Father Dave Preaches

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Solomon's idol worship, and also discusses today's psalm, which refers to idols as snares or traps. Father Dave relates idols to a pothole tripping us up. He asks, what are the potholes or traps in our lives? How can we avoid them? Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City 2-08-18

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Father Dave explains the meaning behind Jesus' words about blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the "unforgivable sin." He discusses St. John Paull II's encyclical, "Dominum et Vivificantem," on the Holy Spirit, which explains that because God gave us free will, if we choose to permanently turn our backs on God, God will not force us to receive the Holy Spirit. It is "unforgivable" because God will not override that person's choice. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-22-18

Feast of the Holy Family. Father Dave explains that the feast of the Holy Family is about God becoming one of us in the context of our closest relationships. The Holy Family was a real family who had similar struggles and joys as families today. We are called to imitate the Holy Family by placing Jesus at the center of our family life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-31-17

Feast of the Holy Innocents. In light of today's feast, Father Dave relates Mary and Joseph's fleeing to protect Jesus to the many children currently suffering persecution in our world today. We must see the face of Christ in all who are suffering from the death of children. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-28-17.

Monday of the Third Week of Advent. Father Dave explains the name Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." He understands us fully and His coming means that He is with us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-18-17.

Third Sunday of Advent. Father Dave preaches on Gaudete Sunday and poses the question: who are you? Our identity should be rooted in Christ, who is the source of our joy. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-17-17.

Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave relates the story of the Widow's Mite to the importance of giving, and how we may not realize just how much our support affects others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-27-17.

Monday of the thirty-third week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave relates the healing of blind Bartimeus to our need to recognize that Jesus is with us. God encourages us to be persistent in our relationships with Him, just as Bartimeus was. We should not be afraid to bring our needs to Jesus, and trust that He hears our prayers. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-20-17.

Monday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time. The first verse in The Book of Wisdom is "love justice." Father Dave says that we should apply this saying to everything we do in our lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-13-17.

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Recently, Pope Francis made headlines after saying that he doesn't want people taking photos on their cell phones while he celebrates Mass. Father Dave reflects on the pope's words, and says that if we all truly believe that we are looking at the Body of Christ, than we should be fully engaged in the moment. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-17.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is tested by some people who try to trick him. They ask him what the greatest commandment is, and Jesus responds with two commandments; love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Father Dave emphasizes striving to follow these two great commandments. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-29-17.