Father Dave Preaches

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the image of light when it comes to evangelization in today’s readings, and notes how some wish to keep their faith to themselves. He explains that our light will be extinguished if it is not shared, just like the flame of a candle. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-19-22

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave challenges us to apply our problem-solving and time-management skills to our faith lives. He reminds us that we are to find the time, energy and effort for what God desires. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-18-22

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Father Dave explains how Jesus transforms the cross from an image of death into new life. He reminds us that in the Paschal Mystery, our darkest moments can be reborn with God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-14-22

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes that while the Catholic Church has a lot of rules, our readings today show that God isn’t afraid to break protocol to show us his mercy. God will diligently search for us, and then we are to lead others who are lost back to him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-11-22

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave expresses concern about the declining birth rate in many parts of the world. On today’s feast, we are reminded to have hope that any child could change the world. God works through the weakest and most vulnerable of us to bring about the kingdom. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-08-22

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts how he lost his reader sunglasses while on a recent trip, and it was hard to see certain things. He connects this to how the Holy Spirit allows us to view our world differently. However, just like putting on glasses, we have to choose to put on the Holy Spirit and see with the eyes of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-30-22

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches on the themes of humility, and shares how he struggles with this virtue. He gives examples from St. Teresa of Calcutta on how we can practice having a meek and humble heart. When we are more focused on others, we can become more like God. Preached at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Lake George, New York on 08-28-22

Vigil of Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches from a traditionally Lutheran church, and describes some commonalities in how both Christian faiths honor the Word of God. He reminds us that we are to be set on fire by the Gospel, as the Scriptures tell us today. He also explains the devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots, and challenges us to set the world ablaze and undo knots for others. Preached at Saint Anne Church, Augsburg, Germany on 08-13-22

Memorial of Saint Clare. Father Dave focuses on the psalm proclaimed today, and connects it to the beginning of the pilgrimage to Germany. He reminds the pilgrims and all of us to remember the wonderful things God has done for us. Preached at the Basilica of St. Ursula, Cologne, Germany on 08-11-22

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls exchanging valentines as a kid with the phrase "Be Mine." The readings today remind us that we belong to God, and he is our protector and guide. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-03-22

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls faith lessons he learned from pottery class while on sabbatical last year. We are called to let God keep molding us into something beautiful, even when it's uncomfortable to change. Preached at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Lake George, New York on 07-28-22

Feast of Saint James. Father Dave explains how the Feast of Saint James can remind us that God chooses all of us despite our shortcomings. Our imperfections do not limit us in our call to be present to others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-25-22

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains how today's Scriptures reveal two keys about prayer: It is not about changing God's mind, and it is usually not about us. We are to focus on the needs of our world and community, in addition to praying for our own desires. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-24-22

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Father Dave recalls how a friend often asks if they are being too dramatic, and connects this characteristic to Isaiah's passion in today's readings. He also helps us learn from Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and challenges us to not take our faith for granted. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-14-22

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Father Dave explains why Saints Peter and Paul share a solemnity, and highlights their impact on the church. Despite our shortcomings, God uses all of us to help grow the kingdom of heaven. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-29-22

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Father Dave discusses Paul's definition of freedom in Sunday's Gospel. He reminds us that our priority is to live God's commands, and that we are called to put our selfishness aside to love and serve one another. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-26-22