Rich Thoughts

King David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites through military action. Yet, we the name Jerusalem means "city of peace." How is Jerusalem the city of peace? How are we people of peace? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Being "pro-life" means more than changing abortion legislation. Three ways to assist people struggling with an unexpected pregnancy, and three ways to reduce the number of unexpected pregnancies. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Contrasting the lives of Sts. Fabian and Sebastian with the life of King Saul (1 Samuel 15:16-23). When do we act more like Saul? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Why does John the Evangelist tell such a convoluted story about John the Baptist? Because it's all about growing in relationship with Jesus! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Can we put ourselves in Samuel's place in 1 Samuel 3:1-10? Holy Spirit, give us both gifts necessary to hear you speak! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The Bible presents full stories to us. We hear the beginning of Hannah's story (1 Samuel 1:1-8) today and the end of it (1 Samuel 1:9-20) tomorrow. But we live in stories in which the endings are not clear… (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Our Mass was interrupted by a pounding on the door. We welcomed nine men and women into our assembly seeking to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. This homily is preached primarily to them. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

1 John 4:16 says all that needs to be said. I'm just providing the filler. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

"It is not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us!" (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Three places in 1 John 3:22-4:6 that refer back to Jesus' teachings at the Last Supper in the Gospel of John. The trick is adhering to all three teachings simultaneously! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The visit of the magi illustrates both the good and the bad of when different cultures interact with one another. A great opportunity to reflect on the needs of our brothers and sisters in peril. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

How is Mary -- the Queen of Peace -- a role model for achieving world peace? The Bible doesn't record her leading protests to Herod's palace… (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

From a special Christmas Eve Mass for people experiencing pain or loss around the holidays. God is with us! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Sorry for the lousy audio quality. (I cut out the Q&A with the kids -- the audio was unbearable!) Do we approach the Christmas story with a child-like faith! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Zechariah's Song of Praise (Luke 1:67-79) and Mary's Song of Praise (Luke 1:45-55) are not for John and Elizabeth alone. They are for us. Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

St. Joseph -- a man of few words, but a man who can inspire us to holiness and sanctity! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

God speaks to us in unexpected ways, in unexpected places, at unexpected times. Will we recognize how, where, and when God is talking to us? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

After two weeks of some humble waiting this Advent, now's the time to excited. But even in our excitement, James says that we're supposed to remain patient. How does that work? (St. Thomas More Newman Center, Columbus, OH)

Sharing a very memorable 6-second homily from Steve Bossi, C. S. P. Hopefully, it's a message of reassurance! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

If the Immaculate Conception of Mary isn't mentioned in the Bible, why do Catholics believe in it? Why is it important? And why celebrate how Mary was different from the rest of us? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)