Father Matthew Wiering Podcast

11/16/14: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Taking Risks with our Faith

Jesus's Parable of the Talents reminds us that, in economics, if there is no investment (which implies a risk), then there is no growth. Our faith, too, must be "risked" in order for there to be growth. If we hoard our faith, keeping it to ourselves, not "risking" it by sharing it with others, then we will never grow in our spiritual life. But if we "risk" our faith by giving it to others, then it can grow. And it will!

11/09/14: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Today's Feast reminds us of the importance of the church building itself--how church architecture and art helps us to understand our faith.

11/2/14: Why I'm Relieved about Purgatory

Every year on November 2 the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed, or All Souls Day. The Church has always taught that we must pray for the dead, a conviction that we received from our Jewish forefathers. But why must we pray for the dead? In this homily I try to explain what purgatory is, and why we should be relieved that it exists.

10/26/14: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: What is Love?

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to love God and neighbor. But what is love, really? Looking at God's love, we begin to understand what Jesus really means when he says that our lives must be characterized by love.

10/19/14: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: What We Owe to God

In today's Gospel, Jesus shows us that we owe to Caesar that which bears his image and likeness: money. So what do we owe to God?

10/12/14: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The King's Invitation

An examination of today's troubling Gospel helps us to realize that the King of the Universe is personally inviting you and me to a deeper relationship with Him. What is our response?

9/27/14: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Being Christian on the Inside

In today's Gospel a father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. One says "yes" but doesn't go. The other says "no" and goes. The Lord is asking for our "yes" to His will inside and outside. He is looking for those who are Christians interiorly and exteriorly!

9/14/14: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The Cross and our Life

If we desire the Resurrection, then we must embrace the Cross. This was true for Jesus, and it is true for us! Jesus shows us that the Cross does not have to be a place of shame but a place where love is proven. This is why the Church celebrates the Feast--not of the shame of the Cross--but of the Exaltation of the Cross. In Jesus the Cross becomes glorious!

9/7/14: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: To Be in the Communion of the Church

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us some very practical advice about how to resolve conflicts (and implicitly how not to do so). To treat our brothers and sisters with love--especially those who have hurt us--is part of being in the family of God, in the communion of the Church.

8/31/14: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Suffering Love and the Laws of the Church

In today's Gospel, Peter does not understand that Jesus must give his life in order to reveal God's love. To do this necessarily involves the Cross. Part of this "cross" we must bear as Christians is accepting the self-denial and suffering required by following the Church's teachings, which--ultimately--lead to our true happiness and fulfillment.