Father Ryan's Talk on Confession for Devotions on Draft

 After reviewing certain points about the historical development of the Sacrament of Confession as well as what is required for a valid confession, we then consider certain recommendations to make confession more fruitful.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 19 -- Love of Enemies and Spiritual Perfection

 First we discuss the Old Testament teaching "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" - explaining why self defense, just war, and even the death penalty are objectively permitted (and that the Church cannot ever change her teaching on these).  However, even if objectively permitted, these practices are all dangerous - and we should be cautious about promoting them.  Furthermore, it is prudent and wise of the Church to caution against the death penalty, and to teach that the death penalty should not be used in modern society (because modern society has become rather anti-christian and pagan).

Then we consider how the saints have fulfilled these teachings of our Lord to "turn the other cheek" etc. Finally, we see why love of enemies is the key to spiritual perfection.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 12 -- The Old Law Has Passed Away, But New Rites Are Instituted

 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets."

Our Lord has fulfilled the Law in such a way that the old rites have passed away, but the moral precepts remain. The ceremonies of the Law pointed to the coming of Christ, and now that he has come these old rites are fulfilled.

This is why Catholics do not practice the rites of the Old Testament - however, we still keep new rites, new ceremonies and new feasts which correspond to the New Testament given in Christ Jesus.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 5 -- The Sermon on the Mount and the Salt of the Earth

 We discuss the place of the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, and in relation to the call of the twelve Apostles.  We then consider the various insights gained through the words of our Lord, "You are the salt of the earth."

Listen online [here]!