The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm
Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, opens with a memorable story from Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who once welcomed a drunk woman into Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Rather than turning her away, he offered her tea and promised not to ask her to go to confession — until she returned sober and ready to encounter God’s mercy.
Father Matthew connects this to the Scripture reading of Naaman the leper, who expected an extraordinary cure but was healed by the simple act of dipping seven times in the Jordan River. Salvation does not require grand quests or heroic feats. Instead, the Sacraments of the Church provide the ordinary means by which God cleanses our souls and restores our union with Him.
Through Baptism, Jesus washes away our sins. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, He continues to cleanse us when we fall. And through the Eucharist, we express that communion in the most intimate way possible. Father Matthew emphasizes that holiness is intended for all people, regardless of their past. Just as Archbishop Sheen did not write off the drunk woman, neither should we write off anyone who struggles.
Continual repentance—the virtue of penance—keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will. When we are in order with God, trials lose their power to derail us. Take advantage of these simple ways to holiness and share that satisfaction with others.
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What is Homilies from the National Shrine?
These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God’s will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!