Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave focuses on how difficult trusting in God can be. God is worthy of our trust, but we can block ourselves from trusting him. Father Dave challenges us to try harder to be confident in God this week. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 5-02-19

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter. Father Dave speaks about the crippled man asking for help in today's reading from Acts of the Apostle. Father Dave points out that we are called to bring healing and reconciliation just as the apostles did after Jesus' Resurrection. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 4-24-19

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel in which Mary Magdalene doesn't recognize Jesus after the Resurrection. Father Dave asks about how many times we struggle to recognize Jesus in our own lives and invites us to try harder to recognize Christ in our day-to-day. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 4-23-19

First Sunday of Lent. Father Dave shares how Lent presents us with opportunities to make the right choices. Temptations are around us all the time, but the effort we make to avoid giving in to our temptations strengthens our faith. Preached at Resurrection of the Lord Parish, Honolulu on 3-10-19

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading in which Jesus speaks of loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who mistreat us. Father Dave asks if we are able to do these things and explains that priests are called to do these things in a special way. Preached at Saint Joseph's Seminary, Washington DC on 2-25-19

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains the difference between a contract and a covenant. He points out that contracts are mutual agreements, but can be breached, whereas a covenant is where God bears all of the weight. God covers our debt and will not dissolve our agreement. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-21-19

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the sibling rivalry between Cain and Abel. Today's reading claims that God rewarded Abel more than Cain. Father Dave points out that it is possible this was Cain's own perception of God because of the jealousy he felt for his brother. Similarly, our perception and jealousy of other people can affect the way we view God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-18-19

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave discusses today's reading in which Jesus refers to blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. With references to Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "The Lord and Giver of Life," Father Dave explains that Jesus' statement is mainly about our free will. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a total rejection of both God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives in a formal and permanent way. It is unforgivable because we reject the offer of God's mercy. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 1-28-19