Father Dave Preaches

Monday of the First Week of Advent. Father Dave relates Isaiah’s words in our First Reading to hiking. Advent and Christmas will be more spiritually rewarding for us if we put in the work to be closer to Jesus. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-04-23

First Sunday of Advent. Father Dave reflects on an image of God as the potter and us as the clay. We are called to let God smooth our rough edges and be like him, though he gives us the free will to say no. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-03-23

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Father Dave describes an unfinished painting in the Berlin Museum of Art, where the artist waited to paint the most important element last. However, the artist passed away before finishing his work. Father Dave reminds us to not wait to put Christ at the center of our lives. Preached at St. Austin Church, Austin, TX on 11-26-23

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls a recent gala where they honored certain individuals in the community. While we can be celebrated for our work, we should not feel entitled to praise or success. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-14-23

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts a current TV commercial that highlights an app for delivering items. He explains how shortcuts can’t help us create a meaningful relationship with God, and we must put in the time and effort. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-23

Monday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about being transfixed by an exhibit at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. We should similarly stand in awe of God, and not take his majesty for granted. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-06-23

Feast of Saint Luke. Father Dave reflects on Saint Luke and how he gives us a different perspective on Jesus in his writings. He explains how we can model ourselves after Luke’s loyalty and become friends of the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-18-23

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks us to think of the best party we’ve ever been to, and why Jesus often uses the image of a wedding to help explain heaven. We’re called to invite everyone to share in the banquet of the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-15-23

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul. Father Dave relates today’s Gospel reading to packing luggage for his recent trip to Colorado. He explains how Jesus challenges us to pack light for our journey to help us better relate to the poor and sick that we serve. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-27-23

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today’s first reading and the hospitality of our friends and neighbors. We’re commanded to help our neighbors, since that is how Christ’s light shines for others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-25-23

Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. Father Dave reflects on today’s feast as well as St. Paul’s message in today’s first reading. We are called to share the good news of the Gospel, but also to give of our very selves to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-29-23

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. As Father Dave preaches to college students, he notes how Jesus tests the disciples when asking them, “Who do you say that I am?” We should not get caught up in what the world says about Jesus. Rather, we each need to answer who he is in our lives. Preached at University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY on 08-27-23

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption, preaching at a church where the feast is transferred to Sunday. He reflects on how Mary immediately jumps to serve Elizabeth, despite her own major pregnancy news. Preached at St. Mary of the Lake, Lake George, NY on 08-13-23

Memorial of St. Dominic. On today’s feast, Father Dave describes why St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers. He notes how St. Dominic was able to build bridges across divides without diminishing truth, and how we should find ways to do the same. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-08-23

Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches about how Moses defends and intercedes for the Israelites to God. We should also petition God to be with those we love who may not have a strong faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-02-23

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Father Dave reflects on how the Israelites quickly disobeyed God’s commands, despite God having just saved them. He notes that, rather than judge, God also forgives us when we forget all that he has done in our lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-31-23

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses one of today’s parables about treasure buried in a field. God also places treasure in us that we are called to uncover and use for his glory. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-30-23

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave examines the Israelites challenging Moses upon first leaving Egypt. Instead of fearing the unknown, we should bravely follow when God calls us to something new. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-24-23

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how today’s readings call us to humility. While we sometimes think we know who the “weeds and wheat” are in our world, we’re reminded that God knows better than we do. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-23-23

Memorial of St. Bonaventure. Father Dave reflects on Joseph’s radical forgiveness of his brothers in Genesis. He is a model for us to forgive those in our lives, even though it is difficult. Preached at St. Martin Cathedral, Bratislava, Slovakia on 07-15-23