Saint James Jacksonville

Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise up our heads against him, but calmly lie down to rest on his bosom.  -St. Catherine of Sienna

Everyday tasks possess a powerful way to grow in holiness. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it says, "our work represents a collaboration with God in the ongoing creation of both the world and the Kingdom of God."  This prompts the question: how can we elevate our work from the mundane to the extraordinary? One approach is to consciously offer our labor and tasks to the Lord, thereby infusing them with purpose and meaning.

Learn from the prophets of the past whose voices still echo down through the centuries, an easy yet highly effective method for helping others get ready for Jesus' return. 

If you are moving through times of sorrow and affliction, this homily is for you. Learn from the 2,600 year old writings of Baruch and also the 2,000 year old preaching of John the Baptist how to transform sorrow into joy.

Learn about the two judgments that every person will experience and get all of the details of how this final judgement will proceed, so that you can be ready and look forward to the coming of Christ with hope.

Learn what the Church teaches about separation of church and state. Learn about the history behind secularization and how you should respond, as based upon the example of Jesus and the early Christians. 

The Church teaches that we will go through a final trial prior to Christ's return and the great judgement. However, Jesus taught that we are to read the signs so we can know when this is near. Learn about the antichrist and the signs that proceed, accompany, and follow him according to Scripture and the Church Fathers, so that you can be fully ready for these soon coming events.  

Unlike some Christian groups which require or encourage giving ten percent, the Catholic Church operates differently. Learn about the history of tithing, giving, rules, and requirements and an incredible freeing way of living when it comes to generosity. 

While we are grateful for the smooth election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of our country, there are still wide divisions in our families and beyond that remain. Learn how to navigate these difficulties with joy.  

If you find yourself discouraged by saints who seem to have lived unreachable almost mythical lives, this homily is for you. Learn about the many failures of the saints and the overlooked way they responded to these dark spots in their lives. 

Our beloved Fr. Ernie reflects on Bartimaeus leaping up to follow Jesus even though he doesn't know that Jesus is headed to the cross. Are you willing to follow Jesus into the unknown? 

Jesus taught his disciples the secret to achieving greatness, a lesson that is 100% applicable to the mission of St.James. Find inspiration and courage to go the distance and build something that lasts.

Jesus taught and exemplified what a simple life looked like.  Something that is often overlooked in our culture of incredible wealth. By inspired to simple, unselfish living. 

Jesus elevated marriage to a sacrament and yet 28% of Catholic marriages fail. Learn why this is and how to support those in these situations as well as all sacramental marriages.

Pride and irritability can easily lead to mistakes when pointing out where someone else is wrong. However, depending on who you are correcting, there may be far worse and even eternal results of a bad correction. Listen to this important warning, given by the Lord. 

Be inspired by the teaching of our Lord and the lives of the saints when it comes to work! Discover how to transform your worst, most dreaded tasks into tasks of divine joy.

Denial of impending death and suffering is rampant in our culture and this leads to dire situations. Learn the matter of fact and healthy way of responding to difficulties, exemplified by Jesus, a way that leads one beyond suffering, to new life. 

Comparing yourself to others leads to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, there is good news. Jesus showed another way that leads to freedom. Learn all about it. 

Find yourself too busy for prayer, running on empty, feeling scattered and divided? Discover how to cultivate a reservoir that will transform you from the core of your being and overflow into all that you do. Discover the importance of the interior life.

Learn about the Roman Canon, the most revered of the Eucharistic prayers that is used during the second part of the Mass. Learn about the stories behind the names, and the beautiful poetry and how it can move your heart to the heavens. Deepen your understanding so that you can pray the Mass well.

Just as the main course serves as the focal point of a meal, essential for satiating hunger, the Eucharistic celebration holds a central position in the Mass. How do we receive reminders of the Lord's presence during the Mass, and in what ways does the Lord refresh and renew us?

The appetizer can create excitement for the main course, similar to the beginning of Mass. It can engage the senses, like the smell of incense or the opening hymn. 

St. James the Greater willingly dropped everything at the seashore to follow Jesus as his first Apostle. Have a listen to how the community of St. James is alive and active as James the Greater was when he became the first Apostle.

People often interrupted the plans that Jesus and the disciples had, yet the way that he responded was utterly fascinating and unconventional. Learn Jesus' surprising method for dealing with people when they interrupt you, especially when you are tired or busy with many other things. 

We were privileged to be visited by the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine who joined the community of St. James on July 14, 2024 and delivered this homily. St. James would not be in existence if it were not for the support of the local diocese and we are grateful for the ongoing support and good relationship with the new Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. 

If you are hesitant about sharing the gospel with your family, this homily is for you. Learn from our Lord and prophets before him how God has approached those who are resistant to hearing what he has to say.

If you are mad at God and have issues with his sovereignty and him allowing horrible things to happen, you will want to hear this homily. This is especially true if you are tired of hearing unhelpful, trite responses such as “its all because of free will” or “God willed your abuse” or “everything has a meaning.” 

Learn about the elusive virtue of patience and why it is so central to the Catholic faith. There is an easy way to begin experiencing growth in this virtue, a way that many people fear unnecessarily. With this simple way, you can instead begin excelling in this virtue. 

Many Christians think of their relationship with God to be relegated to the spiritual realm alone, but imagine what it would be like to be able to touch God! This is exactly the gift that Jesus gave to his Church through the Eucharist. Learn about the fascinating history behind the bread and the wine at Mass being transformed at Mass into the body and blood of Christ and why the Lord wanted us to experience him in this way. Learn also how Christians are called to respond to this gift.

There is a Christian teaching that is the source of all other Christian beliefs, the foundation upon which everything else is built. You might think that this is love or service or belief or Jesus' sacrifice. The truth is that all of these point to a deeper and little understood truth among many Christians. Learn what this doctrine is and why it has and continues to transform the world into a better place.

Some Christians have figured out how to tap into an amazing source of power, that moves them forward with seemingly unstoppable energy and verve. If you are missing this dynamism in your life, there may be  a blockage that is stopping Pentecost power from flowing in and through you.  

Learn why division among Christians is contrary to the gospel and how the Holy Spirit is at work to bring the family of God back together. 

Learn about, Arrow Prayers, one of the most effective means of obligating God, according to Padre Pio. This simple prayer is a great way of opening yourself up to the many graces, helps, and assistances that the Lord wants to shower upon you.

Are the people in your life resistant to hearing the gospel? Your focus may be wrong people. Expand your awareness and watch your effectiveness in sharing the gospel rise dramatically. 

Many people think that only pastors are called to shepherd, but if you have been baptized into Christ, the Good Shepherd, then you too are called to shepherd toward good pasture. Learn how to do this in easy, concrete, practical, and highly effective ways. 

Learn about an ancient prayer method that transforms the Bible into a personal encounter with the Lord. This tried-and-true method of Holy Reading has transformed many. Discover this simple, easy method of prayerfully experiencing the Lord through his Word.

Learn why the resurrection is the ultimate answer to those who have left the Catholic Church because of the clergy abuse scandals or other institutional failures. Learn why Jesus' resurrection brings hope to even the darkest of situations.

The biggest reason why people do not move on to advanced prayer and spiritual maturity is due to attachments. In this homily, learn what attachments are and are not and how to effectively deal with them. This homily is based on Jesus' teaching along with help from St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. 

For growth in prayer to take place, it helps to know where you are in the process. St. Theresa of Avila is helpful in this aspect. She is a great teacher when it comes to prayer, one who has been declared a Doctor of the Church. Listen to this summary of her teaching so that you will know where you are and what to work on next, as you journey toward advanced prayer.

Be awed and drawn to taste fully of the Lord in an indelible, life changing way. Obtain a glimpse of the otherworldly experience of a divine encounter through the lens of the doctors of the Church, Scripture, and saints. This is the second homily on a series on prayer. 

Can normal people enter into advanced, even mystical prayer or is this only for a certain select few? Is this only for the elite, for special saints?  Learn what the Church has to say on this fascinating topic. This is the first homily in a series on prayer.

On December 18, 2023 the Vatican published a document on blessings for those in irregular relationships, which caused not only a large stir across the Catholic World, but out right rejection is some parts. How are normal Catholics to understand what is taking place in our Church? Experience long view of Catholic scandals and misunderstandings, beginning with Jesus Christ himself, through Church history, on up to the present.  Learn why the  misunderstanding around this document is an age old Catholic tradition and why all of this makes sense, brings hope, clarity, and freedom. 

Requests for exorcism are on the rise. Learn the two most common reasons that people become possessed and why God sometimes allows this. Learn also how to stay protected and be inspired by the fearlessness of St. John Vianney

Many people are afraid to share their faith because of awkwardness, inexperience, and fear. Learn what you need to get over these hurdles. 

Learn why hospitality is such a big part of the Catholic identity and how to live this out, even if it is hard and awkward. In this homily you will be given some easy, baby step ways to grow in the Catholic virtue of hospitality. 

Is it possible to be in loyal opposition to Pope Francis? Is a Catholic required to submit to non definitive or non infallible teachings of the Pope? Can a person appeal over and above the pope to divine law or natural law?

During this time of the year it is easy to get beaten down by all of the presures and expectations: parties, ugly sweaters, expenses, lights, and supposed happiness. Instead find joy through the piercing preaching of John the Baptist. 

This homily was given upon the occasion of the pastoral visit of Steven Lopes, the bishop of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Fr. Mayer's parish: to St. James Catholic Church.