.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, who is prepared to lay down his life for us; he knows us intimately and wants to bring everyone into his fold.
On this Day of Prayer for Vocations, we might pray that everyone should be willing and able to fulfill their own vocation. We continue to pray for war-torn countries, that they will find a Good Shepherd to guide them out of conflict.
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48
Rediscovering Easter in Our Everyday Lives
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord
In today’s readings, we celebrate the living Christ, our advocate who dwells with the Father. Through him we are given encouragement to overcome our fearfulness and weakness of faith.
Peter (First Reading) insists that even those responsible for Christ’s death are not without hope. They, too, are called to repent, and turn their face back to God.
In the Second Reading, John reminds the community of believers that Christian life demands continuous attention to Christ’s teachings. By following this Way of love in our daily life, we will be invited into an ever deepening relationship with God.
Luke continues the Resurrection story as the risen Lord appears to his fearful friends. Jesus bolsters their faith by joining them for a meal. He invites them to touch his body, before finally breaking open the word of Scripture. We, like the disciples, need the risen Christ to comfort and embolden our lives of faith. (Gospel)
The Psalmist has been delivered from anguish and gives thanks to the one God who has listened and released him. It is a prayer of deep trust and confidence in the Lord of all.
In a world both ablaze with the wonders of science and technology and ravished by war and profound injustice, we pray that we may never forget that only you, dear Lord, can ever satisfy our restless, fearful hearts.
Acts 4:32-35, Ps 118, 1 Jn 5:1-6, Jn 20:19-31
Our Ordinary Resurrection Blessings
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Divine Mercy Sunday
‘My Lord and my God!’
On this Second Sunday of Easter, the readings invite us to believe & trust God’s mercy. This is the very faith Paul speaks of as that which ‘conquers the world’: forgiveness begets forgiveness, mercy begets mercy, love begets love (Second Reading).
Our need for, and joy in, such graces is echoed in the Psalm, where
we can join with the psalmist in saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever!’
The Acts of the Apostles (First Reading) shows that the mercy of the risen Lord continues to be poured out through the ministry of his apostles, while in the Gospel we see Jesus himself being the model for mercy for his fearful and doubtful friends.
Let’s pray that, God’s divine mercy will have its effect in us, freeing & opening us to love ever more deeply.
Meeting Ourselves in Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Experiencing the Resurrection in a Deeper Way
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Graces Renewed and Multiplied this Day
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Mk 11:1-10; Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1—15:47
Standing with Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Pilate again said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with the man whom
you call the King of the Jews?’ And they cried out again, ‘Crucify him.’” -Mark 15:12-13
Jesus told us “whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” Every day we are presented opportunities to help someone. Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others. Every day we pass by someone in need. Pray for the strength and courage to be the answer to someone’s prayer.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Ez 37:12-14, Ps 130, Rom 8:8-11, Jn 11:1-45
Emerging from our Tombs: Answering the Divine Call to Life
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
I Was Blind and Now I See
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Gn 22:1-18, Ps 116, Rom 8:31-34, Mk 9:2-10
Together with God on the Mountaintop
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘This is my Son, the Beloved.’
Trust in the Lord is the theme that links all this week’s readings. As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the extent of the Lord’s love and generosity – if we but listen to his voice and place our trust in him.
In the First Reading we see the depth of Abraham’s trust in God as he is asked to sacrifice his beloved son. Abraham’s faithfulness is rewarded with more blessings than he could ever have imagined.
The Psalmist gives thanks and praise to the Lord who has freed him, reminding us that he trusted God even when sorely afflicted. Like him, we can rejoice as we walk in the presence of the Lord.
In the Second Reading, echoing the story of Abraham and Isaac, St Paul challenges us to recall the immensity of God’s love for the world in giving up his Son. With Jesus standing at the right hand of God pleading for us, we can have confidence in placing all our trust in him.
In the Gospel, Jesus asks Peter, James and John to trust him and not speak of the wonder of what they have witnessed on the mountain top.
This week we pray for the grace to trust and to listen ever more closely to the voice of the Lord, so that we too might walk in his presence.
Journeying Deeper: Encountering God in the Wilderness
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God….” – Mark 1:14
Have you ever thought about how difficult it must have been for Jesus to go to Galilee, knowing that John had just been arrested for teaching the same message that He was proclaiming. It took great love and trust for Jesus to do what the Father had sent Him here on earth to do. In the same way, living a stewardship lifestyle takes great love and trust from us. We must be willing to surrender completely to God, trusting that He will always give us all that we need to fulfill His plan for us.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Lenten attentiveness to the Lord
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Lv 13:1-2, 44-46, Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11, 1 Cor 10:31—11:1, Mk 1:40-45
Deeper Graces with Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31
Do a quick check of your priorities. Where does God rank in that list? If He’s not first, you have some work to do. Putting God first in everything helps us from putting other “gods” (like our pride, ego, money and possessions) before God. Before making a decision, ask yourself,
“Am I doing this for the glory of God or for the glory of me?”
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Jb 7:1-7, Ps 147, 1 Cor 9:16-23, Mk 1:29-39
Growing and embracing change in your relationship with Jesus
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“Rising very early before dawn, he left & went off to a deserted place, where he prayed… He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” -Mark 1:35, 38
In today’s Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to do all that God wishes – healing the sick and preaching. But before He begins, Jesus takes time to be alone with God in prayer. It is through prayer, spending time with God, that we are given the graces needed to do what He wishes us to do. Praying before acting is a great habit to develop.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Dt 18:15-20, Ps 95, 1 Cor 7:32-35, Mk 1:21-28
The Authority of Jesus in our lives
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore. SJ.
“Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties.” – 1 Corinthians 7:32
How much anxiety do we bring upon ourselves by constantly worrying about not having enough or attaining more things?
God won’t necessarily give you everything you want, but He will provide everything you need. Try this – use the word “pray” instead of the word “worry” in the future. Then spend your time praying instead of worrying.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Jonah 3:1-10, Ps 25, 1 Cor 7:29-31, Mk 1:14-20
Repentance, Transformation, and the Kingdom of God
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson. SJ.
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Mark 1:17
Jesus’ call to “follow me” is a call to all Christians!
The call is in the here and now, in our present circumstances, not when we think we are “ready” or have everything in order. Good stewardship of our God-given gifts means that things aren’t always going to go according to our schedule, but that God has a much better plan in store for each of us.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
1 Sm 3:3-19, Ps 40, 1 Cor 6:13-20, Jn 1:35-42
Sharing in the Love and the Mission of Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’” – John 1:38
When we recognize who we are, it’s easier to find what we are looking for. Once we see ourselves, and others, as children of God, we spend less time looking for the material comforts of the world. Instead, our hearts long for something deeper that can only be filled by God. Ask God daily how He wants you to live the life
He intended for you.
Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 60:1-6, Ps 72, Eph 3:2-6, Mt 2:1-12
Expanding our openness to Divine Manifestations
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
Mary’s Vocation and Ours
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 Luke 2:22-40
Living in Holiness: Revealing the Essence of the Holy Family”
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ
Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-16.
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ,
with the St. Mark’s Parish Children’s Liturgy
Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-16.
Love, both Human and Divine
Homily by Fr. Rob, SJ.
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29, Rom 16:25-27, Lk 1:26-38
Jesus, promised anew for us
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” - Luke 1:28
After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. Mary teaches us to live with joy for all we have been given. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world through our gratitude and generosity.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 61:1-2A, 10-11, 1 Thes 5:16-24, Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
Finding our Identity: Examining the message of John the Baptist
Homily by Fr. Robert Wong, SJ.
‘Rejoice! The Lord is near.
The readings on this Gaudete (‘Rejoice!’) Sunday are full of encouragement, resonating with joyful hope as we draw closer to the birthday of Jesus:
Isaiah (First Reading) announces the coming of the anointed one: a cause for rejoicing.
Mary’s Magnificat is a joyful song of praise to God, her Saviour who is rich in mercy. (Psalm) St Paul (Second Reading) encourages us to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that we do; we are to give thanks for all things to God, and to pray constantly.
The focus of the Gospel is John the Baptist, who bears witness, testifying to the true identity of ‘the light’: Jesus himself. John answers the priests’ questions about his own identity and ministry, then announces that the Saviour they seek, Jesus, is already amongst them, though ‘unknown to them’.
Is 40:1-11, Ps 85, 2 Pt 3:8-14, Mk 1:1-8
Embracing John: Opening the Path for Jesus’ Message
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“Prepare the way of the Lord...” - Mark 1:3
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle,
being grateful and generous with our gifts, puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too.
We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well. How are you helping others get to Heaven?
Is 63:16–64:7, Ps 80, 1 Cor 1:3-9, Mt 13:33-37
Opening our Hearts to God.
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” - Mark 13:33
We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. We make our lives too busy. We plan our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, every day, and listen to how God is calling you right now to help build His kingdom on earth.
Ez 34:11-17, Ps 23, 1 Cor 15:20-8, Mt 25:31-46
Our Call to Recognize Jesus in all of our fellow human beings
Homily by Fr. Robert Wong, SJ.
“...Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
Most of us are generous when it’s convenient for us. We are generous when we have the time or the money. But, real generosity is the opposite of that. It means giving of one’s time, money, compassion, forgiveness or mercy when it’s not convenient to us, when it’s not on our schedule, but on the other person’s timeline.