SJBExcelsior Podcast

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/17/21 - Fr. Carlson Homily

Who were Jesus's disciples? They were sinners - broken people. But they were created in the image and likeness of God.

Look at the saints and how God worked through their brokenness. They had open, teachable hearts and responded to His call.

Let us pray to have the same response as Samuel from the 1^st reading today. “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

The Baptism of the Lord 1/10/21 – Fr. Carlson homily

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. (Check out Father Carlson's bulletin article this week for more information about the Baptismal Font and its significance. http://www.stjohns-excelsior.org/Portals/0/1_10_21.pdf).

We hear the words from Mark 1:11 “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This message is for us as well! By our baptism, we are children of God, made clean of original sin.

To end, let us pray today for our nation and also for ourselves, that we can be a light to the darkness.

Epiphany of the Lord 1/3/21 – Fr. Carlson Homily

Tradition says that it would have been a dangerous and difficult 2-year journey for the magi to make their way to find Jesus. They were overjoyed to come adore Him! Sometimes we might get discouraged on our journey but we can experience true joy when we encounter Him.

When we come to Mass we give Him homage and present our gifts to Him - as the magi did. What God really wants is us. This Epiphany, let us be like the magi and offer ourselves to our King.

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 1/1/21 – Fr. Carlson Homily

Today we ask in a special way for Mary's intercession in our lives and for 2021. Fr. Carlson shares his personal experience of receiving true peace from Mary's intercession. She is always there for us! Let us pray: Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Feast of the Holy Family 12/27/20 - Fr. Carlson homily

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we look at the second reading and can use this as a framework on how to emulate the Holy Family.

"Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection." Col 3:12-14

Love is the bond of perfection. As frustrated as we can be with each other at times, let the bond of love perfect us as we put Christ at the center.

Nativity of the Lord 12/25/20 - Fr. Carlson homily

 

As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, the birth of Christ our Savior, the light in the darkness - we let Him transform our hearts. This is truly the greatest gift for humanity and reason to celebrate. We know this world will end and we look forward to eternal life with Him.

Fourth Sunday of Advent 12/20/20 – Fr. Carlson homily

Fr. Carlson breaks down the readings from this Fourth Sunday of Advent in a beautiful explanation. Imagine being a 1st century Jew and hearing that this long-awaited covenant is being fulfilled and the joy you would experience! Let us too experience that joy as we celebrate that our Savior has come.

Third Sunday of Advent 12/13/20 – Fr. Carlson homily

In today's readings, we hear that God's will for us is to: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. Wow - how do we do that?! How do we rejoice when times are tough? How do we pray when we are busy? Well, we are called to have a relationship with God. In that relationship comes communication - prayer. Let us call God to mind in all things we do.

Second Sunday of Advent 12/6/20 – Fr. Carlson homily

During this Advent season we hear about making straight the path of the Lord. That is what confession does for us! It makes our path to the Lord straight.

Every Mass we hear: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Let Him! Let's knock down those walls of sin. Once we get a small hole in a wall, God can work miracles!

Please take this opportunity to go to the sacrament of confession to experience the grace, healing and love of God.

First Sunday of Advent 11/29/20 – Fr. Carlson homily

On this First Sunday of Advent, we read from Mark's Gospel about how we must be watchful and alert. We have this gift of Advent to help us be prepared when He comes! Let's make the most of this time and not waste it.