All Saints Day • Why have so many people left the Catholic Church? I think they have left because being Catholic made them less happy. It gets in the way of getting their way and having all the things and pleasures they want.

Getting what we want only makes us happy when we have learned to want that which is actually good for us. The happiness based on having things or fun experiences is the most fleeting source of happiness. It will naturally tend towards addiction.

Are there forms of happiness that don't disappoint? The happiness of a job well done is worth a lot of discomfort on the road to success. The Greeks and Romans taught us that the ultimate form of happiness is a life well-lived, that is, a virtuous life. The culture of self-indulgence erodes community. The culture of virtue and self-control demands, and builds, healthy community.

Above this level of happiness, there is a level that only Christians have access to. Believing Christians will come to know the warmth and light of Jesus' personal presence with them. This is the happiness of a life lived with Jesus. Christian community also reaches a new level -- being brothers and sisters in God's family.

The Beatitudes show us that, with the right attitude of heart, the challenging circumstances around us become an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. Even discomfort can be turned into a source of deeper happiness.

(1 Nov 2024)

Going Deeper: Are you more focused on the pursuit of happiness rooted in self-indulgence, or the pursuit of happiness rooted in self-control? How does Christian community contribute to your happiness? Have you experienced the happiness of a life lived with Jesus?

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Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (B) Stewardship is a great way of understanding the Gospel in our practical, everyday life. Christians are called to be like God. We can't possibly succeed, so the Holy Spirit gives us the power to love as God has loved us.

Consumers we are rarely grateful, because we have been trained to see the lack in our lives and to think that one more product will fix our problem. We see our value in terms of what I produce or consume or own. We see each other as competition. This is exactly where James and John are coming from. They want to grab spots at the top. Jesus says, "If you want the top spots, then you have to be willing to serve, suffer, and sacrifice."

If we are comparing, competing and complaining as consumers, then we are not living self-giving love. The Lord has already been a very generous and loving servant to all of us. We are now called to serve others as he has served us. Stewardship of Time is about quality time with God and with our family and friends. Talent are ways that you can use your gifts to bless others. Finally, Treasure is a great way to ask yourself, "Am I being generous?"

When I see how generous my parishioners are, you inspire me to be a better steward. Thank you for serving others as Christ has served us.

(20 Oct 2024)

Going Deeper: If you are a member of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches, review the 2024 Ministry Booklet and then complete the 2024 Stewardship Commitment Card online. Consider all the subtle ways you find yourself playing King of the Hill with the people around you (It's good to play "king of the raft" sometimes, especially for boys, but it shouldn't be the primary way we understand our place in the world). Are you the best at Comparing, Competing, and Complaining, or are you excited to Serve, Suffer, and Sacrifice?

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Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (B) This weekend we kickoff our annual parish Stewardship Renewal. We ask every parishioner of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches to make at least one commitment each in the areas of Time, Talent, and Treasure. It's always good to re-evaluate our commitments.

What can our scripture readings teach us about stewardship? Adam names the animals. He is practicing on creation so he can be ready for a bigger stewardship. God gives him the gift of Eve, his equal but whom he also names. Marriage is a shared stewardship. The two become "one flesh", sharing everything with one another, and together exercise a stewardship of God's children. Parents desire to bring their children to Jesus so he can bless them.

In standing up for marriage, God is standing up for the children. We know that many marriages to do not reflect the beauty of God's plans. God himself meets us in the midst of our struggles. Jesus came into this world and suffers with us and for us. Just as Jesus was "perfected" by his sufferings, so we become perfected in the fight with our own selfishness. Let God be the master, and be content to be his servant. Even when we are unfaithful, the Lord is faithful!

Struggles are an opportunity to grow closer to God and to one another. Marriage is a gift that is meant to be given away; it is a blessing that is meant to bless others. Our stewardship renewal is an opportunity to once again take stock of our blessings. The greatest gift God gives us is not material or spiritual blessings but the gift of one another and the gift of Himself. How blessed we are!

(6 Oct 2024)

Going Deeper: Review your stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure, and your attitude towards other human beings in your life.

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Ordinary Time, 25th Sunday (B) The Bible and our Catholic faith teach that life begins at conception and that every child is a gift from God. Every one of us is wanted, every one of us is willed, and we each reveal something special about God. “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Many parents nowadays don't want God to give them many of these gifts. Can we recognize that we are a gift? Can we recognize that the people around us are gifts? If a family sees children as competition with Mom and Dad's needs and wants, then we will see our siblings as competition, too. Then we turn around and pay doctors and scientists or surrogate moms so we can buy ourselves a "gift." The Bible invites us see ourselves and other human lives as God does.

(22 Sep 2024)

Going Deeper: Join us for this year's pro-life speaker Wednesday, October 15th, 2024, at 7 PM at St. John's in Antigo.
Oriens 2024: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas is available for purchase now. Join me for a pilgrimage to Italy next fall. Click here to learn more.

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Ordinary Time, 24th Sunday (B) Which world religion is the true religion? You don't have to look at every religion, you just have to answer this question: Is Jesus who he says he is? Every other founder of a major religion has claimed to have a special insight or revelation from God. Only Jesus claimed to BE GOD. Most people accept that Jesus was at least a good and holy man. But that is the one thing that Jesus CANNOT be. He must be either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.

He proves his claim not only with his miracles but also by rising from the dead. Jesus is who he says he is, and that means you are who he says you are. You are a beloved child of God and you have nothing to fear. Isaiah has a confidence that comes from trusting the God who called him. When we have this confidence, we can be generous with those around us. Because Jesus is who he says he is, do not be afraid to do what he calls you to do.

(15 Sep 2024)

Going Deeper: Do you believe Jesus' claim to be God? How does this belief give you new confidence?

Over 13 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.