Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Father Dave relates Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to our perception of God’s presence. Christ is with us in our everyday lives, not just far off into the future. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-29-24

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses what Jesus means when he calls us to be like a child. We are to be dependent on God and let go of our own illusions of control. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-17-24

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts today’s Gospel about two of Jesus’ healings. Even when facing serious illness or impossible odds, we should have hope that God can heal us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-29-24

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Father Dave challenges us to live like John the Baptist and bring others to Jesus. We are called to be a light to the world, and God equips us to show his glory. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-24-24

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we are often surprised by literal and metaphorical storms in our lives. He asks who Jesus is for us, especially during difficult times, and how we can share that witness with others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-23-24

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. While preaching in Italy, Father Dave reflects on how the Kingdom of God starts small, but continues to grow today. God will help our faith flourish, even if we feel stagnant at times. Preached at St. Patrick's Catholic American Parish in Rome, Italy on 06-16-24

Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how we rely on online reviews to feel confident before purchasing a product or service. We can find similar comfort knowing that God who made the heavens and the Earth is also by our side. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-10-24

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave breaks his homily into two sections, first explaining common misconceptions from today’s readings. Then, he reflects on the story of Adam and Eve, and how God also asks us where we are in our faith journey. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-09-24

Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr. Father Dave relates St. Paul’s words to Timothy to a recent evening spent around a fire pit. We have to fan the flames of faith in our life, just as we’d stoke the embers of a bonfire. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-05-24

Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs. Father Dave reflects on how often we ask God for things. Today’s readings remind us how God has given us all we need to be convicted in our faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-03-24

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Father Dave recalls movies from the 1980s where friends would become “blood brothers.” In a similar way, Christ bonds himself to us through the crucifixion. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-02-24

Seventh Sunday of Easter. Father Dave asks us to imagine our reaction if we were named an Apostle. We may not feel qualified to serve the Church, but God provides us with the proper skills if we say yes. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 05-12-24

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on women in the Church and specifically spotlights Lydia from today’s readings. Lydia reminds us how to worship God, practice humility, and spread hospitality while living our faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 05-06-24

Sunday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Father Dave uses Aspen trees to help us understand Jesus’ words about the vine and branches. We are connected in the body of Christ, and are called to abide in God to bear fruit. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-28-24

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave notes that the first thing he does when planning travel is book a place to stay. Similarly, Jesus preparing a place for us in heaven helps us focus on living out the Christian life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-26-24

Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on the two-step process to being a Christian that is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles today. We are called to both give our lives to God and to receive grace. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-16-24

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave connects today’s readings about people seeking darkness to this week’s solar eclipse. We’re called to embrace the light and embrace hope, even if it’s uncomfortable and shows our flaws. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-10-24

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter. While preaching on the story of the Road to Emmaus in today’s readings, Father Dave reflects on how some people today still have not heard the good news of Jesus. It is now up to us, as disciples, to spread Easter joy. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-03-24

Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter. Father Dave focuses on two Latin words: “Consummatum Est,” which translate to Jesus’ last words, “It is finished.” Jesus has accomplished his work on Earth, but now our mission as children of God is just beginning. Preached at Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids, MI on 03-30-24