Sunday and Daily Mass Homilies by Fr. Aristotle

12/7/25: Preparing Our Hearts—Not Perfectly, but Honestly

2nd Sunday of Advent. 12.07.25.
In this homily I talk about what it really means to be ready for Advent. So many of us feel unprepared or even overwhelmed, but God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking us to turn toward Him. I share about slowing down, learning to wait with trust, building a habit of prayer, and the grace we receive through confession. My hope is that this helps you enter Advent with peace, honesty, and a heart open to the Lord.

12/3/25: Christ Our Light in the Darkness

Wednesday Mass. 12.03.25.
In this homily, I reflect on how Christ enters the darkness of our world to be our light and our hope. I share the reminder that even when life feels heavy or confusing, God has not left us—He walks with us, just as Psalm 23 promises.

12/1/25: The Grace That Moves Hearts Back Home

Monday Mass. 12.01.25.
In this homily, I share a beautiful reminder that God’s grace is always at work—even in ways we can’t see. A family unexpectedly walked into the church, and through that moment, the Lord revealed how our prayers, sacrifices, and quiet faith can move hearts we may never meet. Reflecting on the centurion’s trust and urgency in approaching Jesus, I talk about what Advent truly means: waiting with faith, listening with patience, and trusting God’s timing over our own.

11/30/25: Slowing Down for Advent

1st Sunday of Advent. 11.30.25.
In this homily, I talk about what Advent is really meant to be—a season of waiting, preparing, and slowing down. Just as God’s people waited for centuries for the Messiah, we’re invited to pause, stay awake, and make room for Jesus in our daily lives. I share how St. Paul calls us to cast off darkness, put on Christ, and take small, intentional steps each day—whether it’s five minutes of prayer, using an Advent reflection, or returning to confession. Advent is the story of a God who steps into our mess to bring us hope, mercy, and new life.

11/29/25: Are We Ready for His Coming?

Saturday Mass. 11.29.25.
In this homily, I reflect on what it really means to be ready for Jesus—both at Christmas and at His final coming. Advent invites us to slow down, listen, and pay attention to what God wants to do in our hearts. I talk about the “kingdoms” of this world that rise and fall, and the true Kingdom that arrives in the quiet birth of Christ. My hope is that this message helps you pause in the rush of the season and rediscover what it means to wait, to prepare, and to welcome the King who brings hope and peace.

11/25/25: Grateful Hearts

Tuesday Mass. 11.25.25.
In this homily, I share a story about how gratitude can change the way we see everything. From a woman overwhelmed with thankfulness for simply being alive, to a lesson I learned in seminary about focusing less on complaints and more on God’s blessings, I reflect on how gratitude reshapes the heart. As we approach Thanksgiving and the first Sunday of Advent, I invite you to pause, notice the gifts in your life, and remember the eternal kingdom God has promised us.

11/24/25: What Are We Fighting For?

Monday Mass. 11.24.25.
In today’s homily, we reflect on a powerful question: What are we fighting for? As we honor the 117 Vietnamese martyrs — and the hundreds of thousands who gave their lives over centuries — we see that true strength is found in quiet, hidden faithfulness. Like Daniel and his companions, who remained faithful even in a foreign land, we too are called to stand firm in the small choices no one sees. As we enter Advent, we remember that Jesus has already won the victory. Now our fight is simply to stay faithful to Him with courage, joy, and trust.

11/23/25: Inviting Christ the King Into Our Lives

Jesus Christ King of the Universe. 11.23.25.
In this homily, I share how the cross reveals the true kingship of Jesus. Even in His weakness and suffering, He shows us what real victory looks like. Like the good thief, we’re invited to see Jesus for who He truly is and welcome Him as King of our lives as we enter Advent. Even when life is hard or things don’t go the way we hope, Christ remains our King—present, faithful, and leading us toward true victory.

11/21/25: The Blessing of a Grateful Heart

School Mass. 11.21.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the story of the ten lepers and how only one returned to thank Jesus. I talk to the students, parents, and teachers about how gratitude opens our hearts to deeper healing and blessings—not just physical, but spiritual. As we enter this week, I invite everyone to find just one thing to be grateful for, to share it with someone, and to bring it to prayer.

11/18/25: The Courage to Stay True to God

Tuesday Mass. 11.18.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the powerful witness of Eleazar, a man who chose faithfulness and integrity over fear, even when his life was on the line. His courage challenges us to live our faith with honesty, conviction, and love—especially when others are watching. I share why our example matters, how God uses our perseverance to help all those in our families who don't believe.