Sunday and Daily Mass Homilies by Fr. Aristotle

7.16.25: The Scapular: A Pledge, Not a Free Pass

Wednesday mass. 7.16.25.
In this homily, I share a personal story from my high school days about wearing a scapular and the lessons learned over the years. The scapular should not be seen as a 'get out of jail free card,' but rather as a pledge of love and devotion to Mary and Jesus Christ. I emphasize the importance of humility, faithfulness, and childlike devotion in our spiritual journey. Wearing the scapular symbolizes allowing Mary to guide our lives while reminding us of Jesus's love and protection. True spiritual growth lies in dependence on Christ and embracing our weaknesses with humility.

7/15/25: Blessed to Know Christ Deeply

Tuesday Mass. 7.15.25.
In this homily, I reflect on the blessing and responsibility of knowing Christ deeply, illustrating this with insights from my time in seminary and the life of St. Bonaventure. We explore the urgency to embrace and cherish our faith, avoiding the trap of complacency, and acknowledging our need to continually seek and grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

7/14/25: The Courage to Choose Christ Daily

Monday Mass. 7.14.25.
In this homily, I discuss the life of St. Kateri, a young Native American Christian who faced immense opposition from her community. She remained steadfast in her faith, even when her family and friends rejected her, illustrating the powerful message of choosing Christ above all else. Her story challenges us to remain committed to our faith, regardless of the cost.

7/13/25: Loving the Neighbors We Don't Choose

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 7.13.25.
In this homily, I reflect on a poignant visit with a 90-year-old woman struggling with unforgiveness. Drawing on the story of the Good Samaritan, I emphasize the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who hurt us. We explore the deep-seated need for forgiveness and how Jesus serves as the ultimate model of compassion.

7/11/25: Sanctify Daily Life with Prayer and Work

Friday Mass. 7.11.25.
In this homily, we explore the life of St. Benedict, one of the great saints who bridged the gap between work and prayer. We delve into how he founded Western monasticism and taught his followers to sanctify all aspects of their lives. Learn how this legacy of 'ora et labora' (pray and work) can apply to us today, reminding us that our daily work, no matter the form, can be a holy offering to God.

7/09/25: Finding Light in Impossible Circumstance

Wednesday Mass. 
In this homily, I reflect on the tragic events happening in our world and find hope through faith. We revisit the story of Joseph from the Old Testament, illustrating how God can turn grave circumstances into triumph. With prayer and unity, we offer our struggles to God, trusting in His power to bring goodness out of despair. Join us as we explore how our Christian story continues to show God's triumph in impossible situations.

7/07/25: God of the Living

Monday Mass. 7.07.25.
In today's homily, I discuss a profound insight from Catholic theologians and saints—that our life on earth only becomes truly real in heaven. Using the gospel story of Jesus raising a girl from the dead, I illustrate God's incredible power to bring life to our struggles and trials. By integrating these scriptural truths into our daily lives, we can experience the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

7/06/25: Fruitful Harvest: Souls Ripe for the Faith

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time. 7.06.25.
In this homily, I discuss the importance of sharing our faith boldly and the challenges that come with it, including rejection. Drawing inspiration from the book 'Jesus at the Door' by Scott, I emphasize that evangelization is not about having the perfect argument but about being open-hearted and relying on God's power. I also reflect on how Jesus sent out 72 disciples two by two to teach that we are not meant to do it alone, and to rely on God's provision. Lastly, I highlight the significance of knowing Jesus personally, experiencing radical joy, and practicing radical love.

7/02/25: Jesus' Unmatched Authority Over Darkness

Wednesday Mass. 7.02.25.
In this homily, I discuss the contrast between ancient Jewish practices for dealing with demonic possession and the way Jesus Christ handles such situations. Unlike the rabbis who needed artifacts and invoked the names of past figures, Jesus demonstrates his authority by commanding demons directly. This highlights the power and sovereignty of Jesus as the Son of God. I reflect on the need to trust in God’s authority over every aspect of our lives, even in times of struggle and suffering, and question whether we are truly willing to let Him take control.

6/30/25: Remembering Martyrs and Their Legacy

Monday Mass. 6.30.25
In this homily, I reflect on the upcoming July 4th celebrations and juxtapose it with the sacrificial story of Christian martyrs. I talk about the importance of understanding and honoring the sacrifices made by the men and women who died for our freedom, and how the church celebrates the martyrdom of early Christians, despite their tragic ends. I urge the congregation to draw inspiration from these martyrs to strengthen their faith and purpose. Let this be a reminder to cherish our freedoms and continually strive to follow Jesus, even in the face of personal trials and sacrifices.