Deacon Bill Ross Homilies

Loneliness is everywhere — even in our pews. In this Corpus Christi homily, Deacon Bill reflects on the song “Lonely People” and how the Eucharist speaks directly into the quiet ache so many carry. As the homily says: “Loneliness whispers, ‘You don’t matter.’ The Eucharist answers, ‘You belong.’” Through Scripture, the witness of Deacon George, and the promise of Jesus’ real presence, this message...

A caterpillar doesn't come out of its chrysalis as the same caterpillar. It's always a butterfly. So why do so many of us emerge from Lent unchanged? This Ash Wednesday homily explores what it really means to use these 40 days — like Jesus in the desert — to come out the other side more of the person God wants you to be.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from a famine in Sudan becomes the unexpected lens for understanding Divine Mercy Sunday. No matter how weak, how far gone, or how long it's been — Jesus doesn't wait for you to clean yourself up. He walks through locked doors to meet you exactly where you are.

In this homily on the Beatitudes, we explore why Jesus's blessings sound so upside-down from what the world teaches us to value. Through a powerful 3am trust analogy and examining how Jesus Himself lived each Beatitude, discover why the path to heaven doesn't look like the path to worldly success. Includes a practical challenge using the Litany of Humility to help you grow in the virtue that makes...

Welcome! Whether you're an active Catholic, exploring faith for the first time, or have been away from the Church, this introduction episode explains what this podcast is about and what you'll gain from listening. Spoiler: it's not just about hearing Scripture—it's about putting it into action.

A retired Navy Seal asks Deacon Bill an unforgettable question: "Why would God want me back?" In this powerful Advent homily, discover the ancient Latin phrase nunc coepi - "now I begin" - and learn how John the Baptist's message of radical mercy applies to your life today. It's never too late to start again.

In this Epiphany homily, we explore the journey of the Magi through four transformative steps: Seek, Adore, Change, and Shine. Discover why pagan astrologers found Jesus before those who had all the knowledge of Scripture, and what it means to become "stars for others" in a world covered by darkness. This message challenges us to follow Christ's light beyond our comfort zones and bring hope to tho...

Have you ever experienced a "God wink" – a meaningful coincidence that feels like a sign from above? In this All Souls Day homily, Deacon Bill introduces a simple family practice that might help you experience more of them: the popsicle stick prayer jar. Drawing from the Book of Wisdom and John's Gospel, Deacon Bill explores the souls in purgatory – so close to heaven, yet still being purified for...

Why does a Super Bowl team follow the rules without question – but society feels free to change God's laws? In this powerful homily, Deacon Bill tackles one of the most dangerous forces in our world: silence in the face of evil. Using the metaphor of sports rules that can never be changed, he challenges us to examine why we allow God's commandments to be rewritten to fit society's desires. Drawing...

"Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear." You've seen that warning on every car mirror – but what if it applied to God? In this Ascension Sunday homily, Deacon Bill explores the apostles' bewilderment when Jesus ascended into Heaven. One moment they're watching Him disappear into the clouds, feeling abandoned and alone. The next, they're filled with joy. What changed? The answer: they r...

What if your Apple Watch could help you get to Heaven? In this homily, Deacon Bill uses the Activity App as an unexpected metaphor for spiritual life. Just as the watch tracks your steps and reminds you to stay active, what if we had a "Heaven App" that kept our eternal goal front and center throughout the day? Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and Luke's Gospel about the rich fool, Deacon Bi...

Why does God allow evil in the world? And why doesn't He just step in and stop it? These are questions we all wrestle with. In this homily, Deacon Bill reveals that God actually answers them directly in today's Scripture readings. The catch? We've been hearing these passages for years without really listening to what He's telling us. Join Deacon Bill as he tackles one of faith's toughest questions...