At the beginning of Lent we return to the basics of Genesis and the fall. This homily reflects on original sin, the lie that God is distant, and our call to hear His voice, reject mediocrity, and pursue real conversion of heart.

Jesus deepens the law by calling us beyond external obedience to true holiness of heart. This homily reflects on interior conversion, purification of desires, and the Christian call to pursue holiness rather than merely avoiding sin.

This Sunday’s homily focused on the need for a real conversion of heart. Conversion is not a single moment but a lifelong work. We are meant to keep turning back to the Lord until the day we die. When the Gospel calls us to overcome sin it is not an accusation. It is an invitation to let our hearts be purified.

I closed the homily with words written by Monsignor Ted Hay just days before his death at one hundred one years old. After a lifetime of priesthood he wrote that he was still learning about the spiritual life through the dying process. His final line has stayed with me.

Though I fear God I long for His embrace.

That is the posture of a heart that has been converted again and again.

In today’s homily for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time I reflected on Saint Paul’s warning against relying on superficial identities and divisions. The world constantly pressures us to define ourselves by labels sides and comparisons. The Gospel calls us to something far deeper. Saint Paul reminds the Church that our true identity is found in Christ Jesus. We are not meant to be divided by lesser allegiances but united by the Gospel. This unity is not abstract. It is lived through virtue charity and faithfulness in daily life. Ordinary Time is where this work happens. It is where we learn to live the Gospel consistently and to allow Christ to shape our thinking our choices and our relationships. This homily is an invitation to let go of false identities and to recommit ourselves to the unity that comes only from belonging to the Lord.

As Christmas approaches, what if I do not feel like rejoicing. What do I do if I do not feel like celebrating Christmas. If the purpose of the coming of Christ at Christmas is that there is joy brought to the world, what do I do to get this joy that I do not sense of feel?

Father, how do I deal with having a weak Faith? What can I do to strengthen my Faith and become happier? Here is a good method!