Father Dave Preaches

Monday of the Second Week of Lent. Father Dave notes how when someone complains about being in traffic, they are ironically part of the problem as one of the cars. He calls us to remember that we all need God's mercy this Lent, instead of judging others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-02-26

Second Sunday of Lent. Father Dave reflects on today's Gospel story about the Transfiguration, and how we can identify with Peter's desire to stay on the mountaintop. God offers glimpses of the kingdom of heaven to help strengthen us for our difficult work as Christians. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-01-26

Ash Wednesday. Father Dave compares Lent to a time in his childhood when his mom would tidy up before a house cleaner would occasionally visit. We are to do our part this penitential season, but then let God create a clean heart in us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-18-26

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains today's Gospels through the film "The Matrix." It is our choice to follow Christ or not, and we are challenged to deepen our commitment to our faith as we approach Lent. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-15-26

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on Solomon in today's readings, as well as those with money and power in our modern world. He reminds us to focus on the purity of our own hearts rather than seeking external validation. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-11-26

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. On this Super Bowl Sunday, Father Dave borrows a sports technique of visualizing a successful game. We are to actively live into our identities as salt of the earth and light of the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-08-26

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave talks about medications that suppress appetite and even thoughts of food. We strive to block out worldly distractions to hear and receive the word of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 01-28-26

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the account of the Baptism of the Lord from John's Gospel. Like John the Baptist, we are to share how we witness Christ's presence in our lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 01-18-26

Tuesday after Epiphany. Father Dave reflects on the life of Saint Andre Bessette on his feast day, and considers how God worked through his humble life. Despite our own shortcomings, God can do wonderful and powerful things through us in the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 01-06-26

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave shares his reliance on to-do lists to get things done. We are challenged to start bringing about the kingdom of God in concrete ways as we enter Ordinary Time. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 01-12-26

The Baptism of the Lord. Father Dave notes how it's hard to understand why Jesus would need to be baptized. Like John the Baptist, we are to trust in the Lord even when we don't know God's reasoning. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 01-11-26

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas). Father Dave reflects on his new eyeglasses with progressive lenses, and how God similarly sharpens our focus as he brings the light of Christ into the world. We are called to spread that light of Christmas to all, especially those suffering in darkness. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-25-25

Third Sunday of Advent. Father Dave discusses how we sometimes question if we are hearing the voice of God. Just as Jesus assures John the Baptist in today's readings, God shows how he is with us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-14-25

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father Dave compares Luke's Gospel account of the Annunciation to today's feast celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary proves that nothing is impossible for God, and we should not be afraid to bring him our needs. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-12-25

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent. Father Dave reflects on today's first reading from Isaiah and reaffirms that God is never too busy for us. We can rest in the peace of God who always hears us, even if we feel far from him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-10-25

Second Sunday of Advent. Father Dave compares Advent to a recipe's suggested prep time. We can trust that God will help us make our preparation fruitful. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 12-7-25

Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on this time of limbo between Ordinary Time and Advent. He challenges us to prepare our hearts in one small way this week as we soon journey into Advent. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-23-25

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Father Dave notes how it is hard to relate to the idea of kings in modern America. While it is a challenge, we can help bring about peace in our world if we let God be king of our lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-23-25

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Father Dave acknowledges that today's feast dedicating a building might seem strange, but it symbolizes the beginning of public Christian worship in Rome. The Scriptures deepen this message and say that we are God's dwelling place on earth. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-09-25

Friday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings share how God has revealed his saving power to all the nations, but Father Dave notes how Saint Paul says there is more work to be done. We are called to reach out and bring Christ to everyone, even in small ways. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 11-07-25