12 September 2026 - homily for Saturday of the 23rd week in ordinary time - Luke 6:43-49

In the Gospel today, we hear about how we are to bear good fruit in our lives of faith. Out of our faith, we want to bear fruit through our words and our actions, to share our faith with others in different ways. On our journey of faith, Jesus challenges us to connect our interior life of faith and our actions with the values of his Gospel message. 

Today, we celebrate a feast that dates back to the 16th century, but was then eliminated in the reforms after the Second Vatican Council, and then was restored by Pope John Paul II in 2002: the feast of the most holy name of Mary. In accordance with Jewish custom, Mary's parents named her eight days after her birth, and were inspired to call her Mary. The celebration of this memorial follows that of her Birthday, which we celebrated on September 5.  This is a counterpoint to the memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus which is celebrated on January 3.  This feast originated in Spain and was approved by the Vatican in 1513.  Pope Innocent XI extended its observance to the whole Church in 1683 in thanksgiving to our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683 by Holy Roman Empire over the Ottomans, who were besieging Vienna and threatening the rest of Western Europe. 

Pope Benedict XVI, in an address at a Cistercian monastery in Austria in 2007, said that he wanted to invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. He stated: “Where Mary is, there is the archetype of total self-giving and Christian discipleship. Where Mary is, there is the Pentecostal breath of the Holy Spirit; there is new beginning and authentic renewal.”

The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, means lady or sovereign.  We call Mary our Lady just as we call Jesus our Lord. Pope Francis ended his apostolic exhortation the Gospel of Joy with a Section on Mary, writing: “Mary is always present in the midst of the people.” Mary is indeed always with us. Her prayers and intercession are always with us to bring us closer to her son.  As we honor the most holy name of Mary today, may we feel her presence with us.  

20 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

Lord Jesus - you meet us in the midst of our reality. 

Christ Jesus - you proclaim God’s kingdom to the world. 

Lord Jesus - you challenge us to live a life of discipleship.

Priest: As we seek the Lord while he may be found, as we come before his divine presence at Mass today, let us bring him our prayers and petitions:

1. For the holy church of God. May we as the people of God recommit

ourselves to the “fruitful labor” of sharing his love and compassion with a world in need. We pray to the Lord. 

2. For the leaders of the world. May they remember the first will be last and last will be first. May they reach out to those most in need. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of September. For the care of water. May we pray for the just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

4. For all who labor in society and all who labor in the vineyard of the Lord. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For the members of our parish community of faith. May we persevere

in the ways we seek God in all things and come to know

God’s presence that guide us through this life. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all those who have died. After their lives here on earth, may they find union with God in his eternal kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For our own personal prayer intentions. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Gracious God, may we be confident that you are near to all who call upon you in their need. We ask you to hear our prayers in the name of Christ, our Lord for ever and ever. AMEN. 

20 September 2026 - Bulletin reflection for the 25th Sunday of ordinary time

Every month, Pope Leo XIV has a prayer intention for the world. I always find it interesting to see what he prayers for and how it intersects with our reality. The month of September he prays for the care of water, praying for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.  With the problems the city of Jackson has had with its water system, with the lack of water that is a reality in a lot of communities here in the United States and throughout the world, this is a very relevant prayer intention for us today. We pray for the city of Jackson and those in communities who are struggling with water issues and other basic needs. May we as a society and as a Church work on those things that are important to us to have a society where our families can grow and flourish. Have a blessed week everyone. Father Lincoln. 

22 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday the 25th week in ordinary time

Lord Jesus - you meet us in the midst of our reality. 

Christ Jesus - you proclaim God’s kingdom to the world. 

Lord Jesus - you challenge us to live a life of discipleship. 

Priest: May we always seek from God what is good. In our prayers today may, we strive to discern the will of God:

1. For Pope Leo XIV, his fellow bishops, and all our Church leaders. By the witness of their word and example, may they encourage us to take up our crosses every day and to follow Jesus.

2. For our civil and political leaders. May God grant them the gift of wisdom to equip them to serve all people well.

3. For all people who are suffering because of their belief in Christ. May they remain steadfast in their faith. 

4. For the sick and afflicted of our parish and our community.  For all those who have asked for our prayers.
5. For our deceased loved ones and family members. For those who have died recently. May they rejoice in the presence of God’s unconditional love in eternal life with him. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: God of compassion, listen to our petitions on behalf of all those who need of your mercy and healing. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 

20 September 2026 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A - Isaiah 55:6-9

A deacon in my parish is going to preach the homilies this weekend. This homily is going to be preached at the prison

I have mentioned to you all before that unlike most of the Protestant Churches, the Catholic Church assigns readings each week for our Masses. The priest does not get to pick out the reading himself, just like the priest does not get to pick out the prayers for each Mass. And actually in the instructions to the Mass, it says that the priest is not supposed to change even one word of the prayers that he is to pray at the Mass. And while a Protestant pastor can preach any message in his sermon that he want, about anything in the world, we Catholic priests have to in some way focus the homily on the readings for the day. So, you can imagine, when the readings are very challenging, it is likewise challenging for the priest to focus his homily. 

Today, our first reading comes from the 55th chapter of Isaiah. It is important to know the exact chapter in Isaiah to know the context, because Biblical scholars believe that Isaiah was written in three different historical periods. This chapter focuses on the time when the nation of Israel was in exile in Babylon, six centuries before Christ lived. Isaiah offered the people messages of comfort, he foretold the fall of the kingdom of Babylon and the expected return of those in exile back to the city of Jerusalem. 

You have heard me use the term Doctor of the Church before in homilies or when talking about certain saints. What would I mean when I say Doctor of the Church? There are a told of 34 men and 4 women who have been designated by the Church as Doctors of the Church. A Doctor of the Church is a canonized saint who has lived a life of profound holiness and who has produced profound spiritual or theological teaching that have had a profound important on Catholic doctrine or spirituality. 

One important document that we have in the Catholic Church is the Catechism. The first text that functioned as a Catechism was called the Didache that was written in the first century, around the year 60 AD, which dates from around the time of the first texts included in the Bible. It includes the original teachings of the original apostles and their companions. Church Fathers such as St Cyril of Jerusalem and St Augustine of Hippo also wrote teaching teach that served as Catechisms. The Archbishop of York in England issued a Catechism in the 14th century with instructions in English and in Latin. The Roman Catechism came out of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. The current Catechism that came out of the Vatican in 1992, issued by Pope John Paul II, was proposed by Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, who actually started his priesthood here in the Diocese of Jackson. He actually served as Vicar General at one point, the current position that I hold. We in the Catholic Church are blessed with this document that is very transparent and direct about what we Catholics officially believe.  

I bring up both the Doctors of the Church and the Catechism in reference to St Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo in North Africa and a Doctor of the Church who died in 440, who is quoted in the Catechism as saying: “If you understood God, than it would not be God,” meaning, even when God reveals himself to us, God still remains a mystery beyond words and a mystery beyond our complete human understanding of things. 

This reflects what we hear in Isaiah today, about trying to understand God and approaching God. Isaiah states: “Seek the Lord while he may be found.” God invites us to a relationship with him, but God is not like a light switch that we turn off and on at our whim. No matter how we encounter God in our lives, we cannot constrain him through our human constructs or thoughts. Through Isaiah, God tells us that God’s thoughts are not our human thoughts, nor are our human ways God’s ways. We should not expect God to follow our human agenda nor our human rules. We are to open ourselves to his law, his will, his commands. Think of the many people in our modern world who think they deny God’s existence based on their own set of circumstances or their own definition and perception of God. 

Yet, God wishes us to seek him in our lives. St Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.” This reflects how God created our human souls for a relationship with him. Thus, we will feel inner spiritual emptiness and will search for meaning and happiness in our lives until we find our peace in God. St Augustine also said: “Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”

I love this prayer from St Anselm of Canterbury from the 11th century,  who prays to God for his divine assistance in his search for him in his life: “Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a confidence in finally embracing you." 

Why do you think I have been coming out to CMCF for the last 18 years in ministry to all of you, when most of the time the administration here would have been happy if I had just given up and stayed away. I am here as a priest out of love for you and to help you on your journey. I come here to bring you Christ’s message of love and mercy and the presence of his body and blood in the Eucharist to nourish us and encourage us on our journey. I wish nothing but blessing to all of you as we search for God together and as we journey in faith. 

18 September 2026 - Prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you bring us the joy of your presence. 

Christ Jesus - you have compassion for your people. 

Lord Jesus - you help us cultivate the seeds of faith. 

Priest: We are called to take our place at the feast in God’s kingdom. With confidence in his love for us, let us open our hearts to God in our prayers today: 

1. That bishops, pastors, and other Church leaders may lead their people in faith and serve them with love the flock. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That all the peoples of the world work toward an end of war, terrorism, and violence. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For the hungry, the homeless, the prisoner, and those suffering from addictions and mental health issues. For wholeness and strength. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For healing for the sick and the afflicted. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That the Lord continue to accompany our children, youth, and college students through their studies and activities this semester. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That God may touch our hearts throughout our experiences in everyday life. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the faithful departed in Christ, that those who have gone before us in the faith may take their places at the feast in God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Almighty and eternal God, maker of all things in heaven and earth. Mercifully accept the prayers we make through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

18 September 2026 - Friday of the 24th week of Ordinary Time - St Joseph of Cupertino - Luke 8:1-3

Joseph of Cupertino is interesting just by his patronage as a saint - patron of astronauts, aviation, air travelers, pilots, students in general, students with learning disabilities, and test takers. What an interesting range. He was born in 1603 in to a poor family. He was born in a shed because his father had to put their house for sale due to the financial difficulties they were having. Joseph’s father died when Joseph was young. His widowed mother was very abusive to him. As a child, Joseph was angry and very absent-minded. He grew in his faith, but failed as a shoemaker’s apprentice and was refused entrance by several monasteries. The Capuchin Franciscan order accepted him on a trial basis as a lay brother, but he was very inept in any responsibility they gave him, so he was thrown out. His uncle, a Franciscan friar, accepted him as a servant, where he was given the duty of cleaning out the monastery’s stables. He was diligent at the duties given to him and very devoted to his prayers. He also had a very humble kind disposition. Although he did not excel as a student, he was ordained as a Franciscan priest in 1628. After his ordination, he experienced ecstasies and vision and was able to perform miracles. In his ecstasy state, he could not be awakened. He was known for his great kindness to animals. During Mass or prayer, he was observed levitating more than 70 times, which is why he is that patron saint of aviation, pilots, astronauts, and air travelers. He moved to the Franciscan monastery in Assisi and attracted attention from many well-known political figures and religious leaders due to his reputation for levitating and performing miracles. This caused many distractions in the monastery, so he was forbidden to pray or celebrate mass in public. He lived the rest of his life in isolation. He died at the age of 60 in 1663. 

In the 7th chapter of Luke’s Gospel, which comes right before today's Gospel, we hear about different people who come to Jesus for help:  a centurion who has a sick slave, a widow who mourns her deceased son, the disciples of John the Baptist who want to get to know Jesus, and a sinful woman who anoints Jesus feet with costly ointment as a symbol of her repentance and sorrow for her sinful past . Each of these individuals comes to Jesus out a desperate, harsh reality, out of pain, sorrow, and suffering. In today’s Gospel from the 8th chapter of Luke, we hear about some women who follow Jesus, women who came to Jesus for healing and renewal and who chose to become his disciples. Out of the healing and strength that they find in their identity as disciples, they generously give to Jesus and to others. These women came to Jesus in the midst of their reality. Let us also come to Jesus in the midst of own reality, with any brokenness or struggle that we have. 

17 September 2026 - St Hildegard of Bingen - homily for Thursday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time - Luke 7:36-50

"Glance at the sun.  See the moon and the stars.  Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings.  Now think.  What delight God gives to humanity with all these things.  All nature is at the disposal of humankind.  We are to work with it.  For without it, we cannot survive.”  These words were written by St Hildegarde of Bingen, who was born in the year 1098, more than 900 years ago. She was named as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She is only the fourth woman to be named as a Doctor of the Church. Hildegard was a mystic who had experiences of God in her life that go beyond our normal human realm. 

It is overwhelming to try to describe the life of Hildegard of Bingen. At the age of 8, she was made an anchoress by her family, as they saw this as offering up her life as a sacrifice and offering to God. As an anchoress, she lived as a hermit, shut off from the rest of the world, living in a tiny cell attached to a church, where she was able to see mass from a small slit in the wall of the call. Another anchoress, the noblewoman Jutta of Sponheim, was her caretaker and mentor. Jutta taught her Latin. She spent her days in prayer and study.  When Jutta died, she left her cell and became the abbess of a Benedictine monastery. Hildegard was an author, a theologian, a mystic, a scientist, a poet, an herbalist, and a theater director, among other things. What a remarkable woman. God calls us to use our different gifts in different ways. God calls us to a specific reality in the midst of our challenges and hardships and struggles. Sometimes that reality is particularly harsh. But in that reality, we can find beauty and love. Hildegard of Bingen does not fit into a neat tidy little box. She responded to her reality with creativity and imagination. She is a great example for all of us, no matter who we are. Here is another prayer of hers that calls out to God in the midst of our journey: 

Holy Spirit, the life that gives life - 

You are the cause of all movement, 

You are the breath of all creatures, 

You are the salve that purifies our soul, 

You are the ointment that heals our wounds, 

You are the fire that warms our hearts, 

You are the light that guides our feet. 

Let all the world praise you. 

We see the sinful women reach out to Jesus in the Gospel in the midst of her reality, in the midst of her humility and sinfulness. She repents from her sins and from her past. She comes to Jesus in love and service, anointing his feet with oil. Like Hildegard of Bingen, she responded to God’s presence with love and passion and mercy, asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness in return. Both the women and the Gospel and Hildegard of Bingen give us a great example to follow in the reality of our lives, in the midst of the gifts and struggles and challenges that we are going through. Like the message in the Gospel today, may our faith save us. And may we proceed on our journey in peace. 

11 September 2026 - homily for Friday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time - 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27

St Hyacinth and St Protus were brothers who lived in the 3rd century who were killed for their faith.  Tradition holds that these two brothers were the companions of St. Eugenia. Eugenia was from a wealthy family who left her family to pursue a life devoted to God. Her father was a high ranking official in Alexandria, Egypt. She escaped into the desert to live with the hermits there. Hyacinth and Protus accompanied her and the three of them were baptized together. The two men lived as monks out in the desert, devoting themselves to studying sacred scripture and praying. They accompanied Eugenia to Rome to evangelize the population there. They were arrested in the Valerian persecutions of Christians under the emperor Valerian, which took place between the years 257 and 260. They were beheaded when they refused to deny their faith. The tomb of Hyacinth was discovered in 1845. Inside the tomb were charred bones and traces of fine linen. A tomb nearby bore an inscription that indicated that it held the martyr Protus, but it was empty. 

We have been hearing from the first letter of St Paul in our readings at daily mass for the last couple of weeks. He says that his preaching Christ’s Gospel message is not a way for him to boast, but rather a duty and responsibility placed on him by God. He tries to preach the Gospel to all. Paul humbles himself in order to be able to preach the Gospel message and bring salvation to the Gentiles. In our evangelization efforts, God calls us to put aside our personal wants and desire to bring Christ to others. This is all good advice to us as we bring the Gospel message to others in our own reality. 

Today we commemorate the 9/11 attacks on the 25th anniversary.  It is hard to believe so many years have passed. The memory of that event is still very much alive for us and affects us each day. Our prayers continue to go out to our country, for the men and women who died on that day, and for their families and loved ones. Let this not allow that attack to make us jaded or bitter. That is what the goal of that attack was about, to harm our country. 

6 de septiembre de 2026 - oraciones de los fieles del XXIII domingo del Tiempo Ordinario ciclo A

Sacerdote: Con la confianza de saber que Jesús está presente cuando nos reunimos en su nombre, presentemos nuestras súplicas a Dios Padre. 

1. Por la Iglesia: Para que seamos una comunidad abierta que acoja a todos, promueva el diálogo y sepa caminar unida en el amor y la verdad. Roguemos al Señor.

2. Por los gobernantes y líderes de las naciones. Para que busquen siempre el bien común, la paz y la justicia social por encima de intereses particulares. Roguemos al Señor. 

3. Por los que sufren divisiones o enemistades. Para que encuentren la gracia del perdón, la reconciliación y la paz. Roguemos al Señor.

4. Por nuestra comunidad parroquial.  Para que sepamos corregir con amor y humildad. Roguemos al Señor.

5. Por los enfermos y los afligidos en nuestra comunidad. Por sanción en cuerpo y espíritu. Roguemos al Señor. 

6. Por los niños y los jovenes. Bendiciones por sus estudios y sus actividades en este año escolar. Roguemos al Señor. 

7. Por todas las oraciones que tenemos en la profundidad de nuestros corazones. Roguemos al Señor. 

Sacerdote: Dios todopoderoso y eterno, escucha las plegarias que tu pueblo te dirige con fe. Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén. 

6 de septiembre de 2026 - homilía para el domingo de la 23.ª semana del Tiempo Ordinario, ciclo A - Ezequiel 33:7-9 - Mateo 18:15-20

Hoy tenemos unas lecturas de la Biblia muy reveladoras. En primer lugar, del profeta Ezequiel, Dios designa al profeta como centinela de Israel. Es el deber y la responsabilidad de Ezequiel escuchar el mensaje de Dios y transmitirlo al pueblo. Ezequiel debe ayudar al pueblo a arrepentirse de sus pecados. Este mensaje aborda la responsabilidad del profeta hacia la comunidad, nuestra responsabilidad ante Dios y ante nuestro prójimo, y nuestra llamada a corregirnos y guiarnos mutuamente con compasión y con amor. Dios quiere que los miembros de la comunidad se rindan cuentas unos a otros.

Este mensaje se refleja en el Evangelio de hoy, donde Jesús instruye a la comunidad sobre cómo tratar a un hermano que ha cometido un error. Jesús nos dice que evitemos los chismes o las quejas ante otros sobre esa persona. Y esa suele ser nuestra primera inclinación. Pero, en lugar de quejarnos con otros, debemos dirigirnos directamente a esa persona. Si esta persona no responde, entonces debemos llevar con nosotros a uno o dos hermanos para que sirvan de testigos y ayuden a resolver esta situación. Se hace partícipe a la comunidad en general, pero no much; lo justo para llevar al infractor al arrepentimiento. Solo cuando esto no funciona, se presenta la situación ante toda la comunidad. Decir la verdad es importante, pero también lo es preocuparse por la persona en cuestión. Asimismo, es importante velar por toda la comunidad de la Iglesia.

La resolución de conflictos es importante en la familia, en la escuela, y en la comunidad.  A veces podemos ver nuestra propia perspectiva, pero no la de nuestro prójimo. A veces nos dejamos dominar por la ira, la frustración o el dolor, lo que nos impide ver la otra parte. A veces tenemos una versión de la realidad, pero solo es nuestra perspectiva, no es la verdad. 

Hace unas semanas en el 9 de agosto, conmemoramos Santa Edith Stein, una monja católica de origen judío que fue arrestada en Europa durante la segunda guerra mundial. Ell murió como prisionera en el campo de concentración de Auschwitz, en Polonia. En los inicios del régimen nazi en Alemania, cuando la situación peligroso allí comenzó con la persecuciones de los judíos, ella escribió una carta al Papa Pio XI en el año 1933 para denunciar la persecución de los judíos en Alemania y en Europa, advirtiéndole que quienes guardan silencio son también responsables. Ella recibió noticia que el Papa recibió esta carta, pero el Papa no respondió. 

No podemos permanecer en silencio y complacientes. No podemos permitir que las cosas sucedan si sabemos que hay una injusticia. Tenemos una responsabilidad hacia nosotros mismos, hacia la comunidad, y hacia Dios. Eso es porque Padre Tim y yo, con muchísimo trabajo y muchísimas responsabilidades, también estamos comprometidos con el ministerio a los prisioneros. 

Tenemos una responsabilidad mutua en la sociedad: ayudarnos y apoyarnos los unos a los otros. Es importante para ayudar en el proceso del perdón; a reconciliarnos con nuestro hermano cuando surge un conflicto y a corregirlo cuando necesita corrección.

Pienso en Ezequiel y en su misión de actuar como centinela del pueblo de Israel. Un centinela era aquella persona cuya tarea consistía en apostarse en una torre y vigilar para advertir sobre cualquier peligro inminente. Esta imagen del centinela en la torre ilustra cómo Ezequiel recibía la palabra de Dios y luego advertía al pueblo sobre sus pecados. Así, se esperaba que el pueblo se arrepintiera y se salvara de la ira divina. Dios describió a su pueblo como rebelde, por lo que no era una tarea sencilla. Aunque la labor de Ezequiel no sería fácil, resultaba necesaria para que el pueblo de Dios prosperara.

Esta tarea de centinela no es fácil para nosotros tampoco en el mundo moderno. Al igual que en la época de Ezequiel, hay muchas personas rebeldes que se niegan a escuchar el mensaje de Dios. Muchas veces, nuestro prójimo no quiere escuchar un mensaje sobre sus errores. Sin embargo, el Espíritu Santo está con nosotros. Podemos orar y pedirle a Dios las palabras adecuadas para estas situaciones difíciles. 

Bulletin reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - 6 September 2026

September 5, we celebrate St Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa was a legend in her lifetime here on earth. Mother Teresa has quotes that a very simple on the surface, but are very profound and deep in their meaning. She once said: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” As our readings today tell us of the responsibilities we have to one another, may we follow the advice of Mother Teresa on our journey of faith, putting the love of our faith into each small act that we do. We wish all of you a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  Blessings - Father Lincoln. 

Hospital Appointment Card - a long lost memory of a missionary life in Ecuador

I was a lay missionary in the country of Ecuador from 1996 to 1999. This is a schedule of the medical appointments I had at the military hospital in Quito, helping me deal with things like malaria, Dengue fever, and pneumonia. That was a time of great challenge and struggle for me. It brings up a lot of memories. 

5 de septeimbre de 2026 - homilía de sábado de XXII semana del tiempo ordinario - Lucas 6:1-5

Escuchamos las críticas dirigidas a los discípulos de Jesús por recoger espigas de trigo para comer en sábado, el día de Dios. Es una acción que los fariseos consideraban trabajo, estando este prohibido por la ley judía. Podemos reflexionar sobre cómo santificamos el día del Señor en nuestra propia vida mediante nuestras palabras y acciones. Cuando algunos personas me comentan que no pueden asistir a misa un fin de semana determinado porque están de viaje o están trabajando, les sugiero que pueden honrar el día del Señor de otras maneras, como reflexionando sobre las lecturas de la jornada, realizando una obra de misericordia o siguiendo la misa a través del internet. En ocasiones, los fariseos ponen mayor importancia a la letra de la ley que a su espíritu. ¿De qué manera honramos nosotros el día del Señor en nuestras vidas? Lamentablemente, muchas personas en nuestra sociedad no se preocupan por santificar este día. Sin embargo, eso es precisamente lo que Dios nos manda hacer. Y no solo en ese día específico: ¿cómo cultivamos una vida de santidad cada día?

Celebramos hoy la Madre Teresa de Calcuta. Celebramos su festividad el 5 de septiembre desde que fue beatificada por el Papa Juan Pablo II en 2003 y canonizada por el Papa Francisco durante el Jubileo Extraordinario de la Misericordia en 2016. Se anunció que, conforme a los deseos del Papa Francisco, su festividad se incorporaría oficialmente al calendario romano. Al hacer este anuncio, el cardenal Roche, del Dicasterio para el Culto Divino y la Disciplina de los Sacramentos, elogió a la Madre Teresa, describiéndola como «un faro de esperanza (en el mundo)... un testimonio de la dignidad y el privilegio del servicio humilde en defensa de toda vida humana y de todos aquellos que han sido abandonados, descartados y despreciados, incluso en el ocultamiento del seno materno». Nacida el 26 de agosto de 1910 en Skopje (en el norte el país de Montenegro) en una familia albanesa. Ella ingresó en la congregación de las Hermanas de Loreto en Calcuta, India, en 1937. Ella salió esta congregación de monjas en 1950 para fundar las Misioneras de la Caridad, una congregación que hoy tiene más de 5.000 hermanas en más de 130 países en el mundo, dedicadas a servir a los pobres y a los más necesitados. A lo largo de su vida, recibió numerosos reconocimientos por su extraordinaria vida de servicio. Ella recibió el Premio Nobel de la Paz en 1979. Falleció el 5 de septiembre de 1997. Los dichos de la Madre Teresa, sencillas pero profundas. Sus dichos reflejan el amor de Dios, el servicio de la Madre Teresa al prójimo, y la importancia de los pequeños actos de bondad. Ella afirmó: «No todos podemos hacer grandes cosas, pero sí podemos hacer cosas pequeñas con gran amor».

La Madre Teresa es un gran ejemplo de fe para nosotros. Elle refleja los valores del retiro de ACTS, con su corazón abierto a los gritos de los pobres y los afligidos y servicio a su prójimo como discípulo de Cristo. Ella dijo: «El amor, para que sea auténtico, debe costarnos». Hay sacrificio con nuestro servicio. Hay cruces que necesitamos llevar en el camino.  Pero, hay gozo en la vida de fe también. Ella dijo: «La paz comienza con una sonrisa». Mi esperanza es que ustedes vivir el espíritu del retiro de ACTS cuando regresamos a la casa. 

5 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Saturday of the 22nd week in Ordinary time

Priest: Let us pray to God, our Father, that his life and love may reach the whole world.

1. For the whole Church, the community of disciples gathered around the table of the Lord that he prepares for us. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. For all those who are sick and who await healing and companionship. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. For the presence of the Holy Spirit with us in the ordinary moments of our lives. Let us pray to the Lord. 

4. For individuals and families struggling to earn their daily bread. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. For our deceased relatives, friends, and neighbors; for their entry into eternal life. Let us pray.

6. For our families, children, and youth; may God accompany them on their journey of faith in their studies and their activities. Let us pray to the Lord. 

7. For a greater love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the depths of our hearts.

Priest: Hear our prayer, Father, and grant us the nourishment of Your love. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

5 Septiembre de 2026 - las oraciones de los Fieles por sábado de XXII semana del tiempo ordinario

Sacerdote: Oremos a Dios, nuestro Padre, para que su vida y su amor lleguen a todo el mundo. 

1.- Por toda la Iglesia, la comunidad de discípulos en torno a la mesa que el Señor nos prepara. Roguemos al Señor. 

2.- Por todas las personas que están enfermas y esperan la salud y el acompañamiento. Roguemos al Señor.

3.- Por la presencia del Espíritu Santo con nosotros en el retiro de ACTS. 

4.- Por las personas y familias que tienen dificultades para ganarse el pan de cada día. Roguemos al Señor.

5.- Por nuestros familiares, amigos y vecinos difuntos. Por su entrada a la vida eterna. OREMOS.

6.- Por nuestras familias, niños, y jovenes. Que Dios puede acompañarles en su camino de fe. 

7.- Por las oraciones que tenemos en la profundidad de nuestros corazones. 

Sacerdote: Escucha, Padre, nuestra oración y danos el alimento de tu amor. Por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor. AMEN. 

4 de septiembre de 2026 - las oraciones de los Fieles por viernes de XXII semana del tiempo ordinario

Sacerdote: Con corazones humildes, presentamos nuestras oraciones a Dios de misericordia:

1. Por el Papa Leon, los obispos y todos los sacerdotes. Que Dios les dé sabiduría y fortaleza para guiar a su rebaño con amor y unidad en el servicio del Evangelio. Roguemos al Señor. 

2. Por los gobernantes y por la paz del mundo. Que los líderes de las naciones trabajen juntos por la justicia, el bienestar común y la paz en el mundo entero. Roguemos al Señor. 

3. Por los que sufren y los necesitados. Por los enfermos, los tristes, los pobres, y.los desempleados. Que encuentren consuelo en la ayuda fraterna y en el amor de Dios. Roguemos al Señor. 


4. Por nuestro retiro de ACTS. Que esta celebración nos renueve el corazón y nos ayude en el camino de fe. Que el Espíritu Santo puede acompañarnos en este retiro.  Roguemos al Señor. 

5. Por los rieles difuntos. Por todos nuestros seres queridos que han fallecido en la esperanza de la resurrección, para que gocen de la paz eterna en el Reino de los cielos. Roguemos al Señor. 

6. Por los niños y los jovenes de nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad. Bendiciones en sus estudios y sus actividades. 

Sacerdote: Con fe y esperanza, presentamos nuestras oraciones por tu hijo Jesucristo, nuestro Señor por los siglos de los siglos. AMÉN.

5 September 2026 - homily for Saturday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time - Luke 6:1-5

When we hear Jesus’ disciples being criticized for picking grains of wheat on the Sabbath to eat, which the Pharisees would consider work, with work on the Sabbath being prohibited under Jewish law, we might consider how we consecrate the Sabbath in our own lives through our words and our actions.  When some parishioners tell me that they are unable to attend mass on a particular weekend because they are traveling, I tell them that they could honor the Sabbath in some other way, such as reflecting on the readings for that day and doing an act of mercy or watching the mass online on the internet.   Sometimes the Pharisees saw the letter of the law as more important as the spirit of the law. How indeed are we honoring the Sabbath in our lives?  Unfortunately, many in our society do not worry about keeping the Sabbath holy in any sense. But that is what God is commanding us to do. And not just on the Sabbath. How do we cultivate a life of holiness every day. 

The saint we celebrate today is one of the most honored saints in the Catholic Church, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. We have been celebrating the feast day of Mother Teresa on September 5 since she was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and canonized by Pope Francis in the extraordinary Jubilee year of Mercy in 2016. In February 2025, before Pope Francis entered eternal life, it was announced that according to his wishes, her feast day would be official inserted in the Roman calendar on this date as an optional memorial. During this announcement, Cardinal Roche of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments offered praise for Mother Teresa, stating that she was “a beacon of hope (in the world), … a witness to the dignity and privilege of humble service in the defense of all human life and of all those who have been abandoned, discarded and despised even in the hiddenness of the womb.” Born in August 26, 1910 in North Montenegro in the city of Skopje to a family of Albanian ancestry, she entered the sisters of Loreto in Calcutta, India in 1937. She left that order in 1950 to found the Missionaries of Charity, an order that now has over 6,000 sisters in more than 130 countries throughout the world, serving the poor and those most in need. During her lifetime, she was recognized many times in the Church and in the secular world for her extraordinary life of service, being awarded the Nobel prize for peace in 1979.  She died on September 5, 1997. Mother Teresa’s very simple but profound quotes often center on God’s love, service to others, and the importance of small acts of kindness. She once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” 

4 de septiembre de 2026 - homilía de viernes de XXII semana del tiempo ordinario - 1 Corintios 4:1-5

A menudo buscamos consejo y apoyo en los mentores y los maestros. San Pablo fue mentor y guía de las comunidades cristianas de la Iglesia, ayudándolas a comprender lo que significa ser discípulo de Cristo. En el Israel y en el mundo mediterráneo de la antigüedad, el rabino o maestro era una persona de gran respeto y honor, alguien distinguido por encima de los demás. Pero, San Pablo y sus compañeros se presentaban ante estas comunidades cristianas como servidores, con Jesucristo como ejemplo de servidor. San Pablo afirma que se les confió la tarea de comunicar los misterios de Dios. Los misterios de la fe trascienden todo el entendimiento humano. No podemos discernir los misterios de Dios por nuestros propios medios, sino que Dios da a conocer a quienes creen. San Pablo se considera un administrador de lo que se le ha confiado en su vida de fe. Nosotros también podemos vernos como administradores de muchas cosas. Dios nos llama a ser buenos administradores de los dones y los bendiciones que tenemos y de la creación de Dios aquí en la tierra. Podemos ser también buenos administradores de la Palabra de Dios. Podemos transmitir el mensaje de la palabra de Dios en nuestras palabras y nuestra acciones. 

La cosa importante en este retiro es para tener nuestro corazón abierto y nuestra vida abierta a la voluntad de Dios y el mensaje de Dios. Vamos a orar juntos en este retiro. Vamos a escuchar muchas charlas. Vamos a tener muchas conversaciones. Vamos a escuchar a la palabra Dios. Vamos a tener muchas experiencias en este retiro. Es importante para no tener muchas expectativas, para abrir nuestra vida a Dios en este retiro. Empezamos este retiro de ACTS en Tupelo con mucha esperanza hace diez años. Doy muchas gracias por el compromiso que ustedes tienen con este retiro de ACTS. Tenemos muchos frutos en esta parroquia de este programa de ACTS. Yo tengo mucha esperanza que este retiro va a producir muchos frutos en su vida y en su familia este fin de semana.  

 

3 de septiembre de 2026 - las oraciones de los Fieles por jueves de XXII semana del tiempo ordinario

Sacerdote: Con corazones humildes, presentamos nuestras oraciones a Dios de misericordia:

1. Que los líderes de la Iglesia y los líderes del gobierno nos guíen siempre con justicia y paz.  Roguemos al Señor.

2. Que haya alimentos suficientes, atención médica y vivienda para todas las personas. Roguemos al Señor.  

3. Que nuestra vida diaria dé testimonio de nuestra fe. Roguemos al Señor.

4. Por todos los que nos han precedido en la muerte. Que los fieles difuntos participen del banquete en la presencia de Cristo, en la gloria eterna del cielo.  Roguemos al Señor.

5. Por los niños y los jovenes de nuestra comunidad. Bendiciones por sus estudios y sus actividades. Roguemos al Señor.

6. Por sanación de los enfermos y los afligidos. Por sanación en espíritu y cuerpo. Roguemos al Señor.

7. Por todas las mujeres quienes van a asistir al retiro este fin de semana. Por el equipo. Roguemos al Señor. 

8. Por las oraciones en la profundidad de nuestros corazones. Roguemos al Señor.

Sacerdote: Con fe y esperanza, presentamos nuestras oraciones por tu hijo Jesucristo, nuestro Señor por los siglos de los siglos. AMÉN.

3 de septiembre de 2026 - homilía de jueves de XXIII semana del tiempo ordinario - 1 Corintios 3:18-23

Este tarde, celebramos San Gregorio Magno (540-604). James Barmby, historiador de la Iglesia, escribe que es imposible concebir cuál habría sido la confusión y el estado caótico de esta época sin el Papa Gregorio Mango. Durante la vida de San Gregorio, el cristianismo estaba atacado en casi todos los frentes y una invasión de la cuidad de Roma. Las reformas litúrgicas de San Gregorio Magno y el fortalecimiento de la doctrina de la Iglesia ayudaron al cristianismo a sobrevivir y a transmitir la fe a las generaciones futuras. El estilo musical conocido como canto gregoriano lleva su nombre. El Papa Gregorio ordenó recopilar las melodías de los himnos y los cantos cristianos que se entonaban en todo el mundo cristiano; esta labor fue organizada por la *Schola Cantorum*, el coro que cantaba la música para las celebraciones litúrgicas del Papa. Sin embargo, en su liderazgo, San Gregorio Magno nunca olvidó el amor y la misericordia de Dios. El dijo: «La prueba del amor está en las obras. Donde hay amor, se realizan grandes cosas; pero cuando el amor deja de actuar, deja de existir». Hoy celebramos con gran alegría la fiesta de San Gregorio Magno. En este día que empezamos el retiro de ACTS, unimos nuestras oraciones con sus oraciones. 

Por lo general, las primeras lecturas de las Misas diarias provienen del Antiguo Testamento, pero hoy escuchamos de la primera carta de San Pablo a los Corintios. San Pablo habla de cómo la sabiduría del mundo puede diferir enormemente de la sabiduría de Dios. Por eso es tan importante que estudiemos, crezcamos y aprendamos sobre los caminos de la fe. Por eso estamos llamados a la humildad: a reconocer que todo lo que tenemos proviene de Cristo y que nuestra identidad como discípulos de Cristo es fundamental para lo que somos como seres humanos. Tampoco debemos olvidar nunca la sabiduría que nuestra fe puede transmitir al mundo; y nos corresponde a nosotros, como discípulos de Cristo, proclamar esa sabiduría de nuestra fe.

Estamos reunidos como equipo del retiro esta tarde antes de empezar el retiro de ACTS. Demos gracias por estas mujeres aquí y su compromiso con ACTS. Vamos a orar por la sabiduría de Dios de entrar nuestros corazones para compartir la sabiduría de Dios con nuestras hermanas en este retiro. 

17 September 2026 - Prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you come to us in humility. 

Christ Jesus - you blessed those who are poor and humble in spirit. 

Lord Jesus - you proclaim the Good News of God’s kingdom to the world. 

Priest: Let us pray for the holy Church of God and for all people according to their needs:

1. For those who hold power in the world. May the Lord lead them to act with humility, generosity, and compassion, especially for those most in need. We pray to the Lord. 

2. May our governmental leaders work toward understanding and peace amongst the nations. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That the Lord guide the Church throughout the world by the Holy Spirit, leading all Christians to the way of truth. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For those in need. For those who are sick or afflicted. For those who care for the sick. May the Lord comfort and heal them. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For those who are suffering in different ways in life. May the Lord bring them out of their troubles. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For the faithful departed. For those who have died in the peace of Christ. May they come at last to share with us in God’s eternal kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

7. May we be open to the way God speaks to us through our daily experience. We pray to the Lord.

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Almighty God, to whom our needs are known to you before we ask. Help us ask only what is in according with your will. Grant us our prayers for the sake of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

16 September 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 24th week in Ordinary time - Memorial of Saints Cornelius (Pope) and Cyprian (Bishop) - Martyrs - 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Today, we commemorate two martyrs from the Early Church from the third century: Cyprian and Cornelius. Both of them have very interesting stories.  Cyprian spent most of his adult life as a professor of rhetoric in the city of Carthage. He was not baptized until the age of 45, but he later became the Bishop of Carthage in the year 248.  Under the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Decius, many priests and bishops were martyred. Cyprian went into hiding, which did not go unnoticed by Church officials in Rome.  Cyprian’s writings emphasized unity and solidarity as believers in Christ, unified under the leadership of the Bishops and the Pope, a message that still rings true in our modern world today.  Cyprian was martyred in another wave of persecutions under the Emperor Valerian in 257.  Cornelius was Pope at the time that Cyprian was writing about unity and solidarity under the leadership of the papacy.  Many who had denied the faith during the persecutions wanted to return to the faith, which was a big issue in the early Church. Cornelius called for forgiveness, mercy, and moderation.  Cornelius himself was sent into exile under the persecutions of the Emperor Gallus, where he died a martyr. Perhaps as we hear more and more about persecutions against Christians in our world today, we can identity closely with martyrs like Cornelius and Cyprian.  May we find strength and courage in our faith from these examples from the Early Church.  

We continue to hear from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians today.  In that letter, Paul describes the different gifts that believers receive from the Holy Spirit. Today, in a very famous passage that we often hear at the celebration of the sacrament of holy matrimony, Paul talks about love.  All the gifts of the Holy Spirit are special gifts from God, but those gift are nothing if we do not have the gift of love. Love is one of the most evident signs that the Spirit of Christ is truly present in the community and its members. The love Paul talks about here is agape love, the love of reaching out to a person with concern for his well-being.  Agape love reaches out in unconditional compassion and caring.  It does not demand or expect love in return. St Paul asserts that love goes beyond everything else, because love is a part of God’s nature. It is not just something that God himself does, for God himself is love. Gifts like prophecy and knowledge are important, but they too will pass away. Love is eternal.  God calls us to faith.  He calls us to hope.  And he calls us to love.  But according to Paul, the greatest of these is love.  

 

16 September 2026 - Prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you came to us as a servant. 

Christ Jesus - you forgive the sins of the contrite. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to healing and forgiveness. 

Priest. Let us turn now to God, our true master and king, and make our prayers to him for our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world:

1. We pray for those who serve in government. May they carry out their duties in justice and wisdom. We pray to the Lord. 

2. May our lives reflect God’s mercy in our words and our deeds, sharing the joy of God’s love with those we meet. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For the sick and the afflicted. We pray for all who work alongside the sick, the poor, and the needy. May their caring actions be a witness to the compassion of Christ. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For the faithful departed, that through God's mercy they may rest in peace and enjoy treasure in heaven. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That Mary and the community of saints lead us and guide us on our journey. We pray to the Lord. 

6. May we be open to the way God speaks to us through the ordinary moments of our daily lives. We pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Father, hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you. In mercy and love unite all your children, wherever they may be. Through Christ our Lord.

15 September 2026 - Monday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful for the feast of our lady of sorrows

Lord Jesus - you came to earth as a humble servant. 

Christ Jesus - you are the son of our Heavenly Father and the son of Mary. 

Lord Jesus - you meet us in our grief and in our sorrow.  

Prayers of the faithful: 

Priest:  Let us unite our prayers with the prayers of Mary today to pray for our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world. 

1. That our governmental leaders and Church leaders may be faithful disciples like Mary, our Blessed Mother.  

2. May all the nations of the world and their leaders work for true economic justice and peace. 

3. That the poor, the stranger, and the oppressed may be welcomed by our community. 

4. That all the children and youth, like Mary, may be open their hearts to God’s call in their lives, that they may say “yes” to serving others.  

5. That we may trust in Mary’s intercession and imitate her virtues.  

6. For the sick and the afflicted, the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, and for the prayers we hold in our heart.  

Priest: Gracious God, you chose Mary to bear our Savior.  Hear the prayers of your children and grant them in the name of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. 

15 September 2026 - St Catherine of Genoa - homily for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows - homily for Tuesday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time - John 19:25-27

St Catherine of Genoa, the saint of the day, was born into the noble Fieschi family in Genoa, Italy in 1447. She is known for her mystical spiritual journey and for her dedication to serving the sick and the poor, especially the victims of the plague which ravaged Genoa in 1497 and 1501. After an unhappy marriage, which left her isolated and depressed, Catherine underwent a transformative mystical experience at the age of 26 that inspired her to commit herself to the service of her neighbor. She devoted herself to the care of the poor in Genoa. She served as director of the main hospital in Genoa from 1490 to 1496. Throughout her lifetime, she experienced numerous mystical visions and practiced intense penance. She died in 1510. She was canonized in 1731 by Pope Clement XII. 

We also celebrate Our Lady of Sorrows today. This feast day commemorates the sorrows that Mary experienced during her lifetime. This feast day comes exactly one month after commemorating the Assumption of Mary on August 15. Traditionally, the Church has recognized 7 sorrows of Mary:

(1) In the flight of Mary and the Holy family into Egypt, they escape Herod’s anger and his attempt to kill Jesus. 

(2) In the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Mary witnesses, the prophecy of Simeon, where she is told that a sword will pierce her heart. 

(3) In the finding of Jesus in the Temple, Joseph and Mary lose Jesus in the temple and search for him for three days before they find him. 

(4) Mary meets Jesus on his way to calvary as he carries his cross. 

(5) Mary stands at the foot of the cross, witnessing his crucifixion. 
(6) Mary witnesses the disciples removing his body from the cross. 

(7) Mary is present at the burial of her son. 

In Our Lady of Sorrows, we can see Mary’s love and compassion for her son and for all of humanity, especially those who are suffering and who are going through trials and tribulations. Mary as Jesus’ mother and as our mother can understand our human pain and suffering. The popularity of devotions to Our Lady of Sorrows provides consolation, encouragement, and hope to those who are going through difficulties in life. We unite our prayers with Our Lady of Sorrows today. 

13 September 2026 - homily for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time CYCLE A - Psalm 138 - Sirach 27:30—28:7

Our psalm today proclaims that the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. Fortunately for us, the Lord is indeed merciful and gracious. However, we need to remember that since we are made in the image of God, we too are called to be kind and merciful. We are bound together not only with God, but also with our brothers and sisters. 

Our first reading from Sirach today presents adds to this understanding of God’s kindness and mercy, challenging us to recognize that holding onto wrath and anger and refusing forgiveness is a spiritual contradiction for those who seek God’s mercy.  Even though we know in our minds that wrath and anger are sinful and not good for us, we often hold onto them in our hearts, refusing to let go of them and move on. We do not realize how our anger can be like poison for us in our spiritual lives. It affects our emotions, our thoughts, and our dealing with others. It can rupture our relationship with God and with our neighbor. I remember being when I served in the mission site in Ecuador, one of the ladies in the village came into the office of our mission, wanting to have a mass intention for that evening, telling the nun who working in the office that the intention was to have the strong arm of God to come upon her husband and to punish him. She was having a strong disagreement with him, and all she could think about was getting vengeance and revenge. The nun tried to explain to her that this is not what mass intentions are for, and talked to her and tried to get her counseling to help her with the challenging family situations she was going through. 

So many of us cannot put enmity aside. We defy the love and mercy of God by being angry with others. Perhaps we do so because of the hurt that we cannot let go of; the fear of being hurt again, our wounded pride; and a reluctance to recognize the seriousness of the wound that we have within us. Many in our world see forgiveness as weakness or vulnerability. In our faith, we are see forgiveness as the opposite of weakness, as a sign of spiritual courage and maturity and strength. This is not to diminish our wounds that still have not healed or the past that will always be a part of our story. We need to be honest with ourselves and honest with God. Most of all, forgiving is something we need to do for ourselves, so that we can free ourselves from things that are weighing us down and so that we can move on with our journey of faith. Sirach reminds us that if we are unwilling to forgive others and let go of our anger, we cannot ask God to forgive us our sins and our failings. As we are all made in God’s image, to be angry with our neighbor is to be angry with God. 

One thing I have been trying to talk a lot about as a priest is the Eucharist and how the spirit of the Eucharist should always be within as in the way we live out our faith each day. Hopefully that is a message you hear from me very strongly and very directly. We have instituted regular community adoration at our parish. We have instituted a 24-hour prayer room with a tabernacle and monstrance where you can spend quiet time with the Blessed sacrament. We have the first Friday and first Saturday devotions in our parish during the year, with the Mass and the Eucharist as important parts of that devotion. We all need to find time in our lives for the Eucharist and for living out the spirit of the Eucharist. In a book I have been reading by Thomas Merton, he states that in relationship to the Eucharist, that it is important for us to actively participate in the liturgy, to live out the spirit of the Eucharist in a life of charity, was is tied to our reflection of God being kind and merciful, and also finding time for adoration and meditation and contemplative prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Pope Francis in his document Evangelii Guadium, The Joy of the Gospel, wrote that the although the Eucharist contains the fullness of our sacramental life, it is not to be seen as a prize for people who lead a perfect life, but rather a power medicine for us and nourishment for us in our weaknesses. Pope Francis sees the Church as a field hospital, offering the Eucharist to us in the midst of our human frailties, our weariness, and our sinfulness. We come the Eucharist striving toward the perfection to which God calls us, striving to be a better disciple of Christ. The Eucharist challenges us to be better in the midst of our temptations and daily faults. We should feel challenged by the Eucharist to live a life of discipleship worthy of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Speaking of the Eucharist, for the last several weeks at our 10:30 am mass at Holy Savior, we have been singing the Anima Christi prayer at the end of communion time. For a long time, many people associated the Anima Christi prayer with St Ignaitus of Loyola because it has a prominent place in his spiritual exercises, which were written in the 16th century. It was assumed that he was the author of this prayer. However, it appears that the Anima Christi prayer has its roots in the 13th century, written by an anonymous author. This prayer focuses on the the passion and wounds of Christ. Over time, this prayer became widely adopted as a meditation of thanksgiving immediately after receiving Holy Communion. That is what spurred me to ask Toni to sing this prayer during communion time, after I heard popular Catholic evangelizer and author Katie Prejean McGrady talk about how much she loves the Anima Christi prayer being sung at her parish in Lake Charles, Louisiana at the end of communion time and how she misses it when she visits other churches. I have put the Latin and English versions of the prayer in the bulletin this week for you to see.  

13 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time CYCLE A

Introduction: At our mass celebration today, our readings challenge us with the topics of forgiveness and the mercy of God. The immeasurable mercy that God has shown us should be reflected in the ways we treat one another. As we enter into the sacred mysteries of our Catholic faith at Mass today, may we look at the ways we have failed to forgive and ask God to open up our hearts to the fullness of our faith. 

Lord Jesus - you are merciful and compassionate. 

Christ Jesus - you hear the cries of the poor and the brokenhearted. 

Lord Jesus - you help us to forgive. 

Priest: In the light of God’s compassion and mercy, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That we in the Church may courageously share Jesus’ message of unconditional love and reach out to those most in need. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That our world leaders may be granted wisdom and compassion to hear the cries of the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For the sick, the afflicted, and the lonely. That those experiencing physical pain or mental anguish may feel God’s consoling presence and healing power. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That the Lord continue to accompany our children, youth, and college students in their studies and their school activities. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That catechists and teachers working in faith formation may shine the light of God’s truth on their students. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That the Body and Blood of Christ that we receive in the Eucharist help us to be witnesses to the Gospel message in our words and our actions. We pray to the Lord. 

7. That in our works of mercy and charity, we may reach out to the hungry, the homeless, and the brokenhearted. Lord, hear us. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For our deceased loved ones and family members. That they may be welcomed into the eternal peace of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

9. For the prayers we hold in the silence four hearts. 

Priest: We make our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

13 September 2026 - bulletin reflection - 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time CYCLE A

It is interesting to look at the prayer intentions Pope Leo XIV has for each month. For the month of September, he asks to pray for the care of water, for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it. As we see photos of reservoirs in the West that are going dry and know all-too-well the problems that the city of Jackson has had with its water system, we pray for care for our water. At my prison masses, the inmates can write down their prayers intentions that we read during the prayers of the faithful. Recently, one of the men prayed that at the end of the prison mass, we get to have cookies once again. It is a treat that the prison sometimes provides for the church services, but for a while, we have not had them. Sometimes, it is the seemingly small things in life that have importance and that can make their way into our prayers. Have a blessed week everyone. Father Lincoln. 

11 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 23rd week in ordinary time - prayers of the faithful for the 25th anniversary of 9/11

Lord Jesus, you bring us justice and peace. 

Christ Jesus, you bring us new life. 

Lord Jesus, you call us to mercy and solidarity. 

Priest: As we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 today, we present our prayers to our loving God:

1. For our Church leaders including Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Kopacz, that they may always lead the people of God in justice and peace. 

2. For our governmental leaders, may we all work together toward an end to terrorism, war, and violence. May we work together to build justice and unity throughout our land and throughout the world. 

3. For our first responders and the men and women in the military. For our veterans and our medical professionals. 

4. For our children, youth, college students, parents, and teachers. For blessings for this school year in their studies. 

5. For the sick and shut in. For those in the hospital, hospice, and nursing homes.  For healing and wholeness. 

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. 

7. For our country on the anniversary of 9/11. For those who suffered from that attack. For the lives lost and for those who were injured. For their families and loved ones.  

Priest: Heavenly father, we present these prayers to you through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

10 September 2026 - homily for Thursday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time - St Nicholas of Tolentino - Psalm 139

Nicholas of Tolentino was a humble Augustine Friar who was born in the middle of the 13th century in Italy. He was known for his sprit of prayer, penance, fasting, and austerity of life. As a priest, he was known for his charitable works towards his brother Augustinians as well as towards the people to whom he ministered. He had a special passion for visiting the sick and caring for the needy. He gave special attention to those who had fallen away from the Church.

A story is told of Nicholas; while he was asleep in bed, he was awakened by the voice of a deceased friar who told Nicholas that he was in purgatory and urged Nicholas to celebrate the Eucharist for him and for the other souls there, so that they would be freed by the power of Christ. Nicholas celebrate the Eucharist with this special intention for seven days. The friar then spoke to Nicholas again while he was asleep, thanking him and assuring him that a large number of souls were now with God. Nicholas is seen as the patron saint as souls form purgatory. Praying for the dead is a special devotion we have in our Catholic faith. It is a devotion that links us to our families and our ancestors and the community of saints and the souls in purgatory, a wonderful devotion. 

Our psalmist states today: “Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.” May our Lord Jesus Christ and all the community of saints guide us and encourage us on the path of faith. 

30 August 2026 - mission appeal for St Kathryn parish in Hudson, NH - homily for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Romans 12:1-12 - Jeremiah 20:7-9

It is very wonderful being with all of you here this weekend to celebrate Mass around the table of the Lord. My name is Father Lincoln Dall. I come to you as a brother in Christ from the Diocese of Jackson (Mississippi) in the deep South. When your parish receives a mission visit each summer, you probably expect a missionary serving in a faraway land overseas. However, I am from designated missionary territory in our own country. Our Diocese has the lowest percentage of Catholics of any Diocese in the US, about 3%. However, we have the largest Diocese geographically east of the Mississippi River. Many of our 73 parishes and 15 mission churches are small and located in rural areas. We do not have any large cities in Mississippi, so our parishes are spread out throughout sparsely populated rural areas. Some counties in Mississippi only have one parish. Some do not even have that. 

As I am hear with you for my mission visit this weekend, I think of the themes in our readings today. Jeremiah describes the real-life struggle he has on his journey as a prophet from God. He feels mocked by the people and overwhelmed with his vocation, but still, God’s message is like a fire burning in his heart, a message he must deliver to the people. In his letter to the Romans, St Paul urges us as believers to not conform to the ways of the world, but to transform ourselves into living, holy sacrifices to God. At times, we can all feel overwhelmed on our journey of faith and in trying to live out our life of discipleship in the modern world. We can feel the pressures of the modern world calling out to us, making it challenging to live a life of holiness. In Mississippi, with a lot of misconceptions about Catholicism, it can be quite a challenge to forge a path as a practicing Catholic. In the dynamic and creative ways we try to approach ministry in our Diocese, I feel that our Catholic presence has an influence far beyond our small percentage of the population. 

In wanting to share some specific ministry stories with all of you, I thought of the prison ministry in our Diocese, something that is very dear to my own heart. I have been involved in prison ministry for 18 years. I go out to the federal prison in Yazoo City, which has about 6,000 inmates, and the Central Mississippi state prison just outside of Jackson, with about 3,500 inmates. For many years, we struggled to even get access to see the inmates. Often, at the state prison, I would have mass at the foyer of the building where the inmates lived, sometimes in the fire station of the prison, or even on a picnic bench outside the prison cafeteria. Several years ago, we got access to have Mass in the chapel and have been able to go out every week, which has made a huge difference. You can imagine the terrible living conditions we have in the prisons in Mississippi. There is a lot of gang activity, violence, and drug use. Most of the inmates live in housing units that have no air conditioning. Unbelievable. Yet, our ministry has transformed the lives of many inmates. We usually have about 150 inmates attending Mass during any given week. We 8 men enter the Church this year. For the last two years, we have been operating a garden project as a part of our ministry, where were have garden areas around the prison where the prisoners grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It has been a huge success. We try to tie the gardening to our Catholic spirituality. A lot of the produce goes to the prison cafeteria, and in certain raised garden, the inmates get to keep the produce for themselves. I am very passionate about the prison ministry.  It is amazing to see God at work in this mission environment of the prisons. 

As you are hearing my homily today, you probably do not detect a strong Southern accent. That is because I am not originally from Mississippi. I am originally from Chicago. I currently serve as the pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Raymond, MS and Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, MS, two towns just outside the city of Jackson. I have also been working in the chancery office for 8 years, currently serving as vicar general of the Diocese.

I am here as a priest from the missionary Diocese of Jackson to share some of our stories with you as a part of our Church’s larger missionary effort.  Pope Francis always said that we as a Church should never lose our missionary identity, that we are to be a Church who goes forth into the world and invites others to our faith. All of us are called to be missionary in spirit, to be a part of the universal mission effort of the Church. Most importantly, in a world torn apart by divisions and conflict, we must recognize each other as our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we see ourselves as missionary in spirit, when we encounter our neighbor and invite him into our faith, it will open up so many possibility for us as well on our own journey and to see the Gospel in a new wonderful light. 

I am so grateful to be here with all of you this weekend. To celebrate around the altar of the Lord. Your parish is going to have a second collection to help us with the missionary needs of our Diocese, to help our different ministries, our rural parishes, and our rural schools. I want to thank you for any help you are able to give. Also, I ask for your prayers for our Diocese of Jackson. And be assured that I will keep all of you and your parish in my prayers as well.

21 August 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 20th week in Ordinary Time - prison ministry

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us faith and hope. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to a life of discipleship. 

Priest: We present our prayers this morning in faith and hope: 

1. For courage for those who are discriminated against in their faith. For courage and strength in living out our faith each day. 

2. For the peace and reconciliation of Christ to replace the terrorism, violence, and hatred that exists in the world. 

3. For those who are sick and suffering. For healing and wholeness. 

4. That all Christians may proclaim Christ as the light of the world in their words and their actions. 

5. For a greater sense of stewardship of God’s creation. 

6. For our students. May God’s grace accompany them during the school year. May the Lord bless all who are in training classes here at CMCF. 

7. For all who have died in Christ, especially our deceased loved ones and family members. 

8. For patience in the moments that frustrate us during the day. 

9. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

10 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 23rd week in ordinary time

Lord Jesus - you call us to forgiveness. 

Christ Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Lord Jesus - you are our savior and our redeemer.

Priest: With confidence, let us present our prayers and petitions before God’s throne of mercy:

1. For Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Kopacz, and all our Church leaders. May they be mindful of the responsibility handed down to them of guiding those entrusted to their care.

2. For the civil and religious leaders of the world. May they share a willingness to enter dialogue in mutual trust and respect. 

3. For those struggling with their faith. May they be moved by the Spirit to see in Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life.

4. That members of our faith community may be nourished by the Eucharist. May we put our lives at the service of others. 

5. For the sick and the afflicted. For healing and wholeness. For those struggling with addictions and mental health issues. 

6. For those who have died recently and for all the faithful departed. May they rejoice in the presence of God’s unconditional love.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: Strengthened by our faith, we ask that you hear the prayers of your people, through Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

9 September 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time - Luke 6:20-26

Today, we commemorate St Peter Claver, one of the great missionaries of the Christian faith from the 17th century. A Spaniard by birth, Claver left his home country of Spain in 1610 to become a missionary to the Spanish colonies in the Americas and he never turned back. He arrived in the busy trading port of Cartagena in the present-day country of Colombia. He was ordained a Jesuit priest there in Cartagena in 1615. By the time of his arrival, the slave trade had already been established there. He continued the work of another Jesuit priest, Father Alfonso de Sandoval, who had ministered to the slaves there for 40 years before Peter Claver undertook this same ministry. Claver would meet the slave ships and bring them things like medicine, food, and water. In 40 years of ministry, it is estimated that he baptized at least 300,000 slaves into the faith. After 4 years of battling a debilitating illness, Peter Claver died in 1654. Though he often clashed with the governmental authorities in the Spanish colonies during his lifetime, he was given great respect in his public funeral.  He was canonized in 1888 and was declared a patron saint of the missions. Peter Claver once said, “We must speak to the peopl with our hands, by giving, before we try to speak to them with our lips.” Yes, our actions often say more than our words. 

Today, we hear Luke’s version account of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Plains.  While the version of the Beatitudes from Matthew’s Gospel states that blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who mourn, Luke states that blessed are the poor, the hungry, and those who weep.  Luke’s beatitudes speak to the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized of the world, which was the everyday world of St Peter Claver. May we remember the Beatitudes in our hearts and reflect the Beatitudes in our actions. 

9 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you bring us hope. 

Christ Jesus - you are a light shining in the world. 

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Priest: With faith and hope, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. For our Church leaders. For wisdom and strength in their leadership. 

2. For peace in the world, especially in our communities here in the United States, in the Middle East and Ukraine. 

3. For all who are needy or lonely or suffering. For healing and wholeness. 

4. For our loved ones and those who support us in prayer. 

5. For all the faithful departed and for all who have died recently. For the souls in purgatory. 

6. For the spiritual and physical well-being of all our parishioners and loved ones. 

7. For our children and youth and college students. May God bless them in their students and in their school activities. For our parents and teachers. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: We present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

8 September 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lord Jesus, you the Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Word of God made flesh: Lord, have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:  

Priest: God graciously blesses humanity.  We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence as we honor our Blessed Mother today: 

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout their challenges and difficult circumstances.

2. That God may grant wisdom to our governmental leaders in the decisions they have to make.

3. For peace in our local communities. For nations around the world that are torn apart by violence, terrorism, war, anger, or conflict.

4. That we may all be peacemakers who work for reconciliation, peace, and justice in our relationships.  

5. That Mary may be an example to all of us in her patience, compassion, mercy, and love.  

6. For all who have been affected by hot weather, storms and tornadoes, and flooding.  For continued recovery.  

7. For the sick and the shut-in.  We pray that perpetual light may shine on all our dearly departed.

8. For those prayers we hold in our hearts.  

Priest: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice: accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

8 September 2026 - homily for the nativity of Mary - Matthew 1:18-23

Today, September 8, we celebrate the feast day of the birth of Mary in our Church’s liturgical calendar.  The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its liturgical year in September. The date of September 8 helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

Sacred Scripture does not record account of Mary’s birth. However, there is a tradition that has been passed down that states that Mary’s parents Anne and Joachim were having problems having a child, but persisted in their prayers to God.  God have them the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. This tradition emphasizes the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.

The great 5th century theologian St Augustine of Hippo connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work, as the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. St Augustine writes: “Mary is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” 

The opening prayer at Mass today speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace: “Impart to your servants, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.” 

In honor of the Nativity of Mary, I thought of the traditional prayer of the Angelus, which has been prayed by the faithful since the 11th century.  In recent years, Pope Paul VI and Pope John XXIII, encouraged the faithful to pray the Angelus as a meaningful Catholic devotion.  I love the prayer of the Angelus and am hoping to incorporate it more in my devotional life of faith: 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray:  Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.  Amen.