POPE FRANCIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM!

My Reaction (to the Reaction) to the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

As heads were exploding over Social Media last week I opted to refrain from comment until I had a chance to read the Declaration On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings (Fiducia Supplicans) and mull it over. Here are my thoughts on the subject, for what it’s worth.

CHRISTMAS OR THE POPE? – What Should I Talk About?

Fr. Bill discusses whether it is more important to talk about the Pope’s comments on “blessings” or on the up-and-coming celebration of the Incarnation of Christ.

“SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE” – Rendering Unto Caesar

Homily – 29th Sunday of the Year – A
Matthew 22:15-21

The United States has a particular approach to the “Separation of Church and State”. Fr. Bill explains how this country understands this doctrine, how it was incorporated into the nation’s Founding, how we get it wrong today, and how it perfectly expresses Jesus’ admonition to “render to Caesar…”

WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST – The Conflict Between Israel & Hamas

With the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Palestine, Fr. Bill offers a Biblical and Historical context in which the current event is being played out.

How can we understand the war in light of the Biblical as well as “secular” History of that region, in light of Jesus’ farewell promise of Peace, well as in light of the Promise God made that All Nations would find Blessing in the descendants of Abraham who make up the kingdom, and subsequent Nation of Israel?

9/11, FAITH & PATRIOTISM

From Darkness to Light in Our National Remembrance

For 22 Years we have been remembering the Terrorist Attack on the anniversary of 9/11. But it is not simply one day we should be remembering. Three days later, on September 14, President Bush called for a National Day of Mourning and Prayer in the aftermath of the attack.

Listen as Fr. Bill talks about the importance of that Day of Prayer, September 14; what is celebrated in the Catholic Church, what should be remembered as a Nation, and how it all ties into what we remember in the Anniversary and Aftermath of the 9/11 Attack, and what we celebrate in our Identity and Resolve as both Christians and Americans.

DANTE, MARY and a MOTHER’S LOVE

Homily for Mother’s Day, 2023
6th Sunday of Easter – Year A
—–
John 14:15-21

Fr. Bill offers a Homily for Mother’s Day in which he discusses modern connotations of “love” with the Love Jesus speaks of in the Bible.

STOP PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS!!

Good Shepherd Sunday
4th Sunday of Easter

Fr. Bill addresses the shortage of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Catholic Church. He proposes a shocking reason why he thinks God has been answering our prayers all along, and what Catholics can do to stem the tide of the decline so as to ensure a future increase in vocations.

COVID: 3 YEARS LATER – The “Lazarus Bookends”

Homily – 5th Sunday of Lent (A)
John 11:1-45 – The Raising of Lazarus

The last time the “Raising of Lazarus” was read at Sunday Mass the World was in the midst of Covid Lockdowns and a Spiritual Death-of-Sorts. Three years later, as we hear that Gospel story again, where are we now, how far have we come? Fr. Bill preaches on Jesus call “that they may have life and have it more abundantly”, and whether or not we have truly risen from this “death” from a disease that was “not to end in death” but that “the Glory of God may be revealed.”

HOLLYWOOD INCLUSIVITY – They Can Do It Without Help (and have done so in the past)

Fr. Bill talks about the recent Academy Awards, as well as the history of the Awards as a Hollywood institution. He talks about how Hollywood has grown in its own “inclusivity” over time, how it has forgotten it’s natural progress, and why it does not need the pushing of the “WOKE” movement to continue its development as a truly worldwide cinematic institution that has grown beyond Hollywood.