Father Dave Preaches

Feast of Saint James, Apostle. On this feast of Saint James, Father Dave discusses the Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, which is a walking pilgrimage through Northern Spain. He points out that the camino is challenging but worth it. Father Dave asks if we are able to live our lives like Saint James and walk in his footsteps. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 7-25-18

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading in which the hemorrhaging woman is healed by touching Jesus' cloak. The story of the woman interrupts the narrative of Jairus' daughter needing healing. Father Dave asks why Mark would interrupt the story in this way. He explains that the interruption is the story for us. It is a demonstration that God doesn't only have time for the very important. He has time for all of us. Preached at Saint Boniface Church, Cold Spring, Minnesota, on 7-01-18

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Father Dave discusses the Lord's Prayer. In today's Gospel, Jesus references the pagans and their belief system. They believed that their gods did not listen to all of their prayers, so they would have to pray multiple prayers. Jesus tells us not to pray in this way, and to believe that God hears our prayers. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-21-18

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave considers how powerful our smartphones are to work off of a small chip. He relates this to the parable of faith and the mustard seed the Jesus explains in response to the disciples asking him to increase their faith. We must trust that God will nurture the seed of our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-17-18

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle. Father Dave considers how a job description lists a person's duties, and relates this to today's Gospel in which Jesus gives the Apostles a job description as they embark on their mission to preach. He sends them forth to share the faith, just as we are called to go forth today. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-11-18

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Father Dave thinks back to a report he wrote in the third grade about aerodynamics. Even though he researched how planes work, he admits that it still remained somewhat of a mystery to him. Father Dave relates this to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. He discusses today's reading in which Matthew claims that disciples worshiped but doubted. We worship, even though sometimes we don't understand. This is where faith and trust comes in. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-27-18

Seventh Sunday of Easter. Father Dave discusses Jesus' last night before the crucifixion, and highlights Jesus' prayer to the Father to keep us united. Father Dave points out that Jesus did not pray for uniformity, but that we may be one as a community of believers. Father Dave encourages us to remain united, especially in light of the discord in our Church and in our world today, just as Jesus asked. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-13-18

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on Paul preaching to the Gentiles, and points out that people were not happy about this. But God begins to expand people's minds and hearts. It is important for us to realize that God's ways are not ours, and we must be open to that. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-30-18

Fifth Sunday of Easter. Father Dave mentions a study which states that the average American checks their phone 70-80 times per day, nearly every 10 minutes. He relates this to the metaphor of the vine and branch that Jesus uses in the Gospel. The vine is genuine nourishment, but there are certain brances which bear no fruit. We can survive without our phones, and plug into the real source of power, Jesus. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-29-18

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave discusses the way in which Saint Paul looks back at history and proclaims how God helped his people. Father Dave points out that this practice is helpful for all of us, and we should look back and see where God clearly acted in our lives, especially during times when we might feel that God is not present. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-26-18