Sunday and Daily Mass Homilies by Fr. Aristotle

9/29.25: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael—Angels Who Guide and Protect

Monday Mass. 9.29.25.
In this homily, I share a story from my early years as a priest about someone who didn’t believe in angels—and how it led me to reflect more deeply on God’s gift of the angels. I talk about St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, as well as our guardian angels, and how they reveal God’s love, protection, and desire to share His glory with us.

9.28.25: Examining Life in Light of Eternity

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 9.28.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the Gospel of the rich man and Lazarus and the urgent call to examine our lives. Moments of tragedy or unexpected events remind us that life is short and our choices matter. I invite you to ask: Who is the Lazarus in your life—the person God is calling you to notice, love, and serve?

9.24.25: Escaping the Two Extremes—Trusting in Mercy

Wednesday Mass. 9.24.25.
In this homily, I share the story of someone who felt too far gone for God’s forgiveness—and how mercy is always greater than our sins. We reflect on Ezra’s prayer and the call to avoid two extremes: treating sin too lightly or falling into fear and despair. At the heart of our faith is God’s mercy, which invites us to trust, repent, and always return to Him.

9/23/25: Padre Pio’s Humility Above His Gifts

Tuesday Mass. 9.23.25.
In this homily, I share the life and witness of Padre Pio—not just his well-known supernatural gifts, but his deep humility and faithfulness to God. Despite the stigmata, visions, and even bilocation, what truly defined him was his willingness to suffer, his humility, and his trust in Jesus. Like Mary, whose greatness was her faithful “yes,” Padre Pio shows us that holiness is not about extraordinary gifts but about daily faithfulness to God.

9/22/25: King Cyrus and God’s Hidden Hand in History

Monday Mass. 9.22.25.
In today’s homily, I reflect on how God used an unexpected figure—King Cyrus of Persia—to bring the Israelites back from exile and rebuild the temple. Even though Cyrus wasn’t a Jew, the Lord stirred his heart to fulfill His promise and restore His people. This reminds us that God is always at work in history, often in ways we don’t expect. Just as the Israelites were called to be a light in the midst of their trials, we too are called to let our light shine, trusting that God works through everything, even when we cannot see it.

9/21/25: Investing in Eternal Treasures

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 9.21.25.
In this homily, I share how easy it is to spend our time and energy worrying about earthly security—finances, investments, careers—while forgetting about what matters most: eternity. Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that we cannot serve both God and money. True wealth isn’t found in possessions, but in building eternal treasures with Him.

9/20/25: Witness of the Korean Martyrs

St. Andrew, St. Paul and companions. 9.20.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the incredible way Christianity first took root in Korea—not through priests, but through a layperson who carried catechism materials from China. From humble beginnings, the faith spread through reading and witness, even amid persecution. We remember the Korean martyrs, like St. Paul and St. Andrew, whose courage shows us that Christianity cannot be destroyed because it is Christ Himself who gives it life. Their testimony challenges us to choose Christ boldly, even in a world where faith is often mocked.
 

9/19/25: Signs of Hope in the Blood of St. Januarius

Friday Mass. 9.19.25.
In this homily, I share the story of St. Januarius, a bishop and martyr whose courage in the face of persecution still inspires us today. His witness reminds us that faith is worth fighting for, and even death is not the end. The miraculous sign of his blood that continues to liquefy points us to the hope of eternal life and God’s enduring presence with us.

9/17/25: How Do I Know God’s Voice?

Wednesday Mass. 9.17.25.
In this homily, I share a conversation with a young adult who asked me how to know if what he hears is truly from God. We all wrestle with that question, and the answer is found in the foundation of our faith—the Catholic Church. Through Scripture, the Catechism, and the witness of the saints, we can recognize God’s voice with confidence and peace

9/15/25: Mary, Our Companion in Suffering

Our Lady of Sorrows. 9.15.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the deep meaning of suffering through the lens of Mary at the foot of the Cross. After being with a grieving family who suddenly lost their husband and father, I was reminded that Mary knows our pain and stands with us in our suffering. When we unite our trials with hers and with Christ, suffering is no longer meaningless—it becomes an offering of love that carries immense value and power.