God proposes: he doesn’t impose
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A); October 11, 2026 Is 25:6-10a. Ps 23. Phil 4:12-20. Mt 22:1-14 Deacon Jim McFadden The parable we hear in today’s Gospel tells us a lot about the Kingdom of God, which is likened…
Category: Homilies
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the other guy
Pentecost Sunday (A); May 24, 2026 Acts 2:1-11. Ps 104. 1 Cor 12:3-7,12-13. Jn 20:19-23 Deacon Jim McFadden When I was a boy in the very distant past, the 3rd Person of the Trinity was referred to as the Holy Ghost. Associating ghosts with spooky movies or novels, I wasn’t too keen on interacting…
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our faith is increased by the Lord’s Ascension
Ascension of the Lord (A); May 17, 2026 Acts 1:1-11 Ps47 Eph 1:7-23 Mt 28:16-20 Deacon Jim McFadden For the last two Sundays, we reflected upon Jesus Farewell Discourse which was his last will and testament; there, the nucleus of our Christian faith was on full display. Moreover, he promised us that he will not…
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learn the art of loving
The Farewell Discourse, Part 2 6th Sunday of Easter (A); May 10, 2026 Acts 8:5-8,14-17 Ps 66 1 Pt 3:15-18 In 14:15-21 Deacon Jim McFadden During the ‘50s (1956) a world famous psychoanalyst Erich Fromm wrote a remarkable book, The Art of Loving, which was a daring and challenging prescription to learn how to love…
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“Do not let your hearts be troubled”
The Farewell Discourse (1) 5th Sunday of Easter (A); May 3, 2026 Acts 6:1-7. Ps 33. 1 Pt 2:4-9. Jn 14:1-12 Deacon Jim McFadden In the Gospel passage (Jn 14:1-12) for this weekend we hear the beginning of Jesus’ “Farewell discourse” on the night of the Last Supper, just before facing the Passion. In…
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Let us listen and follow
Good Shepherd Sunday (A); April 26, 2026 Acts 2:14,36-41. Ps 23. 1 Pt 2:20-25. Jn 10:1-10 Deacon Jim McFadden Today is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, which presents us one of the most beautiful images that has portrayed our Lord Jesus since the earliest centuries of the Church: The Good Shepherd. For those of…
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Jesus speaks to us
3rd Sunday of Easter (A); April 19, 2026 Acts 2:14,22-33. Ps 16. 1 Pt 1:17-21. Lk 24:13-35 Deacon Jim McFadden Why was it so difficult for the two disciples to recognize the Risen Lord? Jesus’ death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. Previously, they had been so full of hope and enthusiasm;…
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mulder and Thomas
Divine Mercy Sunday (A); April 12, 2026 Acts 2:42-47. Ps 118. 1 Pt 1:3-9. Jn 20:19-31 Deacon Jim McFadden During the ‘90s, a popular, albeit off-beat television show was the X-Files, featuring agent Fox Mulder, an investigator of the para-normal. He had a poster in office of a UFO and the words “I want…
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A Different dawn
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of Our Lord; 4-06-2026 Acts 10:334,37-43. Ps 118. Col 3:1-4. Jn 20:1-9 Deacon Jim McFadden Today we are celebrating the apex of the liturgical calendar; indeed, it is the nucleus of our Faith: The Resurrection of the Lord. In the midst of so much uncertainty—the dire predictions of climate change outcomes,…
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The cross: A sneak preview
Good Friday: The Passion of the Lord (A); 2026 Deacon Jim McFadden Can you imagine was must have transpired in Hell when Jesus died on the Cross? No doubt some serious infernal celebration must have erupted when the Son of God breathed His last. (Think of a diabolical version of the World’s Cup Final, Super…
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the only life worth living is serving others
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A) Mt 21:1-11 (proc.) Is 50:4-7. Ps 22. Phil 2:6-11. Mt 27:11-54 Deacon Jim McFadden Every year is a moving experience on Palm Sunday as we go with Jesus towards the Temple, accompanying him on the ascent which leads to the Cross. As Jesus enters…
homilies
The wicked tenants: Ungrateful and greedy
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time (A); October 4, 2026 Is 5:1-7. Ps 80. Phil 4:6-9. Mt 21:33-43 Deacon Jim McFadden The parable about the mismanagement of the vineyard tells us a lot about the Kingdom of God, the choices we…
the road home
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A); September 27, 2026 Ez 18:25-28. Ps 25. Phil 2:1-11. Mt 21:28-3 Deacon Jim McFadden In a past issue of the Catholic Herald (September/October 2020), the newsmagazine for the Diocese of Sacramento, there is a…
