Father Dave Preaches

First Sunday of Lent. Father Dave shares how Lent presents us with opportunities to make the right choices. Temptations are around us all the time, but the effort we make to avoid giving in to our temptations strengthens our faith. Preached at Resurrection of the Lord Parish, Honolulu on 3-10-19

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading in which Jesus speaks of loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who mistreat us. Father Dave asks if we are able to do these things and explains that priests are called to do these things in a special way. Preached at Saint Joseph's Seminary, Washington DC on 2-25-19

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains the difference between a contract and a covenant. He points out that contracts are mutual agreements, but can be breached, whereas a covenant is where God bears all of the weight. God covers our debt and will not dissolve our agreement. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-21-19

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the sibling rivalry between Cain and Abel. Today's reading claims that God rewarded Abel more than Cain. Father Dave points out that it is possible this was Cain's own perception of God because of the jealousy he felt for his brother. Similarly, our perception and jealousy of other people can affect the way we view God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-18-19

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave discusses today's reading in which Jesus refers to blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. With references to Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Lord and Giver of Life," Father Dave explains that Jesus' statement is mainly about our free will. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a total rejection of both God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives in a formal and permanent way. It is unforgivable because we reject the offer of God's mercy. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 1-28-19

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave reflects on today's Pslam response in which we proclaim, "Here I am Lord, I come to do your will," and relates this to Saint Francis de Sales, who devoted his life to following the will of God. Father Dave points out that it is always God's will for us to be charitable and gracious towards others. He attributes the popular phrase, "You catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than a gallon of vinegar" to Saint Francis de Sales. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-24-19

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Blue Monday, the day that studies show people actually start practicing their New Year's resolutions. He relates this to the first week of ordinary time, and today's readings in which Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God is at hand and it is time to repent. Father Dave also points out that the word "repent" means "to change." Now is a time for change. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-14-19

The Baptism of the Lord. Why did Jesus have to be baptized? Father Dave answers a common question, explaining that Jesus did not have to be baptized, but he chose to do it for us as an example for us so that we may imitate him. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-13-19

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave explains that an initial public offering is when a company decides to go public. He relates this to the feast of the Epiphany in which we can say that the Church went public. He explains that the word "epiphany" means "manifested to the nations." When the magi arrived, the news of the Lord became public to the nations. Epiphany encourages us to be entrepreneurial about our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-06-19