Ordinary Time 12 - Don't Fear the Haters

 

Homily for Ordinary Time 12

June 21, 2026

Don’t Worry About the Haters

 

            I don’t care how old you are or what season of life you’re in, peer pressure can be a real struggle. Maybe it’s just bad memories from our middle school days, but we’re all hardwired to follow the herd, go along, fit in. We are social creatures, and no one wants to be ostracized.

            But what do we do when the peer pressure is harmful? When it goes against truth? When it goes against love?

            St. Thomas More was the chancellor of England under King Henry VIII during the 1500s – the second-in-command in the entire empire, and the King’s good friend. The King wanted to get divorced and remarried, but knew this was impossible in the Catholic Faith. So in anger, the King declared himself to be the head of the Church of England, starting the Anglican Church (in America they’re known as Episcopalians, like St. Peter’s Church on the Green). He forced every nobleman and clergyman in his realm to swear an oath acknowledging the King, not the Pope, as the leader of the Church, and most had no problem signing. But Sir Thomas More refused, knowing he could never abandon the Church that Christ founded.

            In the fantastic play “Man for All Seasons” about More’s life, we see the Duke of Norfolk trying to argue with Thomas More about this issue. The Duke says, “Oh confound all this. I'm not a scholar, I don't know whether the marriage was lawful or not, but Thomas, look at these names! Why can't you do as I did and [sign this oath], for fellowship!”

            And Thomas responds, "And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for doing your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not doing mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?"

            Throughout history, we’ve had lots of saints who stood up to the status quo. I think of St. Oscar Romero, the heroic bishop of El Salvador, who preached boldly against the government’s oppression of the poor and human rights abuses – and ended up assassinated for his boldness. I think of St. Maria of Paris, who hid Jews in her tiny apartment during the Nazi regime and lost her life for such charity. We’ve had literally millions of heroic saints stand up against the zeitgeist (the “spirit of the age”) to live boldly for Christ, no matter what the personal cost or how many people are against them.

            And we’d like to think we’d do the same, right? But do we really? I’d just like to mention one opportunity we have today to stand up for truth and authentic love against the mistaken notions of the world.

            June is, of course, “Pride Month”. We see it everywhere, including on the rainbow flag flying over Monroe’s Town Hall. While we ought to be respectful and kind to all people, including our brothers and sisters who struggle with same-sex attraction, the Pride movement is about more than just respect – it’s about approval of a lifestyle that is gravely immoral. Our Lord has taught, in both the Old and the New Testaments, and through His Church, that the only proper use of sexuality is between a man and a woman in a sacramental marriage and open to life. Thus, those who identify as LGBT are encouraged to live lives of chastity, prayer, and friendship. In fact, there is a wonderful Catholic outreach to those of same-sex attraction called Courage – the international director happens to be the pastor of St. Theresa’s Church in Trumbull, Fr. Brian Gannon. This outreach gives support to those who want to live pure and holy lives while struggling with the cross of same-sex attraction.

            But this whole idea of chastity is opposed to the Pride movement, which is an ideology of accepting an objectively disordered view of marriage and sexual relations. This is why no good Catholic can fly the Pride flag or otherwise support the Pride movement. I know in many companies and at schools, people are encouraged and even pressured to support the Pride movement – otherwise they become labeled as a bigot or a hater.

            But it is not bigotry to accept what God has revealed about the nature of marriage. It is not hatred to desire that someone avoid grave mortal sin. In fact, nothing could be more loving than to help our brothers and sisters become saints, even if they carry the very challenging cross of same-sex attraction.

            So – are we bold enough to stand up for truth and love on this issue? Are we willing to lose friends, have family members shun us, or suffer consequences at our job? In today’s Scripture readings, Christ is bluntly clear that to follow Him means that we will be hated. He was rejected; so will we be. And this issue of celebrating Pride may be one of the clearest ways in which Christ’s words are ringing true in today’s society.

            But do not be afraid. You and God equal a majority. People often say, “Oh, I want to be on the right side of history.” But truthfully, as a Christian, we should prefer to be on the right side of eternity – because this LGBT ideology, like the thousands of false ideologies before it, will end up on the trash heap of history. The Word of the Lord alone will endure forever.

            So don’t be afraid to stand alone if you stand with Christ on His Word.

Ordinary Time 11 - Chosen: Vocation and Mission

 

Homily for Ordinary Time 11

June 14, 2026

Chosen: Vocation and Mission

 

            When we were all growing up, one of the most tense moments of school was picking teams on the playground. I don’t care what sport it was – kickball, basketball, whatever – I was usually picked last – maybe you have a similar story!

            We all want to be chosen, included, welcomed onto the team for our valuable contributions. Young people have a syndrome they call FOMO – “Fear of missing out” – when they’re not invited to be a part of something exciting. And this certainly would have been the case with these Twelve Apostles.

            The process of following a rabbi was quite different in first-century Judaism. Every young boy would receive schooling until he was thirteen, but then only the best and brightest would go on to train with a rabbi. The rabbi wouldn’t seek out the boy; it was the other way around. An intellectually sharp and devout boy would ask a rabbi, “May I follow you?” The rabbi, then, would examine the boy to see if he is worthy of investing the time to train him. If he liked what he saw, the rabbi would respond, “Come, follow me.”

            Jesus does things backwards – He seeks out His disciples. He chooses those who are clearly not the best and the brightest – these guys were in their twenties or older, clearly washed-up day laborers. Why does He seek them? Not because they are worthy – but because He has a specific mission for them, and He wants to make clear that it is His power in them, not their own efforts that are doing these miracles and preaching this saving message.

            These Apostles were chosen – and so are you. You, too, have an irreplaceable role to play in this grand epic of what God is doing in history to bring about His Kingdom and save souls. And you can know what this mission is in two ways: your vocation, and your charisms.

            First, your vocation. We know that we are supposed to love God and love our neighbor, but that’s kinda vague – who are the ones we are called to love? The poor in Africa? The homeless in Bridgeport? Maybe – but our vocation gives us a clear direction to love. If you are called to marriage, then your primary responsibility is to love your spouse and children to Heaven. Those called to the priesthood are called to love their parish to become saints. Those called to the single life in the world are called to love their families, their neighbors, and to find a ministry wherein they can love others through authentic self-gift.

            Those of you who are young – how do we know our vocation? There are three steps to discernment. First, look at your holy desires – what desires do you have that you could foresee leading to holiness? A desire to become rich and famous is not a holy desire – a desire to serve the poor is a holy desire. God often puts our vocation on our hearts through our holy desires. Last summer at Camp Veritas, one of our young parishioners had a powerful encounter where he actually saw the face of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist – a true miracle, just for him. It changed his life and afterward we were talking and he sighed, “Well, I guess I have to be a priest now.” I said, “Do you want to be a priest?” “No, not really.” “Then it’s probably not your vocation – and that’s fine! The Church needs holy married men, as well!”

            Second, look at the doors God is opening. I was working with a young man in his 20s who was passionate about the Faith. I asked him if he had considered the priesthood, and he said no, he was going to marry Sarah. I said, “That’s wonderful! I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” He replied, “Oh, I don’t. Sarah broke up with me a month ago and told me she would never date me again. But I know it’s God’s will that we marry.” Uh, sorry buddy. It’s not God’s will. Pay attention to the doors He opens, and we can see His will.

            Finally, do we have peace when we think about our future vocation? Peace is usually a sign that we are on the path God has set out for us.

            Now, discernment about our vocation is only for those who have not yet made a commitment. Once we have made vows for marriage, priesthood, or religious life, that part of discernment is done – we now have a direction for our love. But our discernment isn’t finished yet – we still must discern our charisms – the unique gifts of the Holy Spirit given so we can live out His mission here on earth.

            St. Paul sets out a list of charisms in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Some seem mundane, such as the charism of leadership or administration or generosity. Some seem more extraordinary: charism of healing, prophesy, miracles. A charism is not just an ordinary talent – it is a passion and gift that serious disciples have for the building up of the Kingdom. It’s not just something we train for, but something that goes to the depths of who we are. It’s not for us and our enjoyment, but for God to work through us for others.

            A friend of mine is a tremendous singer who uses her gifts for the glory of God. One day, a Franciscan brother prayed over her (it was Br. Damien, who you may have seen if you came to our Heart-to-Heart Adoration this year). He has the charism of prophesy, whereby God speaks through him, and he said to her, “Your voice will be used to bring many people to Confession.” Kind of an interesting charism, right? Well, the next time she was leading songs during Adoration, she was amazed – the Confession lines stretched all the way around the church! And it happens to her every time she sings during Adoration. A true charism indeed!

            I know a woman with the charism of hospitality. She used to host gatherings for priests and Protestant ministers at her homes, and over dinner and coffee, we forged friendships and organized ecumenical events that brought many Christians together with a shared passion for the Lord. It may seem mundane, but she was never happier than when she saw people connecting with fellow Christians over pasta and tiramisu.

            Some have the charism of teaching, or writing, or working with the poor. Some have the charism of intercessory prayer – they love to pray for others, and feel a real passion for doing so. Some have the charism of evangelization – they get in conversations with their Uber driver and strangers in airports about Jesus. Some have the charism of working with youth – one of the most effective youth ministers in our diocese is a grandmother in New Canaan who runs an absolutely vibrant youth ministry at St. Aloysius.

            If you are a serious disciple, you have a charism. You have to discern what it is and where to use it, but a disciple must use it for Christ to live and work in them. I would encourage you to read more about charisms from Catholic websites or a fantastic book called “Fruitful Discipleship”. Discern what your charism is, try it out, and see how God will work through you.

            Both your vocation – which is your mission territory – and your charisms – which are your tools to work that territory and bear fruit – are gifts from God. The reason why God chose these ordinary Apostles is so that the glory will go to Him and not to them. Throughout history, He has chosen saints from the most common folk and allowed them to do tremendous works.

            For example, St. John Vianney was not the smartest priest ever. He was so behind in his schoolwork that when he was in his twenties, he was sent back to class with twelve-year-olds to learn basic Latin. Even when he became a priest, his fellow priests thought he was too uneducated to be a pastor, so they circulated a petition to have him removed. When Vianney heard about this petition, he asked to see it – and he signed his own name to it! But because he was so humble, God could use him.

            He had founded an orphanage for poor girls, but one day finances were tough and they ran out of flour. The woman in charge ran to Fr. Vianney, who told her, “You cannot make many loaves of bread? Then just make one.” The woman ran home and poured out the meager flour from the bag, and when she had mixed it with water and yeast, it began to rise…and rise…and rise so much that it became a lump of dough so large that they had to make it into several smaller loaves, which fed the entire house. When she came back to thank the priest, he said humbly, “I do not work miracles! I am only a poor ignorant man who once tended sheep. I just turned to the saints and they helped you.” He tried to deflect the praise even when he did the miracle!

            My friends, God called these leftover-men to become the cornerstone of His Church. God has likewise chosen you for a mission: one that unfolds through your vocation, and through the specific charisms God has given you. Our weakness is not an obstacle to His working in and through us, if we are willing instruments in His hands!

Corpus Christi Sunday - June 7, 2026

Corpus Christi Homily

June 7, 2026

The Enemies of Grace

 

           During the Roman persecution of Christians, a priest wanted to bring Holy Communion to those Christians who were in prison for their Faith, but the Christian community refused to let the priest risk his life, for without the priest there would be no Eucharist. So one of his altar boys, a young teen named Tarcissius, volunteered to take the Eucharist himself. No one would ever suspect someone so young for being a clandestine Christian!

            He was going along the road, clutching the Eucharist in a cloth bag around his neck. As he passed by a field, he saw some of his classmates who were playing a game. They invited Tarcissius to join them, but the boy declined, hurrying along. They began to insist, “Tarcissius, come play with us!” But he continued to refuse. They started to gather around him, pushing and shoving, curious as to what was in the cloth bag. But Tarcissius knew he could never allow them to see the Eucharist, because they were pagans. They began to grow angry with him, and soon their pushing and shoving became punching and kicking. They imagined that Tarcissius was keeping some huge secret from them in the bag – perhaps gold or food – and they were going to get it, one way or another. They threw him to the ground and one peer threw a heavy rock, which struck his head. He was knocked unconscious, which made the other boys run away, fearful of consequences for their violence. He was later found in that field by some Christians, who brought him home, but he died of his injuries – St. Tarcissius, a teenage martyr for the Eucharist.

            The enemies of the Lord have always had a special hatred for the Eucharist. The first thing that most of the tyrants of the twentieth century did was to abolish the Mass – from Communist Russia to the Spanish Revolution to the anti-clerical laws of Mexico in the 1920s. Pope Benedict had to make a rule that he would only distribute Holy Communion on the tongue, because people would take the Eucharist from him to keep as a souvenir, or worse, to desecrate it. We sadly had someone steal the Blessed Sacrament here on Good Friday a few years back, which broke my heart.

            But in some sideways way, this actually underscores the truth of Christ’s Real Presence here. Why would the Evil One and his army fight against something that’s just a symbol? You don’t see anyone stealing the Communion bread from a Protestant Church, since everyone knows it’s ordinary bread. But here in the tabernacle is Jesus!

            Today, however, the Evil One has a much more insidious method of attacking the Eucharist, and I bet it’s never occurred to most of us. The Evil One wants to separate us from the Eucharist, so he uses Sunday sports and activities.

            There. I said it.

            Think about it, though. There was a time when Sunday morning was sacrosanct. But now good Catholics are torn, because they want to worship God at Mass, but they spend a ton of money to get their kids into sports or dance or robotics or whatever, and they think they’re committed to this, too. I absolutely believe it’s a subtle ploy of the Evil One to try to separate people from the Eucharist. I’m not saying that these activities are evil in themselves, but the Evil One uses them to convince people that the Eucharist is a “nice extra” to squeeze into a weekend that’s already jam-packed with stuff going on. Then when people get back to Mass after missing a few weekends, the Evil One convinces them to receive Communion without Confession, as if that was fine and dandy, rather than an unworthy reception of the Lord due to the mortal sin of missing Mass. Can we not see this as a diabolical ploy to separate people from the Lord? Satan will never tempt you to worship a golden calf – he will tempt you to think that the meaningless soccer game is more important than Jesus Christ.

            So, let’s just consider the consequence of our belief that Jesus Christ is truly here, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. If we really believe that here He is, the Lover of our soul, our Creator, our Destiny, our Peace…we would make this everything! Barring sickness or other legitimate emergency, we would make sure that we were here in the presence our Eucharistic Lord every Sunday.

            There is, in Fairfield County, a Jewish baseball league. It was founded so that no games would occur on their Sabbath day. Why do we not insist on this for Catholics, who make up 45% of the population of Fairfield County? It is nothing but cowardice for Catholics to stay quiet when their sacred time is invaded with sports and activities. We don’t live for sports and robotics and gymnastics – we live for Christ, and everything else is just extra.

            There was a saint one time who structured her week around the Eucharist. She would receive Jesus on Sunday, and then spend the next three days in thanksgiving. The following three days of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday would be spent spiritually preparing for her next Eucharistic union. What a happy life!

            I close with the powerful words of St. John Bosco, who said: “Do you want our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him [in the Eucharist] often. Do you want Him to grant you only a few? Visit Him but seldom. Do you want the devil to attack you? Rarely visit the Blessed Sacrament. Do you want him to flee from you? Visit Jesus often!”

            The Evil One knows that as soon as someone abandons the Eucharist, their soul belongs to him. The devil is much wiser these days, and does not close churches or attack the Eucharist directly. Rather, he distracts with a thousand activities that take us away from the True Presence of the Lord. It’s time we Catholics said, “I’m sorry, Coach, but we’ve got an appointment we can’t miss, and it’s with the God of the universe Who has loved us enough to give us His Body and Blood as food for everlasting life.”