Lifeissues is mainly concerned with publishing thoughtful articles directly related to issues raised in Evangelium Vitae. However, from the very beginning, we have also published a few related homilies, notably by Fr. Al Cariño, O.M.I., Fr. Tony Pueyo, and others.
Please use the pulldowns below to select a homily by Liturgical Calendar date.
It is a banquet of interesting people. I see a mother who raised her five children alone. There is also the vendor who spread cheers as he sold his wares. There is a man who quietly sponsored some scholars through college. There is one talkative person who can't seem to talk of anything else but the Lord's goodness. One person endured his illness without much complaint. I also see a well-known activist who disappeared without a trace. He always talks of justice for the poor with the politician who was shot dead for fighting tyranny. A fascinating band of brothers and sisters.
We should realize that the words "discipline" and "disciple" share the same meaning, that strength comes from endurance not avoidance. Who has not had trials and tribulations, illness, disappointment, insult and any unfair treatment, and who has not complained? We can not include Jesus with those who complain, Jesus who accepted his Father's discipline for our encouragement in becoming real disciples of Jesus Christ.
Perhaps there are some things more interesting than doors, but not many. Open doors are welcoming while closed doors are rude and foreboding. Doors represent opportunities, possibilities and challenges. Jesus says that we should "strive" to pass through the "narrow" door. Then he utters an ominous warning: Many "will try to enter and will not be able." What does he mean?
It's one thing to have Jesus in the head, but it is quite another thing to allow the light to enter into the heart, because the light chases the darkness, and some people are comfortable in the dark. I'm referring particularly to the darkness of anger, envy, pride, bitterness, hypercriticism, etc, and these vices, for many religious people, are like an old leather coat that is very comfortable to wear and so they won't part with it.