SJBExcelsior Podcast

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.

The Patient Farmer

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 6/13/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

The Gospel reading for today tells 2 parables - both dealing with being a patient farmer while watching crops grow. In the first parable, the farmer must wait for the harvest. In the second parable, we hear how the Kingdom of Heaven is like a very tiny mustard seed that grows and spreads!

The Lamb of God

The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ 6/6/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

What a beautiful solemnity! Today we celebrate the most Holy Body & Blood of Christ. The Gospel today is so rich in tradition! As Catholic Christians, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Please take a moment to really reflect on today's readings.

 

The Holy Trinity

The Most Holy Trinity Sunday 5/30/21 - Fr. Carlson homily

The Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - are still a mystery, but God reveals Himself to us through:

1. Scripture
2. Teachings and traditions of the Church
3. Time in prayer

Let us make it a priority to spend time with Him.

Merry Pentecost!

Pentecost Sunday 5/23/21 - Fr.  Carlson homily

Today we celebrate Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came not just for the apostles but for the whole world! This is a big deal. Our advocate is still with us - we just need to open our hearts and trust in Him.