Father Dave Preaches

The Baptism of the Lord. Father Dave reflects on Jesus’ baptism in today’s readings, and what we can learn from John the Baptist. We share in the grace of Christ’s baptism and have a responsibility to answer God’s call. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-09-23

Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. On the feast day that celebrates the patron saint of musicians, Father Dave relates these readings to St. Cecilia’s commitment to her faith. He challenges us to keep a song in our hearts, even throughout the darkness in our world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-22-22

Tuesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on their pilgrimage group’s blessings, as well as humanity’s flawed transactional view of God’s love. We are not entitled to salvation, but can only receive through the free grace of God. Preached at Santuario del Crocifisso, Nemi, Italy on 11-08-22

Monday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time. While on pilgrimage in Italy, Father Dave reflects on their recent experience seeing the Pope. He challenges the pilgrims and all of us to capture that feeling and not take our gift of faith for granted. Preached in Choir Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City on 11-07-22

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls a radio show question about the phrase “Lord, I’m not worthy” that we say during Mass. We are not worthy of God’s love, but only he can heal us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-30-22

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles. Father Dave reflects on Paul’s message to the Ephesians about how we belong to the household of God. Our close relationship with the Lord comes with responsibilities as members of God’s house. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-28-22

While on pilgrimage to France in 2019, Father Dave preached on All Saints’ Day about what the Church teaches about these holy men and women that we celebrate today.

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions. Father Dave reflects on today’s readings where Peter asks Jesus about “us” and “them.” Father Dave discusses the martyrs we celebrate in today’s feast, and how we also are called to look past divisions to spread the word of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-19-22

Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains a conflict in today’s readings about who we are called to serve. He reminds us that we are not meant to do everything, but we are called to let God speak through us to those in our immediate circles. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-5-22

Memorial of St. Jerome. Father Dave reflects on the praise he is receiving today on his birthday, and how today’s readings offer some humility. God reminds us that it’s not all about “me,” and that we are to be a gift to others in the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-30-22

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the image of light when it comes to evangelization in today’s readings, and notes how some wish to keep their faith to themselves. He explains that our light will be extinguished if it is not shared, just like the flame of a candle. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-19-22

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave challenges us to apply our problem-solving and time-management skills to our faith lives. He reminds us that we are to find the time, energy and effort for what God desires. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-18-22

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Father Dave explains how Jesus transforms the cross from an image of death into new life. He reminds us that in the Paschal Mystery, our darkest moments can be reborn with God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-14-22

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes that while the Catholic Church has a lot of rules, our readings today show that God isn’t afraid to break protocol to show us his mercy. God will diligently search for us, and then we are to lead others who are lost back to him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-11-22

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave expresses concern about the declining birth rate in many parts of the world. On today’s feast, we are reminded to have hope that any child could change the world. God works through the weakest and most vulnerable of us to bring about the kingdom. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-08-22

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts how he lost his reader sunglasses while on a recent trip, and it was hard to see certain things. He connects this to how the Holy Spirit allows us to view our world differently. However, just like putting on glasses, we have to choose to put on the Holy Spirit and see with the eyes of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-30-22

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches on the themes of humility, and shares how he struggles with this virtue. He gives examples from St. Teresa of Calcutta on how we can practice having a meek and humble heart. When we are more focused on others, we can become more like God. Preached at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Lake George, New York on 08-28-22