Sunday Thoughts From Fr. Edward Looney

Jesus' resurrection from the dead changes the lives of the apostles and even us still today, year after year. If your 40 days of Lent were disappointing, strive in the next 50 for a more serious commitment to know, follow, and serve Jesus as His disciple.

The crucifixes we have in our home serve as reminders of God's love for us. The next time you look at a crucifix, don't forget all that it menas.

Fr. Jean Marc ran into the burning Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to save the Blessed Sacrament. Let us pray to have the same devotion to the Eucharist that he had.

Fr. Edward Looney offers a meditation on the figure of Simon of Cyrene. What did he think?> What happened next in his life? Are you a Simon? Who are the Simons of your life?

Jesus tells the woman in today's gospel to "sin no more." That's is a difficult command, but it's something we pray in the Act of Contrition each time we go to confession. In this homily, Fr. Edward Looney provides tips on how we can try to live those words, to sin no more.

When's the last time you went to Confession? Why did you go? Or why haven't you gone? Fr. Edward Looney refutes ten common reasons why people choose not to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation. On this Laetare Sunday, your repentance will bring rejoicing to heaven, and you will rejoice in God's mercy.

The name of God is sacred. The Jewish people refuse to even write the name of God. Through the incarnation the revealed name of God is Jesus. In our contemporary age, the name of God is often used in vain, but Marian apparitions from the 1600s and 1800s both emphasized respecting God's holy name. This Lent seems like an appropriate time to fast forever from irreverent use of God's name.

Peter, James, and John become the close friends of Jesus, with whom he reveals the glory of the Transfiguration. The friendship between them allows us to reflect on our own friendships and their meaning. Do you have holy friends?

Fr. Edward Looney reflects on the different temptations we will face during our Lenten observance. With Jesus, we can conquer and overcome them.

Fr. Edward Looney preaches about the significance of 40 in the scirptures. God blesses us with these 40 days of Lent. We will decide how to spend them, but perhaps the better question to ponder is, "What will God do for me during these 40 days of Lent?"

Fr. Edward Looney reflects on three verses from the gospel and how they serve as a good preparation for the season of Lent which is quickly approaching.

Time will heal it. This advice from the orthopedic doctor this past week, also can be applied to the spiritual life, especially when it comes to forgiveness. Fr. Edward Looney shares personal stories of the principal at work.

Blessed is the man who places his trust in the Lord. In the ordinary circumstances and events of our life, let's pray to have greater trust in God, both in good times and bad times. Litany of Trust prayer: https://www.sistersoflife.org/litany-of-trust Sung Version of Abrdiged Litany of Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwJXYE4Xrnc

We should not identify ourselves by our function or work, but instead for who really are, a Christian and disciple of Jesus. When we do this, it begins to change our worldview.

How do we know the gospels are true? That Jesus existed? That God is still at work today? The gospels are an account written to prove the certainty of faith. Add to that the historicity of our faith, and we have good reason to believe. In this new year of grace, as we hear the gospel of Luke throughout the year, how will you approach the sacred scriptures. Do so with complete certainty and faith.

In this catechetical homily, Fr. Edward Looney teaches about sacramental graces, the canonical form of marriage and the annulment process. He dispels myths that annulments are long, arduous, and costly.

What you know about your baptism? You might not remember the actual event, but what do you remember about the facts? How about how do you remember you are a baptized Christian in yoru daily life? Fr. Edward Looney helps us to examine our identity as beloved son and daughters of God.

The magi were unexpected guests when they visited the Christ child bearing there gifts. What do unexpected guests find when they enter your home?

When Mary appeared in Beauraing, Belgium, she said, "I will convert sinners." What did she mean? How will she accomplish her task? Fr. Edward Looney reflects on a quesiton he's reflected on extensively.

Fr. Edward Looney continues his homily series of deepening one's prayer, this time within the context of the family. Families celebrate the sacraments together and they pray for one another and together as a famiy. How does your family pray?