Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of St. Jerome. Father Dave reflects on the praise he is receiving today on his birthday, and how today's readings offer some humility. God reminds us that it's not all about "me," and that we are to be a gift to others in the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-30-22

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave challenges us to apply our problem-solving and time-management skills to our faith lives. He reminds us that we are to find the time, energy and effort for what God desires. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-18-22

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Father Dave explains how Jesus transforms the cross from an image of death into new life. He reminds us that in the Paschal Mystery, our darkest moments can be reborn with God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-14-22

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts how he lost his reader sunglasses while on a recent trip, and it was hard to see certain things. He connects this to how the Holy Spirit allows us to view our world differently. However, just like putting on glasses, we have to choose to put on the Holy Spirit and see with the eyes of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Chu...

Vigil of Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches from a traditionally Lutheran church, and describes some commonalities in how both Christian faiths honor the Word of God. He reminds us that we are to be set on fire by the Gospel, as the Scriptures tell us today. He also explains the devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots, and challenges us to set the world ablaze and undo knots for oth...

Memorial of Saint Clare. Father Dave focuses on the psalm proclaimed today, and connects it to the beginning of the pilgrimage to Germany. He reminds the pilgrims and all of us to remember the wonderful things God has done for us. Preached at the Basilica of St. Ursula, Cologne, Germany on 08-11-22

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls exchanging valentines as a kid with the phrase "Be Mine." The readings today remind us that we belong to God, and he is our protector and guide. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-03-22

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls faith lessons he learned from pottery class while on sabbatical last year. We are called to let God keep molding us into something beautiful, even when it's uncomfortable to change. Preached at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Lake George, New York on 07-28-22

Feast of Saint James. Father Dave explains how the Feast of Saint James can remind us that God chooses all of us despite our shortcomings. Our imperfections do not limit us in our call to be present to others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-25-22

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains how today's Scriptures reveal two keys about prayer: It is not about changing God's mind, and it is usually not about us. We are to focus on the needs of our world and community, in addition to praying for our own desires. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-24-22

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Father Dave recalls how a friend often asks if they are being too dramatic, and connects this characteristic to Isaiah's passion in today's readings. He also helps us learn from Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and challenges us to not take our faith for granted. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-14-22

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Father Dave explains why Saints Peter and Paul share a solemnity, and highlights their impact on the church. Despite our shortcomings, God uses all of us to help grow the kingdom of heaven. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-29-22

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Father Dave discusses Paul's definition of freedom in Sunday's Gospel. He reminds us that our priority is to live God's commands, and that we are called to put our selfishness aside to love and serve one another. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-26-22

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on how news stories can stir passionate change in us, and connects this to those in the Old Testament who were convicted by the Word of God. He also challenges us to use Scripture to change our lives for the better. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-22-22

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on how news stories can stir passionate change in us, and connects this to those in the Old Testament who were convicted by the Word of God. He also challenges us to use Scripture to change our lives for the better. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-22-22