Fr. Brian Soliven Sunday Sermons

St. Anthony of Padua once said, "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak." As Catholics, we are called not only to profess our faith with our lips but to live it boldly and sincerely through our deeds. In a world longing for authenticity, our witness is most powerful when it flows from a heart transformed by Christ and expressed in loving service, mercy, and justice. St. Anthony's life reminds us that holiness is not just preached—it is practiced. Let us strive, then, to make our faith visible in how we love, forgive, and uplift those around us, allowing our lives to echo the Gospel more loudly than any sermon. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

"You are the light of the world." These words from Christ are a powerful reminder of the divine spark within each of us. They call us to shine with love, truth, and compassion in a world that often feels dark and uncertain. Just as a single candle can pierce the night, your kindness, courage, and faith can illuminate hearts and guide others toward hope. You don't have to be perfect—just willing to let your light shine. In doing so, you reflect the glory of God and become a beacon of grace in the lives of those around you. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

In the heart of the Roman Empire, where emperors ruled with iron fists and Caesar was declared lord, a small band of believers waited in an upper room in center of Jerusalem—afraid, uncertain, but obedient. Their Master, Jesus, had risen from the dead and ascended into heaven nine days prior with a promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Cf. Acts 1:8). That promise would change the world. Pentecost, the great Solemnity we triumphantly celebrate this Sunday, was not just a moment of divine display; it was the ignition of a movement meant to endure the fires of persecution, opposition, and suffering. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit not only to comfort the hearts of His followers, but to strengthen their voices, to make them unshakable in the face of overwhelming resistance. In an empire where loyalty to Christ could mean death, the early Church did not merely survive—they proclaimed, they healed, they endured, and they grew like holy weeds. The Roman Empire was no friend to this new faith. Christians were thrown to lions, crucified, burned, and driven underground. And yet, the Catholic Church flourished. Why? Because the Spirit that descended at Pentecost was not a gentle breeze—it was a mighty wind, a consuming fire. Jesus knew His followers would need more than human courage; they needed divine power. The Holy Spirit was given to embolden the fearful, to guide the uncertain, and to unify a scattered people into one body—His Church. Every sermon preached in defiance of Caesar, every act of love in the midst of hatred, every martyr who died singing hymns—these were not the result of human willpower. They were the fruit of Pentecost. The Spirit turned fishermen into apostles, tax collectors into evangelists, and persecutors like Paul into champions of the gospel. Jesus did not leave His church defenseless; He clothed them with power from on high.Today, we live far from the Roman catacombs, but the world still needs that same boldness, that same fire. The Holy Spirit remains the answer to fear and weakness, the source of power to proclaim Christ in any culture, any era, any cost. The same Holy Spirit that was given that day to the Apostles is the same Spirit that dwells within each of us right now; there is no difference. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit at Pentecost not just to feel God's presence, but to fulfill God's purpose. That divine fire still burns—and the Church will stand until Christ returns upon the clouds (Cf. Revelation 1:7). --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Christian unity is profoundly significant, as highlighted in Jesus' prayer in John 17, where He fervently prays for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity reflects the love and harmony within the Trinity, serving as a powerful witness to the world of God's transformative power. By being united, Christians demonstrate the reality of Jesus' mission and the credibility of the gospel message. It fosters cooperation, strengthens the church's mission, and enables believers to support one another in faith, love, and purpose, fulfilling Jesus' desire for His followers to be a cohesive, loving community that glorifies God. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Sometimes I find myself wondering—wouldn't life be easier if Jesus were physically here with me? When sorrow grips my heart and the weight of life feels too much to bear, I imagine what it would be like to turn to Him, to see Him right beside me, and whisper through tears, “Help me, Lord.” Why did He have to leave? Would my burdens feel lighter if I could just reach out and touch Him? This Sunday, we reflect on the Ascension—when Jesus returned to the Father. And in that quiet moment of wondering, I must remind my heart: He did not leave me alone to fight the wolves myself. No, He ascended so that His presence could live not just beside me, but within me.The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven is not an absence, but a transformation—a divine mystery through which Christ, no longer limited to one place, becomes present to all the faithful in a deeper and more powerful way. In his homily on the Ascension, Pope Leo the Great beautifully reminds us that “what was visible in our Redeemer has passed into the sacraments.” With these words, we are invited to see beyond the physical departure of Christ and to embrace the spiritual nearness that His glorified presence now brings through the Church and her sacred mysteries. At the moment of the Ascension, the disciples stood gazing into the heavens, their hearts surely torn between awe and loss. Yet Christ's return to the Father was not a retreat from humanity but a completion of His earthly mission. His bodily departure opened the way for the Holy Spirit to descend, empowering the Church and sanctifying the world through the sacraments—visible signs of His invisible grace. Pope Leo encourages the faithful not to mourn the Lord's departure but to rejoice in the greatness of His glorification, which lifts our human nature into heavenly dignity. Jesus did not forsake us; He became even more intimately united to us. In the Eucharist, we receive the real presence of His body and blood. In Baptism, we are buried and raised with Him. In Confession, we are forgiven by the power of His mercy. Each sacrament becomes a place where heaven touches earth, where Christ continues to walk with His people. The Ascension, then, is not the end but the elevation of hope. It challenges us to live not by sight but by faith, trusting that Christ, now seated at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for us and draws us toward our true home. As Pope Leo says, “Our faith is nobler and stronger because sight has been replaced by teaching.” Let us take courage, knowing that in every sacrament, in every act of faith, Christ is closer than ever, calling us to live with hearts lifted to heaven. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Paul's mission in the vibrant city of Corinth was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and perseverance. In the heart of a city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral challenges, Paul planted the seeds of a new spiritual movement, sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite opposition and hardship, he remained steadfast, building a community rooted in love, hope, and truth. His time in Corinth not only brought light to a city in need but also inspired generations to live with purpose and unity in Christ. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Living the Christian life boldly means standing firm in faith, even when the world pushes against it. It's choosing love over fear, truth over convenience, and grace over judgment. A bold Christian life doesn't hide in the shadows but shines brightly with the light of Christ, drawing others to hope, healing, and redemption. In every challenge, boldness rooted in Christ reveals a deep trust in His promises and a passion to reflect His glory. When we live boldly for Him, our lives become a powerful testimony that faith is not just a belief—it's a way of life that changes everything. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

In today's culture, openly identifying as a religious person often invites skepticism. Such individuals are frequently perceived as naïve, unsophisticated, or even unintelligent idiots. There is a prevailing belief that faith is a relic of childhood, while intellect demands a rejection of religion. Intelligence, after all, is often measured by the IQ—or Intelligence Quotient—with the average score being 100. For context, Albert Einstein scored around 160, Charles Darwin 165, Galileo 185, and Isaac Newton an extraordinary 190. Currently, the person widely regarded as having the highest recorded IQ is an American named Christopher Langan, often referred to as “the world's smartest man.” In a recent interview, Langan was asked a profound question: “What should someone do with their life?” His response surprised many: “Search for God. Ask God to establish a personal relationship with you. It's available. If you're not receptive, you're cutting yourself off from God. And once you do that, you do not share the identity of reality itself. You're done. Once your physical body expires, there is nothing that will carry you because you have denied it and rejected it.” Coming from someone of such immense intellect, his words challenge the common narrative that faith and intelligence are incompatible. Perhaps, instead of seeing religion as a weakness of the mind, we might begin to consider it as a strength of the soul—a pursuit not of ignorance, but of ultimate truth. In this Sunday's gospel passage Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid”* (John 14:27), He is offering something far deeper than mere comfort. The peace of Jesus is not the fragile calm the world offers—dependent on circumstances or fleeting moments of ease—but a profound, enduring presence rooted in divine love. His peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in the midst of it. It is a gift anchored in trust, in the knowledge that we are not alone, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. This peace is spiritual and eternal. It doesn't promise a life free of pain, but it does promise that pain will never have the final word. Jesus speaks these words as He prepares to face betrayal, suffering, and the cross—yet He chooses to reassure His disciples. He knows fear is natural, but He calls them to look beyond it, to a peace that comes from knowing Him. It's the kind of peace that quiets the soul during storms, that gives courage in the face of fear, and hope in the presence of despair. To live in this peace is to trust that God's love sustains us through every trial. Jesus invites us not just to believe in Him, but to rest in Him—to lay down anxiety and rise with calm hearts, not troubled or afraid, but confident in the promise that He is always with us. The smartest thing we can do is to put our trust in Jesus Christ. Or simply put, be religious you idiots. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding world history by working through events, people, and nations to fulfill God's purposes. From inspiring prophets and empowering the early Church to influencing movements for justice, peace, and truth, the Spirit acts as an unseen force shaping human affairs toward divine ends. Even amid turmoil and conflict, Christians believe the Holy Spirit continues to steer history with wisdom and providence, ensuring that God's redemptive plan unfolds across time. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Jesus gave us a simple yet profound commandment: to love one another as He has loved us. In doing so, He invites us into the very heart of His presence. This love isn't shallow or fleeting—it's sacrificial, patient, and full of grace. When we love others with that same depth, we remain in His love, like branches connected to the true vine. It's in this abiding love that we find joy, peace, and the strength to reflect His light in the world. To love is not just a duty—it is the way we dwell with Him. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

**Bonus musical piece at the end of the homily from a Requiem Traditional Latin Mass**The altar in a Catholic church is more than a table—it's the sacred heart of worship, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and presence among His people. Here, heaven meets earth as bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist. It stands as a place of offering, transformation, and divine encounter, reminding the faithful that God's love is not distant but present, real, and continually poured out for all. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Even in our deepest suffering, Jesus is present, shaping our pain into something purposeful. What feels like brokenness to us can become a testimony of His grace, strength, and redemption. Through our trials, He reveals His power to heal, restore, and bring hope to others walking through the dark. When we surrender our wounds to Him, He doesn't waste a moment—He transforms them into a story of glory, showing the world that even in sorrow, He is good, and His love never fails. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

“I give you a new commandment: love one another.” With these simple yet profound words from this Sunday's Gospel passage, Jesus gave us the greatest commandment—a call to live lives of deep compassion, selflessness, and courage. Few have lived out this command as powerfully as St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest whose love broke through the darkness of World War II in one of history's most terrible places. In the cruel confines of the worst Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz, where hatred and despair seemed to rule, St. Maximilian Kolbe chose self-sacrificial Christian love. When a fellow prisoner, Franciszek Gajowniczek, was sentenced to die by starvation, Kolbe did the unthinkable. He stepped forward and offered his own life in exchange. He didn't do it for recognition or reward. He did it out of love—pure, Christ-like love for a stranger. This act was not just brave; it was holy. In that moment, Kolbe became a living reflection of Jesus, who laid down His life for us all. In a place meant to strip away human dignity, Kolbe's sacrifice declared that love still lives, even in the most hopeless of places. He showed that true love doesn't count the cost; it gives everything. As he led prayers and hymns in the starvation cell, bringing peace and light to those around him, Kolbe proved that love can triumph even in death. His final breath was not one of defeat, but of victory—the victory of love over fear, of faith over hatred. St. Maximilian Kolbe's legacy is a radiant beacon for all of us. His life challenges us to love more boldly, to give more freely, and to live not for ourselves, but for others. In a world that often values power and self-interest, Kolbe reminds us that the greatest strength is found in self-giving love. This heroic love is not rare or unreachable; it is the very heartbeat of the love Jesus Christ pours out for us each and every day. We don't need to journey to a far-off land or wait for a dramatic moment in history to experience it. This love, powerful and life-changing, is nearer than we think. It's as close as your local parish church, just a short drive away, waiting to welcome you with open arms. The Eucharist is a profound daily reminder of Jesus' self-sacrificial love. In every Mass, Christ offers Himself to us completely—His Body and Blood—just as He did on the cross. This gift is not just symbolic; it is real and personal, a continual act of love that nourishes our souls and calls us to do the same. Through the Eucharist, Jesus shows us how to live for others, to give without counting the cost, and to love with a heart that holds nothing back. It is both a gift and a challenge—to receive His love and then go out and share it with the world. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Sharing the joy of the Christian message is a powerful act of love and hope. It brings light to dark places, offering peace to the troubled and purpose to the lost. When we share the good news of Christ's love, we become vessels of grace, reminding others they are never alone. Each word of encouragement, each act of kindness inspired by faith, has the potential to transform hearts. In a world often marked by division and despair, the message of Christ stands as a beacon of unity and everlasting joy—a gift too great to keep to ourselves. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Remaining in Jesus' love is the anchor that holds us steady through every storm. His love is not earned—it is freely given, constant, and unchanging. When we choose to abide in it, we find peace that surpasses understanding, strength beyond our own, and a purpose that transcends the temporary. In a world full of shifting values and fleeting affection, His love is a firm foundation. It empowers us to love others, walk in truth, and live with hope, knowing we are never alone. Staying in His love transforms our lives from the inside out. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Praying the Rosary through Our Lady of Fatima holds profound spiritual importance, as it was her urgent request to the world during her apparitions in 1917. She called for daily recitation of the Rosary as a means to bring peace to the world, end wars, and convert hearts. Through this devotion, we unite ourselves with her motherly mission of salvation, offering reparation for sin and drawing closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Rosary becomes not only a personal prayer but a powerful response to her call for repentance, faith, and the triumph of her Immaculate Heart. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Habemus Papam! WE HAVE A POPE!And in a stunning turn of history—he's American!For the first time ever, the Chair of St. Peter is occupied by a pope from the United States. Few anticipated this outcome. Leading up to the election, the prevailing wisdom held that the cardinals would shy away from choosing a pontiff from the world's preeminent economic, political, cultural, and military power, fearing it might pose a conflict of interest or risk the perception of imbalance. Yet, against expectations, they elected Cardinal Robert Prevos, a humble priest from the suburbs of Chicago.So, how do we celebrate this unprecedented moment? Should we honor the Windy City with deep-dish pizza after every Mass? Replace Doughnut Sundays with Hot Dog Sundays? Whatever we do, let them be filled with joy—but also with prayer.For now, the immense responsibility of shepherding 1.4 billion Catholics rests upon his shoulders. As Pope Leo XIV—his newly chosen name—stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to greet the world, he began with these profound words:“Peace be with you all! These are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for God's flock.”This sacred moment reminds us of the unchanging mission entrusted to every successor of St. Peter: to courageously lead the nations ever closer to Jesus Christ.In a world often marked by uncertainty, confusion, and wandering souls, the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd offers profound comfort and direction. This metaphor, drawn from His own words in John 10:11—"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"—paints a picture of intimate care, sacrificial love, and steadfast guidance.A shepherd knows his sheep by name. He doesn't lead from behind with force but walks ahead, calling each one to follow, trusting that they recognize His voice. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads with gentleness and strength. He knows our weaknesses, our fears, and our needs, and still, He chooses to walk beside us, never abandoning us when life grows dark or perilous. His leadership is not driven by power but by love.The shepherd also protects. In a spiritual sense, Jesus stands between us and the dangers that threaten our souls. He laid down His life on the cross, not as a distant figure making a calculated decision, but as one who loves deeply and personally. This act of self-sacrifice shows that we are never forgotten, never alone.Even when we stray—and we all do—the Good Shepherd does not give up. He searches for the lost lamb, carries it home on His shoulders, and rejoices over its return. His grace is not reserved for the perfect but extended freely to the broken, the wandering, and the weary.To follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd is to trust that we are seen, known, and valued. It is to walk in the assurance that, no matter the terrain or the trials, we are being led by One who loves us more deeply than we can comprehend. In Him, we find green pastures, still waters, and the promise that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. In Jesus Christ we find the peace that we have all been searching for. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give