Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-730437.
Transcript:

As we look at the Scripture for this 28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we see that there is a common theme. I would describe that theme as an invitation in the First Reading from Isaiah, and it’s part of the first part of Isaiah.

As you might recall, Isaiah is made up of three parts, expanding over – covering many, many years. The first part is Isaiah responding to the invitation of God to become God’s spokesperson. As that part of Isaiah then progresses, there is an awareness of struggle on the part of the people, and Isaiah is addressing that struggle. It is a struggle that has caused the people in a sense to become very down-hearted.

And so when you come to this particular section of Isaiah, the invitation is to this great feast. It is invitation to what can best be described as a messianic banquet: rich food, choice wine. But always interesting enough, on the mountain – they’re invited to the mountain.  And in a sense the invitation can best be described, I think, as an invitation to a people who are burdened to dream: to dream of a better moment, to dream of what comes from hearing God’s word. Trusting in God and then dreaming of the vision of what God will bring into being.

Continue reading “28th Sunday Ordinary Time (Msgr. LoPinto Homily)” →

Transcript:

The readings for Mass in Ordinary Time are chosen so that the first reading from the Old Testament connects to the Gospel reading. Sometimes this connection can seem tenuous at best, but today it is not only clear but necessary.  Everyone who heard this gospel would have known the “Song of the Vineyard” from our reading from Isaiah and understood its message. This included not only the original audience of the chief priests and other leaders of the Jewish people but also the Jewish Christians in Matthews audience who would have heard it since childhood and he gentile Christians for whom it would have been a key text in their Baptismal preparation.  

Continue reading “27th Sunday Ordinary Time (Fr. Smith Homily)” →

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-730437.

Transcript:

Today’s scripture has two, I think, insights into the Gospel. By way of insights, you also is encouraging us in our reflection today on Catechetical Sunday, the Sunday when traditionally we would begin all the religious education programs that would take place both for the young, as well as for those beginning in the RCIA programs, catechetical programs for those who would be interested in both entering the Church, as well as those who would be interested in completing their sacraments of initiation.

But this year is different, as all things are different this year. And so while we will reflect on Catechetical Sunday, we will also offer a blessing for all the catechists at the end of the Prayer of the Faithful, and will pray that we can all learn better to use the technology that’s available to us, because that will be the process that we will be using here at Saint Charles – as Father Smith has shared with me – that’ll be the process that we’ll be using for the religious education of the young.

Continue reading “25th Sunday Ordinary Time – Homily (Msgr. LoPinto)” →

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-730437.

Transcript:

St. Matthew was a pastor. He is writing his gospel to a community in which he himself is a leader. I have found him a great support and inspiration since I became a pastor myself but never more than now. His whole gospel has great relevance for parish leadership especially the 18th chapter which we proclaim today. Reading it urges me to act differently for the near future and I hope that you will feel the same.

Continue reading “24th Sunday Ordinary Time – Homily (Fr. Smith)” →

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-730437.

Transcript:

The selection of the Gospel today comes from a section of Matthew that is referred to as the fourth of the great sermons, and it is about church order. And at the heart of what Matthew is presenting is that the church order is build not on cutting anyone out, but it is built on reconciliation, and the heart of reconciliation is the ministry of love. 

But if you look at the two readings – the first reading by the prophet Ezekiel, and the second, the gospel we heard, the gospel of Matthew – we find that there is a certain starkness to it. The first reading, Ezekiel, is made responsible for the behavior of others. In the third reading, there is the sense that if the person doesn’t listen after efforts have been made to make that person aware of the need for reconciliation, they should be then cut off.

Continue reading “23rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Homily (Msgr. LoPinto)” →

This is not the Gospel reading I would have chosen for a first communion. Satan, Cross and losing one’s life are not the topics that first come to mind on what is truly one of the most joyous day for any parish. Yet if we step back and see how these fits into St Matthews Gospel it is very joyous indeed and given the pandemic hopeful as well. I will first speak to the adults and then Anya and Evie making a comment to myself along the way.

This tense dialogue with Peter comes after a much more pleasant one a few paragraphs before. Jesus asks Peter who he thinks he is and Peter answers “The Messiah”. Jesus is so pleased with this answer that he blesses Peter and tells him that God himself has revealed this to him. He then informs Peter that he will be the rock on which he will build his church and gives him great authority over who will be part of it.

Continue reading “22nd Sunday Ordinary Time – Homily (Fr. Smith)” →