Blessed Sacrament Parish Community Homilies

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. Rob reflects on our identity as a "Eucharistic people." Drawing on St. Augustine’s definition of a sacrament—a visible sign of invisible grace—he explores how God uses our physical senses to help us experience the divine. However, Fr. Rob challenges the congregation to look deeper by using the "vision of the heart." Through a simple but powerful exercise, he demonstrates that the Real Presence of Christ isn't confined to the altar; it is found in the person sitting to our left, the person to our right, and even in our own reflection in the mirror. The transformative power of the Eucharist is meant to make Christ’s living presence a part of who we are. Fr. Rob poses a challenging question: If we are willing to bow or genuflect before the Tabernacle, shouldn't we show that same reverence and respect to one another? From the pews to the church parking lot, this homily calls us to recognize the sacredness in every human being and to treat one another with the healing, merciful love of Christ.

In a world where corporations and sports teams spend millions on trademarks—from the iconic shape of a Coke bottle to the Old English "D" on a Tigers jersey—Fr. Rob explores the "logo" of the Catholic Church: the Sign of the Cross. This familiar gesture is more than just a way to start or end a prayer; it is a public declaration of our identity as children of God. Fr. Rob reflects on the mystery of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and what it reveals about our own nature. Because our God is, by definition, relational, we are created to be relational too. We are not meant to walk our faith journey alone; we are called to live, pray, and care for one another as a communal family. This homily challenges us to move beyond the rote motions of the Sign of the Cross and rediscover it as a profound reminder that we are part of the body of Christ, created in the image of a God who is a perfect relationship of love.

In this weekend's homily, Fr. Rob uses a classic scene from the television show MASH*—Frank Burns holding his breath—to illustrate a powerful spiritual truth. While it is biologically impossible to stop ourselves from breathing forever, Fr. Rob suggests that we are equally dependent on a different kind of breath: the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus breathing upon the apostles, Fr. Rob explains that the Spirit is the essential life-force that enables us to be generous, merciful, and compassionate. Just as we rarely notice our physical breathing until it becomes difficult, we may not always feel the Spirit’s presence in our daily lives, yet it remains the foundational breath that sustains our faith and our identity as a Church. This message serves as a beautiful reminder that the Holy Spirit is not just a historical event, but a constant, life-sustaining presence that allows the love of Christ to shine through us.

In this engaging homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the essential balance between spiritual life and practical service. Sharing a humorous and blunt story from his early priesthood about a pastor’s frustration with "professional prayers" who refused to help decorate the church, Fr. Rob explores the true purpose of our devotional lives. Using the Feast of the Ascension as a backdrop, he reminds us that while the disciples could have spent their lives simply staring into heaven, Christ called them to move. Prayer is never meant to be the end goal; rather, it is a transformative conversation with God intended to change our hearts so that we can better serve, forgive, and love our neighbors. Fr. Rob challenges listeners to be people of both prayer and action, translating their faith into tangible acts of mercy and compassion in the world today. Note: We did have some audio issues with the first half of Fr. Rob's homily. Here is the transcript from that portion: Most parents that I have spoke to, and a friend of mine who had children, they acknowledge that there have been a few times raising their children when they said things that they wished they could’ve pulled back because it probably wasn’t the best example to set, and they know that eventually the kids will be saying the very same thing to somebody else. Well, it's not that different when you're a young priest, you should look to the older priest to model for you the best way you can be. Which is why, at least you used to get a couple of assignments before you made a pastor, so you could see different styles and learn from them. And one of the pastors I was assigned with will always say he wishes he never said this in front of me because at that time when somebody was arguing with him quite vociferously, and he [the other person] said, “well, why do you need to do that?” He [the priest] said, “Well I'm the pastor.” And he said, that's the only thing I ever learned from him, as I say that same thing. Which isn't really true. But there was another time where I heard another priest say something, And it really wasn't the best, but it still spoke the truth that it was worth the period. It was the last Sunday in Advent. And we were at his parish to help out with, you know, penance service. 

In this candid and humorous homily, Fr. Rob uses a self-deprecating story about his "master's degree in sarcasm" to explore the deep roots of faith. Reflecting on a question from an adult formation group—"Why are you Catholic?"—he admits that while he was born into the faith, it has become an inseparable part of his DNA, much like his lifelong, often-trying loyalty to the Detroit Lions. Just as he couldn't walk away from his family or his team, he realized his faith is simply who he is. Fr. Rob connects this personal reflection to the Gospel, where the disciples feel nervous and scared at the prospect of Jesus leaving them. Jesus reassures them—and us—that He will remain present in ways they don't yet understand. Fr. Rob reminds us that this divine presence is so deeply embedded within us that it is sometimes hard to see. No matter our struggles, fears, or times we may turn away, we are never truly alone. This homily is a comforting reminder of the profound, unshakable love that defines our identity and remains with us always.

In this week's homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the question he's asked most often: "Where are you from?" Despite not having lived in Shelby Township since age 17, it remains the place that appears in his dreams—the home where he was formed. But Fr. Rob shares a transformative memory from his freshman year of college, driving home for Christmas break to his parents' new house in Caseville. Lamenting that it wouldn't feel like "home," he was proven wrong the moment he walked through the door—greeted by his mom's familiar hug, his dad's predictable questions about car maintenance, and the mouth-watering smell of a late dinner made just for him. In that moment, he realized home has nothing to do with a building or location. Fr. Rob connects this powerful experience to Jesus' promise in the Gospel that He goes to prepare a place for us and that we know the way. While speculation about the afterlife abounds, Scripture offers us a beautiful hint: the place prepared for each of us will be utterly familiar, filled with perfect love, and we will absolutely know we are home.

In this weekend's homily, Fr. Rob tackles a challenging question: How do we actually recognize the voice of Jesus in our lives? He offers two distinct tracks for discernment. For our internal voice—experienced through prayer and Scripture—Fr. Rob encourages us to examine our feelings. Christ's presence should bring comfort when we're struggling and feeling alone, reminding us of his unwavering love. But it should also make us uncomfortable at times, challenging our self-absorption and calling us toward mercy and compassion. For external voices claiming to speak for Christ, Fr. Rob provides a clear litmus test: any message wrapped in hatred, violence, greed, or selfishness is not from Christ—these are "thieves and robbers." He offers practical guidance: authentic proclamation of Christ relies heavily on the Gospels and Jesus' own words rather than obscure Old Testament verses used to prove a point. Jesus' teachings are always wrapped in profound love—"Stop judging," "Love your neighbor as yourself." Fr. Rob urges listeners to keep their antenna up, using Christ's words of love as the lens through which we evaluate every message claiming to be Christian.

In this homily, Fr. Rob invites listeners to slowly digest the story of the Road to Emmaus, uncovering subtle wisdom beyond the familiar refrain that Jesus "was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." Fr. Rob admits to initially feeling judgmental toward the disciples who failed to recognize the risen Christ walking beside them—until realizing how often he does the same thing. Whether distracted by tomorrow's to-do list, worried about others' opinions, or simply feeling "peopled out," we all put up blinders that prevent us from seeing Christ in our midst. So how do we move past these very human obstacles? The answer lies in a subtle but powerful moment: despite their grief, confusion, and even arguing with this stranger, the disciples extended hospitality—"Stay with us." That simple act of welcome opened the door for Christ to reveal himself. Fr. Rob challenges us to recognize that hospitality, friendship, and welcoming the stranger aren't just nice gestures—they're the very path through which Christ has the opportunity to make himself known in our lives.

In this week's homily, Fr. Rob challenges listeners to reconsider the familiar story of "Doubting Thomas." While many of us have felt a sense of pride hearing Jesus say, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe," Fr. Rob suggests we've missed the point. The truth? We're all like Thomas. Every time we've bargained with God—"Lord, if you get me through this, I will..."—we've put Christ to the test just as Thomas did. But here's the good news: Jesus came into the world precisely for people like Thomas, like you, like me. He harbored no illusions about our perfection; He knew our faith would waver and our sins would repeat. The glory of the empty tomb, celebrated throughout the Easter season, reminds us that God's love isn't reserved for the holiest or most perfect among us—it's already ours. While this isn't permission to remain stagnant, it frees us from the exhausting belief that we must earn God's love. Instead, our gratitude calls us to become people of love, generosity, and mercy.

In this Easter homily, Fr. Rob explores the powerful cliche "it is always darkest before the dawn" as a lens for understanding both Christ's resurrection and our own spiritual journeys. Walking through the events of Holy Week—from the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper's call to service, to the devastating abandonment and denial by Christ's closest disciples—Fr. Rob guides listeners to the transformative moment when light burst forth from the tomb. But this message extends beyond a 2,000-year-old story: Fr. Rob reminds us that the same grace that led to the empty tomb can pierce through the darkness in our own lives today. The Easter message isn't a stagnant historical event but a living promise that Christ's love continues to bring enduring light to our world and our individual struggles.

Have you ever shouted "Hosanna" on Sunday and "Crucify him" by Friday? In this powerful Palm Sunday homily, Fr. Rob explores the unsettling swing in the crowd's loyalty as Jesus entered Jerusalem—and reveals how that same fickleness lives in each of us today. Why were the very people who praised Jesus as their savior so quick to call for his crucifixion? Fr. Rob honestly reflects on his own struggle with this question, admitting that he, too, can be swept up by the crowd's influence—falling into greed, vengefulness, and unforgiveness when the world around him does the same. But within this raw confession lies the breathtaking truth at the heart of Holy Week: Jesus went to the cross knowing our hearts would waver. He offers mercy and healing not because we are perfect, but because his love persists even when our faith doesn't. This reflection is a stirring invitation to examine our own loyalty to Christ and to receive the radical, unearned grace that defines this most sacred week.

Fr. Rob explores the humanity of Jesus through John's Gospel, traditionally known for emphasizing Christ's divine nature. Focusing on the deeper meaning of Jesus being "perturbed," he reveals how this word indicates Jesus was shaken to his very core - experiencing very human fears about his approaching death and suffering. This powerful homily offers comfort to listeners struggling with their own mortality, reminding us that Jesus fully understands our deepest fears because he experienced them too. Fr. Rob also distinguishes between doubt (which allows room for faith) and certainty (which can shut out our need for God), encouraging us to bring our struggles and fears to Christ in prayer.

Fr. Rob uses the story of Jesus healing the man born blind to challenge our understanding of sin. While the disciples worried about who was to blame and the Pharisees focused on rule-breaking, Fr. Rob offers a transformative definition: sin is simply "missing the mark." Using a relatable golf analogy about his friend who missed an obvious putt, he explains that the "mark" we're all aiming for is living in and revealing God's love back to the world. This perspective shifts us from merely avoiding wrongdoing to actively seeking opportunities to love—reaching out to those who are hurting, being generous to the poor, and standing with the marginalized and scapegoated. Fr. Rob reminds us that even when we can clearly see the target of Christ's love, we sometimes still miss the mark, and that's what sin truly is.

Fr. Rob explores the powerful encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, revealing a profound truth about shame, love, and transformation. He begins with the universal human experience of hiding parts of ourselves we're embarrassed or ashamed of, then shows how the Samaritan woman's story offers hope for all of us. Despite knowing everything about her past, Jesus approached her with perfect love rather than judgment. Fr. Rob emphasizes that the woman wasn't embarrassed or afraid when Jesus revealed he knew her secrets—instead, she was drawn to his unconditional love. This Lenten message reminds us that Jesus already knows everything about us and loves us completely anyway, calling us to transformation not through fear or shame, but through gratitude for his perfect, unconditional love.

Fr. Rob challenges listeners to adjust their lens for viewing Scripture and the Lenten season by focusing on Jesus's humanity rather than solely on his divine nature. Drawing from the Transfiguration story, he suggests that while we typically interpret this event from the disciples' perspective, we should also consider how the Father's words of affirmation—"This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased"—were meant as encouragement for Jesus himself as he faced upcoming trials and struggles. By viewing Jesus's Lenten journey through the lens of his human experience, complete with suffering, doubt, and weakness, Fr. Rob reveals how his sacrifice becomes even more profound and meaningful. This perspective also reminds us that God's love, presence, and trust are available to each of us during our own struggles and trials.

Fr. Jack Johnson begins this Lent-focused homily with a clever exploration of the word "turn"—from turning our heads when we hear our name to turning over a new leaf. He explains that in Hebrew, repentance literally means "to turn," making this the perfect season for spiritual redirection. Drawing parallels between Adam and Eve's turn toward selfishness and Jesus's turn toward God's Word during his temptation, Fr. Jack shows us how we can choose our direction during Lent. He emphasizes that we don't have to face temptation alone—we need community, support, and the church's traditions of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This encouraging message reminds us that Lent should be serious but not grim, offering hope through Jesus's victory and the promise of eternal life.

Fr. Jack Johnson opens with a humorous story about comedian W.C. Fields searching for "loopholes" in the Bible on his deathbed, using this as a springboard to explore how we all tend to look for easy ways out when it comes to following God's laws. Drawing from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, Fr. Jack challenges listeners to move beyond mere rule-keeping to embrace the spirit of the law through holiness and action. He emphasizes that mature faith doesn't happen overnight—it requires time, effort, and the development of our spiritual gifts to help one another. This inspiring homily calls us to make right choices for the right reasons, respect life in all its stages, and love God, neighbor, and self without looking for shortcuts or excuses.

Fr. Rob challenges us on how we think about loving God. Using a clever analogy about getting a famous athlete's attention by asking about their kids, Fr. Rob reveals that the best way to connect with God is to love and care for His children—each person around us. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah's message to suffering people, he emphasizes that authentic faith moves beyond theory and becomes tangible through acts of compassion and love toward one another. This powerful message reminds us that we are all children of God, and that caring for each other is the most practical and profound way to experience God's presence in our daily lives.

In this homily, Fr. Rob shares how his perspective on faith has evolved with age and experience. Drawing from the examples of St. Thomas Aquinas and Mahatma Gandhi, he explores how even our greatest strengths - liturgical tradition and theological depth - can become liabilities if they don't lead to a genuine change of heart. Fr. Rob challenges listeners to move beyond "right prayer" and "right belief" to focus on "right life," emphasizing that Jesus's ultimate teaching was simple: love one another. This powerful message calls us to conversion - not just intellectual understanding, but a transformed lifestyle that truly reflects Christ's example in our daily actions.

In this thought-provoking homily, Fr. Rob Howe challenges listeners to reconsider a seemingly simple question that became popular 30 years ago: "What Would Jesus Do?" Despite initially dismissing WWJD as trite theology, Fr. Howe explores how this straightforward question could transform our daily interactions and decisions. From workplace conflicts to traffic frustrations, from helping those in despair to standing up against bullying, he examines how pausing to consider Christ's example before reacting could soften our hearts and guide us toward more loving responses. This reflective message encourages authentic self-examination and practical faith application in our modern world, moving beyond hope to actionable Christian living.

Join Fr. Rob as he explores the essential traits that should identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this homily, he discusses how generosity, patience, compassion, mercy, and unconditional love mark true discipleship, but emphasizes that hope is the crucial identifier our world desperately needs to see today. Drawing from readings in Isaiah and the message of John the Baptist, Fr. Rob reminds us that even in times of despair and uncertainty, disciples must never give up hope. He challenges listeners to become beacons of hope, trusting that Christ's presence redeems the world and that with him, nothing is impossible. A powerful message about maintaining faith and being agents of positive change in troubled times.

In this homily, Fr. Rob reminds us of the profound power of words—how they can heal, encourage, and give strength, or how they can wound and discourage. Reflecting on Jesus’ baptism and the words spoken from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” this homily explores how affirmation shapes identity and sustains us through life’s hardest moments. Through humor, personal storytelling, and a deeply pastoral insight, Fr. Rob invites listeners to consider a life-changing question: What would God say about you? The answer offered is one of hope and reassurance—that God, like someone who loves deeply, looks past our flaws and brokenness and sees the goodness within us. This reflection encourages us to hear those same words spoken to Jesus as words spoken to us: that we are beloved, known, and pleasing to God, not because we are perfect, but because we are loved.

In this brief but powerful reflection, Fr. Rob Howe reminds us that God’s grace is not confined to extraordinary moments of the past. The same mystery, wonder, and holiness that surrounded the pivotal moments of salvation history are continually poured out into our lives today. Rather than trying to explain God’s love with diagrams or definitions, this homily invites us to do something far more transformative: to receive it. God’s mercy and presence are always in our midst—quietly, faithfully, and abundantly. Our call is not to dissect the mystery, but to recognize it, accept it, and respond with gratitude. This homily is a gentle invitation to awareness, trust, and thankfulness for the grace that surrounds us every single day.

Merry Christmas! This Christmas, Fr. Rob reflects on why the genealogy of Jesus matters—and why it’s far more than a list of hard-to-pronounce names. Rooted in the reality of Jesus being born into a real human family, this homily invites us to reflect on the heart of the Incarnation: God chose to fully enter the human experience. By becoming one like us, God didn’t remain distant or abstract. In Jesus, God knows joy and sorrow, friendship and loss, love and rejection—not in theory, but through lived experience. This profound act of love assures us that we are truly understood. God gets us because God has lived our life from the inside. The episode also reminds us that everything Jesus asks of us—unconditional love, radical forgiveness, generosity, mercy—is not beyond our reach. Christ never asks the impossible. He shows us what is possible precisely because he lived it himself. Anchored in family, humanity, and grace, this reflection invites listeners to trust that salvation comes through one who knows us completely and loves us fully.

In this homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, we’re reminded that families—whether our own or our parish—are beautifully imperfect. With humor and honesty, this homily acknowledges what we all know to be true: every family is made up of different characters, virtues, struggles, and personalities. And that’s exactly where God chooses to dwell. Drawing on the mystery of the Incarnation, Fr. Rob reflects on how Jesus fully understands family life—not just love and joy, but also grief, irritation, absence, and compassion—because he lived it himself. From there, the focus widens to the parish, inviting us to see the Church at its best: not as an institution, but as a family that notices, welcomes, forgives, and cares for one another, especially when someone is hurting or missing. This homily challenges and affirms us at the same time, reminding us that being Church means belonging—even on our least lovable days—and that living as the Holy Family today means creating communities where compassion, presence, and care are truly felt.

In this reflection on Saint Joseph, we’re reminded that God often works not through spectacle, but through quiet faithfulness. Joseph never preaches, never speaks a recorded word in Scripture, and lives most of his life in obscurity—yet his willingness to listen and respond to God changes the course of salvation history. Through humor and honesty about dreams, doubt, and uncertainty, this homily explores what made Joseph extraordinary: deep trust, attentiveness to God, and the courage to act even when the path made little sense. Joseph’s example reassures us that holiness is not about recognition or fanfare, but about steady faith lived out in ordinary, unseen ways. This episode invites us to reflect on our own lives and recognize that every act of quiet kindness, every faithful response to God’s prompting, echoes far beyond what we can see—shaping hearts, communities, and even history itself.

Fr. Rob Howe uses an unforgettable—and very Michigan—image to explore the spiritual life: the difference between a slow-cooked venison neck roast and a microwave meal. Through humor and everyday experience, he reflects on our human impatience and our desire for instant results, especially when it comes to faith and prayer. Drawing from Scripture, he reminds us that God’s greatest works unfold in God’s time, not ours. From the centuries-long preparation for Christ’s coming to the early Church’s longing for Jesus’ return, the message is clear: what is formed slowly, with trust and perseverance, is richer, deeper, and far more nourishing than anything rushed. This episode invites us to let go of microwave faith and embrace the grace of waiting—trusting that God is always at work, even when we can’t see immediate results.

Fr. Rob reaches for sports analogy #39 — this time, from the Detroit Lions — to show how being underestimated can sometimes bring out our best. When expectations are low, the Lions play harder, dig deeper, and surprise everyone. But when they start believing their own hype… things get shaky. With a surprising parallel, Fr. Rob reflects on how the same pattern has played out in religion throughout history. From the Pharisees and Sadducees who became comfortable with power, to the early Church after Constantine, the temptation to self-righteousness has always been present. The moment faith becomes a tool for control rather than mercy, corruption and finger-pointing take over. Today, he challenges listeners to resist this same trap — especially in a time when Christians have cultural power and influence. Instead of judging and calling out others, the Church is called to return to John the Baptist’s mission: repent, see differently, and proclaim God’s mercy. The true work of Christ always turns outward — toward the poor, the forgotten, the struggling, and those most in need of compassion. Advent invites us to dig deeper, not in self-importance, but in humility, mercy, and mission.

In this First Sunday of Advent homily, Fr. Rob invites us to embrace the season with eager anticipation—just like hearing “keep your fork” after a big meal. Advent reminds us of two profound truths: Christ already dwells among us, and He will come again in glory. Discover how we can prepare our hearts, share our gifts of compassion and mercy, and participate in building the Kingdom of God. This message is a call to live with hope, generosity, and readiness for the joy that is still to come.

In this homily, Fr. Rob Howe reflects on the heart of Jesus’ teaching: not what we believe, but how we live. While theology can feel overwhelming and abstract, Jesus simplifies everything into two commands—love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself. Fr. Rob explores why loving God seems easy, but loving others—especially those we struggle with—is the real challenge. Drawing from the Gospel story of the repentant thief on the cross, he shows how trust in Christ and selfless love bring us closer to the life Jesus calls us to live.

Guest presider Fr. Pat O’Connor offers a thoughtful and engaging reflection on Jesus’ warning about the destruction of the Temple—a structure so magnificent that people believed it would stand forever. Drawing from history, humor, and everyday examples (including card games and Black Friday ads), Fr. Pat challenges us to recognize how easily we become attached to “houses of cards”—the fragile structures and material pursuits that cannot last. Instead, he reminds us that what truly endures is relationship: our connection with one another and with a God who knows us intimately, “down to the very hairs on our head.” As the liturgical year nears its end, Fr. Pat calls us to focus not on consumption or distraction, but on caring for one another and trusting the God who remains faithful even when the world feels unstable. A timely, grounded, and hope-filled message for anyone feeling the tremors of uncertainty in today’s world.

In this very personal homily, Fr. Rob shares his vocation story—how a faith-filled childhood, the influence of family and parish mentors, and a lifelong sense of “home” in the Church shaped his journey to the priesthood. With honesty and humor, he reflects on moments of doubt, the encouragement that sustained him, and the grace that made it clear he was exactly where God wanted him to be. Along the way, Fr. Rob reminds us that words of support and affirmation can change lives—and invites us to help others discern their own callings by simply saying, “You’d be great at this.”

In this All Souls’ Day homily, guest presider Fr. John Sarge reflects on how our understanding of this feast has evolved—from somber prayers for souls in purgatory to a joyful celebration of resurrection and eternal life. Drawing on the Gospel story of Jesus raising the widow’s son, Fr. John invites us to imagine what happens at the moment of death and to trust that God’s saving love is immediate and complete. As we remember our beloved dead, we lift them up in prayer—not out of fear, but in gratitude, hope, and love—knowing that they share in Christ’s risen life and continue to accompany us on our journey of faith.