Blessed Sacrament Parish Community Homilies

In this homily, Fr. Rob explores one of Jesus' most transformative acts: taking symbols of shame, pain, and horror and converting them into sources of grace and divine love. The ultimate example is the cross itself—a Roman instrument of torture and control that Jesus transformed into a symbol of life, love, and redemption. The wounds of crucifixion, once repulsive, became testimony to God's sacrif...

In this week's homily, Fr. Rob reflects on what he learned in the weeks after his ordination: all his theological education had merely laid a foundation, but he had no idea how to actually live out priesthood. Seeking wisdom from mentors, he recalls crucial advice from an old Polish country priest who said simply, "Be nice to the little children and to the elderly, and everything else will fall in...

Have you ever sat next to someone at a party who spent the entire time complaining about "kids these days"? In this homily, Fr. Rob shares a humorous and pointed encounter with a particularly crabby gentleman who was convinced that his generation was the only "good" one left. Using this story as a springboard, Fr. Rob challenges the universal myth that the world is in a state of constant decline....

Fr. Rob takes a cue from the cynical Dr. House to explore a profound spiritual truth. While the famous TV doctor claimed that "everybody lies," Fr. Rob suggests that the biggest lie we tell is to ourselves—whenever we believe that our talents, wealth, or even our lives are things we have earned or merited on our own. The reality? Everything is a gift from God. Drawing on the powerful Gospel mandat...

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. Rob reflects on our identity as a "Eucharistic people." Drawing on St. Augustine’s definition of a sacrament—a visible sign of invisible grace—he explores how God uses our physical senses to help us experience the divine. However, Fr. Rob challenges the congregation to look deeper by using the "vision of the heart." Through a simple but powerfu...

In a world where corporations and sports teams spend millions on trademarks—from the iconic shape of a Coke bottle to the Old English "D" on a Tigers jersey—Fr. Rob explores the "logo" of the Catholic Church: the Sign of the Cross. This familiar gesture is more than just a way to start or end a prayer; it is a public declaration of our identity as children of God. Fr. Rob reflects on the mystery o...

In this weekend's homily, Fr. Rob uses a classic scene from the television show  M A S H*—Frank Burns holding his breath—to illustrate a powerful spiritual truth. While it is biologically impossible to stop ourselves from breathing forever, Fr. Rob suggests that we are equally dependent on a different kind of breath: the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus breathing upon the apo...

In this engaging homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the essential balance between spiritual life and practical service. Sharing a humorous and blunt story from his early priesthood about a pastor’s frustration with "professional prayers" who refused to help decorate the church, Fr. Rob explores the true purpose of our devotional lives. Using the Feast of the Ascension as a backdrop, he reminds us that wh...

In this candid and humorous homily, Fr. Rob uses a self-deprecating story about his "master's degree in sarcasm" to explore the deep roots of faith. Reflecting on a question from an adult formation group—"Why are you Catholic?"—he admits that while he was born into the faith, it has become an inseparable part of his DNA, much like his lifelong, often-trying loyalty to the Detroit Lions. Just as he...

In this week's homily, Fr. Rob reflects on the question he's asked most often: "Where are you from?" Despite not having lived in Shelby Township since age 17, it remains the place that appears in his dreams—the home where he was formed. But Fr. Rob shares a transformative memory from his freshman year of college, driving home for Christmas break to his parents' new house in Caseville. Lamenting th...

In this weekend's homily, Fr. Rob tackles a challenging question: How do we actually recognize the voice of Jesus in our lives? He offers two distinct tracks for discernment. For our internal voice—experienced through prayer and Scripture—Fr. Rob encourages us to examine our feelings. Christ's presence should bring comfort when we're struggling and feeling alone, reminding us of his unwavering lov...

In this homily, Fr. Rob invites listeners to slowly digest the story of the Road to Emmaus, uncovering subtle wisdom beyond the familiar refrain that Jesus "was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." Fr. Rob admits to initially feeling judgmental toward the disciples who failed to recognize the risen Christ walking beside them—until realizing how often he does the same thing. Whether di...

In this week's homily, Fr. Rob challenges listeners to reconsider the familiar story of "Doubting Thomas." While many of us have felt a sense of pride hearing Jesus say, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe," Fr. Rob suggests we've missed the point. The truth? We're all like Thomas. Every time we've bargained with God—"Lord, if you get me through this, I will..."—we've put Christ t...

In this Easter homily, Fr. Rob explores the powerful cliche "it is always darkest before the dawn" as a lens for understanding both Christ's resurrection and our own spiritual journeys. Walking through the events of Holy Week—from the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper's call to service, to the devastating abandonment and denial by Christ's closest disciples—Fr. Rob guides...

Have you ever shouted "Hosanna" on Sunday and "Crucify him" by Friday? In this powerful Palm Sunday homily, Fr. Rob explores the unsettling swing in the crowd's loyalty as Jesus entered Jerusalem—and reveals how that same fickleness lives in each of us today. Why were the very people who praised Jesus as their savior so quick to call for his crucifixion? Fr. Rob honestly reflects on his own strugg...

Fr. Rob explores the humanity of Jesus through John's Gospel, traditionally known for emphasizing Christ's divine nature. Focusing on the deeper meaning of Jesus being "perturbed," he reveals how this word indicates Jesus was shaken to his very core - experiencing very human fears about his approaching death and suffering. This powerful homily offers comfort to listeners struggling with their own...

Fr. Rob uses the story of Jesus healing the man born blind to challenge our understanding of sin. While the disciples worried about who was to blame and the Pharisees focused on rule-breaking, Fr. Rob offers a transformative definition: sin is simply "missing the mark." Using a relatable golf analogy about his friend who missed an obvious putt, he explains that the "mark" we're all aiming for is l...

Fr. Rob explores the powerful encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, revealing a profound truth about shame, love, and transformation. He begins with the universal human experience of hiding parts of ourselves we're embarrassed or ashamed of, then shows how the Samaritan woman's story offers hope for all of us. Despite knowing everything about her past, Jesus approached her with perfec...

Fr. Rob challenges listeners to adjust their lens for viewing Scripture and the Lenten season by focusing on Jesus's humanity rather than solely on his divine nature. Drawing from the Transfiguration story, he suggests that while we typically interpret this event from the disciples' perspective, we should also consider how the Father's words of affirmation—"This is my beloved Son with whom I am we...

Fr. Jack Johnson begins this Lent-focused homily with a clever exploration of the word "turn"—from turning our heads when we hear our name to turning over a new leaf. He explains that in Hebrew, repentance literally means "to turn," making this the perfect season for spiritual redirection. Drawing parallels between Adam and Eve's turn toward selfishness and Jesus's turn toward God's Word during hi...

Fr. Jack Johnson opens with a humorous story about comedian W.C. Fields searching for "loopholes" in the Bible on his deathbed, using this as a springboard to explore how we all tend to look for easy ways out when it comes to following God's laws. Drawing from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, Fr. Jack challenges listeners to move beyond mere rule-keeping to embrace the spirit of the...

Fr. Rob challenges us on how we think about loving God. Using a clever analogy about getting a famous athlete's attention by asking about their kids, Fr. Rob reveals that the best way to connect with God is to love and care for His children—each person around us. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah's message to suffering people, he emphasizes that authentic faith moves beyond theory and becomes tangib...

In this homily, Fr. Rob shares how his perspective on faith has evolved with age and experience. Drawing from the examples of St. Thomas Aquinas and Mahatma Gandhi, he explores how even our greatest strengths - liturgical tradition and theological depth - can become liabilities if they don't lead to a genuine change of heart. Fr. Rob challenges listeners to move beyond "right prayer" and "right be...

In this thought-provoking homily, Fr. Rob Howe challenges listeners to reconsider a seemingly simple question that became popular 30 years ago: "What Would Jesus Do?" Despite initially dismissing WWJD as trite theology, Fr. Howe explores how this straightforward question could transform our daily interactions and decisions. From workplace conflicts to traffic frustrations, from helping those in de...

Join Fr. Rob as he explores the essential traits that should identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this homily, he discusses how generosity, patience, compassion, mercy, and unconditional love mark true discipleship, but emphasizes that hope is the crucial identifier our world desperately needs to see today. Drawing from readings in Isaiah and the message of John the Baptist, Fr. Rob remind...