Blessed Sacrament Parish Community Homilies

Join Fr. Rob as he explores the essential traits that should identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this homily, he discusses how generosity, patience, compassion, mercy, and unconditional love mark true discipleship, but emphasizes that hope is the crucial identifier our world desperately needs to see today. Drawing from readings in Isaiah and the message of John the Baptist, Fr. Rob reminds us that even in times of despair and uncertainty, disciples must never give up hope. He challenges listeners to become beacons of hope, trusting that Christ's presence redeems the world and that with him, nothing is impossible. A powerful message about maintaining faith and being agents of positive change in troubled times.

In this homily, Fr. Rob reminds us of the profound power of words—how they can heal, encourage, and give strength, or how they can wound and discourage. Reflecting on Jesus’ baptism and the words spoken from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” this homily explores how affirmation shapes identity and sustains us through life’s hardest moments. Through humor, personal storytelling, and a deeply pastoral insight, Fr. Rob invites listeners to consider a life-changing question: What would God say about you? The answer offered is one of hope and reassurance—that God, like someone who loves deeply, looks past our flaws and brokenness and sees the goodness within us. This reflection encourages us to hear those same words spoken to Jesus as words spoken to us: that we are beloved, known, and pleasing to God, not because we are perfect, but because we are loved.

In this brief but powerful reflection, Fr. Rob Howe reminds us that God’s grace is not confined to extraordinary moments of the past. The same mystery, wonder, and holiness that surrounded the pivotal moments of salvation history are continually poured out into our lives today. Rather than trying to explain God’s love with diagrams or definitions, this homily invites us to do something far more transformative: to receive it. God’s mercy and presence are always in our midst—quietly, faithfully, and abundantly. Our call is not to dissect the mystery, but to recognize it, accept it, and respond with gratitude. This homily is a gentle invitation to awareness, trust, and thankfulness for the grace that surrounds us every single day.

In this homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, we’re reminded that families—whether our own or our parish—are beautifully imperfect. With humor and honesty, this homily acknowledges what we all know to be true: every family is made up of different characters, virtues, struggles, and personalities. And that’s exactly where God chooses to dwell. Drawing on the mystery of the Incarnation, Fr. Rob reflects on how Jesus fully understands family life—not just love and joy, but also grief, irritation, absence, and compassion—because he lived it himself. From there, the focus widens to the parish, inviting us to see the Church at its best: not as an institution, but as a family that notices, welcomes, forgives, and cares for one another, especially when someone is hurting or missing. This homily challenges and affirms us at the same time, reminding us that being Church means belonging—even on our least lovable days—and that living as the Holy Family today means creating communities where compassion, presence, and care are truly felt.

In this reflection on Saint Joseph, we’re reminded that God often works not through spectacle, but through quiet faithfulness. Joseph never preaches, never speaks a recorded word in Scripture, and lives most of his life in obscurity—yet his willingness to listen and respond to God changes the course of salvation history. Through humor and honesty about dreams, doubt, and uncertainty, this homily explores what made Joseph extraordinary: deep trust, attentiveness to God, and the courage to act even when the path made little sense. Joseph’s example reassures us that holiness is not about recognition or fanfare, but about steady faith lived out in ordinary, unseen ways. This episode invites us to reflect on our own lives and recognize that every act of quiet kindness, every faithful response to God’s prompting, echoes far beyond what we can see—shaping hearts, communities, and even history itself.

Fr. Rob Howe uses an unforgettable—and very Michigan—image to explore the spiritual life: the difference between a slow-cooked venison neck roast and a microwave meal. Through humor and everyday experience, he reflects on our human impatience and our desire for instant results, especially when it comes to faith and prayer. Drawing from Scripture, he reminds us that God’s greatest works unfold in God’s time, not ours. From the centuries-long preparation for Christ’s coming to the early Church’s longing for Jesus’ return, the message is clear: what is formed slowly, with trust and perseverance, is richer, deeper, and far more nourishing than anything rushed. This episode invites us to let go of microwave faith and embrace the grace of waiting—trusting that God is always at work, even when we can’t see immediate results.

Fr. Rob reaches for sports analogy #39 — this time, from the Detroit Lions — to show how being underestimated can sometimes bring out our best. When expectations are low, the Lions play harder, dig deeper, and surprise everyone. But when they start believing their own hype… things get shaky. With a surprising parallel, Fr. Rob reflects on how the same pattern has played out in religion throughout history. From the Pharisees and Sadducees who became comfortable with power, to the early Church after Constantine, the temptation to self-righteousness has always been present. The moment faith becomes a tool for control rather than mercy, corruption and finger-pointing take over. Today, he challenges listeners to resist this same trap — especially in a time when Christians have cultural power and influence. Instead of judging and calling out others, the Church is called to return to John the Baptist’s mission: repent, see differently, and proclaim God’s mercy. The true work of Christ always turns outward — toward the poor, the forgotten, the struggling, and those most in need of compassion. Advent invites us to dig deeper, not in self-importance, but in humility, mercy, and mission.

In this First Sunday of Advent homily, Fr. Rob invites us to embrace the season with eager anticipation—just like hearing “keep your fork” after a big meal. Advent reminds us of two profound truths: Christ already dwells among us, and He will come again in glory. Discover how we can prepare our hearts, share our gifts of compassion and mercy, and participate in building the Kingdom of God. This message is a call to live with hope, generosity, and readiness for the joy that is still to come.

In this homily, Fr. Rob Howe reflects on the heart of Jesus’ teaching: not what we believe, but how we live. While theology can feel overwhelming and abstract, Jesus simplifies everything into two commands—love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself. Fr. Rob explores why loving God seems easy, but loving others—especially those we struggle with—is the real challenge. Drawing from the Gospel story of the repentant thief on the cross, he shows how trust in Christ and selfless love bring us closer to the life Jesus calls us to live.

Guest presider Fr. Pat O’Connor offers a thoughtful and engaging reflection on Jesus’ warning about the destruction of the Temple—a structure so magnificent that people believed it would stand forever. Drawing from history, humor, and everyday examples (including card games and Black Friday ads), Fr. Pat challenges us to recognize how easily we become attached to “houses of cards”—the fragile structures and material pursuits that cannot last. Instead, he reminds us that what truly endures is relationship: our connection with one another and with a God who knows us intimately, “down to the very hairs on our head.” As the liturgical year nears its end, Fr. Pat calls us to focus not on consumption or distraction, but on caring for one another and trusting the God who remains faithful even when the world feels unstable. A timely, grounded, and hope-filled message for anyone feeling the tremors of uncertainty in today’s world.

In this very personal homily, Fr. Rob shares his vocation story—how a faith-filled childhood, the influence of family and parish mentors, and a lifelong sense of “home” in the Church shaped his journey to the priesthood. With honesty and humor, he reflects on moments of doubt, the encouragement that sustained him, and the grace that made it clear he was exactly where God wanted him to be. Along the way, Fr. Rob reminds us that words of support and affirmation can change lives—and invites us to help others discern their own callings by simply saying, “You’d be great at this.”

In this All Souls’ Day homily, guest presider Fr. John Sarge reflects on how our understanding of this feast has evolved—from somber prayers for souls in purgatory to a joyful celebration of resurrection and eternal life. Drawing on the Gospel story of Jesus raising the widow’s son, Fr. John invites us to imagine what happens at the moment of death and to trust that God’s saving love is immediate and complete. As we remember our beloved dead, we lift them up in prayer—not out of fear, but in gratitude, hope, and love—knowing that they share in Christ’s risen life and continue to accompany us on our journey of faith.

In this week’s homily, Fr. Rob offers a humble and often humorous reflection on Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. He challenges us to see how easily we can fall into the trap of self-righteousness—believing we have all the answers and little need for God. True prayer, he reminds us, isn’t about congratulating ourselves but about opening our hearts to grace. Only when we recognize our dependence on God’s mercy can real transformation begin.

In this powerful and challenging homily, Fr. Rob reflects on Jesus’ haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” With honesty and humility, he reminds us that true faith isn’t found in loud proclamations or public displays of piety—but in quiet, consistent acts of love, mercy, and compassion. Real discipleship is revealed not in words, but in the way we treat the poor, the marginalized, and the broken. Through prayer and reflection, we allow God to change our hearts so that our faith becomes something visible, living, and real.

Fr. Rob reflects on the healing of the ten lepers — a story layered with meaning for our anxious world today. He reminds us that while all ten were healed, only one truly recognized the grace he received and responded with gratitude. Through that gratitude, his life was transformed. In this homily, Fr. Rob invites us to look deeply at our own lives — to see where God’s grace has touched us and to respond with thankful hearts. When we live with gratitude, our faith becomes stronger, our anxiety lessens, and we are reminded that God’s presence never leaves us.

In this week’s homily, Fr. Rob reflects on Jesus’ teaching about faith the size of a mustard seed — a faith meant not for show, but for action. Sharing a childhood memory of trying (and failing) to move a hymnal with sheer belief, he reminds us that faith isn’t about magical power or personal strength. True faith is lived out in service, mercy, and compassion. When our faith moves from thought to action — when we work together as the Body of Christ — even what seems impossible can become possible.

Fr. Rob reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, a gospel that speaks with two voices depending on where we are in life. On one hand, it’s a cautionary tale reminding us that the blessings we’ve been given are not ours to hoard — we are called to share. On the other hand, it’s a message of comfort, assuring us that in Christ, suffering and struggle are never the end of the story. Drawing on the beauty of the funeral liturgy’s Song of Farewell, Fr. Rob reminds us that in God’s love, burdens are lifted and eternal peace awaits.

Fr. Rob asks a blunt, life-changing question: if you knew you had only nine days to two weeks left, would you live differently? Drawing from Scripture (Amos, 1 Timothy, and the Gospel), he challenges us to confront the small, distracting things that steal our attention — grudges, endless scrolling, the need to win every argument — and to reprioritize what truly matters: our relationship with God expressed in how we love and care for one another. This is a call to wakefulness: to live with urgency, mercy, and presence so that every day counts. Honest, pastoral, and practical, this homily invites listeners to begin living like today is the gift it is.

In this homily, Fr. Rob reflects on one of the most beloved passages of Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” With stories of sports loyalty and shifting allegiances, he draws a powerful connection to what it really means to wear the cross. More than jewelry or an accessory, the cross is a declaration of who we are: people saved by God’s love, called to carry our share of the cross, and never left to carry it alone. Christ walks with us in every struggle, reminding us that the cross is both the sign of salvation and the way of discipleship.

Fr. Rob shares a humorous (and slightly embarrassing) hunting story—packing every piece of gear imaginable but forgetting the most essential: his boots. Crocs in the deer blind aside, this experience becomes a reflection on the Gospel. Just as boots are essential for the hunt, Christ’s presence is essential for life. When we place our relationship with him at the center, everything else—our relationships, our struggles, even our worries—falls into place. Without that foundation, we’re left unprepared. With him, we can carry the cross and find strength in every circumstance.