Pilgrim Priest

Easter, 5th Sunday (A) How can every vocation be special? Each rock that makes up St. Hyacinth Church is a unique shape, size, and color. The whole church is built of unique, unrepeatable stones. Every stone is special! In a similar way, each and every person has a special vocation. These vocations all have something in common. Every Christian shares in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, which means we offer sacrifice, sanctify the world, and connect heaven and earth. You bring the offering of your life to the altar, I offer it to God, receive Jesus, and give Jesus back to you. Then bring Jesus out with you into the world. The one big obstacle to all our vocations is egoism, that is, believing that my life is all about me. It prevents me from accepting the shape that God has created me to be and from giving myself away. How do you find your vocation? Practice listening to the voice of God today. Learn to live with Jesus and for Jesus each and every day. If you are really living your Christian life well, whoever has seen you has seen Jesus. (3 May 2026) Going Deeper: Pray to be freed from egoism, so that you can live each day with Jesus and for Jesus. Image © PilgrimPriest.us | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Easter, 4th Sunday (A) Happy Good Shepherd Sunday, which could have also been called "Sheep Gate Sunday." Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. I think we often associate the word "vocation" with recruiting people to be priests and nuns. But the first vocation, the first "call" we receive, is the call of Baptism. I was recently listening to a podcast on the idea that Judaism is about love. Mr. Shai Held says that love is an orientation, that is, a choice to engage the world with a particular stance or attitude. Through Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, every Christian is called to love God and incarnate God's love in our attitude towards others. Our Baptism is a call to a life of self-giving love. Through Baptism, I learn to lay down my life for others.  All the secondary vocations are calls to particular ways of self-giving love. Marriage is the call to give yourself to your spouse. Single people can serve others in their family and community. Religious life is a call to self-giving love in and through a community. Priesthood is a call to self-giving love after the model of the Good Shepherd. Each of us is called to that stance, posture, or orientation of self-giving love after the model of Jesus Christ. Are you following the call? (26 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: How would you describe in your own words what the stance, posture, or orientation of self-giving love means? In what ways are you living this well, and where do you need to improve? Image Source: Holy Name Carmel | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Easter, 3rd Sunday • The Road to Emmaus is one of my favorite stories. It's possible that a married couple, Cleopas and his wife, are walking together. They are feeling discouraged and have been walking away from the church. Seeing Jesus in the Eucharist causes them to come back to the church. Do you want to see the risen Jesus? Then follow these three steps from today's Gospel: Be really honest with Jesus. Put your burdens in front of him. Receive what Jesus wants to say to you. Are you making time each day to read the Word of God? Invite Jesus deeper into your life. When we realize the Risen Jesus really is walking with us, we can say, as St. Peter does: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.... You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. (19 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: How is the Holy Spirit calling you to invite Jesus more deeply into your life? DUCCIO di Buoninsegna, Road to Emmaus (scene 26) 1308-11 Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena | Thank you to those who come to our services in person. | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Easter, 2nd Sunday (Divine Mercy) This weekend the Diocese of Green Bay made public the new priest assignments. Today I read a letter from the Diocese informing the people of our parishes that our current assistant, Fr. Kamal Gopu, will be leaving us on May 4th. Our new assistant, Fr. Michael Thiel, will be starting on July 1, 2026. The Diocese does not usually tell the story behind the decisions, which can cause confusion, doubt, and hurt feelings. St. Peter says, "In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I don't enjoy trials, but as they often expose our weaknesses. They can also prove us and purify us. The Risen Jesus brought great peace, strength, and unity to the early Christian community. With Jesus, they could face every trial. Transitions bring grieving and new opportunities. The same Risen Jesus stands in our midst and offers us peace when we are ready to receive it. (12 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: How do the trials you are facing look or feel different if you know that Jesus is with you? Image Source | Thank you to those who come to our services in person. | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord • If Easter Sunday were just a one-day celebration, our current wintry weather would really dampen the celebration. But we began preparing for this celebration 40 days ago with the start of Lent. And Easter Sunday itself is the final day of a three-day journey, beginning with Holy Thursday and continuing on Good Friday. The Shroud of Turin testifies to the brutality of the crucifixion, all that Jesus would have suffered. It also testifies to something else... you would have needed 34 trillion watts of energy to create this image. Was that the moment of the Resurrection? The Holy Fire miracle happens every Holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Easter reminds us that Jesus is with us and his light will always conquer the darkness. I think most of us want to get to the end of our life and look back and say, "That was worth it!" How can we guarantee that our life can be successful? Easter reveals Jesus's secret for success: We are God's children, and doing our Father's will will lead to the most successful life possible. The Resurrection is an invitation to new life right here and right now. (5 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: How would my life look different if I let go of the need to be strong, smart or successful, and chose to follow the will of God in my life? AdobeStock_715900547 | Thank you to those who come to our services in person. | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.  

Good Friday • We experience many different forms of suffering: illness, tragedy, the death of loved ones. But the worst kind of suffering is to have no sense of our purpose. Each one of us is a gift, hand-made by God and given to the world. But the world often does not receive us as a gift. On Good Friday, Jesus is completely and totally rejected. Even though the world rejects him, he knows that his gift is safe in the Father's hands. No one can take away his gift; he gives it freely and generously. You are worth it. Jesus died for you. No matter where you have been or what you have done, Jesus still sees you as a gift. Your gift is meant to be given back to God. When we unite our sufferings back to God, they find their meaning and purpose in the cross of Jesus Christ. (2 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: How can each of the kinds of suffering you experience be united to Jesus on the cross? Image: AdobeStock_409645104 copy | Thank you to those who come to our services in person. | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Holy Thursday • The Paschal Lamb was a sacrifice and a sacred meal. It's blood saved the Israelites from the Angel of Death. It died for them, so that they could live. Then the people then consumed the sacrifice with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. We give people we love mementos of our love. Jesus reminds us of his love by giving us his very self. Before you consume this meal, ask yourself: "Am I willing to give in the same measure?" We must love others as we have been loved. We wash feet, and then we invite those whose feet were washed to wash the feet of their loved ones. We love because he first loved us. (2 Apr 2026) Going Deeper: Have a family Last Supper moment by the husband washing his wife's feet, then the parents can wash their children's feet. Image: AdobeStock_1816495077 | Thank you Fr. Kamal and Deacons Andy and Peter | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Palm Sunday (A) Today, Jesus looks like a king. He fulfills the prophecy of Zachariah 9:9. Following Jesus, and accepting his kingdom, gives us freedom from all the kingdoms of this world. Even donkeys are marked with a cross! It's easy to follow Jesus when everyone is cheering for him. But will you keep following Jesus when things get hard? If we follow Jesus and accept his kingship, then our lives will also be marked with the cross. After the reading of the Passion How can God be a good Father if he lets us suffer? How could God be a good Father when he lets Jesus die on the cross? Jesus believes that his Father is a good Father. He believes that if he's doing his Father's will, God will be with him, he will have the strength to accomplish it, and it will be worth it in the end. Peter wants to do God's will, but he is relying on his own strength. Judas thinks he has everything figured out; he knows better than God. Peter falls back on Jesus' love for him, while Judas has nothing to fall back on. Whenever we are suffering, Jesus suffers with us and for us. We can unite our sufferings to Jesus on the cross. Here in Holy Week, let us turn our sufferings into sacrifices. (29 Mar 2026) Going Deeper: How do the sufferings you experience in your life look differently if you know that God is with you, he will give you the strength you need, and those sufferings will be worth it? Image Source | Thank you to Nate and Sarah, Patrons for 3 years! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Lent, 5th Sunday (A) It is never too early to plan your funeral! At least write a few things down: what church, what cemetery, what funeral home, what do you want to wear at your funeral? Jesus totally disappoints his friends. They tell him that their brother, his friend, is sick. He totally ghosts them. Jesus doesn't show up until after the funeral is over. When he finally turns up, his friends say what we've all thought a time or two: "Lord, if you had been here my brother, sister, parent, child... would not have died!" Jesus cries with them. Then he offers them new life. Whoever has Christ, has life. Jesus calls his friend by name... and gives him new life. The human race has been "tied" by burial bands. Jesus wants to untie us and set us free. We cannot expect to rise with Christ if we have not died with Christ. Are you prepared for your funeral? Are you prepared for your Friend to raise you from the dead? (22 Mar 2026) Going Deeper: Make a funeral plan. Talk to your loved ones about it. Then talk to them about the Resurrection of the Dead and Life Everlasting. Image Source | Thank you to Nate and Sarah, Patrons for 3 years! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Lent, 3rd Sunday (A) Our annual parish Lenten retreat talked about discipleship, stewardship, and evangelization. Let's watch Jesus as he shows us how to evangelize.  Jews and Samaritans don't get along, so Jesus starts with something they have in common. Jesus knows that she is thirsty. All this time as she has been searching and thirsting, Jesus has been the one she has been looking for.  The Samaritan woman has been blocking the flow of God's life by her selfish lifestyle choices. She tries to change the subject to an argument about religion. Jesus points out her deep desire to be a worshiper of the true God.  She leaves her water jar. She no longer needs to ask the things of this world to satisfy her because she has found the source of true life and true love. When we are trying to evangelize, we need to first remove the obstacles that prevent us from truly receiving the life of God. We need to recognize how thirsty we are, and unblock ourselves from all the ways we have tried to satisfy our own thirst with something other than Jesus.  Jesus was sitting on the well. God was standing on the rock in front of Moses. In a similar way, Jesus is already present in the lives of those we love. He can do for them what we cannot do ourselves.  Evangelization is not about convincing people that we are right. It's about helping people we love discover how thirsty they are, and then showing them where to find the spring of life-giving water. (8 Mar 2026) Going Deeper: Listen to Roxane Salonen interview Peter Andrastek about how to evangelize and the lay vocation. How is God calling you to evangelize? You can also read Bishop David's letter on sharing Jesus with others. Image Source | Thank you to Patrons Mark & Kathy! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Lent, 2nd Sunday (A) Lent does not exist for itself. It exists to prepare us for Easter and new life in Christ. On the way into the desert, the nation of Israel stops for a mountain-top experience. The Israelites have been brought out of Egypt but they still have Egypt in their hearts. Are we the sort of people that have to wander in the desert because we don't trust God, or are we the new generation that trusts in God? Jesus gives his three closest disciples a mountain-top experience. I had a mountain-top experience in adoration this past week. When did Jesus become real for you? Save your mountain-top moments. Keep going back to them. Here are three ways you can do that: 1) Make a commitment to come to Mass on Sunday. When you do, kneel down and reconnect with a place where you felt that God was with you. 2) Make time to come to confession so you can look Jesus in the face again. 3) Make time for adoration. Save those mountain top moments; you'll need them as we go back down into the desert. (1 Mar 2026) Going Deeper: When did God become real for you? How has he revealed his presence to you? How is he trying to strengthen you for your combat in the desert? AdobeStock_232588083 | Thank you to Patrons Mark & Kathy! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Lent, 1st Sunday (A) Adam is given the job to "keep" the garden (the Hebrew word is shamar). Adam fails to guard both the garden and his wife. Jesus feels abandoned by God. He falls back on the lessons God taught the Israelites in their 40 years in the desert. Jesus is guarding and protecting his true identity, and God's true identity as his loving Father. We do not conquer sin and death by figuring out the techniques that Jesus used. Instead, we conquer sin and death by joining Jesus in HIS victory over sin and death. We need to guard and protect our true identity this Lenten season. Guard your mind: "Take every thought captive to obey Christ." Guard your words. Guard your actions. Guard your true identity in Christ. (22 Feb 2026) AdobeStock_1834183058 | Thank you to Patrons Mark & Kathy! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform. | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ash Wednesday • Would you want a boyfriend or girlfriend who loved you half-heartedly? How many of you would want to play on a team with half-hearted teammates? Do you want to live in a family who loves each other half-heartedly? Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were half-hearted Catholics. Then an angel appeared to them to prepare them for Mary's visit. That following spring, on May 13, 1917, Mary appeared to them. She told them they needed to pray and do penance for the conversion of sinners. They began to pray many rosaries and make many sacrifices, including giving away their lunch to other poor shepherd children. They were praying, fasting, and giving alms. During Lent, we not only do penance for our own sins, but also for the sins in the world. Our prayers, sacrifices, and alms-giving can make the world a better place. Stop living a half-hearted life! (18 Feb 2026) Going Deeper: How would your life be different if you loved God with your whole heart? How does Lent look different if your sacrifices are not just for you, but for the whole world? Image Source | Thank you Patrons Pete and Patty! | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 6th Sunday (A) Campus ministry is thriving at UW-Oshkosh thanks to your donations to the Bishop's Appeal and the Raising Vocations collection. Missionaries are reaching college students with the love of Jesus, and those students are themselves becoming missionaries on college campuses around the U.S.. You might have heard this sermon: "You're not holy enough; try harder!" That's not really the Gospel message. Our intellect was designed to know the truth and our will was designed to choose that which is good. Sin darkens our intellect and weakens our will. It's easy to believe lies, and even when we know the truth, we don't always do it. Whenever we make good choices, we become more free. Whenever we make evil choices, we become less free. We are working with darkened intellects, weakened will, and we are being harassed by an evil genius bent on destroying us. Fortunately, God gives us the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills. The Gospel is not saying, "Try harder." Rather, Jesus is pointing out to us that it's not enough for us to follow the rules. Our hearts must also be transformed. Let us say YES to the Holy Spirit and his truth and goodness. Let us say NO to even the little lies and all the small ways we don't fully love. (15 Feb 2026) Going Deeper: "Holy Spirit, where is it that you want to bring me into more freedom and truth and goodness this Lenten season?" Listen to Msgr. Shea's keynote at Seek 2024, "Why Are We So Depressed?" AdobeStock_254749271 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 3rd Sunday (A) Jesus is the light. By the light of his love, we can see our own lives more clearly. We know that we were made by love and for love. Love moves us into communion and community. From the very beginning of creation, Adam and Eve were able to receive one another as a gift. But after sin happens, they fall into the trap of using and being used. This leads to rivalries, jealousies, and divisions. How can we give ourselves completely to one another? We need to start by giving ourselves completely and totally to God. God will teach us that we are a gift an will help us make a gift of ourselves to one another free of fear and using. Married couples are a light to the world. Let your light shine! (25 Jan 2026) Going Deeper: Do you know any married couples whose love really shines? How do you see God's love through them? Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (A) Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of our Lord's Baptism. This week, the readings speak to us of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is the sacrament most closely connected to the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was Baptized by John in the River Jordan, me came out of the water and the Holy Spirit landed on him like a dove. The Holy Spirit remained with him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "His whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him 'without measure.' This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah's, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people.... Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn." Ordinarily, the Bishop is the one who confers the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Bishop is a successor to the Apostles who were present at Pentecost. This practice shows that the Christian who is confirmed is in Communion with the local Bishop, who is the guarantor and servant of unity, catholicity, and apostolicity in his church. The Bishop traces a sign of the cross on the forehead of each person to be confirmed and says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." A seal in the ancient world was a mark of ownership. St Paul tells us that God has put his seal upon us. It shows ownership and protection. And it is permanent. Like Baptism, Confirmation can be received only once. It marks the person as a Christian. The catechism calls this "an indelible spiritual mark" which means that your Confirmation cannot be erased by any power. What are the effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation? "It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: - it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"; - it unites us more firmly to Christ; - it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; - it renders our bond with the Church more perfect; - it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross." The Syriac liturgy of Antioch expresses the epiclesis for the consecration of the sacred chrism (myron) in this way: "[Father . . . send your Holy Spirit] on us and on this oil which is before us and consecrate it, so that it may be for all who are anointed and marked with it holy myron, priestly myron, royal myron, anointing with gladness, clothing with light, a cloak of salvation, a spiritual gift, the sanctification of souls and bodies, imperishable happiness, the indelible seal, a buckler of faith, and a fearsome helmet against all the works of the adversary." "Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. the latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands. "To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act. Each candidate for Confirmation is accompanied by a sponsor, a fellow Christian who has already been Confirmed, is at least 16 years old, and is himself living a good example of faith in the Holy Spirit. Each candidate also chooses a patron saint and is Confirmed in the name of the saint. So we have an earthly helper, a fellow Christian, and a heavenly helper. We need to keep and preserve the gifts that God gives us. We must all work to grow in a more intimate union with Christ, and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit. (18 Jan 2026) Going Deeper: Read about the ordination of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8. 1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." Read more in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no.s 1285-1381. AdobeStock_472225992 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Baptism of the Lord (A) We naturally love that which is good. Therefore, you should love yourself. Rightly-ordered self-love is the fruit of seeing your own goodness and loving that which is good. You should desire your own continued existence and your own flourishing. You are not the source of your own goodness. We love our Creator as the source of our goodness. And when we look around at others, we see that they are also good like us, and we love them. So love of others and love of God flow from love of self. Do you see how important it is to love yourself rightly? This is exactly why the Devil attacks your value! Most of us struggle to love ourselves rightly because the Devil keeps attacking our value and dignity. Note: disordered self love is when I falsely think I have more goodness than anyone else. I might even think I am better than God himself. That is disordered self love because it's not rooted in the truth. This isn't what we are talking about.  So how can we learn to love ourselves rightly? The human community must welcome each person and love that person as God does. The human community needs to be transformed. It is transformed by the love of God. Finding and experiencing God's love is essential for us to learn to love ourselves rightly. Jesus got a good start because Mary and Joseph created a good family environment. But at his Baptism, he still needed to hear his Father say, "Son, I love you, and I'm proud of you." We all need to hear these words. And we need to live in this love. Repeat after me: "It is good that I exist." Now turn to your neighbor and tell them, "It is good that you exist." (11 Jan 2026) Going Deeper: If yourself were a friend of yours, would that friend feel loved by you? Two podcast episodes that inspired this topic: Restore the Glory Podcast Episode 139: Philosophy and Healing w/ Fr. Matthew Rolling and Interior Integration for Catholics 173: Aristotle and Aquinas on Proper Self-Love.  @

The Epiphany of the Lord • Marco Polo claims to have seen the incorrupt bodies of the three magi. God is directing a great drama and each of us has a special role. Everyone else is fighting to be the star of the show. But we recognize that the true star is Jesus, with Mary as Best Supporting Actress. Herod needs to be the star, and he will eliminate any competition. The Wise Men show us who is the true Star. They also teach us that we have a gift to give. Every Sunday at Mass, we present our gifts to the King and God, the healer of our ills.  (4 Jan 2026) Going Deeper: What kind of gifts do you have to give at Sunday Mass? Read The Incorruptibles by Joan Carroll Cruz.  AdobeStock_472225992 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord) • God is three Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is one person with two natures - human and divine. So can we call Mary the Mother of God? Yes, because she is the mother of a person, not a nature. God sets a father in honor over his children;     a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. - Sirach 3:2 A mother has authority over her children. Mary is fully human but she has been given special graces and blessings. She has been given authority as the Mother of God's family. Her authority extends even over the demons. As our new year begins, let us learn to exercise the authority we have in Christ, while we also live within the protection of Mary's authority. (1 Jan 2026) Going Deeper: Listen to Restore the Glory Episode 145: Deliverance and Healing (Part 1) and learn for yourself about Mary's authority over even the demons. Image Source: Original art "Warmth in the Cold" by KMBerggren.com | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (A) We are each special, hand-made, and unique. When God creates children, he wants them to be welcomed into the world by a family.  Right from the beginning, the family is under attack. Adam doesn't protect the garden. He and Eve disobey God. They begin living lives of isolation, self-protection, and self-reliance. How does Joseph manage to best Herod? Joseph is a good father to God's son because he is an obedient son of the Father. He does not rely on his own strength, wisdom, or abilities, but on God. Fathers and mothers are called to be visible signs of God's invisible love. We are all imperfect images of a perfect God. How do our actions contribute to a more or less holy family? Men, let us learn to be obedient sons to our heavenly Father so we can be the best fathers to our earthly families. (28 Dec 2025) Going Deeper: Do your rules for your children reflect God's high standards and his unconditional love? What would a man look like if he was striving to be an obedient son of God the Father? Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Christmas Eve • I decorated my tree on Christmas Eve. It was a journey through my life history. As we listen to the genealogy of Jesus, we get a brief summary of the history of the entire Bible. Only one name is repeated. Each person is a unique link on the chain that leads to Jesus. You are precious and unique. God delights in you and rejoices in you. Not all of us are faithful. In fact, most of us are not faithful some of the time. God was faithful to his side of the covenant even when the ancestors of Jesus were not faithful to their side of the covenant. God sent his Son so that we could be born again. We don't always get the things we ask for from God. Even when we don't get what we wanted, we always get the gift we needed. Jimmy learned an important lesson when his little brother proved a better gift than a bicycle. Many of us will leave Jesus at church and not take him home with us because he doesn't fit our expectations or our lifestyle choices. But those who are willing to take him home will realize that he's exactly what they always needed. Because only this gift can save you. (24 Dec 2025) Going Deeper: When did God not answer your prayers with the gift you were hoping for? What did he give you instead of what you asked for? AdobeStock_451760533 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Advent, 4th Sunday (A) A young King Ahaz faces a complicated and difficult political situation. He doesn't need a plan, a strategy, or powerful allies because God will be with him. God wants to give him a sign, but he doesn't want a sign. Does he feel ashamed? Is he trying to be the one in control? Is he afraid to trust? Or maybe me thinks he doesn't matter. Whatever difficult situation, challenge, or darkness you are facing, God is with you. The answer you are looking for is not a present under a tree. God himself is the answer to your prayers. Watch and wait for him. Jesus's life on earth was itself a sign. He has been guiding the human race with wisdom and love since the beginning, and he will be with us until the end of time. In a similar way, Catholics sometimes think that the Eucharist is the only place we can find God. This is simply not true. God is everywhere. He made everything. The heavens tell his glory and the earth is full of signs of his wisdom, power, and love. But we have become so scientific-minded that we have forgotten how to read the signs all around us. The Eucharist is not the only place when can find Jesus. It is a sign to look for him everywhere. St. Joseph needs a sign. He is willing to leave Mary and take her shame with him. In Joseph we see true manhood: a willingness to sacrifice for others. He is also a sign of the coming sacrifice that Jesus will offer for me and for you. Joseph welcomes Mary, and Mary brings Christ. No matter how messy your heart or your home might be, do not be afraid to welcome Mary. She will prepare a place for Emmanuel, God-with-us. (21 Dec 2025) Going Deeper: slsl Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Advent, 3rd Sunday (C) For twenty years, Franciscan missionaries labored in Mexico with very little success. Finally, God acted through Mary, and in 10 years, over 8 million Aztecs and Chichimecas became Catholic.  Zachary Feldker served as a missionary to teens through the Spiritus program. He often prayed at Champion Shrine and complained that God wasn't revealing his vocation to him. Finally, Mary spoke in his heart. All that waiting had put him in exactly the right place to answer the call. We can get discouraged when God doesn't act promptly. We might think that God isn't listening or doesn't care. We need to wait in joyful hope for God to act. Trust me, when God acts, it will be worth the wait. (14 Dec 2025) Going Deeper: Read the story of the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe for yourself. Or read about the scientific study of the Tilma. Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Which Catholic teaching is the most difficult to accept? It's not the Immaculate Conception, the Incarnation, or Transubstantiation. Most people seem to have a really hard time with the idea that every child is a gift from God. Thanks to original sin, every child is perfect and precious and also rather annoying. And we make things worse when we make our own sinful choices. So when God wanted to send the most perfect gift, he made Mary not only precious and beautiful and loved, but also without original sin. Mary could spend her whole life being the good and beautiful person she was created to be. Mary gave God the gift of herself, and God gave her an even more perfect gift: Baby Jesus. By giving his life on the cross, Jesus made it so that each of us can become immaculate, like Mary. Mary reminds us that we are each a gift. She reminds us to treat ourselves as a gift and to treat others as a gift. She also shows us that, by giving ourselves back to God, we can become a more perfect gift. Going Deeper: Do you agree with Fr. Joel that this teaching is hard to accept? Why or why not? AdobeStock_220604677 | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Advent, 1st Sunday (A) Winter was coming, but were you prepared? Advent was coming, were you ready? Jesus is coming; are you prepared to meet him? Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters use today's Gospel to justify "the rapture." But in the days of Noah, the evil people were taken and the good people were left. The rapture is the opposite: the good people are taken and the evil ones are left. The Catholic church does not believe in the rapture. We believe that Jesus will walk with the good people through difficult times. "He who perseveres to the end will be saved."  When Jesus says, "One will be taken and one will be left," I think he means the experience of loosing those who were close to us. How can we be ready when it's our turn? I recommend the old Catholic practice of seeing every bedtime as a little death. We never know if today is our last day on earth. Before you go to bed, prepare yourself to meet Jesus. Spend some time in gratitude. Where was Jesus present in your day? How did you respond to his presence? Say an Act of Contrition. Then make a resolution for tomorrow.  Winter was coming. Were you prepared? Christmas is coming. Are you prepared? Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet him? (30 Nov 2025) Going Deeper: Before bedtime, make three simple steps: Gratitude, Contrition, and Resolution. Rest in Peace, Fr. Daren J Zehnle. Introducing the New Album for 2026 Welcome to Season 16 of the Pilgrim Priest Podcast. This season is titled Breath Fire Light. The new podcast year always starts with the first Sunday of Advent. I try to find a meaningful title for the podcast that reflects what is going on spiritually in my life and in the parishes. This year, the image that came to me was that of a fire that has almost burned itself out. There are just a few coals left flickering. You breathe on the fire to breath life back into it. Then you add some kindling and keep breathing on it, coaxing it back into life. If you are successful, there is a moment when the kindling bursts into flame. Suddenly you have light! Our parishes have grown cold and many Catholics are barely smouldering. We need the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and coax us into flame. When we catch fire, then we can start to be a Light to the nations again. Breath. Fire. Light. Image Source | Over 15 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C) Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, a relatively new feast in the church year. It was added to the church calendar in 1925. It is not a celebration of the idea that it would be really nice if Jesus were our king. Nor does it celebrate the fact that Jesus will be a future king. Rather, this feast day acknowledges that all power in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. Jesus is king now, despite the fact that earthly kings, presidents, and CEOs currently appear to have much more power than Jesus. God anointed King David, and later the people of Israel accepted his kingship. In a similar way, we get to pick our own leaders here and now, but God has picked the eternal king. We can decide if we will live in his kingdom. What do you need to entrust to the king? Some of us need to entrust our Sundays, our finances, a relationship, or our past. All of us need to trust him with our future. Today, entrust yourself, and all that you have, to the King. (24 Nov 2025) Going Deeper: Oriens starts next week. Join me for a pilgrimage through Advent and Christmas. Learn more at pilgrimpriest.us/book Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome • The consecration or dedication of a church building sets it apart for the worship of God. Every Christian is consecrated to the Lord. We were Baptized and Confirmed and received Holy Communion. The church is holy so we can be holy. We should be no less holy than our local Catholic Church! Some of us are called to dedicate ourselves particularly to God. The men and women who join religious orders are "set apart" for the worship of God. They live here now as all will live in Heaven. When you come to the church, you should find Jesus. When you come to the priest, you should meet Jesus. When you come to any Christian, you should see Jesus there. Are we willing to give God only a little, and keep the rest for ourselves? We are called to give--dedicate, consecrate--every part of our lives to God. These beautiful buildings dedicated to the worship of God speak to us of our true dignity and vocation. (9 Nov 2025) Going Deeper: Do you celebrate your Baptism anniversary? Does your local church celebrate it's dedication anniversary? My churches' dedication days are as follows: SS. James & Stanislaus: October 11, 1920 SS. Mary & Hyacinth: March 3, 1935 St. Wenceslaus: October 25, 1953 St. John: September 1, 1957 Image © PilgrimPriest.us | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

All Souls Day • The dead are not so very far away. They have a message for you: "What you are, I once was. What I am, you will be." I want to start my homily by talking about funerals. Funerals and Baptisms have more in common than you might realize. We greet the body at the door, we sprinkle the casket with Holy Water, and we unfold a white pall over the casket. Jesus receives all of our concerns and burdens, and covers us in his own holiness. Finally, we are given a lit candle, the Light of Faith, to light our way to heaven. Our Baptism starts us on our journey to God's kingdom. We then spend the rest of our life preparing for our funeral. We are deeply connected with the spiritual world, but we are often unaware of this aspect of our existence. When the soul leaves the body, it sees it's own state. Souls that said "No" to God, and that was their final answer, begin immediately to experience hell. Souls that were free of all sin begin immediately to enjoy the happiness of heaven. And those that still had some attachment to sin enter a state of purification. Salvation isn't finished yet. On the last day, at his Second Coming, Jesus will return in glory with his angels. He will raise the dead and put Heaven and Earth together forever. It will all go quicker than we think. Are you preparing for your funeral? (2 Nov 2025) Going Deeper: Go walk in a cemetery, pray for the dead, and reflect on your own funeral. Join me for the final year of Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas learn more at PilgrimPriest.us/book Image: AdobeStock_677256140 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Solemnity of All Saints • What are we celebrating today? The Preface for All Saints explains: For for today, by your gift, we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother, where the great array of our brothers and sisters already gives you eternal praise. Towards her we eagerly hasten, as pilgrims advancing by faith, rejoicing in the glory bestowed upon those exalted members of your Church to whom you give us, in our frailty, both strength and good example. And so we glorify you with the multitude of saints and angels, as with one voice of praise, we acclaim... The word Saint is the French word for, "holy." I looked it up in Greek and I found three related words: Hagios means holy, set apart, different. Hagos: awe-inspiring, wonderful, amazing. Hagnos: clean, innocent, modest, perfect. Holiness is not fundamentally the fruit of our hard work. It is a gift from God: gazing at the face of God and being transformed by his love. In the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us a description of his own face. He is poor in spirit, he mourns the disconnection between us and God, he is meek, he hungers and thirsts for righteousness, he is merciful, clean of heart, and a peacemaker. Lastly, Jesus is persecuted. This is what we look like when we become holy in God's likeness. "God, help me to be what you created me to be."  Holiness is not an escape from this world. It is living fully in the world according to the true destiny and purpose of this world.  As pilgrims let us hasten towards our heavenly homeland to join the saints, receiving from them both strength and good example. (1 Nov 2025) Going Deeper: What deceased holy person, canonized or not, gives you both strength and good example? Ceiling Fresco Secco painting The heavenly Jerusalem at St. Blasii Cathedral Interior - Braunschweig, Germany | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (C) Welcome to our Stewardship Commitment Sunday. When it comes to stewardship, I feel like the little old lady who is constantly badgering the judge. "Turn in your card!" When God doesn't answer our prayers, we need to step back and notice our underlying need. The Lord wants to grow deeper in a relationship with us. We are often not open to receive the gift of Jesus himself. The good times and the bad, the sickness and the health, can all be opportunities to grow closer to God. But we need to be persistent in prayer if we want to see growth happen. Our annual Stewardship Renewal is not fundamentally about Time, Talent and Treasure, but rather about growing closer to the Lord. "Lord, show me how you are inviting me to grow closer to you through my Time, Talent and Treasure commitments in 2026." Do you ever feel like you're not having an impact on the world? When you make changes to your own life, you also change the world. Thank you for changing the world today! (19 Oct 2025) Going Deeper: If you are a member of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, please turn in your Stewardship Renewal card or fill out your commitment online through the parish website. Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Naaman the Syrian is powerful, wealthy, and successful. But his strength and wealth are not enough to make him healthy. He encounters love and truth through his obedience to God's will, and experiences wholeness and communion. When we started our stewardship program, I thought everyone else needed to learn stewardship. The program is helping me learn to trust in God, be grateful, and be generous with God's gifts. Being obedient to God leads to healing. Even the sufferings, burdens, and challenges that we face are really gifts from God. (12 Oct 2025) Going Deeper: If you are a member at the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, please turn in your stewardship renewal card next weekend. Consider committing yourself to a daily Rosary. Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (C) "I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery?  Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord." Was the prophet Habakkuk looking over my shoulder as I watched the evening news? We come to Sunday Mass to get a new vision, a vision that is different from the evening news or your social feed. God appears not to intervene because he is more concerned about the state of your soul than about the state of the world. Let's consider an attitude adjustment. First, how do we look at the global and national news? Some people like to use the lens of "Spiritual Warfare." By this, they mean that the Devil has a secret plot to undermine the Church and take over the world, and we have to act now to stop him! But that's not how the Church sees the world. Our Father is still in control, and he is quietly working things out for our good. We spend a lot of energy on the big-picture things we have no control over. And we miss chances to change the world immediately around us. I'm an advocate of Stewardship because I believe that it can be an antidote to our consumer culture. It starts when we are grateful for God's gifts. Then we can be generous with the time, talents, and treasures that God has given us. The more we give, the more we will see ourselves as a gift. If I'm trusting in myself, my resources, and my smarts, then I only have a limited amount to work with. But even the smallest amount of faith gives us access to the infinite power of God. Faith enables us to act with power, love, and self-control. And when we have done great things by God's power, we can simply say, "I was just a faithful steward." (5 Oct 2025) Going Deeper: Take some time to re-evaluate your life. "Am I really living as a Steward?" Am I taking care of my little world, and trusting God with the big picture? Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas 2025 New tiers and a new donation model at Patreon.com AdobeStock_125406453 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (C) I saw a lot of amazing things on my pilgrimage to Italy: medieval towns, Pope Leo, three Eucharistic miracles, the four major basilicas... but the most amazing thing was our Italian bus driver, Pino. I used to think that Italian driving was highly competitive. But I watched Pino and the other drivers cooperating with one another. Do we see the world through a lens of competition or cooperation? Many of our political leaders today see the world as winners and losers. Jesus has a message for us: The winners of today will be the losers of tomorrow, and the losers of today will be the winners of tomorrow. St. Francis of Assisi chose to be poor today and became wealthy in eternity. Emperor Nero tried to be the big winner, but St. Peter was victorious. St. Wenceslaus was a loser to sibling rivalry, but he was the big winner in the final analysis. Pope Leo invites everyone to pray the Rosary for peace during the month of October. I just started a commitment to a daily Rosary, and I want to encourage you to do the same. The Rosary will help you be grateful and generous. (28 Sep 2025) Going Deeper: Consider a commitment to a daily Rosary. Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Anti-venom comes from animals who were poisoned but survived. Jesus drank the poison of our sins and it killed him. But he rose from the dead and now his body is the antidote to sin and death. Grumbling is a kind of poison. If left unchecked, it will kill our spirits. When you suffer, look at the cross. Know that Jesus suffers with you and he suffers for you. You can unite your sufferings to Jesus. It is a good habit to have a cross in every room in your house. (14 Sep 2025) Going Deeper: Hang up a crucifix in a prominent place in your home. Spend 15 minutes gazing at a crucifix and sharing your burdens with Jesus. Image © Benjamin Sember | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (C) We think we are free, but many of us are slaves. We are burdened by the needs and worries of the flesh. The book of Wisdom says, "For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns." In today's Gospel, Jesus seems to be adding more burdens: Hate your family, take up your cross, and renounce all your possessions. In reality, Jesus is not adding more burdens, but lifting burdens from us. He is setting captives free. Think of the times we worry about our family and friends. If Jesus is the most important person in our lives, all our other relationships will find their proper order and place. We all face suffering. But if we carry our crosses with him and for him, our burdens will be lighter. We all worry about our material possessions. But if we follow Jesus, he will make sure we have what we need. I find marriage to be a useful illustration of this "all-in" principle.  Can a husband say to his wife, "I love you, but my mother is more important than you. My family, my friends, these are all more important."? I tell you, his marriage will not last long. A wife needs to be the first and most important woman in her husband's life. Then the other relationships will find their proper places. How many would want to be married to a spouse who says, "I will be with you when things are easy, fun, and comfortable, but I will be leaving as soon as things get hard?" Even in marriage we must take up our crosses daily. Lastly, the possessions of one become the possessions of both when you are married. Some people are trying to be married as a kind of side job. Marriage only works when both spouses are willing to go "all-in". In a similar way, many of us are trying to follow Jesus as if it were a side-job, something we do after we've done everything else. But it's only when we are willing to be "all-in" disciples of Jesus that everything else falls into place. (7 Sep 2025) Going Deeper: Join me for Oriens: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas this year. Learn more at pilgrimpriest.us/book Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (C) Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the guests at the banquet are observing them carefully. Jesus is also watching them. He offers some sage advice, a radical suggestion: fight for the lower spot. Make yourself as humble as possible, and wait for the host to exult you.  Two news stories shocked me this week. The first was the shooting at Annunciation Catholic school in Minneapolis. The second was a priest of the Madison diocese who was arrested for pursuing an illegal relationship with a young girl. I don't know a lot about these situations. And it's always dangerous to judge things at a distance. But, with those caveats, I want to hazard a guess. I bet that deep down, both the perpetrators in these terrible situations had, at some point, refused to accept their own poverty. They looked for ways that they could grasp at that would make them feel powerful. St Francis of Assisi grew up the son of a wealthy merchant. He liked expensive clothes and throwing lavish parties. He decided he wanted to be a knight. His father paid a pretty penny for a new suit of shiny armor and off he went to win glory in a local war. Instead he was captured and put in prison. He was held for ransom. There in prison he began to have a change of heart. He realized that fighting for the best place at the table was not working for him. He realized that Jesus chose poverty. He decided to choose poverty. When he was released from prison, he started praying a lot and dressing like a beggar and begging for food. As you can imagine, the town thought he had gone crazy. But in reality, he was falling in love. Francis chose poverty because it made him like Jesus.  Jesus chose poverty because it made him like us. You see, deep down we are really poor. The richest, most powerful man on earth will die and lose everything. We are all poor little creatures. And we can respond to our poverty one of two ways: Grasping at more so we don't have to feel poor, or childlike trust in the Father's love with a gratitude that feels no need to possess. When we grasp at things, we can only hold so much in our own two hands. And it's all slipping through our fingers. As my empire expands, that reality doesn't really change. I only control so much and it can easily be lost, stolen, or corrupted. When I live in childlike trust of my Father, I own nothing of my own, but the wealth of his kingdom is also mine. Paradoxically, by choosing to accept my poverty and see myself as a grateful steward, I become unimaginably wealthy. I don't own anything but Daddy owns the sun, the moon, the stars, and the whole planet. And he lets me use whatever I need whenever I need it. When we choose the path of childlike trust, then we can turn and be generous to others. Today Jesus holds a banquet and invites the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. He wants you to do the same for others. (31 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: Reflect on Psalm 131: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up,     my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things     too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul,     like a child quieted at its mother's breast;     like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord     from this time forth and for evermore. Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (C) Tent-camping is the best kind of vacation, because when you come home, your ordinary life feels like a luxury vacation! Fr. Michael is a very disciplined camper. He taught me the importance of doing the important things first, then relaxing and enjoying yourself afterwards. When we hear the word "discipline", we think of punishment. But the Latin word actually means, "instruction." Discipline is about teaching ourselves, and others, to put first things first. Whe first discern what is important. Then we train ourselves to say "Yes" to the good and important things and "No" to the bad and less-important things. In this context, the other two readings make more sense. Jesus is telling us that we need to keep doing the important things regardless of how others are acting. Jesus himself is the narrow gate. The bar is high, but God is generous. Focus on the important things, and do your work well. That is how we strive to enter in. (24 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: Want to add more discipline to your life? Not eating meat on Fridays s a great place to start. If you already observe meatless Fridays, consider adding a fast day or two in your week. Thank you Cathy who on August 6 celebrated 1 year as a Patron. AdobeStock_1033690588 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 20th Sunday (C) Leadership isn't cool. People lead badly when they start trying to look good. Jesus wasn't worried about being cool. Jeremiah wasn't worried about being cool. When we are called to lead, we can't worry about trying to be cool. Thank you, men, for coming to Mass today. The world tells you that you should be anywhere else but here: fishing, working, having fun, or sleeping off a hangover. But you are here because you know that you can only be a good leader for others if you let Jesus lead you. August 17 is the feast day of St. Hyacinth. He teaches us that whatever Jesus calls us to, Jesus will also give us the resources to accomplish the call. If we are trying to lead with our own smarts, we will never be strong enough on our own. Let us heed the call to leadership by allowing Jesus to lead us. (17 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: How can being a follower of Jesus make you a better leader? Listen to Patrick's podcast about not being cool and here's another one about the GOAT leader. J.A. - stock.adobe.com | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass during the Day) • Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. There have been many incorruptibles through history that are awaiting the resurrection. Mary is the ark of the new covenant. As David welcomed the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, so Jesus welcomes his Ark, Mary, into the Heavenly Jerusalem. The Ark preserved a jar of manna, the tablets of the Law, and Aaron's rod. In a similar way, we need to preserve moments when we have seen God working in our life. God is producing a great play, the "Theo-drama", starring Jesus with Mary as Best Supporting Actress. We each have a special and unique roll, which we discover and live when we let the Holy Spirit direct us. We need to allow Jesus to be the star of the play. This helps us escape our "ego-drama." Mary humbly fulfills her roll and God exalts her. Living our roll well lifts us up and everyone else along with us. (15 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: What would it mean to play your humble roll well? Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.  

Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (C) Today we hear a witness from one of our Diocesan seminarians. He helps us see that faith is not a made-up fairy-tale. When we see the world through the eyes of faith, WE SEE IT AS IT REALLY IS. The reason why faith is comforting is ultimately because it's actually true. Jesus is real. We can trust him. Jesus promised he would rise from the dead. And his promises came true. "Walk with me," Jesus said. By faith, Logan walked away from his girlfriend and began attending daily Masses. By faith he joined the Kairos year. Logan has learned the incredible joy that comes from walking with Jesus every day. Jesus is leading us somewhere. We are pilgrims; this is not our home. The things here and now are passing away and we need to use them in a way that prepares us for eternal life. Some people think that faith isn't rational. That's not true; faith is above reason, but not contrary to it. IF you believe that God exists, AND that he offers a heavenly homeland, THAN the most rational thing would be to trade the pleasures and comforts of this life for the blessings and security of eternal life. It is supremely IRRATIONAL to believe that God exists and that heaven is our homeland and still live for the here and now. Jesus is trying to save us from living irrational lives.  Jesus is real. You can trust him. Walk with him today. You won't regret it! (10 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: How are fear, selfishness, and shame preventing you from walking more closely with Jesus? Consider participating in the Diocese of Green Bay's Annual Raising Vocations collection. Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (C) What's in God's wallet? Certainly not cash, credit cards, receipts, or insurance cards. The only thing in God's wallet is photos of his kids. Lots and lots of photos, because God has lots and lots of kids. And he knows each one's name and their story. God loves every child like an only child. The Catholic Church believes that every person has a dignity and value that comes from God himself. There are so many temptations not to recognize the dignity and value of every human being. There are many obvious ways that human dignity is attacked: genocide and racism, abortion, suicide, and eugenics. Then there are less obvious ways, such as IVF and surrogate motherhood. Lying, gossip, the exploitation of workers, and the mistreatment of immigrants all attack human dignity. "There can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person's dignity and without respect for his or her rights." (Pope St. John Paul II) "Holy Spirit, show me the true value of every person, starting with myself." "Holy Spirit, how are you calling me to uphold the dignity of every person in my community, state, country and world?" (3 Aug 2025) Going Deeper: Thank you Fr. Paul Timmerman for helping with this homily. Reflect on the following quotes: Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti "The dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances, not because that dignity is something we have invented or imagined, but because human beings possess an intrinsic worth superior to that of material objects and contingent situations. This requires that they be treated differently." Declaration of the Infinite Dignity of Human Dignity (2024) "Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter. This principle...underlies the primacy of the human person and the protection of human rights. ...the Church resolutely reiterates and confirms the ontological dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed in Jesus Christ. From this truth, the Church draws the reasons for her commitment to the weak and those less endowed with power, always insisting on "the primacy of the human person and the defense of his or her dignity beyond every circumstance." Vatican II Gaudium et Spes #27: "Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia or wilful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed. They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are supreme dishonor to the Creator." St. John Paul II in the encyclical the Gospel of Life (pp 101): "There can be no true democracy without a recognition of every person's dignity and without respect for his or her rights." Photo credit AdobeStock_392287192 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (C) I was away on a Steubenville youth conference. I had the privilege of listening to Bishop Barron preach on how Jesus is like the Good Samaritan. My favorite part of the homily is that the Catholic Church is kind of like the inn. We are helping those wounded by sin recover from their injuries. (13 July 2025) Going Deeper: Can you find me in the picture? Learn more about the Steubenville Conferences. Photo credit Bishop Robert Barron Facebook post | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 14th Sunday (C) The Jews think that Jerusalem is invincible because they are the Chosen People and they have the Temple. But they fail to obey God and He allows Babylon to destroy the city. Many are tempted to adopt the lifestyle and beliefs of the Babylonians. But God calls his people to continue to be faithful to him while living in a foreign land. The Christians of Galatia are living in a pagan world soaked in sex, violence, gluttony, and every kind of material excess. St. Paul encourages them to keep living for Jesus. Today, our situation is surprisingly similar to that of the Jews in Babylon or the Christians in Galatia. We live in a secular pagan culture soaked in sex, violence, gluttony, and material excess. Many are tempted to adopt the lifestyle of our neighbors. But God is calling us to be missionaries. How can married couples be missionaries? First, they need to be disciples of Jesus. Second, they trust in their Father to provide for their needs. Third, their trust in God allows peace to live in their hearts and their homes. Fourth, we cannot let the world's rejection of Jesus cause us to question his value. Fifth, we can trust that God will protect us. Finally, you don't have to be the perfect Catholic married couple in order to be missionaries of His love. As long as you are a disciple of Jesus and abiding in his love, God can use your "yes" to serve his kingdom. May the peace of Christ reign in our homes! (6 Jul 2025) Going Deeper: What married couples have been missionaries to me? How can they inspire me to live more deeply for Jesus? How can I be a witness of the love of Jesus to the world around me? Image © PilgrimPriest.us | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

June 30, 2025 • Today I celebrate the eighteenth anniversary of my ordination as a Catholic priest. Babies born the year I was ordained a priest are now graduating from high school! I have a few thoughts to share about priesthood. Blessed to be a Blessing Saturday I attended the ordination of Fr. Nico Stellpflug. At the end of the ceremony, he gave his first priestly blessing to the Bishop who ordained him. After Mass, members of the congregation lined up to receive his blessing. A priest is blessed so that he can be a blessing to others. You, too, are a gift! And the gift that is you is a gift that was meant to be given away. Not the Perfect Catholic Priest I thought I was supposed to save the world by being "the perfect Catholic priest." Today's scripture reading (Monday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time) tells us that Sodom and Gomorrah would have been saved if there had been just ten righteous people living there. My job, and yours, is to be in right relationship with God, ourselves, others, and the world. All God needs is our individual "yes" to his call and he will take care of the rest. Lived in Community My individual "yes" to God matters every day. But I am also called to be part of a community of love. My church family teaches me how to be a priest. Thank you for the ways that you have shaped and continue to shape my priesthood. My priesthood has been a blessing to me and I hope it has also been a blessing to you. (30 June 2025) Going Deeper: How are you a blessing? How do you use your gifts to bless others? Image © PilgrimPriest.us | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C) We cannot have deep, meaningful relationships with other people unless we are willing to be vulnerable with them. When we know our own worth, then we will be able to open up and share with others even if they don't always receive us well. The Eucharist shows that God is willing to be vulnerable with us. Satan knows that God hurts when we are hurting ourselves and hurting others. God became vulnerable when he became human, and his vulnerability continues in the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus knows that a deep, meaningful relationship is not possible without vulnerability. So He chose to be vulnerable first in hopes that we will not be afraid to open up and be vulnerable with him. (22 Jun 2025) Going Deeper: The podcast I was referring to was Episode 157: "Grifter" from Darknet Diaries podcast. Jack does a whole intro about his Defcon party. A large number of these hacker types like Grifter grew up in divorced families, had ADHD, and spent unhealthy amounts of time on computers. Also notice that the trajectory of his life changes when he joins a community that is intentional about forming virtue in its members (in this case it was the Air Force). Later on in life, he continues to live by those same virtues. AdobeStock_471173901 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (C) The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. There are not three gods, but one God. We call this mystery, "The Holy Trinity". Human beings are body, mind, and spirit. When our spirit is led by the Holy Spirit, it can lead the body and mind into a harmony, a communion, a human trinity. The family is husband, wife, and children. When the husband listens to God and to his family, he can lead the family into unity. A healthy family balances the individual gifts of each member with the community. In Communism, the individual is virtual annihilated by the community. In modern Western culture, the community is annihilated by extreme individualism. Society needs healthy families in order to recover a healthy balance of individuals in communion. Christians are members of the Holy Trinity. From within the communion of the Trinity we can recover harmony in ourselves, our families, and society. (15 Jun 2025) Going Deeper: When do you experience harmony in mind, body, and spirit? When and how do you experience disunity? Image: AdobeStock_860232509 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Pentecost Sunday (C) We are made for communion. We are called to communion. But you can't force anyone into communion. God respects our free will so much that if we say "No" to him, he won't override us. This is why we don't pray for the souls in hell; it's too late for them to change their minds. I firmly believe two contradictory things: 1) You need to be perfect, free of all sin and sinful habits, in order to enter heaven. 2) Jesus died for every person and God offers salvation to every person. We find ourselves right in the middle between the impossible goal and the impossibly generous gift. Will we allow God to make us worthy of eternal communion? Evangelization should be motivated less by a fear of hell and more by the love, joy, and peace we have found in communion with God and others. Imagine a church where every member were set aflame by the power of the Holy Spirit and formed and equipped to share the good news with others. That is my dream! "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love." (8 Jun 2025) Going Deeper: Read the SERVE magazine or the blog at the Family Missions Company. Image Source | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ascension of the Lord • We know that the earth is a giant sphere suspended in outer space. The ancient people thought of the world like a snow globe. Jesus is ascending to the highest point of the universe. From there he can see everything and lead his people to victory. The cloud of God's glory leads the Israelites out of Egypt, meets Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai, and takes up residence in the newly-consecrated Temple of Solomon. The cloud appears at the Transfiguration. So when Jesus is hidden from their sight by a cloud, it means that he has moved into the presence of God. How can Pope Leo the Great say, "Jesus had not left his Father when he came down to earth, nor had he abandoned his disciples when he ascended into heaven"? It's almost like Jesus and the Holy Spirit are two sides of an old-fashioned two-car elevator. When Jesus walked the Earth, the Holy Spirit kept him connected to his Father. Jesus ascends and the Holy Spirit descends. Now the Holy Spirit is here with us keeping us connected to Jesus and the Father. Jesus is the head; we are the body. We could say that the Body of Christ has its feet on the ground and it's head in the clouds. We, the Body of Christ, is suffering, dying, rising, and ascending into heaven. Meanwhile, our head is safely home and leading us there. Let us pray for a greater communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Place your hands over your heart an repeat after me, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the heart of your faithful, and kindle in me, the fire of your love." (1 Jun 2025) Going Deeper: Reflect on these words from Pope Leo the Great: "Even the blessed apostles, though they had been strengthened by so many miracles and instructed by so much teaching, took fright at the cruel suffering of the Lord's passion and could not accept his resurrection without hesitation. Yet they made such progress through his ascension that they now found joy in what had terrified them before. They were able to fix their minds on Christ's divinity as he sat at the right hand of his Father, since what was presented to their bodily eyes no longer hindered them from turning all their attention to the realization that he had not left his Father when he came down to earth, nor had he abandoned his disciples when he ascended into heaven." Image Various | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Easter, 6th Sunday (C) The First Reading is from the Sixth Sunday and the Second Reading and the Gospel are taken from the Seventh Sunday. God's deepest desire is to be in communion with us. We can find happiness in many places. But we can only find fulfillment in communion. Our communion with God started with our Baptism when we were dunked into the very life of God. It deepened when we received our first Holy Communion. God is in us and we are in God. The consumer mentality makes me a black hole, endlessly pulling people, things, and experiences into my orbit. But grasping does not lead to lasting fulfillment. Communion happens when we can enter into a relationship of mutually self-giving love. We are helping to bring people into communion with God so they can also experience true communion with themselves, others, and creation.  Jesus is praying for us! He lives every day in deep, intimate communion with his Father. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live every day in deep, intimate communion with the Trinity. Come, Holy Spirit! (25 May 2025) Going Deeper: What would it look like to soak more deeply into God's love? Image AdobeStock_44429041 | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.  

Easter, 5th Sunday (C) Our parish exists for one reason: Communion. Through Baptism we are "dipped" into God's love for us. When we receive Holy Communion, God enters us. So we are in God and God is in us. That's the very definition of communion! Today Jesus tells us, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." I think many of us nod and smile at these words without realizing what they mean. We think Jesus is telling us to be nice, to tolerate others, to be accepting and inclusive. In reality, Jesus is inviting us to first receive his love and love him back in the same way: total, faithful, fruitful, and free. Our love for Jesus pulls us into communion with him. His love for others pulls us into communion with them. Communion will never be perfect here on earth. But we need to keep investing in it. The Apostles are sent out by a community, they create little communities, and they return to a community. Is your parish a place of Communion? (18 May 2025) Going Deeper: What does Communion mean to you? Does it feel safe? Is it something you long for? What would it practically look like? Image stolen from JoelStepanek.com and used without permission | Over 14 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.