Christmas Homily 2025 St. James Cathedral, Seattle Opening Peace and Merry Christmas! Tonight, we gather in joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior. As always our celebration provides some instruction for living our faith. Listen again to the greeting of the angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; Read more
In today’s world there is much strife and sin, yes. These many manifestations of strife can at times capture our attention to the point where we begin to think it is the prevailing reality of society or of human nature. However, the truth is that each person is created in Read more
Approximately fifty priests gathered at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center today for the second of three opportunities for prayer and fraternity. I’m deeply grateful to Fr. Dave Mulholland and our Office of Vicar for Clergy staff who planned these days, and especially for his presentation to the priests. The Presbyteral Read more
I have many great memories from my youth, and today’s Gospel brought one to mind. Jesus poses a great question: “What is the Kingdom of God like?” He goes on to say it is like a mustard seed that when fully grown becomes a place for the birds to dwell. Read more
In these final days of the Liturgical Year, the readings draw our attention to the Final Days. Jesus teaches that the heavens and the earth will pass away, and he will return with judgment. He also teaches in today’s Gospel that the Word of God will not pass away. Do Read more
Today’s Readings point us towards the Kingdom of God, giving us wisdom for advancing along towards that goal. The psalmist tells how we are created for God’s Kingdom, in that the human soul thirsts for the Lord our God. (Psalm 63) Wisdom, often sees as another name for the Holy Spirit, Read more
Once again today, beautiful readings for Mass. St. Paul teaches that we who have been baptized in Christ share in the death of Christ. Our journey through this world is lived in Christ, as citizens in heaven, who long for the moment we share in the resurrection of Christ in Read more
Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God in today’s readings. The Kingdom can be likened to a small mustard seed or a tiny amount of yeast. Each are representative of humble beginnings which advance great growth. Similarly, we as disciples of Jesus and servants of his Kingdom are to become Read more
Jesus comes to gather the nations into the one Kingdom of God. As the Passover Feast draws near, the people knowing the Pharisees seek to kill Jesus ask: “Will he come to the Feast?” Jesus is the Feast! He will make that Passover surpass and fulfill all other Passover celebrations. Read more
As we continue our Lenten journey, the readings today give some good material for self-examination. From the Book of Numbers we hear again of the people of Israel complaining against God and Moses. How often do we complain against God? For what reasons? In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Pharisees Read more