Father Dave Preaches

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes the popularity of the "Calm" app, and how society seeks to find peace amidst chaos. Jesus is with us in our struggles, and gives us the peace the world cannot give. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 7-01-25

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. On today's Solemnity, Father Dave reflects on the roles of Peter and Paul in the Church today. As the pope is the successor to Saint Peter, we are called to be the descendants of Saint Paul in today's world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 6-29-25

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave shares how Christianity requires our words and actions to match. We are called to act on our faith, rather than just to listen and pray. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 6-26-25

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes Abraham's age in today's first reading, and how God calls him to amazing things late in life. Similarly, God continues to work through us regardless of our age. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 6-23-25

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time. While in Rome, Father Dave explains what we can learn from the two pillars of our Church, Saints Peter and Paul. Saint Peter represents the authority of the Church, while Saint Paul reminds us of our call to serve around the world. Preached at Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, Rome, Italy on 6-10-25

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. As the Italy pilgrimage continues to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Father Dave reflects on the Blessed Mother on today's feast. We are to behold Mary as our mother and invite her to pray with us. Preached at Basilica of St. Mary Major, Rome, Italy on 6-9-25

Pentecost Sunday, Vigil Mass. Father Dave explains how God transforms death to life through the Holy Spirit. We can find hope in how the Holy Spirit continues to teach and guide us in our lives today. Preached at St. Apostoli Church, Florence, Italy on 6-7-25

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter. Father Dave relates pilgrimage travel to the greater struggle of waiting for things in life. He reminds us that our faith journey is not only about the destination, and we are always learning and growing through the Holy Spirit. Preached at Basilica of San Domenico, Siena, Italy on 6-6-25

Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr. While on pilgrimage in Italy, Father Dave explains the significance of Rome for Catholicism, as noted in today's first reading. He reminds the pilgrims how blessed they all are to be on this journey and that God wants to share his great love with us. Preached at Church of San Salvatore & Cirino in Abbadia Isola, Tuscany, Italy on 6-5-25

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains today's reading through a story of a grandfather comforting a grandson. God desires to dwell with us and give us peace amid our struggles. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 5-25-25

While preaching in front of the Pope's cathedra in Rome, Father Dave reflects on the beauty of St. John Lateran and other basilicas. Just like these magnificent spaces, we are also God's temples and his spirit dwells within us. Preached at Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome, Italy on 6-11-25

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles. Father Dave celebrates his 25th Anniversary to the priesthood, and he explains why Jesus asks Peter to follow him after the Resurrection. Just like modern social media influencers, God sometimes needs to keep reminding us to follow and renew our commitment to him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 5-4-25

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave notes how we sometimes wear sports jerseys in the workplace on casual Fridays. On today's feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we are called to bring our faith into all aspects of our lives, including our jobs. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 5-1-25

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Father Dave focuses on Jesus' words about believing in his actions. He challenges us to match our behaviors with our faith as we approach Holy Week. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 4-11-25

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Father Dave preaches about how we all sometimes need help remembering things. However, as noted in today's psalm, God never forgets his covenant with us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 4-10-25

Fifth Sunday of Lent. Father Dave asks us to think of a person we know who no longer goes to Church. He notes how the Paulist Fathers, and all of us, are called to minister to those at the margins of our faith. Preached at St. Gregory the Great Church, San Diego, CA on 4-6-25

Fourth Sunday of Lent. Father Dave notes how we may have trouble relating to today's reading of the Prodigal Son. The story is not just about one person, but how God joyfully embraces us all in forgiveness. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-30-25

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent. Father Dave reflects on how we may feel that evangelizing is futile. He quotes Kent M. Keith's paradoxical commandments, which say to "do it anyway" and see how God can still bear fruit. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-27-25

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent. Father Dave focuses on today's reading from Jonah and the dramatic conversion of the Ninevites. Rather than just one moment, we are called to have an ongoing conversion in our faith life and continually humble ourselves. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-12-25

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent. Father Dave recalls a time when he tried to persuade someone in a long, unnecessary email. We don't need to convince God to love us, but instead we are to trust him as our father. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-11-25

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches about Jesus' tough words in the Gospel for those with wealth. As we approach Lent, St. Katharine Drexel can be a model for us to leave behind what's holding us back from God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 3-3-25

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave compares today's story of Noah's Ark to resetting a phone or computer when it's not working right. He reminds us that Christ's crucifixion renewed humanity, and we can also find ways to reboot our faith when it stalls. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 2-18-25

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how Jesus' use of "blessed" in the Sermon on the Mount may seem strange to us. God offers hope beyond one's current suffering, and we are called to lift others up in our world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 2-16-25

Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin. Father Dave reflects on how those in the Scriptures are surprised and amazed by Jesus' miracles. However, with our knowledge of salvation history, we should have confident faith that God can perform miracles for us as well. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 2-10-25

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts how all three readings today feature people who made radical changes in their lives after hearing God's call. He challenges us to boldly and loudly say yes to how God may be calling us today. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 2-09-25