Liturgy of the Word
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.
Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; 1 Thes 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30
Be a Good Steward of God’s Generosity
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” - Matthew 25:21
God calls us to nurture & develop the gifts He has given us & then generously return a portion with increase. He doesn’t want us to waste or hoard the gifts He has given us. He expects us to grow our gifts, to use them wisely &to be generous with them. Unfortunately, many of us are not generous in proportion to all that God has given us. God asks us to be generous with all our gifts, especially the one that means the most to you.
Mal 1:14–2:10, Ps 131, 1 Thes 2:7-13, Mt 23:1-12
Behold God Beholding You, and Smiling
Homily by Fr. Erik Oland, SJ.
“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” - Matthew 25:13
Many of us have put off doing something because we think we are too busy. We’ve all said, “I’ll do it later when I have time.” Unfortunately, too many of us apply this attitude to our Faith. Jesus’ call is urgent, in the here and now, in your current circumstances. How is God calling you to use your gifts today? Don’t delay. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Mal 1:14–2:10, Ps 131, 1 Thes 2:7-13, Mt 23:1-12
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” -Matthew 23:12
The world celebrates people in the spotlight and those who have the most of everything. We think celebrity, money and possessions is the key to happiness. Yet, our world is filled with more loneliness, anxiety and depression than ever before. The key to a happy life is relationship. Relationship with God and each other. Trust is the foundation of any good relationship and humility is the seed of trust.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Ex 22:20-26, Ps 18, 1 Thes 1:5-10, Mt 22:34-40
Transforming the Love of God into Action
Homily by Fr. Robert Wong, SJ.
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
Do you put other “gods” before God? Is your love of money, power, status, comfort or some personal possession greater than your love for God? Do you recognize that everything you have and that everything you are is a gift from God? Putting God first in everything helps keep us from becoming a slave to our possessions and to our pride.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 25:6-10, Ps 23, Phil 4:12-20, Mt 22:1-14
Accepting the Divine invitation in the midst of our busy lives
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“My God will fully supply whatever you need...” -Philippians 4:19
God really does provide for those who are grateful & generous. This is very difficult for people that don’t live a stewardship lifestyle to believe. People are skeptical & say it’s just coincidence. If you are skeptical, try living a stewardship lifestyle for just one month – be generous with your gifts of time in prayer, talent in charitable works & treasure, then see how God provides for your needs.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 5:1-7, Ps 80, Phil 4:6-9, Mt 21:33-43
A Time of Conversion
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner stone...” -Matthew 21:42
Jesus was rejected by the religious and political leaders of his day, as well as ordinary citizens, but he was still obedient to God, the Father. Similarly, living a stewardship lifestyle may cause you to
be “rejected” by others, but we, too are called to be obedient.
Saying grace before a meal in a restaurant may attract some strange looks from some. But to others it is a sign that God is alive and well!
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 55:6-9, Ps 145, Phil 1:20-27, Mt 20:1-16
Experiencing God’s presence in our ordinary everyday lives
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“Do nothing out of selfishness; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves...” -Philippians 2:3
Pride and ego are hard things to control. We see how others act or dress and think we are superior to them. We idolize our own self-image. But,
if we truly believe everything is a gift from God, we recognize all the people that God has put in our lives as gifts! We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. Pray every day for the people in your life: your family, your friends and those who make you angry.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 55:6-9, Ps 145, Phil 1:20-27, Mt 20:1-16
God’s free Gift of Love
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
- Matthew 20:16
You’ve heard the saying “It’s not where you start, but how you fin- ish.” This certainly applies to this Bible passage. We have a respon- sibility not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well. We are called to generously share our gifts with others, not hoard them for our own use. Our sincere gratitude and cheerful generosity will help us live “God-centered” lives and not “self-centered” lives
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Sir 27:30-28:7, Ps 103, Rom 14:7-9, Mt 18:21-35
Forgiveness is essential to a healthy community
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
- Romans 14:8
This is the essence of stewardship – everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts that God has given us, especially our very own lives. Pray to God, daily, and ask Him how He is calling you to the live the life that He intended for you.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Ez 33:7-9, Ps 95, Rom 13:8-10, Mt 18:15-20
Listening to Jesus
Sharing the graces
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel...” - Ezekiel 33:7
Many of us are generous with our gifts. However, many of us are not generous in proportion to the gifts we have been given. How often do we give at the minimum level required? Remember, the Lord calls us to nurture and develop our gifts and to give back with increase. He calls us to be generous with all the gifts, especially the one that means the most to us.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Jer 20:7-9, Ps 63, Rom 12:1-2, Mt 16:21-27
How well do we really know The Messiah?
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
“What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” - Matthew 16:26
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Remember, you are what you are in the eyes of God, and nothing else.”
We often forget this stewardship wisdom when we spend all of our time, talent and treasure to gain more of the world’s riches. We need to set our priorities based on God’s values and not the values of the material world.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Is 22:19-23, Ps 138, Rom 11:33-36, Mt 16:13-20
Who Do You Say I Am?
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
“Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid?” - Romans 11:35
St. Paul reminds us of a central fact of stewardship. We cannot give God anything – He already owns it all. God made everything, including us. Since we are made in His image, we too, are called to be generous. How we use our God-given gifts becomes our gift back to Him. Gratitude for all we have been given opens our hearts to joyful generosity! And, through our generosity, we just may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
1 Kgs 19:9-13, Ps 85, Rom 9:1-5, Mt 14:22-33
God’s mercy is plentiful to all with a humble heart.
Homily by Fr. Robert Wong, SJ.
My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples’
Today’s Gospel presents an uncharacteristically abrupt Jesus initially rejecting the pleas of a desperate Canaanite woman. And yet it is this woman’s determined faith and sense of humour that challenges Jesus to step beyond the boundaries of his initial mission, thus revealing the truth that his salvation and healing is for all people – no exceptions.
1 Kgs 19:9-13, Ps 85, Rom 9:1-5, Mt 14:22-33
A New Identity in Christ
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
He said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.” – Matthew 14:25
When you hear Jesus calling, do you respond immediately and trust that He knows what He’s doing? If so, you are walking on water! When we say “yes” to Jesus, we feel the power of His presence in our lives. We can feel the freedom it gives us! Listen how Jesus is calling you to live the extraordinary life He has intended for you.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
On the Mountain with the Lord
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘It is wonderful for us to be here’
The liturgy of Transfiguration Sunday gives us a foretaste of future glory.
In the presence of the three, Jesus shines brightly – heaven draws near, and the sorrows of the world fall away.
What does the Transfiguration mean for me and my struggles?
In the Gospel, as in all the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), the account of the Transfiguration occurs as Jesus is about to make his final journey to Jerusalem & to the Cross. His imminent tragedy is seen through a vision of the glory that is to come.
For us, who carry our own tragedies and crosses, there is help in these readings. They hint at our own glory, too, as God’s adopted children, redeemed & sanctified. We, too, will be led into his presence & offered a share in his glory (First Reading).
On that day, all creation will rejoice (Psalm). The gift’s promise is, for us as it was for Peter, ‘a lamp for lighting the way through the dark until the dawn comes’ (Second Reading).
This week let’s pray that, despite our own personal struggles and the darkness of the world’s news, we might hold onto the hope of the glory that is ours through a share in Christ’s everlasting life.
1 Kgs 3:5-12, Ps 119, Rom 8:28-30, Mt 13:44-52
A Treasure of Great Value
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field ...’
Today’s readings weave around themes of wisdom, treasure and joy.
When asked in a dream what he desires from God, Solomon chooses, ‘a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil.’ God is pleased that Solomon does not seek riches or a long life, so gives him the gift of wisdom (First Reading).
The Psalmist asks the Lord for his consoling love. God’s law means more to him than precious metals.
St Paul explains that the plan now unfolding has been there from the beginning (Second Reading). God chose, and called us all to become ‘true images of his Son’.
God wants all who love him and follow his teaching to share in his glory.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers three images for God’s kingdom: a treasure we find unexpectedly; a pearl for which we search diligently; a net that gathers us in.
They illustrate the priceless value & importance of the kingdom to which all are invited. Jesus also reminds us to hold on to treasures both old and new as we seek God’s kingdom.
This week, we ponder God’s gift of wisdom. We pray that it will guide us to the ‘treasure’: the delight of knowing & loving Jesus, and the riches this brings.
We ask God’s help to share that with those we encounter, however we can.
Wis 12:13-19, Ps 86, Rom 8:26-27, Mt 13:24-43
Encountering Jesus in the blessings of our day
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness
God’s mercy and compassion are the themes running through today’s readings.
The First Reading offers a description of God’s divine nature. The author emphasises God’s universal care and patience as signs of strength: characteristics that stand at odds with worldly values. In the midst of his troubles, the Psalmist also reflects on the qualities of the God of mercy and compassion.
In the Second Reading, St Paul tells of the consequences of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christian prayer. Even when prayer is difficult for us as finite and limited human beings, Paul encourages us to hand over our struggles to the Spirit who prays deeply in our hearts to our Father.
The Gospel shares three parables about growth, each seen from a different perspective. The first tells of the wheat and the weeds. It challenges us to recognise that sometimes we must learn to live
with situations we don’t like, because the effort to remove or change them would do more harm than good. This is a shrewd picture of the patience & compassion needed to live with the ambiguities & complexities of human life.
Let us pray this week for a spirit of self-compassion in our frailty and limitations.
We ask for the grace of deep humility and freedom to give of our best, and also to have faith in the God of surprises.
Is 55:10-11, Ps 65, Rom 8:18-23, Mt 13:1-23
God’s Word – Growing in Our Hearts
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
"Listen!"
The word of God is proclaimed throughout the whole of creation. All of the readings in the liturgy this Sunday are filled with images drawn from nature.
The word is like rain refreshing the earth, bringing goodness and growth wherever it falls. (First Reading) The Psalm is a prayerful song of thanks after a time of drought. It reminds us of the bountiful love that pours out from the Lord, filling us with joy and good things.
Paul (Second Reading) writes of a deep longing within us – and within the whole of creation – for the fulfilment of God’s promise. The word of God will give us the freedom we long for.
(Gospel) Jesus shares the parable of the sower casting seeds upon the land to teach us to cherish the word of God. The parable reminds us of the many things that can distract and prevent us from fulfilling all that we are called to be.
In this coming week, look around us and notice the different ways in which creation speaks to us of the love of God. Let us pray for the courage and grace to sow, nurture, grow and harvest the Word of God wherever we may be.
Humility and Life in Christ
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘Come to me, and I will give you rest’
Praise to God and joy in God’s merciful love, justice and peace are themes which run through the readings for this Sunday.
The First Reading from Zechariah describes how God will defeat his enemies and establish himself as king – not through war and aggression, but with humility and peace.
The Psalm is a great hymn of praise, central to the Jewish faith. With the help of our prayers, may they know the love and peace of Christ.
In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the Romans, and ourselves, of what the suffering and death of Jesus has achieved for us. He speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In today’s Gospel, through his own prayer to his Father in heaven, Jesus reminds us that he is the one who will reveal God to us.
This week we pray anew for the people whose lives are burdened by war and violence, especially in Ukraine, Sudan & other troubled areas of the world. With the help of our prayers, may they know the love and peace of Christ.
The Grace to follow Jesus
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘Follow in my footsteps’
The readings this week focus on hospitality and welcome,
as well as the rewards we receive when we welcome others ourselves.
In the First Reading, Elisha, a ‘holy man of God’, is regularly offered bed and board. As a result he decides to reward his hosts with a much longed-for son and heir.
The Psalm is a song of praise to the Lord’s love and mercy.
St Paul stresses to the Romans that in Baptism, we die to our old selves, and are reborn to a new life with Christ. (Second Reading)
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to instruct his disciples. Following him will not always be easy, but it will have its own rewards or blessings. Whether one welcomes a prophet, a holy person or the smallest ‘little one’, a good deed, even the simplest cup of water, will not go unnoticed. In welcoming others, we welcome Jesus himself.
This week we might want to reflect on the way each one of us, and society at large, welcomes those who must leave their own land for a variety of reasons.
Perhaps we can also ask for the grace of realising that ‘whatsoever we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, that we do unto him’ (words adapted from the hymn by Willard F. Jabusch).
Living in the presence of the Lord
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” Matthew 10:32
Would others know that you are Catholic by the way you act and speak? Do you share your Catholic faith with others? Do you defend your Catholic faith when the situation arises or do you remain silent? Do you pray in public before meals? Pray for the strength and courage to be a joyful witness of our Catholic faith when the opportunity presents itself. Let us become the radiant light and bold witness that we are called to be!
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Father’s Day and the Kingdom of Heaven
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:7
Many of us take our lives for granted. We think we have plenty of time to “repent.” Maybe we should live with a little more urgency in making things right with God. This is the difference in living our discipleship out of obligation versus out of love. Obligation implies we do the minimum required. Love implies we want a relationship. God wants us to be with Him in Heaven forever, but He also wants to be in relationship with us right now, while we are on earth.
Start this second– invite the Lord into your heart.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Becoming a Community in Christ
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
‘The bread we break is a communion with the body of Christ’
Today’s feast is an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful mystery of the Eucharist: the sacrament that nourishes our faith and gives life to the world.
Each reading offers an opportunity to pray about the significance of this gift, reminding us of the richness of the Eucharistic tradition in the Church.
Moses recalls that though the people of God were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness,
God never abandoned them (First Reading). Instead, he encouraged them to have faith in his continuing living presence.
The Psalm suggests many reasons to praise God, including both the material and spiritual nourishment that God offers us.
In the (Second Reading), Paul reminds the factious Corinthians of the profound spiritual significance of taking the body and blood of Christ. By participating in the Eucharist,
they are uniting themselves to Christ & to the whole Christian community.
In the Gospel, Jesus affirms that he is the bread of life: the very life force of God. Through his life, death and resurrection, Christ nourishes our deepest hunger for God. We draw life from him even as Jesus drew life from the Father.
This week, we pray for a deepening of Christian Unity. We ask that we may truly become one as followers of Christ.
In Relationship ….. through God
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
A God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness...
Today we celebrate the mystery of the Trinity: one God in three persons. God is the Lover (Father, Creator), the Beloved (Son, Saviour), and the Love which flows between them (Holy Spirit, Counsellor).
Our readings help us see who God is, and what God does for us.
Moses’s obedience and humility are revealed as he calls on God from the top of Mount Sinai (First Reading), pleading for the headstrong people of Israel. In responding, the Lord describes himself as ‘a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness’.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus of the overwhelming love God has for the world in sending his Son to be its Saviour. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s wish for the discordant Corinthians (Second Reading) is peace, unity, fellowship and love. Paul encourages them (and us) to reveal the qualities of God seen in Jesus, gifted to us through the Holy Spirit, and gifted to others through our behaviour.
The Psalm, taken from the book of Daniel, gives praise and glory to God, exalting him above all forever.
In thanksgiving, let’s pray for St Paul’s blessing this week, that ‘the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God & the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all’.
We must allow the Spirit of God work though us for the common good
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit you must open your heart and invite Him in! Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, words and actions every day! Be grateful for all the gifts God has given you! Regardless of our individual circumstances, God has given all of us many blessings. What we do with those gifts is our gift back to God! By generously sharing everything we have and everything we are, we become more “God-centered” and less ” self-centered” and our lives truly reflect God’s light, love & mercy.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“I am praying for them…” John 17:9
Prayer is the foundation of our faith and the foundation of stewardship. Prayer is always the first best option in any situation – not just our last resort. Pray for friends and family, and especially for those that don’t treat you very well. Pray to give praise, to thank, and to ask God for help. Pray to see what God wants you to do with the gifts He has given you. Teach others how to pray. It has been said that teaching someone how to pray is the best gift you can give someone.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Remember that we have the Divine Advocate on our side
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:17
The old line says, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Many of us are diligent in our planning & making sure things are progressing smoothly. Then disaster strikes, we don’t get the result we anticipated or an unforeseen problem arises. Many times we may respond negatively & ask, “Why me? I did everything right!” Here’s the thing – adversity humbles us & reminds us of our dependence on God & not on our own self-reliance. Rest assured, God has a better plan in store for you.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Homily by Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” 1 Peter 2:7
Every person has been given gifts from the Holy Spirit. These are
called “charisms” and they are used to build God’s kingdom on earth. While many people are able to recognize their natural talents and abilities, they may be unsure of their charisms. If you know someone who is struggling for a direction in life, give them a little encouragement.
Help them discern their charisms and how God is calling them to use them. Remember – no gift is too small or insignificant in God’s salvation plan.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis
Acts 2:14-41, Ps 23, 1 Pt 2:20-25, Jn 10:1-10
Homily by Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Stewardship Reflection
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ…’” Acts 2:38
The word “repent” means to turn from sin – to change our thoughts, words and actions. Change that is permanent comes from within – a transformation or conversion of heart. This requires prayer, discipline and perseverance. Change is hard. The first step is recognizing that we are broken & that we need God’s help.
The good news – we are not alone in our journey. Ask Jesus daily for guidance & patiently listen for His response.
Copyright © 2023 Archdiocese of St. Louis