Reflections and homilies rooted in the Gospel of John and the wisdom of the Church, helping you walk the journey of faith. Join Fr. Michael, a priest of the Community of St. John in New Zealand, as he unpacks the Word of God, explores the depths of grace, and leads you to encounter Christ, the Word made flesh.
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A Legacy of Love, Not Possessions – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
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10:01In a time marked by grief and farewells, Fr. Michael reflects on the true measure of a life well lived. Drawing from recent funerals and the Gospel parable of the rich man, this homily challenges us to place our finances in God’s hands and to remember that love, not wealth, is what endures. Greed divides, but sacrificial love unites. What will your…
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Teach Us to Pray from the Heart – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
11:43
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11:43In this tender homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the death of a beloved parishioner and invites us to rediscover the realism and intimacy of prayer. Drawing from the tradition of wakes, the symbolism of the Easter candle, and the gospel’s call to “knock and it will be opened,” he guides us to pray as Jesus taught: not with an agenda, but with open he…
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One Thing is Necessary: Contemplation in the Heart of Busyness
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10:18In this moving homily on the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38–42), Fr. Michael shares insights from a recent retreat with his fellow brothers, led by the general superior of the Community of St John. With pastoral warmth and deep spiritual clarity, he explores the essence of contemplation — that still, silent gaze of love that renews the soul. …
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Awareness, Courage, and Fidelity: The Samaritan’s Path to Love - 15th Sunday of OT
10:52
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10:52This Sunday, we encounter the Good Samaritan not as an idealised helper, but as a man with a quiet heart, courage in action, and a fidelity that sees through. Drawing from a university psychology class, Mother Teresa’s rice story, and the challenge of real family life, Fr. Michael reflects on how interior silence makes us truly see others—and how v…
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Stay Sharp: The Mission Edge of Every Catholic - 14 Sunday of OT
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11:02Jesus sends the 72 out two by two — and he sends us too. In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the courage it takes to live and proclaim the Gospel in everyday life. Whether it’s through a kind word on a deathbed, letting go of old wounds, or simply choosing peace over bitterness, every believer is called to be on mission. Drawing from encounters…
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The Trinity: The Secret God Reveals to His Friends
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10:28On this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, Fr. Michael reflects on the deepest mystery of our faith—not a distant doctrine, but a lived reality. God is not content to remain hidden; He opens His very heart to us through Christ and draws us into His own life through the Spirit. In this homily, Fr. Michael explains how we experience the Trinity in prayer…
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Pentecost: Alive in the Spirit, Changing the Culture
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13:35On this Pentecost Sunday—marking five years since the birth of Holy Family Parish—Fr. Michael reflects on the explosive growth of the community and the deeper spiritual revival unfolding in hearts. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t just comfort us—He commissions us. Drawing from his own upbringing and missionary witness, Fr. Michael urges each of us to r…
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In this homily for the Ascension of the Lord, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound mystery of Christ’s return to the Father—not as a departure, but as a completion. The Son who descended to take on our humanity now brings that same humanity into the heart of the Father. What does this mean for us? That we are made for heaven, destined for the Fathe…
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“The Indwelling Word & Peace of Christ” – Gospel Commentary – 6th Sunday of Easter
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13:10In this special recording, Fr. Michael offers a deeper reflection on the Gospel for the 6th Sunday of Easter (John 14). He walks through the text verse by verse, uncovering its rich context—from the Last Supper to the sending of the Holy Spirit. Why does Jesus say, “We will come and make our home with him”? What is the peace He gives that the world…
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“God Dwells Within You” – Homily – 6th Sunday of Easter
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10:56In this warm and accessible homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ promise: “We will come to them and make our home with them.” Prayer is no longer just a human gesture of worship or awe — through Christ, it becomes a daily communion. Drawing from Scripture, the parish prayer survey, and everyday examples, Fr. Michael offers practical encouragement…
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“Love as I Have Loved You” – Homily – 5th Sunday of Easter
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12:14This Sunday, Fr. Michael preaches on the radical heart of the Gospel: Christ’s commandment to love as He has loved us. With the story of Michelle Duppong—a young woman now on the path to sainthood—he shows how ordinary people become holy by extraordinary love. This homily is a call to all the baptised to embrace the universal vocation to holiness, …
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“Becoming a Lamb in the Lamb” – Homily – Good Shepherd Sunday
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13:13On Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects deeply on the connection between being a lamb and becoming a shepherd. Sharing his personal vocation story and the powerful image of the Lamb who conquers in the Book of Revelation, he reminds us that every vocation begins by receiving the love of God first. Only by being held in God’s hands can we trul…
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“Letting Go Like Peter” – Homily – 3rd Sunday of Easter
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11:37In this moving homily on one of his favourite Gospel passages, Fr. Michael reflects on Peter’s journey from control to surrender. Through the Risen Christ’s tender questions—“Do you love me?”—Peter is restored and made ready for the Cross he once feared. Fr. Michael draws us into Peter’s humanity and invites us to follow Christ not according to our…
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“Mercy: Justice Fulfilled in Love” – Homily – Divine Mercy Sunday
8:47
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8:47On this Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects on the true meaning of mercy: not a denial of justice, but its fulfillment through love. Drawing from the life of St. Faustina, the image of Divine Mercy, and a personal story of conversion, he explains how God’s mercy flows from Christ’s wounded heart and transforms even the darkest of our sins. Me…
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“The Turning Point of Love” – Homily – Easter Sunday
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12:03In this powerful Easter homily, Fr. Michael proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus as the definitive turning point in history—and in our lives. He invites us to move beyond a life guided only by the law of the Old Testament into a new life transformed by grace. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and a touching personal story, he reveals how the fire of…
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“Lose Yourself to Follow Christ” – Homily – Palm Sunday
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8:56In this Palm Sunday homily, Fr. Michael invites us into Holy Week by calling us to shift our gaze away from ourselves and fix it on Christ. He reflects on the figures in the Passion—Peter, Mary Magdalene, Judas, and especially Mary—and encourages us to let the liturgy guide us step by step to the Cross. By losing ourselves in love, we learn to foll…
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Lazarus, Come Out: Christ’s Life is More Real Than Death – Homily – 5th Sunday of Lent (Year C – Scrutiny)
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10:23In this homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent, Fr. Michael reflects on the powerful moment when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. He asks us the essential question: What is real? Is our day-to-day life more real than the God who made it? Is death final? Or is the life of Christ more real—even than death itself? In this final scrutiny Gospel, we are l…
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The Father’s Heart: Beyond Duty and Escape – Homily – 4th Sunday of Lent (Year C)
11:58
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11:58In this homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Year C), Fr. Michael reflects on the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son—or rather, the story of a father and two sons. He explores how the parable speaks powerfully to the real spiritual struggles many people face today: the temptation to escape responsibility, the danger of doing good without love, an…
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Justice, Mercy, and the Call to Bear Fruit – Homily – 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year C)
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11:46In this homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year C), we reflect on Jesus’ urgent call to repentance through the parable of the barren fig tree. Fr. Michael explores how different generations in the Church have approached justice and mercy—and how both extremes can miss the heart of the Gospel. Drawing from personal experience, Church history, and Sc…
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“The Weight of Glory: Embracing Love and Responsibility” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C
9:53
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9:53In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Transfiguration and the meaning of “glory” as Christ reveals it—a glory that comes through love and self-gift. He shares how glory is not worldly success, but the radiance of a life given in love, like Christ on the Cross. Fr. Michael draws on personal experience to show how embracing responsibility, whet…
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“Into the Desert: Listening to God This Lent” - Homily - 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C
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13:10In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ forty days in the desert and the invitation for each of us to follow Him into that place of encounter. Sharing his personal experience of time in hermitage and the story of St. Catherine of Siena, he explains how the “desert” is where we learn to listen to God and face our temptations. Lent is a time t…
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“A Tree is Known by Its Fruits: Seeking the Heart of Christ” - Homily - 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
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10:17In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ teaching that a tree is known by its fruits. He explores how we often misjudge ourselves, focusing on exterior success instead of the true interior fruits of peace, love, and forgiveness. Through powerful stories of family wounds, forgiveness, and accompanying the dying, he highlights how the spiritual…
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“The Secret of Lent: Living in the Presence of God” - Homily - Ash Wednesday
9:53
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9:53In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel’s call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not as outward displays but as acts of deep interiority. Through personal stories, he explores how our Lenten practices must flow from an inner relationship with God, rather than seeking recognition. True transformation comes when we give our soul through p…
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“The Beatitudes: Belonging to God Alone” - Homily - 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
17:54
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17:54In this homily, Fr. Michael unpacks the radical nature of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke. True happiness, he explains, is not found in wealth, success, or external behaviors, but in placing everything in God’s hands. Through powerful personal stories, he illustrates how those who let go of worldly attachments and embrace God’s love discover t…
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“Duc in Altum: The Maturity of Faith” - Homily - 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
14:35
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14:35In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the call of Peter and the words of Jesus: “Put out into the deep.” (Duc in altum). He explores the maturation of faith, using Peter as a model of spiritual growth. From listening in faith to stepping out in faith to becoming a fisher of souls, we see how Christ calls each of us into deeper trust, discipleship…
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“Living a Life of Worship: Placing Everything on the Altar” - Homily - Presentation of the Lord
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11:54In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple and how Mary lived interiorly of the liturgy. She offered her Son to the Father, consecrating Him to God, while remaining open to the prophecy of Simeon and Anna. Fr. Michael challenges us to do the same—placing our lives, our children, our work, and all that we have…
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“The Revolution of Grace: Transforming the World Through Christ” - Homily - 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
10:11
10:11
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10:11In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound proclamation of Jesus in the Gospel. Though suffering and injustice remain, Christ’s mission brings a revolutionary transformation through God’s grace, flowing from His wounded heart. Fr. Michael explores how this grace has reshaped the world, bearing fruit in politics, education, care for the po…
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“The Bride of Christ: A Joyful Covenant of Love” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
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13:02In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana and the First Reading, revealing how Christ invites us into a profound, loving, and joyful marriage covenant with God. By turning water into wine as His first miracle, Jesus shows His intent to draw us into a deep union with Him as the spouse of our soul. Fr. Michael explores…
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“Baptism: A Seed of Glory and a Call to Virtue” - Homily - Baptism of the Lord, Year C
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14:27
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14:27In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Baptism of the Lord, exploring its profound significance as adoption into God’s family and the beginning of a journey toward glory. Baptism is more than a moment; it is the seed of eternal life, calling us to live lives of virtue, especially charity. Fr. Michael illustrates how the grace of Baptism transf…
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“New Beginnings with God: Following Mary’s Yes” - Midnight Mass - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 2025
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6:09In this New Year’s homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound example of Mary, the Mother of God, who embraced an entirely new beginning by saying “yes” to God’s will. Her words, “Let it be done to me according to your will,” changed the course of history and brought the Savior into the world. Fr. Michael invites us to begin this year by surrende…
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“The Magi’s Journey: Wonder and the Search for God” - Homily - Epiphany 2025
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12:14In this homily for the Feast of the Epiphany, Fr. Michael reflects on the journey of the Magi, exploring what we know and don’t know about their historic arrival. He highlights the radical importance of wonder—wonder that drives us to search for God, just as the Magi did. Fr. Michael challenges us to resist the creeping influence of atheistic mater…
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"Advent: Preparing for Christ with Hope and Courage” - Homily - 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C
8:57
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8:57In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the true meaning of Advent as a time of preparation for Christ’s Second Coming. He challenges us to engage in the spiritual battle against pride and to cultivate real virtue, especially the virtues of hope and courage. Hope sustains us in trusting God’s providence and victory, while courage empowers us to con…
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“Not Far from the Kingdom: Embracing Faith in Christ” - Homily - 31st Sunday of OT, Year B
9:31
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9:31In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ words to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom.” While love of God and neighbor is essential, it brings us only close to the Kingdom. Fr. Michael explains that true entry requires a leap of faith in God’s providence and mercy, made known through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. This homily ch…
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“Renewing the Covenant of Marriage: No Longer Hardened Hearts” - Homily - 27th Sunday of OT, Year B
7:29
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7:29n this homily, Fr. Michael explores Jesus’ teaching on marriage, reflecting on why Christ renews the covenant of marriage and calls us to a deeper fidelity. He explains that while Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, Jesus invites us to embrace a new heart—one transformed by grace and committed to the permanence of ma…
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“Becoming Like Little Children: Trust and Humility” - Homily - 25th Sunday of OT, Year B
8:58
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8:58In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel where Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness. As they argue about who will be the greatest, Jesus brings a child into their midst and challenges them to be childlike in their faith. Fr. Michael explains that being childlike is not about immaturity, but about trust, humility, and openness …
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"Faith, Control, and the Cross: Peter’s Journey” - Homily - 24th Sunday of OT, Year B
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9:24In this homily, Fr. Michael examines Peter’s journey in the Gospel of Mark, highlighting three key stages: his bold act of faith in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, his misguided attempt to control the narrative by rejecting the idea of Jesus going to the Cross, and finally, Jesus’ teaching that true discipleship involves picking up one’s cross an…
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“Slowly Revealed: Understanding God’s Unveiling” - Homily - 23rd Sunday of OT, Year B
10:51
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10:51In this homily, Fr. Michael explores the recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus often tells people not to reveal His miracles or identity too soon. He reflects on how Jesus gradually unveils His divinity throughout His ministry, culminating in the Transfiguration and ultimately the Crucifixion. Fr. Michael draws a parallel to how God rev…
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“True Worship: More Than Lip-Service” - Homily - 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
11:24
11:24
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11:24In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus’ critique of empty worship, highlighting the danger of honouring God only with our lips while our hearts remain distant. He explores how authentic worship requires submitting our entire lives—including our politics, actions, and intentions—to God’s law. Fr. Michael challenges us to govern our hearts wit…
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“Will You Also Leave?” - Homily - 21st Sunday of OT, Year B
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13:06In this homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr. Michael reflects on the powerful and challenging message in the Gospel, where many disciples leave Jesus after hearing His hard teachings. He delves into the scandal of the Gospel, the importance of mutual submission, and the radical trust required in faith. Fr. Michael challenges us to respo…
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More than a Meal: Christ's Body Given for Us - Homily - 20th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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14:51In this powerful homily, Fr. Michael explores the profound meaning behind Jesus' words, "This is my body, given for you." Drawing inspiration from Mary's example, he illuminates the connection between our self-giving and receiving Christ's Body in the Eucharist, urging us to become one body with Him through a life of sacrifice and love.…
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From Complaining to Gratitude: Opening Our Hearts to God- Homily - 19th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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10:33In this insightful homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness, revealing how a complaining mind closes us off from God's blessings. Discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it opens our hearts to receive God's abundance in our lives.By Fr Michael Therese Scheerger
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Becoming the Bread: Conformity to Christ and the Eucharist - Homily - 18th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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14:56Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, delving into the Second Reading's call for conformity to Christ. Discover how this transformation leads us to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." Explore how receiving the Eucharist nourishes our souls and empowers us to live …
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More Than Enough: Divine Providence and Our Collaboration - Homily - 17th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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15:19Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Discover how our seemingly small contributions, like the boy's offering, can be transformed through God's abundant providence. Explore the deeper meaning behind this miracle and how it connects to the Old and New Law in our lives.…
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Finding Rest in God's Presence: A Path to True Contemplation - Homily - 16th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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15:10
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15:10In our busy world, true rest seems elusive. Join Fr. Michael as he explores Jesus' invitation to "come away and rest a while." Discover how rest for the body leads to rest for the soul through contemplation of God's face, and how cultivating a spirit of awe and wonder opens us to God's transformative presence in our lives.…
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Unburdened for Mission: Repentance, Conversion - Homily - 15th Sunday of OT (Year B)
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10:03Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on Jesus sending the Twelve Apostles, highlighting their unburdened focus on repentance and the Kingdom of God. In a world overflowing with distractions, discover the urgent need for conversion and how we, like the Apostles, can embrace a life centered on what truly matters.…
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The Veil of Familiarity - Homily - 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
11:50
11:50
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11:50In this reflection on Mark 6:1-6, we explore how familiarity can obscure our vision of God's presence and power. Join us as we delve into the mystery of faith, seeking to encounter Christ anew in the ordinary moments of our lives.By Fr Michael Therese Scheerger
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The Grit of Faith: Embracing a Costly Grace - Homily - 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
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13:01Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the unwavering faith of the hemorrhaging woman and Jairus in the Gospel of Mark (5:21-43). Discover how their persistent trust in God, even amidst suffering, reveals the transformative power of "costly grace" in our own lives.By Fr Michael Therese Scheerger
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Trusting in the Storm: Faith in a World of Uncertainty - Homily - 12th Sunday of OT (Year B)
12:18
12:18
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12:18Join Fr. Michael as he unpacks the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), revealing the profound trust we're called to place in God even amidst life's tempests. Explore the difference between worldly trust and radical faith, and discover how complete reliance on God can transform our lives.…
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From Mustard Seed to Mighty Tree: The Growth of God's Grace in Us - Homily - 11th Sunday OT (Year B)
14:35
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14:35Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the parable of the mustard seed, exploring how God's grace, like a tiny seed, takes root and grows within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover the vital role of virtue in nurturing this growth, leading to a life filled with the fruits of the Spirit and transforming our relationships and communities.…
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Unmasking Sin: The Path to Mercy Through Honesty - Homily - 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
10:46
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10:46In this thought-provoking homily, Fr. Michael explores the Gospel's warning about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. Drawing parallels with Adam and Eve's story of shame and blame, he reveals how true repentance requires confronting our sin honestly, allowing God's mercy to flow.By Fr Michael Therese Scheerger
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