Lifeissues is mainly concerned with publishing thoughtful articles directly related to issues raised in Evangelium Vitae. However, from the very beginning, we have also published a few related homilies, notably by Fr. Al Cariño, O.M.I., Fr. Tony Pueyo, and others.
Please use the pulldowns below to select a homily by Liturgical Calendar date.
There is the constant temptation to be swallowed up by a prevailing culture that may run contrary to the Gospel. When one takes an unpopular stand such as the protection of the life of the unborn or living a simple lifestyle, then he may become the object of jokes, scorn, avoidance, or even outright persecution.
The gospel passage of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion - for his followers before his resurrection - is inconclusive. Jesus' Apostles, disciples and our lives are suspended for days, weeks and years without some direction, meaning and fulfillment. It is the condition of everyone before death.
Holy Week is a journey from light to darkness, one that forces us to face our own betrayals, weaknesses, denials and acts of injustice. But Jesus is always with us, as the light of the world.
The startling message that Jesus died and yet lives is proclaimed every time the Lord's Supper is celebrated. That's true even though it may be hard for people to see how that reality saves us, changing condemnation to salvation. Preaching must use the resources of scripture to expound the "how." And the fact that we share together in the Lord's Supper is a sign that we are not saved simply as individuals but as a community.
We know what happened on Good Friday. It's right there in the creed: Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. But what does it mean? The author of the Letter to the Hebrews wants us to remember Jesus refused the temptation in the wilderness to accept a shortcut to perfection. It is only through endurance while suffering that we truly grow beyond the cross to become resurrected disciples and a revitalized church.