Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave discusses today's reading in which Jesus refers to blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. With references to Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Lord and Giver of Life," Father Dave explains that Jesus' statement is mainly about our free will. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a total rejection of both God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives in a formal and permanent way. It is unforgivable because we reject the offer of God's mercy. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 1-28-19

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave reflects on today's Pslam response in which we proclaim, "Here I am Lord, I come to do your will," and relates this to Saint Francis de Sales, who devoted his life to following the will of God. Father Dave points out that it is always God's will for us to be charitable and gracious towards others. He attributes the popular phrase, "You catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than a gallon of vinegar" to Saint Francis de Sales. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-24-19

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Blue Monday, the day that studies show people actually start practicing their New Year's resolutions. He relates this to the first week of ordinary time, and today's readings in which Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God is at hand and it is time to repent. Father Dave also points out that the word "repent" means "to change." Now is a time for change. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-14-19

The Baptism of the Lord. Why did Jesus have to be baptized? Father Dave answers a common question, explaining that Jesus did not have to be baptized, but he chose to do it for us as an example for us so that we may imitate him. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-13-19

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave explains that an initial public offering is when a company decides to go public. He relates this to the feast of the Epiphany in which we can say that the Church went public. He explains that the word "epiphany" means "manifested to the nations." When the magi arrived, the news of the Lord became public to the nations. Epiphany encourages us to be entrepreneurial about our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-06-19

Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the practical and inspiring dimensions of our faith. He reflects on today's Gospel in which Jesus says being charitable is a practical element of faith, and today's psalm which inspires us to make room for the Lord in our lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-26-18

Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr. Father Dave discusses the relevance of the day's readings with the current state of the Church. Saint Paul gives a list of qualities and virtues a bishop must possess. Father Dave reiterates that these qualities are essential today, and that it's important for us to come together as a Church and trust in Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-18

Thursday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains that it doesn't matter what we have on our resumes; we should desire to be known by our virtues. He discusses today's reading in which Saint Paul boasts in his identity in Christ. We should take inspiration from Saint Paul and do the same. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-08-18

Solemnity of All Saints. Father Dave shares that he enjoys the New York City marathon because people come together and cheer each other on. He relates this to the communion of saints, and how the saints cheer us on as we run the race towards heaven. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-01-18

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on today's reading from Mark's Gospel in which Bartimaeus, who is blind, is healed. Father Dave encourages us to ask Jesus to help us to see clearly as well. We should ask Jesus to help us see the world the way God sees it, and open our eyes to the ways in which we can serve others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-28-18

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave tells a story of how monkeys are lured and trapped in the jungle by placing food in a hole and getting their hands stuck. He relates this to the ways in which we are easily trapped by sin and love of our possessions or bad habits. These things trap us, but we are able to be freed by God and use our hands to serve others. Preached at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Glen Allen, Virginia on 10-14-18