OLVP Sunday Homilies

"Deny Yourself" - 24th Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg reveals how true freedom and happiness are found through faith in Christ. He highlights the power of self-denial and the paradox of losing one’s life to truly find it, as Jesus teaches. With personal stories and reflections, Father Greg shows how following Jesus deepens our understanding of life, joy, and community, especially through faith and the Eucharist.

"Go Out of Your Way to Hear God" - 23rd Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg explores a powerful story of miraculous healing by Jesus, revealing its deep significance and the way it reflects God’s continuous work in our everyday lives. He highlights the profound spiritual healing that God offers our souls, helping us open our ears to hear His voice. Father Greg invites us to break free from the noise and distractions of daily life, encouraging us to seek moments of stillness through retreats or time spent in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where we are more likely to encounter His divine presence.

"Hard Work of Salvation" - 22nd Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg delves into the theme of hard work in pursuit of salvation. He reflects on the vital role of reason in guiding our desires and making virtuous choices. Father Greg underscores the work of salvation as an ongoing battle between good and evil, one that demands our commitment and the grace of God. The message concludes with a call to persevere in the hard work of living a virtuous life, always relying on God’s help and guidance. 

"Serve and Be Served" - 21st Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg explores the profound opportunity to both serve and be served by God. He highlights how our service to God becomes a way for us to experience His grace and love in return. These deeply personal encounters with Christ are nurtured through time spent in adoration and active service, revealing the beautiful reciprocity at the heart of our relationship with God.

"Listen and Watch: Understanding Jesus' Words" - 20th Sunday Homily

Deacon Ted highlights the central themes of listening, observing, and understanding the words and actions of Jesus as taught in the Gospel of John chapter 6. The discussion emphasizes the Eucharist as the Bread of Life and the profound significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Join us as we explore these powerful themes and discover how they can deepen our faith and transform our lives.

“Literally, spiritual, and real” - 20th Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg explores John chapter 6, where Jesus presents his profound teaching on the Eucharist—inviting His followers to eat his flesh and drink his blood. As the crowds grapple with this challenging message, questions and confusion arise. Father Greg explains that Jesus is speaking of a true spiritual transformation that takes place in the Eucharist. The reaction of the crowds and the Apostles reveals they understood Jesus’ words literally, causing some to turn away. Yet, Jesus does not soften his message or correct their understanding because he is indeed speaking literally. Father Greg sheds light on how eating Christ’s flesh and drinking his blood means fully embracing the life and teachings of Jesus. This powerful chapter underscores the centrality of the Eucharist and the belief in the real presence of Jesus in the bread and wine, inviting us to deepen our faith and commitment to live the Gospel.

"Food" - 19th Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg reflects on the profound significance of food within the contexts of community, spirituality, and the Eucharist. He discusses how food brings people together, fostering connection and gratitude, and emphasizes the sacred act of breaking bread. Father Greg affirms that the Eucharist is the true Bread of Life — given by God to nourish us spiritually. Through this exploration, he highlights the transformative power of food and its deep-rooted connection to our faith.

"Transfixed by the Electricity of Christ" - 18th Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg uses the metaphor of electricity to illuminate our understanding of God and Jesus Christ. He explains how, before Christ, belief in God was often general and distant, much like the concept of electricity before it was harnessed by pioneers like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison. With the Incarnation, Jesus became real and visible to us — just as electricity became tangible and transformative. Drawing from John 6, Father Greg describes how Jesus brings a kind of “spiritual electricity” to the world, drawing people to Him through His miracles and healings. Yet, Jesus calls us to look beyond these signs and believe in Him, the one sent by God. As the Light of the World, Jesus is our true focus, the source of all divine power and illumination.

"Five Loaves to Abundance" - 17th Sunday Homily

In this homily, Father Greg delves into the theme of divine abundance, illustrating how God transforms the small into the great. He reflects on the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with just a few loaves and fish, revealing the Eucharist as the central celebration of God’s generous care. Father Greg also highlights how, throughout the Bible and history, God consistently magnifies humble offerings into extraordinary blessings. He concludes with a powerful message: that our small gifts, when placed in Jesus’ hands, can be multiplied beyond measure.