Join Fr. Mark in breaking open God's Word in his homilies; take a listen.
Episodes
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
Tuesday Apr 21, 2020
Tuesday Apr 21, 2020
Don’t be a Nicodemus!
In today’s gospel, Jesus continues his conversation with Nicodemus. Nicodemus is clueless; his mind in on earthy things where Jesus speaks of heavenly things. Father Mark explains that the spiritual world is incredibly active. Unfortunately, most of us don’t meet Christ throughout the day because we live as practical materialists.
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Companions of Jesus
Peter and John are recognized by the scribes as companions of Jesus. Father Mark explains that companionship with Jesus is the first step to evangelization and having an impact on our circle of influence.
Tuesday Apr 14, 2020
Tuesday Apr 14, 2020
No one calls our name the way Jesus calls our name
In today's Gospel we encounter Mary Magdalene weeping outside the tomb. She doesn’t recognize the resurrected Christ until she hears Him say her name. Let us take time today to hear Jesus call our name as no one calls our name the way Jesus calls our name.
Monday Apr 13, 2020
Monday Apr 13, 2020
Come See Jesus. Death was on the mind of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on the very first Easter morning. Similarly death is on our mind this Easter morning due to the pandemic. Father Mark explains that Satan is the ultimate invisible enemy who hold us ransom. Jesus rose from the dead, which means we will not die. Now the invitation is for us to come see Jesus.
Friday Apr 10, 2020
Friday Apr 10, 2020
Holy Thursday We’re Hurting and You’re Hurting
Father Mark explains how all Priests are hurting during this time being away from their people. Time away from the Eucharist is also causing the laity to hurt. On this Holy Thursday, where we commemorate the institution of the Priesthood and the institution of the Eucharist, Father Mark suggests that in the hurting there can be great spiritual growth and renewal.
Saturday Apr 04, 2020
Saturday Apr 04, 2020
A Good Father Keeps His Promises Father Mark explains the situation the Israelites find themselves during Babylonian Exile. The prophet Ezekiel gives the people hope by proclaiming God’s outrageous promises.
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
“Never tasting death” If Jesus is God then everything He said is true. Father Mark encourages us to spend time today with the claim Jesus makes in the Gospel today, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.”
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Who you calling “Not Free?!?” Father Mark reflects on the 8th chapter of Gospel of John. The Jews take issue with being told they aren’t free. This is our common reaction to Jesus as well. It is only remaining in Jesus where we find freedom.
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Healing gaze at the cross As we approach Holy Week, Father Mark exhorts us to gaze at the crucifix for healing. To help with our prayer today, he reads a meditation from Bishop Fulton Sheen.
Saturday Mar 28, 2020
Saturday Mar 28, 2020
2020-03-28 Fr Mark - Daily Mass - When Darkness Chases You by OLMSoundbites
Friday Mar 27, 2020
Thursday Mar 26, 2020
Thursday Mar 26, 2020
Golden Calf—How in the world? While Moses is absent 40 days on the top of Mt. Sinai, the people grow restless and they begin to worship a golden calf. When God seems distant it is easy for us to grasp for other things to replace HIm. We tend to lose moral judgment due to the social mob.
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
2020-03-25 Fr Mark - Feast of the Annunciation - Crazy Impact by OLMSoundbites
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Father Mark recounts Jesus' conversation with the man who has been ill for 38 years. The man’s problem is that he bemoans in his self-pity. Father Mark gives us three tips to be freed from the weight of self-pity.
Monday Mar 23, 2020
Saturday Mar 21, 2020
Saturday Mar 21, 2020
We hear from the prophet Hosea for the 2nd day in a row. He gives another reminder to return to Him. Father Mark describes how now is gut check time
Friday Mar 20, 2020
Friday Mar 20, 2020
Parish Family, we apologize we were unable to post a live recording due to technical difficulties. Mass was celebrated this morning and the Mass intention was for Deacon Bob Vavra. We do have a sound file recording of Father Mark’s homily this morning below. We will vet the tech items and post a recording of the daily Mass tomorrow. Friday 3/20/20 3rd Week of Lent - God’s warm and gentle invitation.
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Happy Feast of St. Joseph! St. Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church. He was a man who led his family in difficult times. The worldly King Herod wanted to destroy the King of Kings. Joseph would have none of that. He always kept an ear toward the Lord. For sure, confused at times, not knowing the reasons why things were happening the way they were; but nonetheless, he listened attentively. He was a man of great hope and trust in God through difficult times. It would serve us well to turn to St. Joseph and learn from him. Let us ask St. Joseph to teach us to listen. To stop talking and just listen and discern the heart of God. The Lord wants to say something here; He always wants to say something. Will we listen? Your normal day and routine is probably a little different right now. Take advantage of that! Time is like a black hole; it will get filled with something. Let us be sure to schedule in prayer time so as to listen to Him. I have tremendous hope that God will bring great good from this time! St. Joseph, pray for us!
Monday Mar 16, 2020
Monday Mar 02, 2020
Monday Mar 02, 2020
2020-3-2 Fr Mark - 1st Sunday of Lent - What is your white noise? by OLMSoundbites
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
2020-02-09 Fr Mark 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time [Be Salt, Be Light, Be A Game Changer] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Monday Jan 27, 2020
2020-01-26 Fr Mark 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [The Bible is Truth, Power & Life] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Monday Jan 13, 2020
2020-01-12 Fr Mark 1st Sunday of Ordinary Time [Crush It By Knowing Your Why] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Dec 30, 2019
Monday Dec 30, 2019
2019-12-29 Fr Mark Feast of the Holy Family [Identify the Threat, and Act] by OLMSoundbites
Saturday Dec 28, 2019
Saturday Dec 28, 2019
2019-12-25 Fr Mark Christmas Day [No one schemes the way God does] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Dec 16, 2019
Monday Dec 16, 2019
2019-12-15 Fr Mark 3rd Sunday of Advent [Confession & the Eucharist] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
2019-12-01 Fr Mark 1st Sunday of Advent [You snooze you lose] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Monday Nov 18, 2019
2019-11-17 Fr Mark 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [God is 100% mercy & 100% just at the same time] by OLMSoundbites
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
2019-11-03 Fr Mark 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time [God is relentlessly pursuing you] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Oct 21, 2019
Monday Oct 21, 2019
2019-10-20 Fr Mark 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time [Relentlessly engaging relentlessly praying] by OLMSoundbites
Tuesday Oct 15, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
2019-09-29 Fr Mark 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time [Raising Our Eyes To See The Poor] by OLMSoundbites
Sunday Sep 15, 2019
Sunday Sep 15, 2019
2019-09-15 Fr Mark 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time [Vision & Values] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Sep 09, 2019
Monday Sep 09, 2019
2019-09-08 Fr Mark 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [How Soft Are You?] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Aug 26, 2019
Monday Aug 26, 2019
2019-08-25 Fr Mark 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time [I Got You] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Aug 12, 2019
Monday Aug 12, 2019
2019-08-11 Fr Mark 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time [Study the Playbook] by OLMSoundbites
Monday Jul 29, 2019
Monday Jul 29, 2019
2019-07-28 Fr Mark 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time [A Good Father. NFP Awareness.] by OLMSoundbites