Homily Rewind from St. Margaret Mary Church

Deacon Tommy - Advent 12-02 by St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

Fr. Walsh - Advent 12-01 by St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

The first Sunday of Advent is about hope. Where do we place our hope? The readings point us towards the second coming of Christ. During this Advent season, take time to prepare your heart to celebrate Jesus' first coming, by recognizing it is the event that set in motion his second.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Fr. Walsh asks the question "How did Jesus become a King?" He tells us that Jesus, through His surrender, overcame this world and became King of our hearts.

To be a Christian means we are called to be different. Deacon Walt tells us we need to put the needs of others before our own, and challenges us what are we doing to be different?

What is important in our lives? This Sunday Deacon Dave reminds us that reflecting on the “Last Things” helps us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s return, in doing so we prepare ourselves for what really matters… our salvation!

Fr. Joshy tells us that in the month of November the Church focuses on death and the end of times. Christ, however, tells us we should not fear, because He has conquered death. We are all just passing through this life to our true destination… heaven.

Deacon Bill tells us of Zacchaeus, he says that Zacchaeus simply cracked a door open when he climbed that tree. We all need to just simply open that door so slightly, in order for Jesus to pull us through.

We are all called! Deacon Tommy tells us we are all called to Jesus, the question is how we respond to that call. He reminds us that we need to run to the call of Jesus in our lives.

Jesus tells us that we should imitate the tax collector who prayed, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." When we humble ourselves in this manner in front of the community, removing a disguise of perfection, then we are able to journey together towards holiness.

Happy 75th Anniversary to our parish! Fr. Walsh shares some of the history of our parish. Bishop Noonan speaks to encourage us to focus on the all the gifts the Lord has given us and to let the Peace of Christ enter our hearts.

The readings invite us to give thanks in all circumstances. We can do this because of who Jesus is and what he has done and continues to do for us.

We need faith in order to be able to worship God. Fr. Joshy tells us that living by faith is to trust God in all situations. On this, Respect Life Sunday, he emphasizes the importance of respecting life from conception to natural death.

The rich man chose material and immediate things over transcendent and eternal rewards. It's through choosing the later that we are able to walk together towards heaven.

Deacon Bill tells us we are very blessed people, and that everything we have is a gift from God. He asks us, are we willing to freely give some of our blessings to others that are in need?

Deacon Tommy tells us we need to understand that God is always with us, especially in difficult times. We have to continue to be Christ to each other even when times seem the most dark.

Fr. Walsh talks about the parable of the prodigal son. He tells us that it is not really about the son but it is about the father, who is God the Father. He says God, the Father, always loves us and is always ready to welcome us in.

Fr. Joshy explains what Jesus meant by His words in the Gospel. He tells us, in order to follow Jesus we need to love Him above all others, be willing to suffer, and put Him ahead of our possessions.

Deacon Dave reminds us that humility draws us close to God and to each other.

Deacon Walt tells us of his 'table experiences.' He reminds us no matter what table we are at, a lunchroom table, a wedding table, or at the altar; we need to recognize that we need to love our neighbor and that the least always be first.

Jesus tells us to "strive to enter through the narrow gate." We are all called to humbly recognize the ways we need to grow, so that we can enter the narrow gate.

Deacon Tommy talks to us about the saints and how the Holy Spirit led him to his Confirmation name of Francis. He tells us that we need to let our hearts catch fire with the Holy Spirit, and to cut ties with anything the prevents the Holy Spirit to guiding our life.

Deacon Bill asks us if we are we trying to grow our faith? He tells us that in order to do this we need to focus on improving our prayer life, be more present at Mass, and to use all of the resources available to us to grow our faith.

In our society, preparation for uncertainty is a sign of wisdom. Fr. Joshy tells us we can prepare for all the uncertainty of life but we need to prepare for the certainly of the second coming Jesus. We need to live our lives as each day is going to be our last.

Rest. Eat. Drink. Be merry. Fr. Anthony tells us we need to rest in the Lord, eat of the Eucharist, drink of His cup, and rejoice in the Lord in order to receive the kingdom that has been prepared for us.