Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena. Father Dave reflects on St. Catherine of Siena's focus on love of God and love of neighbor, which Jesus details in today's readings. If we begin with love, we will spread the Gospel in our communities and in the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-29-24

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave notes that the first thing he does when planning travel is book a place to stay. Similarly, Jesus preparing a place for us in heaven helps us focus on living out the Christian life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-26-24

Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on the two-step process to being a Christian that is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles today. We are called to both give our lives to God and to receive grace. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-16-24

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave connects today's readings about people seeking darkness to this week's solar eclipse. We're called to embrace the light and embrace hope, even if it's uncomfortable and shows our flaws. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-10-24

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter. While preaching on the story of the Road to Emmaus in today's readings, Father Dave reflects on how some people today still have not heard the good news of Jesus. It is now up to us, as disciples, to spread Easter joy. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-03-24

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Father Dave shares his pet peeve: when people use the word "truth" as an excuse to say unkind words. Jesus reminds us that he is the way, truth, and life, and the only thing that can set us free. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-20-24

Third Sunday of Lent. Father Dave recounts a conversation with a friend that dug into life's difficulties. In today's Gospel, we are called to be our authentic selves with God and bring him our real problems. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-03-24

Ash Wednesday. Father Dave describes a friend's toddler at Mass who pointed to the ashes on peoples' foreheads while saying, "like me!" He reminds us that we are all humbled by ashes and are called to be ambassadors for Christ this Lent.  Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-14-24

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time . Father Dave preaches about how many people relate to Job's lament and struggles in today's first reading. Despite our own brokenness, Christ can make us whole to help transform the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-04-24

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we often think we know better than God. While he will always forgive us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, being obedient is a better plan than sinning. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-15-24

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks us if we've ever had a phone call that has changed our lives. We are meant to be like Eli and Andrew in today's readings, and help facilitate God's call in someone's life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-14-24

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave looks to the Magi as inspiration as we start a new year. We are called to be changed by our experience of Church and leave spiritually different than we came. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-07-24

Nativity of the Lord, Mass During the Night. While preaching Midnight Mass on a cruise, Father Dave underscores the images of darkness and light. He calls us to let God shed his light on any challenge or hurt we face in daily life. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-24-23

Monday of the Third Week of Advent. As we continue through Advent, Father Dave focuses on the hope of the Old Testament. As we wait for Christ to come again, we are challenged to hope for what often seems unattainable. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-18-23