SJBExcelsior Podcast

Who do You say that I Am?

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 9/12/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

Today's Gospel from Mark is really a turning point. We see that the apostles recognize Jesus as the Christ, the long-awaited Savior. To be a Christian is more than just saying you believe in Christ, but also to taking up your cross and following Him. We pray for the strength to do that!

God Provides

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 9/5/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

God often puts people in our lives to assist us when we need. In today's Gospel reading, a deaf man's friends helped him get to Jesus to be healed.

In reflecting on our lives, when has there been a time when God put someone in your path to assist you? When have you helped someone else? We pray that we can be open to God's will and be thankful for when He provides for us.

Healing and Forgiveness

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 8/29/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

In today's Gospel reading from Mark chapter 7, the Pharisees challenge Jesus about washing and purification before meals. Jesus' response is that sin is what really defiles us and separates us from God the Father.

When we go to God and ask for mercy and forgiveness from our sins, He will answer AND give us the grace we need.

The Source and Summit of our Faith

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 8/22/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

For the past 5 weeks, we have been reading from John 6. We conclude this Bread of Life discourse today with a teaching that is very difficult for the Jewish people of the time to accept. Jesus will Himself be the sacrificial lamb - given for all so that we might have eternal life.

For further reading, check out some of the writings by Pope St. Pius X on the Eucharist.

Eternal Life in Heaven

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8/15/22 - Fr. Carlson homily

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us imitate her "yes" to the Lord and let Him transform us too. Our goal in life is heaven and eternal life with God the Father.

The Divinity of Jesus

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8/8/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

The Mass readings for today are so rich in meaning as we look at Elijah in the first reading referencing how our ancestors spent 40 years in the dessert - to the Gospel where Jesus reveals Himself being the Bread of Life. We invite you to reflect upon these readings found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080821.cfm

A Weekly Meeting with Jesus

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8/1/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

Imagine if you committed to an hour each week in adoration with the Lord. What if every parishioner took an hour? What a transformation that would be!

In 1993, St. John's began offering adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We have a beautiful Adoration Chapel and we are blessed to be able to offer perpetual adoration 24/7. We invite you to sign up for an hour online here: https://stjohnthebaptist.weadorehim.com/

To Give Freely

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7/25/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

Today's Gospel is taken from John 6 - the beginning of the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus feeds 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Jesus can work miracles! No matter what little we have, let us offer even our crumbs for Him to take and transform. We just need to give it over to Him freely.

Rest in the Silence

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7/18/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

In today's Gospel (Mk 6:30-34) Jesus can see that the apostles are tired and need rest. We all need to get away at times and let our minds be quiet. In this silence we can be renewed and refreshed as let ourselves focus on God in prayer.

Rejection

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7/4/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

All of the readings today have a common theme - rejection. The prophets, Jesus and the apostles were all rejected by people. Living the Christian life isn't easy but it IS worth it.