Fr. David Hogan

Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAll three of the Sunday Mass readings have the theme of perseverance. Moses persisting in the fight against the Amalek's, St. Paul in encouraging St. Timothy to remain faithful in teaching and witness both when it's convenient and inconvenient, and the persistent widow in asking for a judgement from an unjust judge. We need to hear them over and over again. Why? For the simple reason because our hearts become wearisome. Don't quit. You are doing great. God is with you. Your future is shaped by the habits you repeat, not the goals you set. May God help us to run so as to win.Scripture Readings for October 19, 2025Exodus 17:8-13Psalm 121:1-82 Timothy 3:14-4:2Luke 18:1-8

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary TimeSt. Paul in his letter to St. Timothy encourages him to "fan into flame" the gift given him, not to be ashamed of witnessing Christ, and to hold fast to sound teaching. As Catholics we ought not to agree more. Scripture Readings for October 5, 2025Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4Psalm 95:1-2, 6-92 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14Luke 17:5-10

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeThe prophet Amos challenges us to see the suffering around us and respond. He goes on to imply further that indifference to others' suffering is a moral failure. Our Gospel presents the reality of Amos' preaching via the telling of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Notice both the rich man and Lazarus' eternal destinies are reversed: the rich man had a name in society but now nameless in the afterlife. Lazarus who had no voice on earth now known by name in heaven.Scripture Readings for September 28, 2025Amos 6:1, 4-7Psalm 146:7-101 Timothy 6:11-16Luke 16:19-31

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary TimeHaving taken to prayer many of the recent incidents of violence in our country, it is painful to see how we as a country do not see one another. Rather, we see political sides, division, and contempt. Though there is much strife, we are never too far gone. Proof of this is found in our Gospel today regarding the unjust steward. May all the Souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.Scripture Readings for September 21, 2025Amos 8:4-7Psalm 113:1-2, 4-81 Timothy 2:1-8Luke 16:1-13

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25). These words of Jesus seem shocking and harsh. Instead, Jesus is using a literary device called hyperbole, that uses extreme exaggeration to create a strong impression or emphasize a point; it’s not meant to be taken literally but rather to evoke emotion and action in the listener’s mind. We know these words are hyperbole because we know the overwhelming content of the Gospel message: Love. You and I are called to love God and neighbor, but when forced to make a choice, a disciple knows the answer. It is a total way of life that demands commitment, suffering, and sacrifice.Scripture Readings for September 7, 2025Wisdom 9:13-18Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, and 17Philemon 9-10, 12-17Luke 14:25-33 

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary TimeJerusalem is understood as a spiritual reference to pain, suffering, sorrow, and death. These are all realities people attempt to avoid at all costs. Jesus, having freely taken up His own cross, teaches us that power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, strive to enter through the narrow gate.Scripture Readings August 24, 2025Isaiah 66:18-21Psalm 117:1, 2Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13Luke 13:22-30

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary TimeJesus assures his disciples the peace given to them will be diametrically opposed to the peace the world offers. How can Jesus be both the Prince of Peace who teaches his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. While also in today's Gospel say that He has come to bring not peace but division? Is Jesus contradicting himself? Quite the contrary, Jesus came to pick a fight with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Because He enters the arena first, He calls us to fight as well.Scripture Readings for August 17, 2025Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18Hebrews 12:1-4Luke 12:49-53

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAn order of Trappist monks whose members live among the Muslim population in northern Africa. As the country is plunged into civil war in the mid-1990s, the men of God must decide whether to stay among the impoverished residents who have been their neighbors, or flee the encroaching fundamentalist terrorists. The situation that unfolds, based on actual events, has tragic consequences (Source: Rotten Tomatoes). The disciples in today's Gospel ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. In so doing, Jesus gives them the perfect prayer: The Our Father. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Scripture Readings for July 27, 2025Genesis 18:20-32Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8Colossians 2:12-14Luke 11:1-13

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeWith Jesus in her home, Martha is "anxious and worried" because she fails to see the "one thing" that all her busyness is ordered to: attending to the Lord Jesus Christ. At some point all the success and progress we have made in our lives will be passed on to future generations. Up until we arrive at this important moment, have we filled our life with many things or have we kept our eyes on the one thing that truly matters?Scripture Readings for July 20, 2025Genesis 18:1-10Psalm 15:2-5Colossians 1:24-28Luke 10:38-42 

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary TimeThe movie Nefarious (2023) tells the story on the day of a man’s scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer gets a psychiatric evaluation during which he claims he is a demon, and further claims that before their time is over, the psychiatrist will commit three murders of his own. In our Gospel for today, the seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sends out to prepare the way were more than simply missionaries, they were commissioned exorcists. Meaning, Jesus gave them power over demons, devils, evil spirits, and fallen angels. Yet, there is something greater than casting out demons…“REJOICE YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.” This is our supreme triumph and defeat over the evil one. The enemy has been defeated. Death can’t hold you down. Gona lift our voice in victory and make our praises loud.Scripture Readings for July 6, 2025Isaiah 66:10-14Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20Galatians 6:14-18Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, ApostlesThe Miracle of Dunkirk refers to the large-scale evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, France, during World War II. Trapped by German forces, over 338,000 British and Allied troops were rescued by a combined effort of the Royal Navy and civilian boats between May 26 and June 4, 1940. Sts. Peter and St. Paul went on a spiritual rescue mission across the Roman world by evangelizing with boldness. They suffered and died as witnesses to Christ’s truth, strengthening the Church through their letters, doctrine, and leadership. Sts. Peter and Paul continue to intercede for the Church as saints in heaven. May the Church continue to accept the invitation from Christ by going behind enemy lines to save those in need.Scripture Readings for June 29, 2025Acts 12:1-11Psalm 34:2-92 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18Matthew 16:13-19

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of ChristThe phrase Body of Christ was a deliberate chose of words for both the Eucharist and the Church. The Second Vatican Council calls the Church the people of God. The people of God are connected spiritually and invisibly to Christ through the gift of the Eucharist. May there be greater bonds of unity and peace as we recognize the gift of God in ourselves and another another.Scripture Readings for June 22, 2025Genesis 14:18-20Psalm 110:1- 41 Corinthians 11:23-26Luke 9:11-17

The Solemnity of the Most Holy TrinityThere is a essential link between God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and humanity. St Paul outlines in our second reading today this necessary connection through the language of golden chains. Though there is much to say and can be said about the Most Holy Trinity, one of its greatest attributes is unity.Scripture Reading for June 15, 2025Proverbs 8:22-31Psalm 8:4-9Romans 5:1-5John 16:12-15

Ascension of the LordThere can be a temptation to think Jesus' ascension into heaven was his way of distancing himself physically and spiritually from humanity. Instead, Jesus reminds his disciples that he must go otherwise the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) will not come. Our Catholic Christian faith is rooted in the hope of both the Resurrection and the Ascension of the Lord. May the ascended Lord renew us in our quest to soar like eagles.Scripture Readings for June 1, 2025Acts 1:1-11Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23Luke 24:46-53

Sixth Sunday in EasterGod is revealed in three stages throughout human history. First, God the Father is revealed in the Old Testament as above His creation. Next, God the Son is revealed in the New Testament by becoming human. Finally, the Holy Spirit is revealed through the Church within the heart of man. Knowing how important this relationship is with the creator of the heavens and the earth, allow God's dwelling to impact your mind, heart, and soul today.Scripture Reading for May 24, 2025Acts 15:1-2, 22-29Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23John 14:23-29 

Fifth Sunday of EasterToday's Gospel is one of Jesus' last earthly life discourses. He installs a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you. Love is an act of the will, demonstrating both one's care for another's wellbeing, while also reinforcing one's connection to Jesus as his disciples. Just because life is difficult does not mean we are not living life correctly. As our first reading from Acts reminds us, "it is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (14:22). Jesus death on the cross is a vivid reminder, that he loves us to the very end.Scripture Readings for May 18, 2025  Acts 14:21-27Psalm 145:8-13Revelation 21:1-5John 13:31-33, 34-35  

Fourth Sunday in EasterPope LIV's episcopal motto is "In Illo Uno Unum," which translates to "In the One, we are one". This motto, a Latin phrase taken from St. Augustine's teachings, emphasizes the unity of Christians in Christ. The fact that we are not one brings scandal. Nonetheless, the pope serves as shepherd over the entire flock. May God bless our new holy father in uniting the world.Scripture Readings for Sunday May 11th, 2025Acts 13:14, 43-52Psalm 100:1-3, 5Revelation 7:9, 14-17John 10:27-30

Third Sunday of EasterWe are reminded from Acts of the Apostles that we must obey God rather than men. The more a person does so, conforming oneself to Him, friendship will grow from sentimental to self-sacrificing love. It's profound how much God loves His creation. Have you taken the time recently to reflect on this great gift?  Scripture Reading for May 4, 2025Acts 5:27-32, 40-41Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13Revelation 5:11-14John 21:1-19 

Divine Mercy SundayWhen did life begin to click for you? Learning and growth is a life long endeavor. God provides avenues of transformation if we are willing to be taught. In today's Gospel we reflect upon St. Thomas' pursuit of faith by encountering the resurrected Christ. Learn how to ask good questions and humbly receive the answers. Scripture Readings for April 27, 2025Acts 5:12-16Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24Revelation 1:9-11-13, 17-19John 20:19-31

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary TimeThe life of St. John Vianney served as a priest in Ars, France for forty-one years. His life modeled after Christ was not just for parish priests, but for all Christians aspiring to lead a holy and virtuous life. One of the many ways he demonstrated Christ's love was by forgiving and loving his enemies. Let us ask for the intercession of St. John Vianney to do the same. Scripture Readings for February 23, 20251 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-231 Corinthians 15:45-49Luke 6:27-38