As summer approaches, Fr. Michael’s weekly homilies also approach a hiatus. This two part posting has the last homilies until September.
Instead of a weekly homily during the summer, you can hear longer recordings from Fr. Michael that will be sent out to the mailing list for Fr. Jim Willig’s Gospel Studies. Fr. Jim did not record any talks during the summer and so Fr. Michael’s content will be in place of Fr. Jim’s until September.
We will NOT be sending out the weekly emails after today for Fr. Michael’s Blog. So if you are not already enrolled on Fr. Jim Willig’s Gospel Studies list and you want to receive the weekly reminder notice, click here and sign up: Fr. Jim Willig Blog Sign-up
Pruning to Bear Much Fruit – John 15:1-8
Today’s first homily is Part 1 of a two part posting from the mini-series of homilies given during Fr. Michael’s recent pilgrim journey to Santiago de Compostela along the ancient Camino.
The readings focus on an identity struggle within early Christianity as the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians separate Salvation in Christ from the Law of Moses. Homily Part 1 focuses on the pruning Gospel: John 15:1-8. Jesus reminds his Apostles of the struggles that will come if they are to remain faithful to him. Likewise Fr. Michael reminds the Camino pilgrims of the struggles they are to face in their long and daunting walk.
The Complexity of Conscience – Acts 16:1-5
This is part 2 of today’s homily posting. The Complexity of Conscience – Acts 16:1-5 continues where the previous homily left off. The story of Timothy and his Greek father and Jewish mother demonstrates that even once a decision is made, the realities of human relationships require flexibility and compassion.
Pope Francis today asks us to approach similar questions and dilemmas with compassion and mercy. And just like those walking the Camino, we are also called to inspect our personal journeys to see what items and baggage we don’t really need.