Sunday Thoughts From Fr. Edward Looney

We should not identify ourselves by our function or work, but instead for who really are, a Christian and disciple of Jesus. When we do this, it begins to change our worldview.

How do we know the gospels are true? That Jesus existed? That God is still at work today? The gospels are an account written to prove the certainty of faith. Add to that the historicity of our faith, and we have good reason to believe. In this new year of grace, as we hear the gospel of Luke throughout the year, how will you approach the sacred scriptures. Do so with complete certainty and faith.

In this catechetical homily, Fr. Edward Looney teaches about sacramental graces, the canonical form of marriage and the annulment process. He dispels myths that annulments are long, arduous, and costly.

What you know about your baptism? You might not remember the actual event, but what do you remember about the facts? How about how do you remember you are a baptized Christian in yoru daily life? Fr. Edward Looney helps us to examine our identity as beloved son and daughters of God.

The magi were unexpected guests when they visited the Christ child bearing there gifts. What do unexpected guests find when they enter your home?

When Mary appeared in Beauraing, Belgium, she said, "I will convert sinners." What did she mean? How will she accomplish her task? Fr. Edward Looney reflects on a quesiton he's reflected on extensively.

Fr. Edward Looney continues his homily series of deepening one's prayer, this time within the context of the family. Families celebrate the sacraments together and they pray for one another and together as a famiy. How does your family pray?

Fr. Edward Looney ends where he began Advent, asking: Who, What, How, will you pray this Christmas? Fr. Edward unpacks how we can approach the manger, and encourages us to pray before the manger during the 12 days of Christmas.

In the spiritual life, we might often pray that God's will might be done in a specific situation. But how do we know if we are doing God's will? Fr. Edward offers a few tests to which we can subject that question.

Fr. Edward Looney poses the question: What or Who has stolen your joy? This third week of Advent invites us to live joyfully as we anticipate Christ's birth. Perhaps we celebrate Christ's birth each year to remind us of the very cause of our joy!

Fr. Edward Looney illustrates the method of repentance through an unforgettable experience he had in Lourdes, France. Repentance is a part of our Advent preparation for Christmas.

Spiritual writers have often drawn the analogy between Mary and snow. From Mary, we take an example of what it means to live a pure life, not just sexually, but in mind, heart, body, and soul.

Our readings for the First Sunday of Advent propose a few ways for us to pray during the Advent Season. For whom will you pray? For what will you pray?

How is your relationship with the King? Using the scriptures, Fr. Looney opens up Christ's kingship and our relationship to the king.

Angels surround us. The angels protect us, guide us, and defend us. Jesus promises to send his angels to us. Let us ask him to send his angels, especially St. Michael into our homes, families, our world, and our Church.

God cares about you! Do you know it? How has he cared for you. What do we do in response: praise the Lord from the depths of our soul.

Have you ever wondered what those who have gone before us might want to tell us? Fr. Edward Looney proposes a few messages your loved ones might want you to hear during the Remembrance Masses celebrated on 11/5 and 11/6 at St. Peter/St. Hubert and St. Francis and St. Mary.

Is your relationship to the 10 Commandments negative? Always analyzing how we have not yet lived up to them? Often times we use the examination of conscience for this purpose. How might we approach love of God in a more positive fashion? St. Ignatius of Loyola might have the answer.

During the month of November, we remember our beloved dead, and especially on All Souls Day. Who are you praying for? For whom should you pray?

Throughout history God has called all men and women to sainthood. The Church acknowledges thousands upon thousands of saints. Not a one of them is the same. They all took different paths. What kind of Saint will you be?