Join Fr. Mark in breaking open God's Word in his homilies; take a listen.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Fr. Mark delivers the school Mass homily to the 3rd graders on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
The message of John the Baptist is contrary to the message of the world. Fr. Mark explains that it’s okay to feel bad about ourselves if that motivates us to get rid of the things that are bad about ourselves.
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 to respond to the rise of secularism and nationalism. The result of believing things that were not true led to a lot of death and destruction. Fr. Mark warns us not to drink the two cups of Kool-Aid that the world is offering us right now. We need to obey God and have the right outlook on death.
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
Sunday Nov 01, 2020
On the Solemnity of All Saints, Fr. Mark encourages us to choose wisely the heroes that we have. Heroes play a role in who we become and we all must play our part to end the crisis and become a saint.
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
In saying “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God” Jesus teaches that all things, even politics, ought to be informed by strong and clear religious principles. Due to sin, there are many injustices that need attention in our nation; triage is needed. Fr. Mark encourages us to think with the mind of Christ and the Church when forming our conscience for the upcoming election.
Sunday Sep 27, 2020
Sunday Sep 27, 2020
Pride and laziness contributed to the Chief Priests and Elders not repenting and turning from their wickedness. Fr. Mark explains the importance of self-knowledge and 'putting in the work’ in overcoming sin and progressing in the spiritual life.
Sunday Sep 13, 2020
Sunday Sep 13, 2020
Sunday Aug 30, 2020
Sunday Aug 30, 2020
Last week Jesus chose Peter to be the one to build His church on; this week we find out that Peter is a bust because he resisted sacrifice. Fr. Mark explains the harmful consequences when we don’t habitually think with the mind of God in terms of sacrifice. He encourages us to look for opportunities to daily deny ourselves so we don’t become a bust.
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
The Prince of Tyre thinks he is a God; he thinks he sits on a godly throne. Over and over again the Bible tells us that pride will destroy. We need to be given the same straight talk the Prophet Ezekiel gives the Prince of Tyre.
Sunday Aug 16, 2020
Sunday Aug 16, 2020
In the Gospel today (Matthew 15:21-28) we hear a battle between Jesus and a woman where He draws her in. Fr. Mark explains the importance of expressing our longings and desires to Jesus; this battle is painful, but the battle must be routinely engaged to become whole and integrated.
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
St. John Vianney was a simple country priest, but by elevating the mundane, he was an antidote to the chaos in 19th century France. Fr. Mark challenges us to look at the mundane things in our lives and see them as opportunities to sanctify ourselves and the world around us.
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Jul 19, 2020
Sunday Jul 19, 2020
Saturday Jul 18, 2020
Saturday Jul 18, 2020
In the gospel today, MT 12:14-21, we see Jesus intentionally walking away from an argument that was brewing. Fr Mark asks us to be like Jesus towards people in our life, be it at work, at home with our family, friends and our kids wherein we see that the end goal of discourse is to aim for a healthy conversation and not arguments; conversations that lead towards the conversion of hearts.
Thursday Jul 16, 2020
Thursday Jul 16, 2020
In the Gospel today (Mt 11:28-30) Jesus asks us to learn from Him. Meekness is best understood as power under control. How quickly do we snap and lose control with family members? Fr. Mark encourages us to ask Jesus to harness us so we become meek.
Tuesday Jul 14, 2020
Tuesday Jul 14, 2020
In the Gospel this morning Mt 11:20-24, Jesus rails off some harsh words to those who have seen mighty deeds but are still unrepentant. With every blessing comes a degree of responsibility. Fr. Mark encourages us to feel the load of responsibility so as to repent and be a saint.
Sunday Jul 12, 2020
Sunday Jul 12, 2020
In unpacking the parable of the sower, Fr. Mark explains that if we don’t meditate regularly on the scriptures we will resemble toxic soil. Jesus is generous in giving forth His word to bring about growth and change in our lives. Fr. Mark gives three barriers that keep us from reading the scriptures: intimidation, time, and acedia. Fight through these barriers and come up with a game plan as to when you will meditate on the scriptures.
Sunday Jul 05, 2020
Sunday Jul 05, 2020
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Father Mark shares his final words for the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy. As he heads to St. Mary in Mokena, Father Mark offers words of thanks and gives a few last appeals based on Jesus’ words in the Gospel.
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
The siege of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. was a result of disobedience to God’s word. The lesson from today’s readings is simple: be obedient to God’s word. God’s word orders reality and is the foundation of our existence.
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Chances are that you and I are thinking way too small on the kind of impact God wants us to make on the world. On the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, we hear about God’s desire for his servant to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:1-6). Fr. Mark reminds us that whether we are engaged to be married or looking toward retirement, God’s plan is far greater than we could dare to imagine.
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
There are numerous things that we put a lot of effort into; how about prayer? Prayer presupposes effort. Father Mark encourages us to understand properly that prayer is a battle. The paragraphs from the catechism he exhorts us to read are 2725-2745.
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Monday Jun 15, 2020
On the feast of Corpus Christi, we hear Jesus tell His disciples to eat His flesh and drink His blood. Father Mark explains why watching Mass from home on a computer is lame; he offers three things for us to keep in mind as we return back to Mass.
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
https://www.knightsoftheholyeucharist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Litany-of-Humility.pdf
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Tuesday Jun 09, 2020
Tuesday Jun 09, 2020
Elijah was told by God that he would be sustained after heading to Cherith. Elijah was obedient to God, yet the brook ran dry. There are times when we are obedient to God, but things still go bad. Father Mark asks us to consider what we do when the brook begins to run dry.
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Living Above Reproach
In the 1st reading today (2 Tim 2:8-15) St. Paul exhorts Timothy to be "eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.” Are you living above reproach? Are there any ongoing sins in your life that would bring shame if they were made public? Our world needs people to live above reproach, doing so leads others to Christ.
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
Father Mark breaks open the 1st reading today and explains that for Peter it comes down to one thing, sanctity!
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
In the midst of more and more ugliness in the world, one wonders how to proceed. Father Mark explains that beauty will save the world. As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, Father Mark encourages us to ask the Lord for the fruits of the Holy Spirit so as to live and act beautifully.
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
In the 1st reading, we see the Scribes and Pharisees fighting with one another so much that their eyes are taken off their mission. Jesus knows we have this tendency toward in-fighting—whether that be in politics, in the church, in families, etc.— so he prayers for unity. This kind of in-fighting takes our eyes off the mission. Fr. Mark challenges us to consider if our words sow seeds of unity or disunity in our relationships and community.
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Thursday May 21, 2020
Thursday May 21, 2020
In our 1st reading (Acts 18:1-8) Paul, while in Corinth, meets a married couple named Aquila and Priscilla. They were a great help to St. Paul in his ministry and did much in spreading the Gospel. Father Mark gives us three takeaways from the things we know about this power couple.
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Paul and Silas are thrown into a cell and their feet shackled (Acts 16:22-34); they served as a bridge for the jailer’s conversion. Father Mark explains the need for pre-evangelization in the world today. People need shallow entry points where they can establish trust and thereby have their hearts ready to encounter Jesus.
Sunday May 17, 2020
Sunday May 17, 2020
We are intense and passionate about a lot of different things. How intense are we toward the things most important? Father Mark encourages us to have a Michael Jordan intensity with keeping God number one and family number two. Given the anti-Christian creed in the world, he offers suggestions in seeking help. Father Mark explains that the most powerful help at our side is the Advocate which Jesus promises us in today's Gospel.
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Below are the items Father refers to
_Marriage Course page which has the video he refers to and registration link https://olmercy.com/mc/ [Starts Friday 5/22 @ 7:30pm]
_Virtual Narthex Small Groups After Mass [Starts Sunday 5/24 right after Mass]
Keep an eye out for the sign up to be released this week.
_Bible Study on: Jesus: the Way, Truth & Life [Starts Tuesday 5/26 @7pm]
https://study.ascensionpress.com/studies/…/registrations/new
_Bible Study on: The Bible Timeline Study [Starts Wednesday 6/3 @pm]
https://study.ascensionpress.com/studies/…/registrations/new
Friday May 15, 2020
Friday May 15, 2020
In today's homily, Father Mark explores God’s command to work and His command to love. He explains that both commands bring with it the desired result.
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Saint Isidore & John 15:12-17
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Encouragement Anyone?
Our 1st reading today (Acts 14:19-28) is flooded with encouragement. It’s amazing how little encouragement we need to keep persevering. Father Mark exhorts us to encourage others today and to be encouraged by Jesus’ words in the gospel.
Saturday May 09, 2020
Saturday May 09, 2020
In our 1st reading (Acts 13:44-52) we hear that “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” The people’s hearts were moved the following Sabbath and want to hear more of the power of the Gospel. This is the same cry we hear from Philip in the Gospel when he asks Jesus to show him the Father. Father Mark encourages us to pause today in order to rest in the trinitarian love our hearts were created for.
Thursday May 07, 2020
Thursday May 07, 2020
Today we hear Paul given the opportunity to share the gospel with the Jews in the Synagogue (Acts 13:13-25). The ball was placed on the tee for him to swing, and swing he did. When our children or grandchildren ask us why they have to go to Mass, will we be ready to swing away?
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
When given to Christ, your wounds become a Badge of Honor
Today we hear from Luke’s account of Jesus appearing to the apostles. Father Mark explains why the resurrected Jesus still has His wounds. May we also be quick to show our wounds to Jesus; they then become a badge of honor to show a hurting world.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Lean Back into Jesus’ Chest. Father Mark contrasts Peter and John’s reaction in the face of fear. Peter’s fear caused himself to distance himself from Christ. John leaned back into Jesus’ chest. Father Mark encourages us to spend time today imagining ourselves resting our head on Jesus’ chest.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Center Stage
There is a tragic element to our humanity. Father Mark reflects on how pain and suffering seems to be taking center stage these days. Jesus’ passion and death speaks into the tragedy of our humanity. Father Mark encourages us to watch Jesus closely this week as He takes center stage and goes to work.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
What Are We Suppose to Look Like?
Today we hear (Acts 11:19-26) what the early church looked like. Church communities were formed by individuals responding to the gospel. Hearts were pieced and convicted which led to different living from the world. Is that what our parishes look like today? Does Our Lady of Mercy look that way? Father Mark encourages us to be the change when we come back to church.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Weak Spots in the Wall
Even though Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ victory over Sin, Death, and Satan, the battle continues. Satan lurks around like a thief, looking for weak spots in our wall in order to break in and cause havoc. Father Mark explains that the Good Shepherd comes with his rod and staff in hand to protect and heal us by His wounds.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Difficult Teachings
Not much has changed over the years, difficult teachings of Jesus don't become less difficult as time goes on. Many leave the church because of church teachings that are hard. Father Mark encourages us to double down, reflect deeply on John 6 with Jesus, continue to believe in, and grow our devotion in Him, in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Manna and God’s Initiative
In today’s gospel, Jesus refers to manna. Father Mark explains how manna was miraculous food given by God to sustain the wandering Israelites. The manna is a prefiguration to Jesus’ own flesh He gives to sustain us on our journey.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Stop and Think
If the crowd would have just stopped and thought, they would seen the mighty works of God. Father Mark explains how important it is in the spiritual life to ‘stop and think’. We tend to move throughout the day so fast that we don’t realize God’s love for us; we even move fast through prayers, not thinking and expecting the Spirit to come. The gift of the Holy Spirit is always available to us if we would just stop and think.
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
What’s Essential Anyways?
Father Mark describes how the locked church doors are an image for modern man casting God as non-essential. When God is viewed as non-essential, sadness, and despair reign. In the Gospel today, the two disciples find themselves saddened before Jesus restores their hope. Father Mark gives two challenges to share the gospel to those who are searching for answers in this time of the pandemic.
For further reflection, please see the following Scripture verses he points to:
Acts 2:32 “God raised this Jesus; of this we/I am a witnesses”
1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;"
Luke 24
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Tuesday May 05, 2020
Celebrating the Feast of St. Mark gives us an opportunity to recall the communion of Saints. The victory of Christ death and resurrection has been realized, but the trials of life continue. Father Mark encourages us to tap into the fellowship of the Saints while in lockdown. Take a listen.
Thursday Apr 23, 2020
Thursday Apr 23, 2020
Where Are You Being Stingy?
The inner life of God is one of self-donating love. The Father pours everything he has into the Son; the Son everything into the Father. Father Mark explains that we are created to give of ourselves in a move of self-donating love. Where we were once excited to give ourselves as a gift we perhaps have grown stale, stingy. Where are you stingy in making yourself a gift? Relate this to Christ, receive from the Triune God, be refreshed, then be the gift. Take a listen