Jul 19, 2018

Sunday Sermon, July 15 -- Anointing of the Sick

A sermon about the nature of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction): Who can give it, who can receive it, what the sacrament is for.

This sacrament is the completion of confession to take away the wounds of sin, and therefore can only be given by a priest or bishop.  Further the sacrament is only for those who are serious ill and have begun to be in a real danger of death - yet, we should not wait till the last moments of life before calling the priest.


Listen online [here]!




Jul 10, 2018

Sunday Sermon, July 8 -- The Life and Ministry of St Paul

St Paul's personality and spirit come to life in his Second Letter to the Corinthians. We will consider the life and ministry of the "Apostle to the Gentiles" as well as the meaning of the "thorn in the flesh" and how St Paul inspires us today.

Born in Tarsus, Saul or Paul (he had both Hebrew and Roman names) was educated in the Law and was among the Pharisees. After persecuting the Christian Church, he was converted when our Lord appeared to him on his way to Damascus. St Paul engaged in three great missionary journeys prior to his first arrest and imprisonment. Having been released, he continued in his preaching and ministry until his second arrest which ended with his martyrdom on 29 June AD 67.


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Jul 2, 2018

Sunday Sermon, July 1 -- The Raising of Jairus' Daughter

A preliminary note about the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and how the Sunday Gospel teaches us that Our Lord approves of the use of sacramentals, and that he himself wore a scapular.

Our Lord chose Peter and James and John to witness the resurrection of Jairus' daughter. Peter represents the magisterial authority of the Church and also the sacramental life. James represents the missionary spirit of the Church and the witness of the martyrs. John represents virginal purity and contemplation.

"He said that she should be given something to eat."  Jesus' teaches us about the reception of holy communion - that we must be raised to spiritual life (through baptism and through confession) so as to benefit from the reception of the Eucharist as our spiritual food.


Listen online [here]!



Sunday Sermon, June 24 -- In Defense of Marriage

The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist

St John the Baptist is a martyr for marriage - Jesus' public ministry begins in the context of the defense of marriage. Sr Lucia of Fatima tells us that Our Lady revealed that the last battle would be over marriage and the family.

Marriage can only refer to that particular union which is of itself ordered toward children and family. This is why same-sex unions can never be "marriage". As Catholics, we can admit that there may be great commitment, sacrifice, and even love between a same-sex "couple", but that friendship will never be a marriage.


Listen online [here]!