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The inner word

02 Oct 2016 - Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

The apostles’ words to Jesus, “Increase our faith,” seem the most natural in the world. Everyone who believes wants greater faith, right? In another way, however, their request might make you think, “Increase? What more did you need? You had the Lord in the flesh teaching and healing with authority right in front of you for three years.” Yet it wouldn’t be until after Pentecost that the first disciples would proclaim the gospel with confidence and without fear. Faith has never been about complete certainty. Just look at the readings this week. God encourages the prophet to wait in faith. 2 Timothy exhorts the people to keep the faith in the face of difficulty. These are not words addressed to those with absolute faith. Where in your life do you find faith? Where are there doubts? How does your faith carry you through?

Faith certainty doubts

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Homily stories

23 Dec 2018 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

New jobs, job promotions, acceptance at your first-choice school, straight A’s, getting engaged, the mortgage approved, the account you were vying for, front row tickets to the game of the century—these are all extremely exciting moments in the course of any life, but they pale in comparison to giving birth—at least for most people, under even the worst circumstances. Human beings can’t help themselves: New life is irresistible, even if only for a brief moment before the worries and responsibilities of caring for this new life push their way into the nursery. What is often not so joyful is discovering that you or someone you love is pregnant under not the best of circumstances—too old, too young, unmarried, unhappy, unhealthy, or, worse yet, carrying a baby that is far from perfect. The wait can seem painfully long and each day filled with the agony of uncertainty about what the future holds. Today’s gospel addresses that anguish. Mary and Elizabeth are kindred spirits to all those facing difficult pregnancies. They had their questions and doubts, but they held out hope for the strength to handle whatever came their way. They were determined and faithful women. They are witnesses to the power of love and commitment, but most of all, their actions demonstrate the need for support and solidarity during difficult times. Offer yourself this day in service to another in need.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

elizabeth difficult pregnancies doubts solidarity

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Homily stories

19 Apr 2020 - Solemnity of the Second Sunday of Easter; Divine Mercy Sunday, Cycle A

”Awe came upon everyone” in the early Christian community, Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles. I saw that same awe come upon my daughter at Mass when she was a very young child. She loved everything about going to church: the interior of the building with its stained glass, statues, and holy water; the singing, community responses, sign of the cross, and handshake of peace; the standing, kneeling, and processing to the altar. She rarely fussed, whined, or got distracted by the people around her (this from a world-class fusser, whiner, and flirt). She held her own missalette and insisted on being on the right page for whatever song we were singing, though she couldn’t read a word or a note. About the only time her attention wandered and she suddenly needed to use the facilities was during the homily (sorry, Father). In fact, the better the homily, the more assuredly she’d ask to be excused. I realized that my daughter was one of those blessed ones, who, unlike, Saint Thomas and many of us doubters, had not seen but believed. She had no need for philosophical proofs or apologetics. She didn’t even think to ask about sin, redemption, and salvation and how it all worked in the context of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection. She merely and instinctively knew that something good takes place at Mass, and she wanted to be part of it. No doubt about it.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

awe no doubts doubters

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