Father Dave Preaches

Vigil of Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches from a traditionally Lutheran church, and describes some commonalities in how both Christian faiths honor the Word of God. He reminds us that we are to be set on fire by the Gospel, as the Scriptures tell us today. He also explains the devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots, and challenges us to set the world ablaze and undo knots for others. Preached at Saint Anne Church, Augsburg, Germany on 08-13-22

Memorial of Saint Clare. Father Dave focuses on the psalm proclaimed today, and connects it to the beginning of the pilgrimage to Germany. He reminds the pilgrims and all of us to remember the wonderful things God has done for us. Preached at the Basilica of St. Ursula, Cologne, Germany on 08-11-22

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls exchanging valentines as a kid with the phrase "Be Mine." The readings today remind us that we belong to God, and he is our protector and guide. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-03-22

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls faith lessons he learned from pottery class while on sabbatical last year. We are called to let God keep molding us into something beautiful, even when it's uncomfortable to change. Preached at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Lake George, New York on 07-28-22

Feast of Saint James. Father Dave explains how the Feast of Saint James can remind us that God chooses all of us despite our shortcomings. Our imperfections do not limit us in our call to be present to others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-25-22

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains how today's Scriptures reveal two keys about prayer: It is not about changing God's mind, and it is usually not about us. We are to focus on the needs of our world and community, in addition to praying for our own desires. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-24-22

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Father Dave recalls how a friend often asks if they are being too dramatic, and connects this characteristic to Isaiah's passion in today's readings. He also helps us learn from Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and challenges us to not take our faith for granted. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 07-14-22

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Father Dave explains why Saints Peter and Paul share a solemnity, and highlights their impact on the church. Despite our shortcomings, God uses all of us to help grow the kingdom of heaven. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-29-22

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Father Dave discusses Paul's definition of freedom in Sunday's Gospel. He reminds us that our priority is to live God's commands, and that we are called to put our selfishness aside to love and serve one another. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-26-22

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on how news stories can stir passionate change in us, and connects this to those in the Old Testament who were convicted by the Word of God. He also challenges us to use Scripture to change our lives for the better. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-22-22

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on how news stories can stir passionate change in us, and connects this to those in the Old Testament who were convicted by the Word of God. He also challenges us to use Scripture to change our lives for the better. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-22-22

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave discusses the conversion of Saint Paul and how much courage it must take to commit to conversion. He encourages us to keep our eyes on the Lord and have the courage to practice our faith even when it is not the popular thing to do. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 05-04-22

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave reflects on the saints who accomplished God's work by relying on their faith. He encourages us to have that same fire of faith in order to accomplish God's plans. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 05-02-22

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave shares a recent encounter with a friend in which he shared that his child asked how much he loved him when refusing to buy her a stuffed animal. Father Dave points out that we ask God the same question when we don't get what we want. He encourages us to trust that God's love for us is unwavering even when we don't understand why things don't always go to plan in our lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 4-27-22

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Father Dave points out that while there are people who have sacrificed their lives for others, Jesus is the only one who rose from the dead. He encourages us to believe in the power of the resurrection and what that means for our own lives. Preached in the Holy Land at The Holy Sepulchre on 04-09-22