Father Dave Preaches

Third Sunday of Lent. Father Dave recounts a conversation with a friend that dug into life’s difficulties. In today’s Gospel, we are called to be our authentic selves with God and bring him our real problems. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-03-24

Second Sunday of Lent. While preaching at a bilingual Mass in San Francisco, Father Dave reflects on Lent and the Transfiguration in today’s Gospel. We can hear God’s voice more clearly in this penitential season when we strip away life’s many distractions. Preached at Old St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, CA on 02-25-24

Ash Wednesday. Father Dave describes a friend’s toddler at Mass who pointed to the ashes on peoples’ foreheads while saying, “like me!” He reminds us that we are all humbled by ashes and are called to be ambassadors for Christ this Lent. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-14-24

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the theme of leprosy in today’s readings. As we end Ordinary Time, we are encouraged to reach out to those who feel shunned by society or the Church. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-11-24

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Father Dave notes how we often compare ourselves to others and think some people are holier than we could ever be. Regardless of where we are in our faith journey, today’s readings remind us that Christ is present to all those who seek him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-05-24

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches about how many people relate to Job’s lament and struggles in today’s first reading. Despite our own brokenness, Christ can make us whole to help transform the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-04-24

Memorial of St. Francis de Sales. Father Dave reflects on how God desires our success and happiness. Our spiritual lives are not meant to be just for us, but rather we’re called to nurture seeds of faith and bear fruit for ourselves and others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-24-24

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we often think we know better than God. While he will always forgive us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, being obedient is a better plan than sinning. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-15-24

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks us if we’ve ever had a phone call that has changed our lives. We are meant to be like Eli and Andrew in today’s readings, and help facilitate God’s call in someone’s life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-14-24

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. As we begin Ordinary Time, Father Dave notes how today’s readings highlight relatable people. Our spiritual lives are not meant to be compartmentalized, for God is found in the messiness of ordinary life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-09-24

The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave looks to the Magi as inspiration as we start a new year. We are called to be changed by our experience of Church and leave spiritually different than we came. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-07-24

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Father Dave emphasizes that family is not about being perfect, but about practicing virtues of the Christian life. Paul’s first reading lists qualities we should strive for, and Father Dave challenges us to focus on one this week. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-31-23

Nativity of the Lord, Mass During the Night. While preaching Midnight Mass on a cruise, Father Dave underscores the images of darkness and light. He calls us to let God shed his light on any challenge or hurt we face in daily life. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-24-23

Monday of the Third Week of Advent. As we continue through Advent, Father Dave focuses on the hope of the Old Testament. As we wait for Christ to come again, we are challenged to hope for what often seems unattainable. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-18-23

Monday of the Second Week of Advent. Father Dave discusses how we actively need to pursue God and practice our faith. He calls us to think about someone who needs Christ, and how we can help make God manifest to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-11-23

Second Sunday of Advent. Father Dave talks about friends who recently welcomed a child, and their shift from waiting to preparing. As we anticipate Christmas, we prepare for all of the ways that Christ comes into our lives every day. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-10-23

Monday of the First Week of Advent. Father Dave relates Isaiah’s words in our First Reading to hiking. Advent and Christmas will be more spiritually rewarding for us if we put in the work to be closer to Jesus. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-04-23

First Sunday of Advent. Father Dave reflects on an image of God as the potter and us as the clay. We are called to let God smooth our rough edges and be like him, though he gives us the free will to say no. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-03-23

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Father Dave describes an unfinished painting in the Berlin Museum of Art, where the artist waited to paint the most important element last. However, the artist passed away before finishing his work. Father Dave reminds us to not wait to put Christ at the center of our lives. Preached at St. Austin Church, Austin, TX on 11-26-23

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls a recent gala where they honored certain individuals in the community. While we can be celebrated for our work, we should not feel entitled to praise or success. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-14-23