Weekly Homilies at St. Joseph Parish

St. Thomas in today's Gospel is fearful and anxious. He wants everything to be explained. How does Jesus respond? "Do not let your hearts be troubled."Jesus is pointing his apostles - and us - toward a peace to free us from carrying our anxieties.Gospel: John 14:1-12#trust #faith #anxiety #Jesus #Catholic

We must train our ears for the voice of the Good Shepherd. It is here that prayer is so fundamental, to cast all over voices and to recognize and hear His Voice. The best place to hear His voice is in the Most Blessed Sacrament, where He gives His life for us.We need good and holy priests to give us the Eucharist, to bring the Life of Christ into our world. May we cultivate within our families and our community a culture of prayer and vocations.Gospel: John 10:1-10#GoodShepherd #HisVoice #Gospel #Catholic #Vocations #Priesthood #ReligiousLife #Marriage

What is mercy? It is God's unmerited favor. There is next to nothing you have to do to receive it, but you do have to ask for it. In today's Gospel reading, we hear how the Lord establishes what we know as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Come to the Lord with all going on in your life: the ups and downs, the struggles and triumphs. Ask for forgiveness of your sins, and savor the grace of His mercy.Gospel: John 20:19-31#DivineMercy #Mercy #DivineMercySunday #Grace #Jesus #Catholic

Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!The joy we have today is not an emotion. It is an abiding presence that Christ is our Savior. We have the opportunity for eternal life because Jesus died on the Cross and, three days later, He rose from the grave.Alleluia.Gospel: John 20:1-9#Easter #Resurrection #Jesus #Catholic #joy #hope #eternallife

As baptized Catholics, we follow Christ in His joys, sufferings, passion, and death. We are also united with His resurrection.As such, we are called to unite our joys and our sorrows to Christ on the Cross. This is how we see our redemption.Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 26:14—27:66#PalmSunday #HolyWeek #Lent #Jesus #Catholic

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?" Romans 6:3This image of Lazarus in the tomb is an image of each and every one of us who have entered these waters of baptism, have entered into the tomb along with Christ, only to come out in the resurrection, the new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Gospel: John 11:1-45#homily #homilyhighlights #Jesus #baptism #tomb #death #resurrection #newlife #disciple

A question we might often have is "Why is this bad thing happening to me? Is it from my sin or someone else's?"Go to the Lord, have your sins cleansed from your heart so you can see His answer.And whatever the answer may be, it is also so that the works of God can be made visible through you, just like the blind man in today's Gospel.Gospel: John 9:1-4#homily #homilyhighlights #sin #forgiveness #cleansing #visibility #God #Jesus

"Get down on your knees and pray. Ask God for the gift, open your heart to receive it. If you feel as though you have grown distant from God, I wonder which one of you has moved." ~ Famous football coach Lou HoltzWe often stop short of coming to Christ because of shame, fear, guilt, pride, or whatever is holding us back.Let us today fall to our knees, asking God for the gifts we so desperately need.Gospel: John 4:5-42#homily #homilyhighlights #catholic #pray #gift #Jesus #Christ #Lent

Peter shows us in this Gospel reading that he wishes to bask in the riches of the Glorified Christ and forget about His Passion.In that moment, Jesus was allowed to be transfigured to the apostles to give them some encouragement to follow the difficulty of the Passion and Death of Christ, to see that this is not the end; that the Resurrection -- eternal life -- is the end.We may want to bypass the suffering that we are asked to take, just like Peter. When we unite our sufferings with the Cross, it becomes redemptive. It isn't empty suffering; it leads to the Resurrection.Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9#homily #homilyhighlights #catholic #passion #suffering #Christ #resurrection #eternallife #Jesus

"Behold, the Virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name Him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14) It happened."Out of Egypt I will call my son." (Hosea 11:1) It happened."He shall be called a Nazarene." (Isaiah 11:1) It happened.What God says will happen happens. "Take eat this is my body. Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28)"Behold, I am with you, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:20)Welcome to a special presentation of our annual 40 Hours Devotion, with a homily reflection from Fr. Clark Stiteler, Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann in Lancaster.#stjoseph #40hoursdevotion #yorkpa #homily #catholic #blessedeucharist #adoration #fulfillment #Jesus

God the Father entrusted His only Son to St. Joseph, who ultimately saved Jesus' life so the Lord could save us. St. Joseph listened and trusted God the Father's messages, despite it leading to exile, poverty, fatigue, ridicule, and so many other hardships.Without the sufferings of St. Joseph, we would not have the Savior to set us free from sin and death.Welcome to a special presentation of our annual 40 Hours Devotion, with a homily reflection from Fr. Clark Stiteler, Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann in Lancaster.#stjoseph #40hoursdevotion #yorkpa #homily #catholic #blessedeucharist #adoration

Welcome to a special presentation of our annual 40 Hours Devotion, with a homily reflection from Fr. Clark Stiteler, Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann in Lancaster.St Joseph is the perfect person to guide us during our 40 Hours Devotion. In this homily, Fr. Stiteler shares how St. Joseph is a quiet and strong figure, as he was the guide and protector of our Mother Mary and our Blessed Lord during his earthly journey.#stjoseph #40hoursdevotion #yorkpa #homily #catholic #strength #protector #blessedeucharist

Temptation is an invitation to sin. We can often be tempted to sin (as Jesus was as we heard in the Gospel), but it is not sin itself. We often think there is something wrong with us when we are tempted, but it is a result of our human nature. It is a trial to be endured.With patience, true humility, and following Christ every day, we can resist the temptations that come our way.Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11#catholic #homily #Lent #temptation #sin #patience #humility #Christ

"Nothing ever happens in the world that does not happen first inside human hearts." ~ Venerable Fulton J. SheenJesus reminds us this week that if we follow the least of the commandments, we will be "called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." God isn't looking for perfection but obedience, and through that obedience, we see how much He truly loves us, because each of the commandments leads our hearts and souls to be in heaven with Him. Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37#catholic #homily #commandments #obedience #Jesus

We are salt of the Earth. We might think salt is just a common spice nowadays, but it was an essential and necessary item for survival in ancient times.This means that Jesus is telling us we are essential, and we are intimately connected to Christ in His life, death and resurrection. Jesus speaks to us today, not just the apostles 2,000 years ago. Let us be filled with the sacraments He gave us, so we can continue to be salt of the earth.Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16#saltoftheearth #jesus #catholic #homily

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted."Jesus is speaking of those who are mourning a loss of someone acutely, but also those who lament the present state of our lives, for our sins and what is happening in our world.Comfort will come, fully and fulfilled, in the life to come in heaven. In this present time, we can come to the Lord with our mourning and our pain. Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a#Beatitudes #Gospel #Jesus #mourning #comfort #Catholic

Return to the Scripture. This is what we learn today, about how important the Word of God is in our lives. It our guidebook to this life, something to return to for reference as often as we can. It is where God speaks to us, and it will never leave us or abandon us.Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 #WordofGod #Scripture #Gospel #Bible #Catholic

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb that gave up His life for our sins and to open the gates of heaven for us. How are we reverent to the Holy Eucharist, who is Jesus re-presented for us?Gospel: John 1:29-34#LambofGod #JesusChrist #Catholic #Sacrifice #HolyEucharist

Start with prayer. When we feel on fire for God, ready to do and give and volunteer, it can be easy for us to not take time to pause and pray. Before He began His public ministry, Jesus started with His Baptism. He didn't need to be baptized; He is the Son of God! However, He gave us this example, this purification, this starting point.Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17#baptism #prayer #Jesus #Catholic #christmas #ordinarytime

Who were the Magi, these "Three Wise Men" we hear in the Gospel today? Where did they visit Jesus, and why did they bring Him gifts?Through the Magi's example, we know that God came not just for the Israelites but for the whole world, all the nations. Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12#epiphany #magi #wisemen #catholic #jesus #christmas

Today we see the faithfulness of marriage on full display through the Holy Family. Jesus in Himself is also an example of this faithfulness, fruitfulness, and "til death do you part". He gives us this example of marital love through His love for the Church.Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23#holyfamily #catholic #jesus #mary #joseph #love #marriage #faithfulness #fruitfulness #sacredheart

[We apologize for the missing beginning of the podcast due to technical issues.]It shouldn't be that Christmas is another day, but that every day should be another Christmas. That is the reality that we live in as Christians: Jesus did not just come one day more than 2,000 years ago. He comes every single day to us here in the Most Blessed Sacrament.This should transform every part in our lives.Gospel: John 1:1-18#christmas #mostblessedsacrament #nativity #jesus #transformation #catholic

[We apologize for the missing beginning of the podcast due to technical issues.]Why do we have joy in the Christmas season? Because of Jesus. It is Him for whom we have music, presents, cookies, and family gatherings.He came to us in very unassuming circumstances, in a barn and lying in a manager. He also comes to us in another unassuming way at every Mass, under the appearance of bread and wine.Tonight we are filled with joy because of what the Father has done for us, sending His Son to shatter the darkness with His light.Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25#christmas #catholic #memories #light #joy

[We apologize for the missing beginning of the podcast due to technical issues.]The readings today challenge us to open our minds and hearts to the will of God. We must stop making compromises with our sins, and allow God's grace and mercy to work within our hearts.Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24#advent #isaiah #oldtestament #catholic #mercy #grace

Why are we rejoicing while still within the season of Advent? Because we are awaiting the coming of the Christ Child, who will be arriving soon. Let us find joy, no matter what is happening within our lives, through Jesus Christ.Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11#gaudetesunday #catholic #advent #christmas #rejoice #joy

In today's Gospel, St. John the Baptist tells the followers that they must repent. This message wasn't just for the ancient people but for us in the here and now. We can't white-knuckle it through Advent to then say "Thank goodness it's Christmas" and let all the sacrifice go. Let us not grow weary of our penance, but heed St. John the Baptist when he says the Kingdom is at hand.Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12#Advent #JesusChrist #Catholic #Penance #Repent #Grace #StJohntheBaptist #SecondComing

There are two purposes for the season of Advent. Do you know them? We need to stay awake, for we do not know the day nor the hour.Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44#Advent #JesusChrist #Catholic #StayAwake #HesComing

Christ is in charge of everything, and He has given authority to us, through the very nature of our baptism, to rule as kings. Through our baptism, we share in that kingship of Jesus Christ. Do we take a moment to appreciate that great gift He has given to us: authority over our own lives to be able to follow Him, to choose the good? Gospel: Luke 23:35-43#christtheking #baptism #priest #prophet #king #catholic

Out of love for us and a desire to share His life with us, He opened the gates of heaven for all to have the hope of eternal life.One of the memorial acclamations is "We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until You come again."We know that Christ is coming again. Why do we fear it?Gospel: Luke 21:5-19#death #resurrection #gatesofheaven #eternallife #catholic #Jesus

The physical world plays a huge role to us. We need to touch, smell, hear, and taste in order to experience life. We are bodies and souls. This is why all seven sacraments have something physical about them: you feel the water rush over your head; you hear the words of absolution. You taste the Eucharist. St. Paul said we are the church, we are the living stones. And God resides here, in our physical beings and the places we call sacred.Gospel: John 2:13-22#physical #sacraments #temple #church #catholic #God #Jesus

Why are there souls in purgatory?Heaven is where God dwells and those who are saints are worshipping Him constantly. Here, there is no spot or stain of sin, no attachment to sin. Purgatory is given to those who die here on Earth and have lesser sins or an attachment to sin, and God purifies them. All who go to purgatory are assured of their eternal salvation.Gospel: John 6:37-40#purgatory #purify #mercy #sin #november #prayers #catholic #prayforus #allsoulsday

Next week is National Vocations Awareness Week. Is God calling you to a specific vocation, whether it is the priesthood, religious life, or marriage? This week, Father St.Denis shares his vocation story and explores the questions: "God, why am I here? What have you created me for?"Gospel: Luke 18:9-14#vocations #priesthood #religiouslife #God #Jesus #Catholic #life

We can often get distracted while praying, whether it's our mind wandering or an external distraction that takes us off course. But just like the widow in today's Gospel, we need to be persistent when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. It is a conversation with our Lord, and we must allow time and space for quiet and discernment.Gospel: Luke 18:1-8#prayer #persistence #catholic #relationship #Jesus #Lord

Our baptism is our initiation into the Church and the faith, but it is not a once-and-done event. Just like the Samaritan leper in today's Gospel, do we return back to the Lord in thanksgiving for the many gifts we have been given? Do we come to Sunday Mass, or visit Jesus in Confession or Adoration? Today is a great day to live out the Faith.Gospel: Luke 17:11-19#thanksgiving #faith #Mass #catholic #baptism

We get so absorbed in preparing for the future: 30, 40, 50 years down the road. We compare ourselves with others about our retirement plans and preparations for when we are old. When we become anxious about all the happenings in the world (war, famine, strife), we cling to earthly comforts to get us by.But we don't look far enough into the future, toward eternity, toward our Heavenly Father. Can we turn away from the earthly comforts and embrace the love of Christ?Gospel: Luke 16:1-13#comfort #eternity #Jesus #Catholic #homily #mammon

The world is a scary place: school shootings, violence, hatred, and more. What in the world is going on?It is through Christ's sufferings that we find redemption. He did not come to save us from our sufferings, but he came with compassion.How often do we cry out to God to end our sufferings, to take away our pain? But yet it still remains. What is God's answer? The cross.Gospel: John 3:13-17#suffering #violence #cross #Jesus #Catholic

If you are familiar with Middle Eastern culture, you are aware of the close-knit nature of families, which provide opportunities for safety, employment, and marriage prospects. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that to follow him, they must give up their families, which can be a heavy cross. He is asking them to give up everything, which breaks the social norms. This hasn't changed in 2,000 years: He is asking us to not live of this world, just in it.Gospel: Luke 14:25-33#cross #family #Jesus #disciple #catholic

Our dignity comes from Him and no one else. We try, each and every one of us, to prove our dignity over and over and over. But we don't need to prove the dignity that we have in Christ because it is God who gives it to us, not any one human being.All the saints understood that humility means depending upon God rather than ourselves. The saints lived in the Truth that they were sons and daughters of the Father, that they were weak but were made strong in Christ.Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14#homily #Jesus #Catholic #humility #dignity #saints

,This week we were joined by Father Agapitus Hector Businge from the Catholic Diocese of Hoima in Uganda.In addition to sharing insights in our weekly reading, he tells the congregation about St. Mary's Children and Women Specialized Hospital that offers specialized care to millions in need in Africa."Indeed, when God comes to save us from all forms of oppressive forces, whether they are political, social, economic or otherwise, we become a blessed and liberated people."To give to this year's missionary cooperative, visit OSV and click "Give Now" under Missionary Co-Op: https://osvhub.com/sjy/giving/funds#missionary #hoima #uganda #hospital #blessed #liberated #catholic #homily

Whenever we only consider in our minds what we should do, we are just debating among ourselves. This is not discernment about where God desires us to be. We are called to think of what is above, not what's on Earth. But how quickly our feeble minds turn to what we can see, touch, taste, and feel, that instant gratification.Gospel: Luke 12:13-21#richfool #prayer #God #catholic #christian #homily

Jesus taught us a new way to pray. We are no longer alone in our prayers, isolated. Now it is joined with that of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. And now we call God our Father, no longer orphans but the sons and daughters of the Lord.Gospel: Luke 11:1-13#homily #Catholic #Abba #Father #prayers

For a Christian, the works of service and charity are never to be detached from listening to the Word of God.Yes, this is a part of our lives, who we are, but the reason why we serve is to imitate Christ, Who serves all humanity.How do we know how to serve if we do not sit at His feet and listen to Him?Gospel: Luke 10:38-42#homily #Martha #Mary #Catholic #service #Christian #Christ

In this week's Gospel, we are faced with the answer of how to attain eternal life: Love the Lord with everything you are, AND love your neighbor as yourself.Why are these two tasks so hard to live out? It's even more difficult when we understand everyone is our neighbor, not just the ones we want to be."Go and do likewise."Gospel: Luke 10:25-37#goodsamaritan #jesus #neighbor #love #catholic #christian #homily

We hear this week how Jesus sends out 72 disciples to prepare the Way of the Lord. Just like our brothers of long ago, we are tasked to prepare the way of the Lord for his Second Coming. God tasks us to proclaim His glory, His salvation, and it must be shared with all. Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 #homily #mission #disciples #jesus #ordinarytime #catholic

It is the blood of the martyrs and the apostles that becomes the seeds of faith that blossoms into the Roman Catholic Church. It is thanks to their witness in taking the words from Jesus Christ himself and bringing them out into the world that you and I can be here today. If God can take a coward (St. Peter) and a murderer (St. Paul) and turn them into the greatest saints in the church, what amazing things does He have in store for you?Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19#saintpeter #saintpaul #catholic #catholicchurch #homily #sunday #mass #saints #blood #martyr #witness #jesus #romancatholic

In today's gospel, we are challenged to examine our hearts and ask if we are ready to receive the Lord: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We need to come pure of heart. Christ first desires to heal the people before he feeds them, and that is just what he does in today's Gospel miracle. Jesus is here for our healing and our nourishment.Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17#corpuschristi #catholic #Jesus #homily

God is LOVE. We don't say God has love but that He IS love. We reflect the love of God, but our love is imperfect through sin. But God's love is complete. He can do nothing but love. And He loves us.Gospel: John 16:12-15#love #God #perfection #catholicchurch #homily

We search for peace everywhere and wonder why we are unable to find peace. Yet still we use this vicious, never-ending search cycle, but forget to look toward God for our answer.But what were Jesus's first words after His resurrection? "Peace be with you."Go to Jesus to find the peace you are seeking."Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."Gospel: John 20:19-23#peace #homily #catholic #jesus #pentecost #holyspirit

How can I foster unity within the church and within my family? Unity doesn't mean the absence of conflict or glossing over differences. But let us be humble enough to listen to one another and lead each other to Christ.Gospel: John 17:20-26#unity #church #catholic #Christ

Don't be scared, be prepared.This is what Jesus is telling his apostles in the Gospel today, as he prepares them to receive the Holy Spirit and to spread His Good News.We are not naive optimists, but we also aren't pessimists. As Catholics, we are realists, and we share the real saving power of God.Gospel: John 14:23-29#prepare #jesus #apostles #catholic