Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons - Catholic Preaching and Homilies

We have a God of adventure, a God who is always out ahead of us. Faith, in the Biblical sense of the term, is not primarily the acquiesence to propositions; rather, it is an attitude of trust in the God who calls us beyond ourselves. We witness this faith in Abraham's willingness to follow where God leads, and we see it too in the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus on the path toward the cross. Do we settle for what we know and control, or do we venture into the darkness, trusting in what God promises? This is the great question that our readings for the second Sunday of Lent propose to us.

Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the desert in order to be tempted by the devil. The three temptations--to sensual pleasure, to power, and to pride--respresent three fundamental ways that all of us can be distracted from the path that God wants us to walk. It is therefore a salutary Lenten exercise to attend carefully to the texture of Jesus' responses.

The profound challenge of loving enemies is explored through four compelling reasons. First, it serves as a true test of our love, focusing on unrequited goodwill. Second, enemies often reflect our own hidden traits, revealing our darker sides. Third, they may highlight our moral shortcomings, acting as unexpected truth-tellers. Lastly, responding to hostility with love can transform relationships, disarming adversaries and paving the way for reconciliation, inspired by historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

Detachment from worldly goods is highlighted as a path to spiritual freedom. Luke's Beatitudes challenge conventional views, praising poverty and persecution. True freedom comes from not being addicted to material possessions, sensual pleasures, or the need for praise. Bishop Barron emphasizes that emotional reliance on happiness can cloud our relationship with God. The ultimate example of blessed detachment is seen in Jesus on the cross, fully aligned with God's will.

Explore the depths of love through the lens of Paul's hymn in 1 Corinthians 13. Discover how agape, or selfless love, stands as the gold standard for faith and actions. Unpack the importance of patience, humility, and forgiveness in love. Learn why love transcends jealousy and rivalry, calling for compassion and support for others. Ultimately, grasp the profound truth that love is the enduring force that persists even beyond faith and hope.

Explore the powerful story of Nehemiah as he returns from exile to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, representing more than just physical restoration. Discover the deep connections between tradition, law, and identity in shaping the Church. Learn about the balance between openness in faith practices and maintaining core beliefs. Delve into the importance of Scripture and communal formation in creating a cohesive community. Each theme highlights how disciplined practices can enhance belonging and spiritual identity.

Explore the captivating theme of God desiring to marry His people, as highlighted through Isaiah's powerful imagery. Discover how the wedding at Cana symbolizes the union of divinity and humanity, with Jesus transforming water into wine, reflecting the profound joy of the Eucharist. Delve into the significance of Mary’s role as a voice for the prophets and the transformative power of divine love. This discussion underscores that true fulfillment originates from God, inviting listeners to embrace a life enriched by faith.

Explore the intriguing balance between Christianity and other major world religions. Discover the points of disagreement, from doctrinal differences with Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, to the dangers of religious extremes. Bishop Barron highlights how maximalist exclusivism can fuel violence, while radical minimalism leads to indifference. He shares the Magi's story as an example of respectful engagement, illustrating how Christianity can sanctify other spiritual traditions through the example of Christ's baptism.

The discussion reveals how the Christmas story challenges worldly values and invites us to follow a humble King born in a stable. The reference to Caesar Augustus serves as a pivot point, redirecting focus from power to the ordinary. Bishop Barron emphasizes vulnerability in Jesus' birth and how God's strength emerges in weakness. The angels' message to shepherds highlights Jesus' mission to the marginalized. Ultimately, the narrative calls us to embrace faith in the face of fear, showcasing a radical reversal of expectations.

The final Sunday of Advent brings powerful lessons from Micah, Elizabeth, and Mary. Micah teaches that great things can emerge from humble beginnings. Elizabeth’s story illustrates the importance of never losing hope, even in moments of despair. Mary embodies trust and energy in her mission, demonstrating a profound cooperation with God. These essential lessons encourage reflection on faith and perseverance as the season comes to a close.