What does it truly mean to be prepared for death? This reflective meditation invites listeners to contemplate the inevitability of death not with fear, but with hope rooted in Christian faith. Fr. Luke Mata reminds us that death entered the world through sin but, through Christ, has become the door to eternal life. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and spiritual reflections, the meditation emphasizes readiness, gratitude for the gift of time, and the importance of living each day as if it were our last. With humility and a touch of humor, Fr. Luke calls believers to face mortality with faith, courage, and love—so that, like Saint Paul, we may one day say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Why would Jesus, the Prince of Peace, say He came not to bring peace but division? Fr. Luke Mata explores one of the most puzzling Gospel passages, Luke 12:49–53, where Jesus declares that following Him involves spiritual warfare, self-denial, and perseverance through struggle. The meditation emphasizes that Christian life is not meant to be easy or comfortable but a constant battle against sin, temptation, and complacency. Drawing lessons from Saints Peter and Paul, Fr. Luke highlights that holiness is not about perfection but about rising each time we fall and faithfully beginning again, and calls all listeners to awaken from spiritual laziness and embrace the narrow, demanding, but joy-filled path of true discipleship.
What does it truly mean to live a life defined by service? Fr. Leo Austin explores how the personality of Jesus—most perfectly revealed when He washed His disciples’ feet—embodies self-giving love as the core of Christian identity. Fr. Leo connects this Gospel moment to modern life, emphasizing that true service is not for recognition or self-gratification but a sincere outpouring of the heart. Through vivid imagery—like a father joyfully playing with his daughter—the meditation illustrates that love and holiness are found in small, humble acts of generosity. Ultimately, it’s a call to shape one’s personality around selfless love, echoing Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in giving one’s whole heart to God and others.
What does it mean to see Jesus through the eyes of Mary? In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin explores how the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as a window into the divine, offering light, peace, and purpose to the interior life of believers. Drawing on scripture, personal anecdotes, and reflections on humility, gratitude, and joy, Fr. Leo emphasizes that Mary’s perspective reveals the beauty of everyday life — from small moments of human love to the mystery of divine vocation. Through her example, we learn that holiness is found in simplicity, that happiness is a choice rooted in gratitude, and that looking at Jesus through Mary’s eyes transforms how we see ourselves and the world.
How do we truly surrender our will to God without losing our sense of self? Fr. Leo Austin explores the virtue of docility and obedience through biblical scenes, especially when Mary and Joseph lose the twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple - on how Jesus’ awareness of His mission to sacrifice Himself embodies mature faith and total trust in God’s plan. Drawing parallels to modern struggles with independence and control, Fr. Leo encourages listeners to embrace patience, humility, and openness to divine guidance so that we can find true peace, which comes not from asserting control, but from aligning our choices with God’s will.
How do we go about living out Jesus Christ’s radical call to love, even loving one’s enemies? Fr. Luke Mata reflects on how early Christians transformed the Roman Empire through acts of forgiveness, unity, and selfless charity, calling this a true “revolution of love.” Drawing on scripture (especially Matthew 5) and Church teachings, the reflection emphasizes that such love is humanly impossible without faith and the Eucharist, which serve as the source and sustenance of divine love. As Christians, we are challenged to forgive others, love those who are difficult, and embody Christ’s compassion in daily life — continuing the same revolution that began with Jesus on the cross.
Fr. Luke Mata reflects on the significance of October as the Month of the Rosary and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Drawing from Scripture and Church history, he explains how Jesus, in giving His mother Mary to St. John at the cross, gave her also to all Christians as their spiritual mother. He recounts the historical origins of the rosary’s prominence, especially through Pope Pius V and the victory at the Battle of Lepanto, as well as Marian apparitions at Lourdes and Fatima urging people to pray the rosary. The meditation emphasizes the rosary as a Christ-centered prayer that draws believers closer to Jesus through Mary’s eyes and heart, urging the faithful to pray the rosary daily, not mechanically but lovingly and contemplatively, as a way of deepening their relationship with Mary and Christ.
On this feast day of the anniversary of the canonization of St Josemaria Escrivá, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the Gospel's parable of the talents, exploring themes of gratitude, vocation, freedom, and trust in God - on how each person’s life and gifts are unique invitations from God to create, take risks, and live gratefully without fear. Drawing on examples from Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Saint Joseph, Pope Francis, and even Bill Gates, the meditation encourages listeners to embrace their personal calling with courage and creativity, transforming ordinary moments into expressions of holiness.
In this reflection, Fr. Luke Mata explores the heart of Christian faith—not as mere belief, but as radical trust in God. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, we learn that faith endures even when life feels painful or confusing. From the prophet Habakkuk’s cry for help to Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, we’re reminded that true faith says, “Lord, I trust You.” With insights from the film Little Boy and the example of Mary’s unwavering trust, we are invited to pray with the apostles: “Lord, increase our faith.”
In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the call to holiness and the deeply personal nature of each Christian’s vocation, using the image of a “tailored suit” to describe how God lovingly designs each person’s path. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, he meditates on Peter’s confession of Christ as the Messiah, urging us to move beyond superficial or “AI-like” knowledge of Jesus toward a lived, personal encounter where Christ becomes truly the love of our lives. He emphasizes that discipleship requires the crucifixion of ego—an inner martyrdom of pride and self-centeredness—more challenging than external persecution, but essential for spiritual growth. Through examples from saints, particularly the witness of Cardinal Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, who endured 13 years in a Vietnamese prison with unwavering faith. Fr. Leo highlights how purification, gratitude, and humility reveal Christ’s presence even in suffering. He warns against being distracted by self-absorption or worldly noise and encourages recognizing Christ’s closeness in prayer, the Eucharist, and daily life. Ultimately, he calls listeners to respond to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” with a heartfelt declaration of love, gratitude, and surrender, seeing Jesus as our best friend and the center of our vocation, aided by the intercession of St. Josemaria and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Paul Donlan's meditation on the Gospel of Luke’s story of Martha and Mary of Bethany, highlights the tension between active service and contemplative prayer. Martha as the competent, bustling hostess and Mary as the attentive listener at Jesus’ feet. Martha’s frustration at Mary’s lack of help leads her to complain—even command—Jesus, to which He gently responds that Mary has chosen “the better part.” Traditionally, Martha has represented the active life and Mary the contemplative, but that Christians are called to integrate both: to live “actively contemplative and contemplatively active.” Fr. Paul warns against “activism,” which loses interior connection to Christ, and urges cultivating an inner contemplative spirit even amid daily duties, whether family tasks, professional work, or in the daily commute - transforming ordinary moments into prayer. Stories of saints like Josemaría Escrivá and images of the Holy Family illustrate how everyday work can be suffused with awareness of God. Ultimately, combining service with contemplation becomes a prayerful offering to Christ.
Fr. Paul Donlan's meditation centers on the theme of work as a path to holiness, rooted in scripture, the life of Christ, the Holy Family, and the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva. It begins by praising God’s works in Psalm 111 and explores how Jesus dignified human labor through His hidden years as a carpenter and later by sanctifying ordinary realities through His presence. Our daily work, whether manual or professional, is not merely a burden but can be redemptive when united with God’s love, becoming the “raw material of holiness.” Drawing examples from the Holy Family, practical stories (like that of a dentist guided through prayer), and references to Christian virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), Fr. Paul underscores that work is service to God and others, challenging everyone to see their labor as a witness to faith, a stimulus for prayer, and a way of sanctifying themselves and those around them. Ultimately, everything points to the Cross and Resurrection as the greatest “works” that give all human activity its redemptive meaning, inviting believers to imitate Christ by sanctifying their own daily efforts with love and faith.
Fr John Meyer reflects on the parable of the talents, initially using the story of the barren fig tree to illustrate the danger of appearing fruitful externally while being spiritually empty, likening this to self-righteousness and harsh judgment of others. Moving into the parable of the talents, the reflection emphasizes that God entrusts each person with gifts suited to their ability, expecting them to bear fruit rather than burying their potential out of fear or mistrust. This leads into themes of suffering, mercy, and the mystery of God’s solidarity with humanity through Christ, noting that divine mercy becomes tangible in the Incarnation. The meditation draws on literature such as Milton’s Paradise Lost and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to explore obedience, disobedience, and the relationship between happiness and virtue, underscoring that true joy comes from loving and knowing the Creator. Humor, humility, and the ability to laugh at oneself are presented as overlooked yet profound gifts. Finally, the reflection ties the talents back to grace as the foundation of relationship with God, a source of peace even in suffering, dying, or imprisonment, where love and forgiveness become the ultimate fruits of a life lived with God.
September 6, 2025. Homily of Fr. Luke Mata, at the Memorial Mass for Matthew Schoenecker. Celebrated at St. Louise de Marillac in Covina, California.
Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus illustrates how people receive the Word of God differently, much like seeds falling on various types of soil, and explains the four cases: seeds that fall on the path (rejected outright), on rocky ground (received with initial enthusiasm but lacking depth), among thorns (choked by materialism, pleasure-seeking, and worldly concerns), and on rich soil (those who receive the Word with openness and bear fruit). The reflection emphasizes the dangers of modern superficiality, consumerism, rationalism, and rejection of faith, comparing cultural trends like the Enlightenment and today’s obsession with trivial entertainment to obstacles that prevent spiritual growth. At the same time, it calls for deeper engagement with faith through prayer, study, meaningful conversations, and perseverance in trials. Ultimately, Fr. Paul urges everyone to become “good soil” like Mary at the Annunciation—open, humble, and willing to let God’s word take root and transform their lives.
In this meditation, Fr. Mark Mannion reflects on how Christians are called to transform suffering into joy by uniting daily crosses with Christ’s passion, moving from the glory of Mount Tabor to the sacrifice of Calvary. Drawing on Saint Paul, Saint Josemaría, and spiritual insights from Scripture, Fr. Mark emphasizes that “no day without the cross” should be lived joyfully, for only through grace can sorrow be transfigured into redemption. Illustrations from films, literature, and personal stories highlight how confronting mortality can awaken deeper purpose, while faith reveals suffering as meaningful rather than absurd. The paradox of “joy-sorrow” emerges as the heart of the interior life, where bliss and affliction coexist, as seen in Christ on the cross and in holy people facing death with serenity. We should not avoid the cross but embrace it with gratitude, trusting that every trial—when offered with Christ—becomes a path to salvation. Our Lady, Mother of Sorrows and Cause of Joy, is the model who teaches us how to merge suffering and joy in our own lives and deaths.
Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on the importance of recognizing time, work, friendship, and leisure as God-given talents, while also guarding against their “anti-talents” such as wastefulness, sloth, self-centeredness, and laziness - then emphasizes that time is a treasure to be used prudently, citing personal experiences—such as his grandfather’s mantra about having a system of reminders of order and diligence. He stresses that work, when offered to God, gains eternal value, and that friendship, grounded in openness, kindness, and love, reflects Christ’s own joy, warmth, and humanity. The meditation highlights leisure not as idleness but as an opportunity for hobbies and creative pursuits like reading, music, cooking, or nature — that both enrich the self and foster community. Drawing on the Gospel, he notes how Jesus himself embraced both physical labor as a carpenter and recreation through walking and time outdoors, always doing things well and with purpose. Ultimately, we are all called to self-examine, discover, and develop our own talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God, using even small amounts of leisure wisely.
Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on Mary as Mother of God and our Mother, beginning with the Annunciation, where her total surrender to God allowed the Word to become flesh, explaining the theological basis for calling her “Mother of God,” affirmed at the Council of Ephesus, and explores her unique relationship with the Trinity as daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit. The meditation draws connections between Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, the biblical roots of the Hail Mary, and her role as a model of holiness, and clarifies Catholic teaching— that Mary is venerated with “hyperdulia,” not worshiped—and emphasizes her closeness to God, her intercession for us, and her maternal care, entrusted by Jesus from the Cross.
A meditation preached by Fr. Paul Donlan on The Holy Spirit’s transformative role in the Church and each believer, using Pentecost as the model. At Pentecost, the Spirit’s wind and fire gave the Apostles courage, wisdom, and love, launching the Church through Peter’s preaching and mass conversions. The wind symbolizes fortitude; the fire, light and love—gifts that shape Christians into Christ’s image when they cooperate with the Spirit. Every baptized person is called to spread the Gospel through prayer, example, and personal witness, often one soul at a time. Even amid a strong “anti-God movement,” the Spirit continues drawing people to Christ through authentic Christian living. The key practice: praying “Come, Holy Spirit” for guidance, strength, and zeal.
