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No More Excuses: Accepting God's Invitation to the Eternal Banquet In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet, . . . where invited guests offer excuses . . . work, property, and relationships . . . to avoid attending the feast. Their refusal represents how worldly concerns can distract us from God's invitation to eternal life. The master then opens his banquet to the poor and outcast, symbolizing God's inclusive call to all who are willing to respond. The Homily connects this Gospel to St. Paul's teaching on the Body of Christ: every member has a unique gift meant to serve and build the unity of the Church, not for personal pride or division. When we neglect our role or elevate worldly pursuits . . . success, possessions, or relationships . . . above God, we disrupt both community and communion with Him. We are reminded that at every Mass, we are invited to the Lord's banquet. The question is whether we will accept His invitation to eternal life or let passing concerns keep us away. The faithful are urged to use their gifts in love, serve one another, and prioritize the eternal over the temporary. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: No More Excuses: Accepting God's Invitation to the Eternal Banquet ---------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Restored mural painting by the Italian Renaissance Artist Leonardo da Vinci, dated to c. 1495–1498. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as it is told in the Gospel of John. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 15-24 First Reading: Romans 12: 5-16
Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27-38
Gospel Reading- Luke 20: 27-38
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, November 7th -1st Reading: Romans 15:14-21 - Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-8 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, November 3rd -1st Reading: Romans 14:7-12 - Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, November 4th -1st Reading: Romans 12:5-16ab - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:15-24 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:20-31
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, November 3rd -1st Reading: Romans 11:29-36 - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:12-14 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 31st -1st Reading: Romans 9:1-5 - Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1-6 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, October 26th -1st Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 - Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 8:26-39At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 24th - 1st Reading: Romans 7:18-25a - Gospel Reading: Luke 12:54-59 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Holding Up the Hands of Faith Today's Homily centers on the theme of persistence in prayer and faith as a mission to be passed on. The Homily begins by contrasting today's culture of instant gratification with the patient perseverance required in prayer. The first reading from Exodus illustrates this through Moses, whose raised hands during battle symbolize steadfast prayer and dependence on God. When his strength fails, Aaron and Hur support him . . . showing that prayer often needs the help and faith of others. Moses' intercession prefigures Christ's outstretched arms on the Cross, interceding for humanity. The second reading reminds believers, as Paul told Timothy, to “keep the faith” and pass it on . . . faith handed down like a relay baton from one generation to the next. On Mission Sunday, the Church calls every Christian to share and sustain that faith, not only through ordained ministry but also within families and communities. The Gospel challenges us to remain faithful and persistent in prayer so that, when Christ returns, He may still find faith alive on earth. Each believer is invited to ask: Will God find faith in me, in my family, and in my world? Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Holding Up the Hands of Faith -------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Moses, Aaron and Hur: Alexander Heubel: 1837 -------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 1-9 First Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 10-17
Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, October 19th -1st Reading: Exodus 17:8-13 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 -Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 7:11-16At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 16th -1st Reading: Romans 3:21-30 - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:47-54 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
When the Heart and Mind Agree: Finding Peace in Christ The prophet Joel calls the priests and people to repentance and fasting, . . . . . . warning that “the Day of the Lord” will bring judgment for those who remain unconverted but salvation for those who turn back to God with sincere hearts. True conversion means harmony between the heart and the mind . . . when our thoughts and desires are aligned with God's truth. Jesus illustrates this in the Gospel by confronting the Pharisees, who accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of the devil. Their hearts recognize His goodness, yet their minds reject Him out of pride and deceit, revealing an inner division. Jesus teaches that a “house divided against itself cannot stand” and warns that a heart cleansed of evil must be filled with God's grace, or else greater evils will return. The Homily concludes with an invitation to examine our own hearts: Are we filled with the Spirit of God or with division? True conversion brings harmony within us and, through us, harmony to our families, Church, and world. Only Christ, who is Truth itself, can bring this lasting peace and unity. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: When the Heart and Mind Agree: Finding Peace in Christ ---------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ And The Rich Young Ruler (cropped): German Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1899 ---------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 11: 15-26 First Reading: Joel 1: 13-15; 2: 1-2
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, October 14th - 1st Reading: Romans 1:16-25 - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:37-41 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Your Faith Has Saved You: The Power of Encountering Jesus Today's Homily reflects on the Gospel of the ten lepers and the Samaritan . . . . . . who returned to thank Jesus. Building on last week's theme, “Lord, increase our faith,” it emphasizes that true faith is not about quantity but about a living, personal relationship with Christ. Blessings and Answered Prayers are not Ends in Themselves The lepers shared suffering represents our shared human weakness and need for God's mercy. Only one, the Samaritan, moves beyond gratitude to a deeper encounter with Jesus . . . he no longer stands at a distance but falls at His feet. The message is that blessings and answered prayers are not ends in themselves; they are meant to lead us to a real encounter with Christ and transformation in Him. True salvation comes not merely from receiving God's gifts but from drawing near to Him in faith, gratitude, and love. We are called to let our faith move us to mercy, forgiveness, and love for one another, allowing Christ to shape our lives. Listen to this Meditation Media: Listen to: Your Faith Has Saved You: The Power of Encountering Jesus ------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Jesus Christ: German Artist and Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1894 Oil painting currently resides in The Riverside Church, New York City. ---------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 17: 11-19 First Reading: 2 Kings 5: 14-17 Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2: 8-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19
Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, October 13th -1st Reading: Romans 1:1-7- Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, October 12th - 1st Reading: 2 Kings 5:14-17 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 - Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, October 10th -1st Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:15-26 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 9th -1st Reading: Malachi 3:13-20b - Gospel Reading: Luke 11:5-13 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, October 7th -1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 - Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38-42 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, the 6th - 1st Reading: Jonah 1:1–2:1-2, 11 - Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 24:14-28 Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25-3
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:31-36The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, October 2nd. 1st Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 Gospel Reading: Luke 9:57-62 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31
Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, September 26th.1st Reading: Haggai 2:1-9 Gospel Reading: Luke 9:18-22 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
You Are the Temple of God: Becoming Dwelling Places of His Presence In the first reading scripture recalls the rebuilding of the temple after Israel's exile, . . . . . . highlighting that true dedication is not about stones and gold, but about the people offering themselves to God. Jesus deepens this teaching, declaring himself the true temple and reminding us that our hearts are where God longs to dwell. St. Paul Confirms: We are the Temples of God The Gospel parable of the Sower emphasizes that the Word of God only bears fruit when it falls on rich soil . . . hearts open and receptive. Mary is the perfect example of this, as she received God's Word and bore Jesus Himself. The memorial of Padre Pio illustrates the same truth: his heart was rich soil where God's Word took root, leading him to a life of prayer, spiritual battle, suffering, and union with Christ. Bearing the stigmata, Padre Pio embodied the suffering Christ and showed what it means to live as God's temple. The call today is clear: each of us is invited to become a true dwelling place of God, good soil where His Word can bear lasting fruit. Hear more and listen to this Meditation Media. You Are the Temple of God: Becoming Dwelling Places of His Presence ------------------------------------------------------ Official portrait photograph of Padre Pio, c. 1947 ------------------------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: Luke 8: 19-21 First Reading: Ezra 6: 7-8, 12, 14-20
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, September 25th. 1st Reading: Haggai 1:1-8 Gospel Reading: Luke 9:7-9 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-13. Today, we welcome Rev. Mark Lingle to guest preach. Rev. Lingle is the Associate to the Bishop at the ELCA.
Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-13
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, September 19th. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 Gospel Reading: Luke 8:1-3 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, September 18th. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Gospel Reading: Luke 7:36-50 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10. Today, Pastor Luther has returned to lead us in Worship.
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, September 12th.1st Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Gospel Reading: Luke 6:43-49 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, September 11th. 1st Reading: Colossians 3:12–17 Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27–38 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, September 7th. 1st Reading: Wisdom 9:13–18b 2nd Reading: Philemon 9-10 Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25–33 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading- Luke 14:25-33 Key Verse- "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." -Luke 14:33
Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, September 5th. 1st Reading: Col 1:15–20 Gospel Reading: Luke 5:33–39 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, September 4th. 1st Reading: Col 1:9–14 Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1–11 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:10-17
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, August 24th. 1st Reading: Isaiah 66:18–21 2nd Reading: Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving