Fr. Rick’s Three Minute Homily for Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2025, Luke 1:39-56 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081525-Mass.cfm Assumption Is A Big Welcome. Mother Mary assumed Jesus wholly and completely, even in his sufferings. And she still does in His Body on earth (The Church). So here is a gripping story of two types of assumption, one in suffering and one in glory. Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ, […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 19th Week in Ordinary Time
August 14, 2025, Matthew 18:21-19:1 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081425.cfm How Grateful Am I? When I read this gospel of the ungrateful servant, I was overwhelmed by the many blessings I have received throughout my life. I couldn’t begin to count them. God blesses all of us with His gift of creation that He sustains every minute of every […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday, 19th Week in Ordinary Time
August 13, 2025, Matthew 18:15-20 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081325.cfm We Offend People But Also God Perhaps you’ve asked God for forgiveness for your sins, especially against someone, but still lack peace with God or the person. It’s good to admit our sins, but a quiet prayer isn’t enough. After a while, we realize that we need the words […]
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 19th Week in Ordinary Time
August 12, 2025, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081225.cfm Do Not Lead Anyone Astray. Each morning, after I spend time in adoration with Jesus, I gently lift the monstrance during benediction, lifting up to the Lord those who have drifted away from their Faith. I humbly ask for forgiveness if I ever set a poor example that […]
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
August 10, 2025, Luke 12:32-48 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081025.cfm It seems like a long time. Waiting for something to happen can feel really distant sometimes. When I first started in the seminary, ordination seemed a long way off, almost like a dream. But that’s nothing compared to the Chicago Cubs—they waited 108 years to win the World Series! […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 9, 2025, Matthew 17:14-20 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080925.cfm Lord, Have Pity on My Son. People often ask me to pray for healing or some favor. I believe that Jesus is all-powerful and capable of doing anything. However, I’ve come to understand that simply appealing to His power and authority isn’t the same as having genuine faith. Faith […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 9, 2025, Matthew 17:24-28 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080825.cfm The Anointing of the Sick is a powerful encounter with Jesus in areas where we suffer the most. Surgery has its complications and difficulties. It can disrupt our lives, causing us to lose work and the ability to do the simplest things for ourselves. Over time, it can cause […]
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 7, 2025, Matthew 16:13-23 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080725.cfm We Are A Lot Like St. Peter. Marathon bike races are well-known in Florida, but not during the summer. Organizers place cones to guide bikers toward the finish line. If bikers stray from those cones to take a different route, they will never reach the finish line. So, what’s […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 5, 2025, Matthew 14:22-36 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080525.cfm What Wind? What Waves? When Peter walked on water, only faith in Jesus kept him from sinking. The waves and wind in life’s challenges don’t matter to Jesus and us. With Him, we can do anything. Without Jesus, we can’t walk a step on His path to Life. Living […]
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 4, 2025, Matthew 14:13-21 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080425.cfm Give Them Something Yourselves? Remember the adage, “God helps those who help themselves.” Unfortunately, that phrase can make it seem like everything depends solely on us. God has given us natural abilities and talents to live and sustain ourselves. We must use those talents and skills to serve others […]