In this first reflection, Fr. Will focuses on the role of the father as provider and protector, drawing from Scripture, St. Paul’s teaching, and the example of St. Joseph. Christian fatherhood is presented as a vocation of authority ordered to charity—an authority that images Christ’s self-giving love for the Church and places the entire family in loving submission to Him.

Recognizing that many families carry wounds or fall short of the ideal, this homily emphasizes that the Church holds up the Holy Family not as an unattainable standard, but as a call to ongoing conversion and healing. This reflection sets the foundation for the rest of the series, which will continue with reflections on motherhood and the mission of the family in the world.

Series Outline (Optional to Include on Website or Podcast Page)

Part 1: The Role of the Father – Provider and Protector

Part 2: Motherhood (January 1)

Part 3: The Mission of the Family (Feast of the Epiphany)

We Christians are not indifferent to the political realm – far from it we care deeply about working to protect human life, promote peace, and provide for the general welfare. We cannot accept Christ’s love while despising or being indifferent to our fellow human beings. Because of this, we also like many people of good will may have experienced a sense of anxiety or a lack of peace. Our Christianity informs our actions in everything we do and that includes our choices in the voting booth. In all of this, nevertheless, there is a danger of becoming too consumed with the things of the world. The Bible is replete with stories of God intervening in love for his people. Despite this evidence, we often we let ourselves become so afraid and anxious, and this leads to a whole host of personal sins which impact our salvation much more directly than the outcome of a political race. No matter who wins the election, we can be sure that God will provide everything we need to be with him forever.

Questions for us to ponder:

1. Have I let politics become a God for me? How has this anxiety contributed to sins in my personal life? Do I trust that God is sovereign?
2. How can I inform myself politically? What are resources which can help me to form a Catholic conscience with regard to the important issues?
3. How do I react when people disagree with me politically? How can I reflect the love of God to them?

Today’s readings can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101820.cfm

You can subscribe to future audio versions of homilies here: https://frwill.fireside.fm/

(29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Mass in the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite)

1. When am I most defensive? When defnsivness occurs what need am I seeking to fufill? How can I relate it to God?
2. How do I view God? In what areas of my life to forget that he is our Father and treat him more like a tyrant? What lies do I believe about myself and about him? What is the truth opposed to these lies? Have I allowed any false images to influence my behavior?
3. Do I go to God, Our Father, each day in prayer? How do I approach him in prayer? Do I ask him for holy indifference flowing from my trust in him?

Today’s readings can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091320.cfm

You can subscribe to future audio versions of homilies here: https://frwill.fireside.fm/

(24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Mass in the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite)

1. Do you long for heaven? How do you actively seek the kingdom of heaven?
2. What are the sources of aniexty in your life? How do you these things take away your peace?
3. What can you do to remind yourself each day that you are made for heaven?
   

https://www.missalemeum.com/en/2020-09-06