Catholic - Homilies and Talks

In this homily for the Ascension of the Lord, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound mystery of Christ's return to the Father—not as a departure, but as a completion. The Son who descended to take on our humanity now brings that same humanity into the heart of the Father. What does this mean for us? That we are made for heaven, destined for the Father's love, and invited to offer our lives daily as a living sacrifice in union with Jesus. This is not abstract theology—it's the roadmap for hope. Come Holy Spirit. #AscensionSunday #CatholicHomily #FrMichaelPodcast #EasterSeason #TheologyOfTheBody #MadeForHeaven #CatholicPreaching #HolySpirit #LivingSacrifice #JesusIsLord #WayTruthLife #ChristianHope

In this special recording, Fr. Michael offers a deeper reflection on the Gospel for the 6th Sunday of Easter (John 14). He walks through the text verse by verse, uncovering its rich context—from the Last Supper to the sending of the Holy Spirit. Why does Jesus say, “We will come and make our home with him”? What is the peace He gives that the world cannot give? With clarity and warmth, Fr. Michael unpacks the theological heart of Christ's promise to dwell within us and give us His peace. #GospelReflection #ScriptureStudy #Catholic #EasterSeason #John14 #PeaceOfChrist #FrMichaelPodcast #Indwelling #HolySpirit #LectioDivina

In this warm and accessible homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus' promise: “We will come to them and make our home with them.” Prayer is no longer just a human gesture of worship or awe — through Christ, it becomes a daily communion. Drawing from Scripture, the parish prayer survey, and everyday examples, Fr. Michael offers practical encouragement for those beginning to pray and those who've been praying for years. Prayer is not just something we do — it's living with the God who dwells within us. #Catholic #Homily #Easter #Prayer #JesusChrist #Gospel #Communion #Indwelling #FrMichaelPodcast #6thSundayOfEaster #TalkToGod

This Sunday, Fr. Michael preaches on the radical heart of the Gospel: Christ's commandment to love as He has loved us. With the story of Michelle Duppong—a young woman now on the path to sainthood—he shows how ordinary people become holy by extraordinary love. This homily is a call to all the baptised to embrace the universal vocation to holiness, through a love that gives all, even in suffering. #Catholic #Homily #Easter #UniversalCallToHoliness #LoveAsChristLoved #SaintsAmongUs #FrMichaelPodcast #FifthSundayOfEaster #Gospel

On Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects deeply on the connection between being a lamb and becoming a shepherd. Sharing his personal vocation story and the powerful image of the Lamb who conquers in the Book of Revelation, he reminds us that every vocation begins by receiving the love of God first. Only by being held in God's hands can we truly be called to lay down our lives with Christ—for Him and for others. #GoodShepherdSunday, #Catholic, #Homily, #Faith, #Vocations, #Easter, #JesusChrist, #Gospel, #LayDownYourLife, #Christchurch, #FrMichaelPodcast, #LambOfGod

In this moving homily on one of his favourite Gospel passages, Fr. Michael reflects on Peter's journey from control to surrender. Through the Risen Christ's tender questions—“Do you love me?”—Peter is restored and made ready for the Cross he once feared. Fr. Michael draws us into Peter's humanity and invites us to follow Christ not according to our plans, but with open hands, even when love takes us where we do not want to go.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects on the true meaning of mercy: not a denial of justice, but its fulfillment through love. Drawing from the life of St. Faustina, the image of Divine Mercy, and a personal story of conversion, he explains how God's mercy flows from Christ's wounded heart and transforms even the darkest of our sins. Mercy takes our misery into the heart of God—and calls us to a new life of grace.

In this powerful Easter homily, Fr. Michael proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus as the definitive turning point in history—and in our lives. He invites us to move beyond a life guided only by the law of the Old Testament into a new life transformed by grace. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and a touching personal story, he reveals how the fire of Christ's self-giving love is not just for Him, but for each one of us. Easter changes everything—if we say yes to it.

In this Palm Sunday homily, Fr. Michael invites us into Holy Week by calling us to shift our gaze away from ourselves and fix it on Christ. He reflects on the figures in the Passion—Peter, Mary Magdalene, Judas, and especially Mary—and encourages us to let the liturgy guide us step by step to the Cross. By losing ourselves in love, we learn to follow Christ fully, in silence and strength.

In this homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent, Fr. Michael reflects on the powerful moment when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. He asks us the essential question: What is real? Is our day-to-day life more real than the God who made it? Is death final? Or is the life of Christ more real—even than death itself? In this final scrutiny Gospel, we are led to renew our trust in Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life. Fr. Michael walks us through Martha's confession of faith, Mary's grief, and Christ's tears, showing how even our suffering is not hidden from God. The invitation is simple: to believe again, and to follow the One who raises the dead.

In this homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Year C), Fr. Michael reflects on the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son—or rather, the story of a father and two sons. He explores how the parable speaks powerfully to the real spiritual struggles many people face today: the temptation to escape responsibility, the danger of doing good without love, and the deep call to imitate the generous, merciful heart of the Father. Whether young or old, all of us are invited to conform our hearts to the Father's—to go beyond legalism and beyond escapism, into the joy of mercy and communion.

In this homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year C), we reflect on Jesus' urgent call to repentance through the parable of the barren fig tree. Fr. Michael explores how different generations in the Church have approached justice and mercy—and how both extremes can miss the heart of the Gospel. Drawing from personal experience, Church history, and Scripture, this talk reminds us that the call to repentance is not a threat, but an invitation to hope. God's mercy is greater than all our sins, and Lent is the time to return to Him with our whole hearts.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Transfiguration and the meaning of “glory” as Christ reveals it—a glory that comes through love and self-gift. He shares how glory is not worldly success, but the radiance of a life given in love, like Christ on the Cross. Fr. Michael draws on personal experience to show how embracing responsibility, whether in priesthood, marriage, or family life, deepens joy and enlarges the heart. Like Christ on the mountain, we too are called to shine with the glory of love by carrying the responsibilities God gives us. This is the path of the Cross and the Resurrection.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus' forty days in the desert and the invitation for each of us to follow Him into that place of encounter. Sharing his personal experience of time in hermitage and the story of St. Catherine of Siena, he explains how the “desert” is where we learn to listen to God and face our temptations. Lent is a time to strip away distractions, make space for God, and renew our choice to give our lives to Him. Fr. Michael encourages us to embrace this season as a real encounter with God's love and to seek the grace of confession if needed.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel's call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not as outward displays but as acts of deep interiority. Through personal stories, he explores how our Lenten practices must flow from an inner relationship with God, rather than seeking recognition. True transformation comes when we give our soul through prayer, our body through fasting, and our love through almsgiving. How can we guard this secret presence of God in our daily lives?

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus' teaching that a tree is known by its fruits. He explores how we often misjudge ourselves, focusing on exterior success instead of the true interior fruits of peace, love, and forgiveness. Through powerful stories of family wounds, forgiveness, and accompanying the dying, he highlights how the spiritual state of our hearts is revealed at life's most critical moments. Are we bearing good fruit—Christ's love—or are we clinging to bitterness? Fr. Michael challenges us to trust God fully, let go of resentment, and conform our hearts to Christ, who forgave even from the Cross.

In this homily, Fr. Michael unpacks the radical nature of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke. True happiness, he explains, is not found in wealth, success, or external behaviors, but in placing everything in God's hands. Through powerful personal stories, he illustrates how those who let go of worldly attachments and embrace God's love discover the true meaning of blessing. The Beatitudes call us not just to “behave,” but to belong—to God and to His Church. Are we willing to let go and trust that God alone is enough?

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the call of Peter and the words of Jesus: “Put out into the deep.” (Duc in altum). He explores the maturation of faith, using Peter as a model of spiritual growth. From listening in faith to stepping out in faith to becoming a fisher of souls, we see how Christ calls each of us into deeper trust, discipleship, and mission. How is Christ inviting you to grow in faith today?

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple and how Mary lived interiorly of the liturgy. She offered her Son to the Father, consecrating Him to God, while remaining open to the prophecy of Simeon and Anna. Fr. Michael challenges us to do the same—placing our lives, our children, our work, and all that we have on the altar. This is not just an act of worship but a way of life. He also encourages us to be open to hearing God's voice today through Scripture, the Church, and the community.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound proclamation of Jesus in the Gospel. Though suffering and injustice remain, Christ's mission brings a revolutionary transformation through God's grace, flowing from His wounded heart. Fr. Michael explores how this grace has reshaped the world, bearing fruit in politics, education, care for the poor, human rights, science, art, forgiveness, and community life. Discover how Christ's grace continues to invite us into this divine transformation.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana and the First Reading, revealing how Christ invites us into a profound, loving, and joyful marriage covenant with God. By turning water into wine as His first miracle, Jesus shows His intent to draw us into a deep union with Him as the spouse of our soul. Fr. Michael explores the beauty of this covenant, where the Church becomes the bride of Christ, called to a life of love and joy in Him.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Baptism of the Lord, exploring its profound significance as adoption into God's family and the beginning of a journey toward glory. Baptism is more than a moment; it is the seed of eternal life, calling us to live lives of virtue, especially charity. Fr. Michael illustrates how the grace of Baptism transforms every aspect of life, using the example of marriage to show how virtue grows as we learn to lay down our lives in tenderness and love.

In this homily for the Feast of the Epiphany, Fr. Michael reflects on the journey of the Magi, exploring what we know and don't know about their historic arrival. He highlights the radical importance of wonder—wonder that drives us to search for God, just as the Magi did. Fr. Michael challenges us to resist the creeping influence of atheistic materialism, whether through ideology or the practical busyness of life, and instead cultivate a heart open to the mystery and presence of God.

In this New Year's homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the profound example of Mary, the Mother of God, who embraced an entirely new beginning by saying “yes” to God's will. Her words, “Let it be done to me according to your will,” changed the course of history and brought the Savior into the world. Fr. Michael invites us to begin this year by surrendering to God's will, allowing Him to write the story of our lives, and trusting in His providence for a fresh start.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the true meaning of Advent as a time of preparation for Christ's Second Coming. He challenges us to engage in the spiritual battle against pride and to cultivate real virtue, especially the virtues of hope and courage. Hope sustains us in trusting God's providence and victory, while courage empowers us to confront the darkness and doubts within our hearts. This homily invites us to embrace Advent as a season of spiritual readiness, preparing to encounter the victorious Christ.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus' words to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom.” While love of God and neighbor is essential, it brings us only close to the Kingdom. Fr. Michael explains that true entry requires a leap of faith in God's providence and mercy, made known through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. This homily challenges us to go beyond mere moral living and embrace the Savior God has given, recognizing that we all fall short of the law and need the gift of Christ to bridge the gap.

n this homily, Fr. Michael explores Jesus' teaching on marriage, reflecting on why Christ renews the covenant of marriage and calls us to a deeper fidelity. He explains that while Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, Jesus invites us to embrace a new heart—one transformed by grace and committed to the permanence of marital love. With this renewed heart in Christ, we are called to live the original vision of marriage: a lifelong, faithful, and loving covenant that reflects God's love for His people.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Gospel where Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness. As they argue about who will be the greatest, Jesus brings a child into their midst and challenges them to be childlike in their faith. Fr. Michael explains that being childlike is not about immaturity, but about trust, humility, and openness to God's will. By letting go of our need to control everything and trusting in God's plan, we find true peace and freedom. This homily invites us to embrace childlike faith, relying on God's love and guidance, even when the path leads through the Cross.

In this homily, Fr. Michael examines Peter's journey in the Gospel of Mark, highlighting three key stages: his bold act of faith in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, his misguided attempt to control the narrative by rejecting the idea of Jesus going to the Cross, and finally, Jesus' teaching that true discipleship involves picking up one's cross and laying down one's life. Fr. Michael connects Peter's journey to our own lives, illustrating how we often face the same challenge: moving from trying to control our circumstances to trusting in God's plan, especially in areas like parenting, where faith must lead over control.

In this homily, Fr. Michael explores the recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus often tells people not to reveal His miracles or identity too soon. He reflects on how Jesus gradually unveils His divinity throughout His ministry, culminating in the Transfiguration and ultimately the Crucifixion. Fr. Michael draws a parallel to how God reveals Himself to each of us over time, step by step, understanding that too much too soon could overwhelm us or lead us to reject Him. This homily invites us to trust in God's timing and to be open to His gentle guidance in our lives.

In this homily, Fr. Michael reflects on Jesus' critique of empty worship, highlighting the danger of honouring God only with our lips while our hearts remain distant. He explores how authentic worship requires submitting our entire lives—including our politics, actions, and intentions—to God's law. Fr. Michael challenges us to govern our hearts with humility, surrendering our sins and evil intentions to God to offer true and meaningful worship. This message invites us to examine our own lives and commit to worship that flows from a heart fully aligned with God's will.

In this homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr. Michael reflects on the powerful and challenging message in the Gospel, where many disciples leave Jesus after hearing His hard teachings. He delves into the scandal of the Gospel, the importance of mutual submission, and the radical trust required in faith. Fr. Michael challenges us to respond to Jesus' question: “Will you also leave?” and invites us to embrace the complete trust necessary to enter into eternal life.

In this powerful homily, Fr. Michael explores the profound meaning behind Jesus' words, "This is my body, given for you." Drawing inspiration from Mary's example, he illuminates the connection between our self-giving and receiving Christ's Body in the Eucharist, urging us to become one body with Him through a life of sacrifice and love.

In this insightful homily, Fr. Michael reflects on the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness, revealing how a complaining mind closes us off from God's blessings. Discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it opens our hearts to receive God's abundance in our lives.

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, delving into the Second Reading's call for conformity to Christ. Discover how this transformation leads us to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." Explore how receiving the Eucharist nourishes our souls and empowers us to live a truly Christ-centered life.

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Discover how our seemingly small contributions, like the boy's offering, can be transformed through God's abundant providence. Explore the deeper meaning behind this miracle and how it connects to the Old and New Law in our lives.

In our busy world, true rest seems elusive. Join Fr. Michael as he explores Jesus' invitation to "come away and rest a while." Discover how rest for the body leads to rest for the soul through contemplation of God's face, and how cultivating a spirit of awe and wonder opens us to God's transformative presence in our lives.

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on Jesus sending the Twelve Apostles, highlighting their unburdened focus on repentance and the Kingdom of God. In a world overflowing with distractions, discover the urgent need for conversion and how we, like the Apostles, can embrace a life centered on what truly matters.

In this reflection on Mark 6:1-6, we explore how familiarity can obscure our vision of God's presence and power. Join us as we delve into the mystery of faith, seeking to encounter Christ anew in the ordinary moments of our lives.

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the unwavering faith of the hemorrhaging woman and Jairus in the Gospel of Mark (5:21-43). Discover how their persistent trust in God, even amidst suffering, reveals the transformative power of "costly grace" in our own lives.

Join Fr. Michael as he unpacks the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), revealing the profound trust we're called to place in God even amidst life's tempests. Explore the difference between worldly trust and radical faith, and discover how complete reliance on God can transform our lives.

Join Fr. Michael for a reflection on the parable of the mustard seed, exploring how God's grace, like a tiny seed, takes root and grows within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover the vital role of virtue in nurturing this growth, leading to a life filled with the fruits of the Spirit and transforming our relationships and communities. pen_spark

In this thought-provoking homily, Fr. Michael explores the Gospel's warning about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. Drawing parallels with Adam and Eve's story of shame and blame, he reveals how true repentance requires confronting our sin honestly, allowing God's mercy to flow.

In this insightful talk, Fr. Michael unpacks the multi-layered meaning of grace, from a simple gift to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Discover how sanctifying grace, the heart of our spiritual journey, unfolds into virtues, gifts, and fruits, leading us to a life of deeper union with God.

Join Fr. Michael for a profound reflection on the Eucharist, delving into the "what" – the Real Presence of Christ in the bread and wine – and the "why" – the transformative power of this gift for our lives and our mission.

This Trinity Sunday, Fr. Michael reflects on how the Holy Spirit empowers us to become true children of God, echoing Mary's "yes" to God's invitation. Discover how our lives, like Mary's, can be filled with the Spirit, bearing witness to Christ's love in the world.

In this Pentecost homily, Fr. Michael explores how the Holy Spirit transforms our spiritual lives, nurturing us from a tiny seed of faith to a flourishing tree that bears abundant fruit. Discover how the Gifts of the Spirit empower us for a life of love, joy, and service.

Feeling spiritually hesitant? Fr. Michael unpacks how the Risen Christ transforms our doubts into a burning desire to share His love. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to be fearless witnesses, just like the apostles.

Fr. Michael explores how Divine Mercy isn't just about grand gestures but about transforming the "messiness" of everyday life – especially within our homes. He delves into how strong, tender and loving marriages are a powerful sign of God's mercy at work in the world.

On this holiest night, Fr. Michael explores how Christ's Resurrection isn't just about us but the reordering of all creation. We are called to reorder our lives and become active participants in this transformation.

This Good Friday, Fr. Michael reflects on how the stark liturgy draws us into Christ's Passion, making us not just spectators but participants. We enter the story contemplating His wounds and emerge transformed by His self-giving love.