Father Samuel's Pod

24Aug25 (25cO21). We are reminded that salvation requires more than simply knowing Jesus or attending Mass—it calls us to love God and neighbor and to follow His will faithfully. We are not strong enough on our own; we need God’s grace, the sacraments, and perseverance to strive through the narrow gate. He encourages us to embrace the challenges and disciplines of life, recognizing them as ways God helps us grow. As we raise our children, perform acts of mercy, and live in our various seasons of life, we participate in God’s work and witness His love, continually striving to live faithfully.

17Aug25 (25cO20). We are reminded that Jesus did not come to bring a false peace, but a fire that purifies our lives. Failures, trials, and losses are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for Him to clear away what holds us back and make room for new growth. Just as seeds need fire to germinate, so too do our struggles prepare us for deeper faith. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and perseverance, we learn that God is always at work—even in failure—bringing us to life with Him.

10Aug25 (25cO19). We are reminded that Christ calls us to vigilance, for we do not know the hour when He will come. To those who have received much—faith, the sacraments, knowledge of God’s love—much is also expected. This is not a burden, but a gift that draws us into deeper trust, guiding us to live as faithful stewards of His grace. By remaining vigilant through prayer, the Eucharist, and daily faithfulness, we prepare not only for the end, but for the joy of meeting Christ whenever He calls us home.

3Aug25 (25cO18). We are reminded through memento mori—remembering death—that this life is fleeting and all earthly things will pass away. When we lose sight of meaning, even small trials overwhelm us, but with purpose rooted in God, we can endure suffering with hope. Our true legacy is not wealth or success, but the love of God and neighbor that persists beyond death. By fixing our hearts on what endures—faith, love, and the Eucharist—we learn to live with eternity in mind and store up treasures that last forever.

27Jun25 (25cO17). We need to see God first and foremost as our Father, the foundation for ordering our lives rightly. We are reminded that while the world tends toward chaos, God's grace brings order. As Christians, we are called to die to the world and live for heaven. We’re encouraged to keep our relationships—especially in marriage—rightly ordered, and to remember that military chapels exist primarily to serve active-duty members and their families.

29Jun25 (25PeterPaul). We reflect on the Israelites' journey through the desert and recognize that we too often forget God’s providence in the midst of trial. We learn that God's gifts are not earned by good behavior but are given freely because He is a good Father. We are reminded to trust in His promises—even when we don’t feel or see them—and to allow suffering to draw us closer to His heart. In this desert, we become disciples, not by control, but by surrender.

26Jun25 (25EvrittWedding). At the wedding at Cana, Jesus turns water into wine—not just any wine, but the best—signifying that in sacramental marriage, God provides more than we could imagine. We’re reminded that marriage isn’t about perfection, but about grace, communion, and mutual sacrifice. With Mary’s help, Christ’s presence, and the Church’s support, this union becomes a living icon of divine love, meant not just to endure, but to flourish.

25May25 (25cE6). Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth. As Catholics, we trust this guidance comes through the Church Christ founded—not individual interpretation. We're called to love Jesus by keeping His word, follow the Church’s teachings rooted in Sacred Tradition, and trust the Spirit's guidance—even when we struggle. In doing so, we find peace not as the world gives, but as Christ gives.

24May25 (25BurroughWedding). We gather today not just to witness a marriage, but to celebrate a sacred union that reflects the oneness of God. Through the readings chosen by the couple, we’re reminded that Christian marriage is not only about two becoming one—it’s about becoming a living image of divine love, poured out for others. We are here to pray for this couple, support them in perseverance through the joys and trials of life, and help them become a visible icon of the Trinity’s generous love. Just as God’s love created the world, their unity is meant to overflow—into children, family, friends, and the Church. In this sacrament, they receive not only each other, but also the grace of God to live in oneness, in holiness, and in charity.

11May25 (25cE4). We are called to hear the voice of Jesus—not with our ears alone, but with our hearts. His voice does not sound like the noise of politics or media; it speaks through peace, truth, and love. We follow Him not into comfort or power, but into the cross—into sacrifice, charity, and holiness. We hear His voice in Scripture, in the Church, in the Eucharist, and in our vocation to love. On this day especially, we give thanks for our mothers—biological and spiritual—who reflect Christ’s love by giving of themselves for others. Let us continue to listen, to follow, and to live as lights in a world that needs His peace.

10May25 (25BuchFuneral). Homily from my uncle Stephan’s funeral. We gather at funerals with a threefold purpose: to pray for our loved one, to support one another in grief, and to celebrate a life given in love. We come as a people of hope—not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again. His resurrection gives our sorrow meaning and our prayers power. As Christians, we are called to live like candles: giving light by giving of ourselves. Even in grief, we are reminded that our final hope is not in this world, but in the mercy of God and the promise of eternal life.

4May25 (25cE3). We, like Peter, often fall short—but Jesus still calls us to follow Him. In today’s Gospel, Peter is reconciled by love and commissioned to serve. His story reminds us that discipleship isn't about perfection but humility, mercy, and renewed love. Whether in priesthood, military service, or daily life, true leadership means putting others first. Christ meets us where we are and invites us to deeper trust, deeper love, and the cross that leads to resurrection.

17Apr25 (25Thursday). This is an AI generated summary, enjoy if anyone reads this… On this Holy Thursday, we reflect on the Passover and the Eucharist as the spiritual food that sustains us on our journey toward heaven. Like the Israelites who ate in haste, we too live as people in flight—not made for this world, but for the promised land. The priesthood and the Eucharist, both instituted by Christ, remind us that leadership is about service, not power. We see this echoed in the Marine tradition of “leaders eat last,” where those in authority care for their people before themselves. Though it’s not always lived perfectly, the principle is clear: charity must animate all we do. The washing of the feet calls us back to that core of Christian service—to feed, to lead, and to love, even when it costs us.

9Feb25 (25cO5) The stars and mountains remind us of God. An encounter with his grandeur and our smallness. It should draw us to him and humble us to be afraid of him. He wants us to be purified and put out into the deep. God can make all things happen if we trust him.

2Feb25 (25Presentation). There is a lot of suffering to be had at Marine training in Bridgeport, CA Mountain Warfare Training. This suffering is not an absence of God but an opportunity to grow closer to him. Help us to be like candles that give off light (charity) and lose our life for Jesus’ sake. Darkness can not overcome the light.

5Jan25 (25cEpiphany). Science and faith are often thought to be opposed in this modern world. That is just not the case. One who seeks truth, seeks Jesus Christ. May we always seek Jesus Christ and know him in the great revelation and security of the Holy Catholic Church.

29Dec24 (24cFamily). Families bring some of the greatest joys and difficulties in life. The Holy Family may be perfect and without sin, but still experiences the conflict of family. Jesus’ response is obedience. Obedience to Mary and Joseph, which is ultimately learning obedience to the Heavenly Father. We learn obedience to God through obedience to our earthly parents and our mother, the Church. Also, spouses please remember that the most important person in your life, after God, is your spouse.

25Dec24 (24Christmas). Family traditions are important to form what is important about the season. My Grandmother also gave our family this beautiful poem about Jesus to meditate. Lastly was born in a manger (feeding trough), born in Bethlehem (House of Bread), He declares He is the Bread of Life, and says that we much eat His Flesh. He came to be present to us and he continues to do so in the Most Holy Eucharist. JESUS   Manifest Infirmity, wondrous Humility, in which all the greatness of God lay hidden: He is both great in the nature of God and small in the form of a servant. But His greatness is not diminished by His smallness, nor His smallness overwhelmed by His greatness. He Himself with the Father and the Holy Spirit precedes all spans of time, but on this day, issuing from His mother, He stepped into the tide of the years.   * * * * *   He who made man, was made Man; He was given existence by a mother whom He brought into existence. He finds no room in the inn, but He builds a temple for Himself in th

22Dec24 (24cA4). God wants Obedience out of love and not fear. Mary’s obedience of love brought about salvation to the world. Use the great gift of the Rosary this Christmas time to meditate on Jesus’ life with Mary and learn to love obedience to God with Mary.

15Dec24 (24cA3). We prepare for Christmas and coming of Jesus. The most important preparation is the transformation of our life. We are living in the in between time of already but not yet. Jesus came, He is coming, and He will be coming.