The Average Shepherd

Fr Sam delves into the profound themes of apocalyptic scripture and final judgment in this week's homily, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach these challenging topics. He draws an insightful parallel between modern goal-setting practices and spiritual preparation, emphasizing that eternal life with God should be our ultimate aspiration. Through engaging examples from popular culture an...

In this week's homily, we explore the stark difference between two types of generosity found in the Gospel - that of the scribes and the poor widow. Looking at Jesus' criticism of the scribes despite their social status and large donations, we discover how true generosity isn't measured by the size of the gift, but by the love behind it. The widow's two copper coins, worth barely $2.50 in today's...

In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French explores the dangers of going through the motions without heart, cautioning against the mindset of “faking it to make it.” Reflecting on the First Reading, where Moses exhorts the Israelites to observe God’s laws, Fr. Sam highlights the importance of connecting our traditions to the faith that gives them life. He challenges us to move beyond mere lip servi...

In this week's homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the profound truth that "the best things in life are free." Using a personal experience with aggressive gym sales tactics as a springboard, Fr. Sam explores how our culture’s obsession with money and material goods can distort relationships and distract us from what truly matters. He reminds us that the most important things—love, fam...

In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on a personal encounter with God that profoundly changed his life, experienced on a train journey during his youth. He shares how this moment of grace, amidst a busy life filled with worldly desires, revealed the "bread of life" that only Jesus can provide. Fr. Sam delves into the concept of the "God-shaped hole" within every soul, a void...

In this homily, Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel during the 16th Week of Ordinary Time. He addresses a profound cultural shift: our society's loss of true rest and leisure. Fr. Sam explores how modern life, with its relentless focus on productivity and utility, has distanced us from the beauty and purpose that define our humanity. He contrasts the sublime achievements of past cultures wit...

In this homily titled 'Weathering the Storm,' Fr. Sam French reflects on the Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 during the 12th week of Ordinary Time. He discusses how modern technological advancements can create an illusion of control over nature, leaving society unprepared for life's unpredictable challenges. Fr. Sam shares his personal experience with cancer to illustrate the fragility of human...

This week on the podcast, Fr. Sam delves into the theme of divine love as contrasted with the fleeting passions of human affection, inspired by Taylor Swift's latest album. As we explore the 6th Sunday of Eastertide, we uncover the essence of Jesus' command in John 15: "love one another as I have loved you." This exploration reveals how modern culture, steeped in a romanticized v...

This week, Fr Sam invites us into a profound reflection on the narrative of Doubting Thomas and its intrinsic connection to the Sacrament of Confession, as we journey through the Easter season. This homily, set against the backdrop of the second Sunday of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday, unravels the layers of doubt faced by Thomas following Christ’s resurrection. Through an insightful examin...

This week Fr Sam delves into the fiery passion of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Lent. The image of Christ we encounter is far from the gentle nativity scenes we remember; instead, we witness a Jesus filled with righteous anger, a natural emotion designed by God to propel us towards justice and goodness. This homily explores the concept of righteous anger, contrast...

In this homily for the Second Sunday of Lent, Fr Sam explores the metaphor of "Three Mountains" drawing parallels between the biblical mountains of Mt Moriah, Mt Calvary, and Mt Tabor, and the personal pilgrimage of faith. Mt Moriah, highlighting the rejection of false gods; Mt Calvary, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for salvation; and Mt Tabor, encouraging a...

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In a time when leprosy meant not just physical suffering but also social and spiritual isolation, Jesus' actions speak directly to the heart of our sacramental faith. This homily explores how, just as Jesus reached out to heal and restore the leper to the community and to God, He continues to reach out to us today through the sacraments. Fr Sam reflects on the essential nature of physical pres...

This week's homily covers: The Mystery of the Holy Trinity: The homily opens with a story about Saint Augustine and a child, illustrating the vastness of God's nature and our limited understanding. The Role of Prophets and Truth: The homily delves into the true role of biblical prophets, emphasizing their task of speaking truth into their age, rather than predicting the future. Authority a...

This week's homily is about: God's Relentless Pursuit : The homily emphasizes God's desire for a deep, transformative relationship with each individual, highlighting that God persistently seeks our undivided heart and will not settle for being a secondary priority in our lives. The Nineveh Example : It draws a parallel between the spiritual blindness and materialistic preoccupations of...

In this Sunday's homily, Fr Sam discusses Descarte's "dualism", emphasizing the Christian view of the body and soul as a unified whole. Referencing St. Paul and Vatican teachings, he underscores the body's sanctity as the Holy Spirit's temple. The homily critiques modern perceptions of physicality, especially in sexual ethics and surrogacy, aligning with Pope Francis'...

In this Christmas Homily, Fr Sam explores how our perceptions of God shape our relationship with Him, emphasizing that the Christmas story reveals God's true nature as Emmanuel "God with us." He draws a parallel between Christmas gift-giving and God's ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, highlighting this as the fulfillment of our deepest longing for a divine relationship. You can list...

In this week's homily, Father Sam delves into the theme of salvation as a collaborative effort between God and humanity. He highlights the critical role of free will in embracing God's plan, exemplified by Mary's affirmative response to the angel Gabriel, marking the commencement of the Christmas story. Father Sam reflects on his personal journey to priesthood and underscores the impor...

In this episode, Father Sam explores the significance of Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing the distinction between true joy and mere happiness, cautioning against wrong expectations, and encouraging listeners to keep their hearts ready to receive the authentic joy of Jesus' presence as Christmas approaches. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through...

On this Second Week of Advent, Father Sam looks at the strange life of John the Baptist and warns us against becoming 'Speed Camera Christians,' readying our hearts for Christ's coming through repentance and anticipation. You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

Fr. Sam French reflects on the season of Advent, emphasizing its spiritual significance in our fast-paced, internet-driven world. He contrasts the immediacy of modern life with the patient waiting inherent in Advent, drawing a parallel between our dwindling patience in the face of rapid technological advancements and the ancient tradition of anticipating Christ's coming. Fr. Sam highlights the...

You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench

You can listen to my homilies and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord through the link below. https://linktr.ee/frsamfrench