SJBExcelsior Podcast

The Answer to All of Our Desires

There has to be something more. Isn’t there something more? This question can arise in our hearts. Our world is facing a crisis. We are more and more unhappy, we’re not fulfilled. We’re longing for something more. Jesus is the answer to all of our desires.

 

Fr. Carlson's Homily from December 25, 2023

How Do I Pray?

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Fr. Carlson dives into this question in his homily for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Newly ordained Deacon Bob Burns preaches on preparing the way of the Lord in our lives.

Be Watchful and Alert

“It’s never going to happen. The northern lights never show up.” Do we feel that same way about Jesus coming again? This time of Advent is, yes, about preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also the season where we’re able to prepare our hearts, our spiritual life, our moral life, so that we are ready to meet Jesus when he comes.

You Did It To Me

Mother Teresa made this line in Sunday’s Gospel very famous: “...you did it to me”. She called it the Gospel on five fingers. We are called to love the people in our life - the hungry, thirsty, homeless, ill, those in prison. Vague intentions, positive thoughts, sympathetic emotions - these are not the same as actions. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Give Success to the Work of Our Hands

God wants more than just an hour. He wants all of us. How can we glorify the Lord by our life?

I’ll Do That Later

Do we put Confession off? “I’ll go during Advent, or during Lent.” Do we put our relationship with the Lord off? “When I retire I’ll dedicate more time to the Lord.”

He wants a relationship with you now. Don’t put off until tomorrow what should be done today.

Clout Chaser

When we are prideful we turn inwards, to ourselves - "pride is because they see no other hope for their happiness, save in themselves". Humility is turning outwards toward God, asking him for help. It is actually in humility and meekness that we will find what we are longing for.

Loving God and Loving Our Neighbor

When we see that stranger in the grocery store, that person on TV, is there hate that comes into our heart? Or is there love? In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells us, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. It’s a message we need to hear and need to live. We live in a polarized world, but we are called to love our enemies. By doing this, we are transformed, and the world is transformed.

Made for God

Who are we living for? The world and worldly goods or for God, who has chosen us to be His people?