SJBExcelsior Podcast

Fr. Carlson begins a two-part homily series on gratitude.

There is an obvious call from Jesus in this past Sunday's parable of Lazarus and the rich man, but there is a deeper spiritual understanding as well. Jesus addresses this parable to the Pharisees, and is calling them, and us, to conversion. He is the Lazarus in the story, the one the rich man does not want to see. He has come to save them, but they have closed their eyes to him and want none of it...

Fr. Carlson dives into the often misunderstood Parable of the Dishonest Steward. Does Jesus commend the dishonesty of the steward? No, rather, he is pointing out something deeper.

Fr. Carlson speaks about the reason we exalt the Cross of Christ.

In challenging times, can I still say yes to the Lord?

Fr. Carlson shares how to go to the Lord when our hearts are heavy, and speaks to the tragic events of last Wednesday.

We have to spend time with God in order to grow. Are we stuck in the same place as when we were 10 years old, 20 years old? How do we grow spiritually?

Sometimes it gets hard, but never give up hope. Deacon Michael Nevin, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2025

Fr. Carlson's homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 8.10.2025

Jealousy is saying - “God, I like the gift that you gave to this other person better than the gifts that you gave to me.” Fr. Michael Van Sloun unpacks how easily we can fall into the various forms of greed, and how to remedy it.

The disciples come to Jesus asking Him to teach them how to pray. We, as disciples, also ask this question. We all know the importance of prayer but how do we actually pray? Here at St. John's we will be holding a 6-week School of Prayer to explore this very question. Find more details here: https://stjohns-excelsior.org/school-of-prayer/

How do we enter into prayer? How do we enter into Mass? Fr. Carlson gives practical tips to be less distracted and more present.

Deacon Michael unpacks the parable of the Good Samaritan, explaining who each of the people in the story represent. He also invites us to reflect on the times we’ve chosen the other side of the street, rather than helping someone in need. We are called to serve no matter the cost, knowing that God will give us the grace.

Do we cry to God with joy, as the psalmist says in Psalm 66? This week, Fr. Carlson invites us to praise God for His goodness, in small moments and in big.

Jesus didn't call Peter and Paul because they were perfect.

Fr. Carlson connects the Old and New Testament to reflect on the great Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ).

What does Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory have to do with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity? Watch Fr. Carlson's homily to find out.

In his homily for Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Carlson reflects on one of his favorite prayers - “Come, Holy Spirit, Come”.

Deacon Michael describes how the feast of the Ascension is a great feast of hope. “...he ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state but that we, his members, might be confident of following where he, our Head and Founder, has gone before.” – Preface I for the Ascension of the Lord

Sixth Sunday of Easter - 5.25.2025

It’s a simple line to say "love one another" - it’s harder to practice it.

Our lives are so full of noise. A key part of our journey is the need to cultivate silence. Fr. Carlson gives practical tips on how to hear the voice of God.

Fr. Carlson shares a homily on Divine Mercy Sunday from the late Pope Francis.

The Resurrection changes everything.

We can ignore Jesus, mock him, scourge him, yet he still gives himself to us. This is how great His love is for us.