Father Dave Preaches

Ash Wednesday. Father Dave encourages us to look at the intentions of our hearts when performing good deeds or praying in public. He points out that Jesus' challenge to us in today's Gospel is to act for the right reason and not for our own gain. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 03-02-22

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave speaks to the tragedy of the war in Ukraine. He points out that change begins with us. If we treat our neighbor with respect and dignity, we can change the hearts of many. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-27-22

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches that Jesus gives us many opportunities to live the right way. Jesus supplies us with the grace to do the right thing and love our neighbor. We only have to respond to his invitation. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-20-22

Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin. Father Dave discusses the story of Solomon who faced temptation and gave in. He points out that while we all face temptation on a daily basis, our duty is to say no to things that take us away from God. He calls us to say a whole-hearted "yes" to God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-10-22

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on today's Gospel reading which spotlights crowds who are angered at Jesus' words. Jesus knew who he was and what he was about, so he continued to preach the truth. Father Dave encourages us to know our identity in Christ and to continue to spread the Gospel even if it is difficult. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-30-22

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales. Father Dave discusses today's readings about unity between nations. He points out that Saint Francis de Sales lived during the Protestant Reformation. He spent the majority of his life preaching and educating Catholics on their faith and the importance of unity. Father Dave encourages us to be agents of unity in our own lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-24-22

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave reflects on the hope that a new year can bring. He points out that in our current times, it can be hard to be optimistic and to hope for new beginnings. He reminds us that our hope must always be in the Lord and not in the world. Otherwise, we will continue to find ourselves disappointed. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-02-22

Second Sunday of Advent. Father Dave discusses the virtue of patience in seasons of waiting. He encourages us to look to Jesus with longing while waiting and to allow it to stretch us so that it may create more room for hope. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-05-21

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave shares a story about St. Teresa of Calcutta encountering a poor man. The poor man offered her 15 rupees. The offer meant that he would not be able to eat that night, but he was so joyful at being able to offer it to Mother Teresa. Father Dave points out that God looks not at the greatness of our work, but at the love with which it is performed. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-07-21

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's gospel in which the rich young man went away sad because he was too attached to his wealth. Father Dave points out that while we're not all rich, we all have attachments that keep us from the Kingdom of God. He encourages us to give everything over to God and put him first. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-10-21

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest. Father Dave discusses today's reading from the prophet Haggai in which God asks the people to slow down. He points out that the people in this reading were so busy that they were missing out on doing God's work. Father Dave encourages us to slow down and spend time with God in prayer in order to fulfill his plans for our lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 9-23-21