Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. While many Christians know the phrase "offer it up," Father Dave recalls how an old high school coach used to say "suck it up" in response to hardship. He reminds us that even the most extreme suffering does not keep us from Jesus. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 2-05-25

The Presentation of the Lord. Father Dave recounts Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple, and how they practiced their faith just like us. He also notes what we can learn from listening to women and other lesser-heard voices in the Church. Preached at St. Gregory the Great Church in San Diego, CA on 2-03-25

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament, and how Jesus transforms it. He also highlights how the Pharisees demonized Jesus without knowing him, and how we still do that to others today. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-27-25

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle. On today's feast, Father Dave talks about how St. Paul evangelized to all the nations. We are also called to be like St. Paul and minister to those on the margins. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-25-25

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Father Dave reflects on Jesus' desire to restore humanity and make us whole. In light of today's feast, he challenges us to stand up for human life even when modern society considers it disposable. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-22-25

Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how today's readings highlight both ends of the spectrum of faith. We are called to be open to how God may transform us rather than stay stubborn in our own ways. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-16-25

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the beginning of Ordinary Time and how it can feel repetitive to begin again. He reminds us that we choose to follow Jesus, and that commitment is constantly renewed. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-13-25

The Baptism of the Lord. Father Dave reflects on how we are filled with expectation in this new year, just like the believers in today's readings. While world events in 2025 are already disheartening, Father Dave offers that the Holy Spirit and our diverse faith communities can give us hope in this Jubilee year. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-12-25

Tuesday after Epiphany. Father Dave describes the different words for love in Greek, and how we could benefit from more words for love in the English language. Today's readings note how God is unconditional love, and we encounter him when we love through service. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 1-7-25

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas). Father Dave explains how Pope Francis opened the Holy Door for the Jubilee year and said, "Christ knocks at the door of our heart to find warmth and shelter." Father Dave reflects on baby Jesus' unexpected vulnerability, and how we need to make room in our lives for the newborn king. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-25-24

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent. Father Dave recounts today's Gospel reading where Jesus' lineage is proclaimed. He compares it to an employer's background check for a new hire, and assures us that Jesus is the right man for the job in our lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-17-24

Third Sunday of Advent. Father Dave asks us to recall a time when someone took extraordinary means to help us and how we responded. He challenges us to make a positive change in our lives this week to thank God for his infinite love. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-15-24

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this Solemnity, Father Dave recounts the story of Our Lady of Lourdes and Mary's appearances to St. Bernadette. With our Blessed Mother as inspiration, we are to proudly proclaim our identity as Catholics. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-9-24

Second Sunday of Advent. Father Dave reflects on how God's promises can be fulfilled in our lifetimes. He cites today's rededication of the Cathedral of Notre Dame as a reminder that God still concretely comes to us in our world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-8-24

First Sunday of Advent. Father Dave compares Advent to waiting for the guest of honor at a surprise party. In this busy season, we are to find moments of quiet and focus our attention on the coming of Jesus. Preached at St. Austin Church in Austin, TX on 12-01-24

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. Father Dave asks us to recall a time we were captivated by a speaker. Similarly, we should pay close attention to the word of God and keep it alive today. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-22-24

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave details the apocalyptic themes of today's readings. Even when our world feels chaotic and overwhelming, God has the final say over death. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-17-24

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop. Father Dave details the life of Saint Martin of Tours and his legacy of mercy and compassion. Similarly, we can find opportunities to show forgiveness in our relationships, even when it's difficult. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-11-24

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop . On the eve of Election Day in the United States, Father Dave reflects on unity in our Church and country. We are challenged to try and bring people back together, even if it is just finding common ground with one person. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-04-24

Monday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how it's easier to do charitable things for kind people, but harder to help those we don't like. Today's readings remind us that we don't deserve God's grace, and we are to show similar generosity in our world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 10-21-24

Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. In his last homily of the Spain pilgrimage, Father Dave preaches about St. Ignatius of Loyola and the significance of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. As St. Ignatius left behind his old ways, we are also to let God transform our lives. Preached at Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, Montserrat, Spain on 10-11-24

Thursday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. On pilgrimage in Spain, Father Dave highlights the themes of persistence in today's readings. God wants us to bring him our desires in prayer and never give up hope. Preached at Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona, Spain on 10-10-24

Wednesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks pilgrims in Spain to reflect on who taught them to pray. We are to lead by example in our own prayer and let God plant seeds of faith in the world through us. Preached at Iglesia de San Jaime, Barcelona, Spain on 10-09-24

Tuesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. While on pilgrimage in Spain, Father Dave imagines what it would have been like to be in the Upper Room with Jesus. He challenges us to take our own profound experiences of faith and share them with the world. Preached at Cathedral of St. Mary, Toledo, Spain on 10-08-24

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. While preaching at St. Teresa of Avila's convent, Father Dave discusses the different ways we experience God. While few of us will have mystical experiences like St. Teresa of Avila, we all can spend time with God in friendship. Preached at Convent of the Incarnation, Ávila, Spain on 10-07-24