St Sylvester, 31 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we hear the prolog of John's Gospel. There never was a time when Jesus was not, he was there in the beginning! Let us all strive to accept that this little infant in the manger is the Christ of God, the Word made flesh, come to save us from our sins. Pope St Sylvester Pray for Us!

Readings: 1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96; John 1:1-18

Michael Wittstock, Memorial Service, 30 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this message (10 minutes) given by Pastor Gary Putnam at Petersburg Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary witnessed Michael and Bridget's wedding here in this church some twenty years ago.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, 30 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. This Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph teaches us that family life is our first and primary school in learning how to love and be loved and therefor growing in holiness. Today we can add family silence (inactivity), family meals, and family prayer (rosary) in order to push back on a culture that is causing the disintegration of the family.

Readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Luke 2:22-40

St Thomas Becket, 29 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St Thomas Becket, Archbishop and Martyr (1118-1170) has a conversion when going from Chancellor to Archbishop. As bishop he continues to protect the Church from his close friend King Henry II. After returning from six years in exile he is martyred by four of the king's knights. King Henry fasted in penance for forty days. Thomas was immediately acclaimed a saint by the common people and due to his martyrdom and the many miracles associated with his intercession he was canonized a saint in just two years. His tomb became one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Readings: 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2:22-35

Holy Innocents, 28 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today's Mass remembers all the little baby boys of Bethlehem murdered by Herod out of fear that Jesus would take his throne. We remember all little children and the poor around the world who suffer and die out of our modern need for convenience or a "lifestyle" choice. Never let fear make a decision for you. Always choose life.

Readings: 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18

St John, Feast, 27 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St John the Evangelist wrote about what he heard Jesus say and what Jesus did. He was the close friend of Jesus. May we give witness to what Jesus says and does in our life.

Readings: 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97; John 20:1a 2-8

St Stephen, Feast, 26 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Just the day after Christmas, we celebrate the feast of St Stephen, Deacon and first Martyr of the Church. My we have the same zeal, to care for those in need and in doing so give witness to Jesus our new born king.

Readings: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10:17-22

Christmas Mass at Dawn, 25 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Let us strive to be like the shepherds who make haste to see the new born king wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. We too have made a visit to that Nativity Scene let go out and spread the word that: "Today Jesus our savior is born for us who Christ and Lord."

Readings: Isaiah 62:11-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

Christmas Mass at Midnight, 25 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (13 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus, born this night in Bethlehem, is our Almighty God made a small and fragile child in need of care. May we learn to nurture our relationship with God as we hold the infant Jesus.

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14

Christmas Vigil Mass, 24 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Tonight we gather together to unwrap the gift of Jesus coming to us as a little child. He is born in the City of David: Bethlehem, meaning House of Bread. He is laid in a manger, showing that he wants to be our food. He is present here tonight, in fact every day, in the Eucharist. Let us work to unwrap this gift.

Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Luke 2:1-14

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 24 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. John the Baptist's dad, Zachariah, breaks into song at the naming of his son. Yes these two cousins, John and Jesus, will change the world. We have much to sing about.

Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89; Luke 1:67-79

Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 23 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we hear the God is doing some thing new. Elizabeth's son will not be named Zachariah after his father. "John is is name." John the Baptist will cleanse the people preparing the way for Jesus.

Repose of Soul: Michael Wittstock

Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25; Luke 1:57-66

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 22 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. In response to Elizabeth's greeting Mary proclaims her "Magnificat" She sings the praises of God. May we do the same. For the Lord has truly done great things for each of us.

Repose of Soul for Michael Wittstock

Readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1-8; Luke 1:46-56

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 21 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Mary having received Jesus, makes hast to visit Elizabeth. May our reception of Jesus in holy communion: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity; urge us on to care for those in need.  May our charity begin at home.

Repose of Soul: Michael Wittstock

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Psalm 33; Luke 1:39-45

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 20 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today the Angel Gabriel comes to Mary to ask if she will give birth to God's son Jesus. We are daily asked the same question. Let us pray that we can answer with Mary, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24; Luke 1:26-38

Monday of the 4th Week of Advent, 19 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish, in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we hear about the Angel Gabriel coming to Zechariah. Letting him know that God has heard Elizabeth and his prayer for a child. Their son will be John the Baptist, who will go ahead of Jesus, preparing the way in people's hearts through repentance.

Readings: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Psalm 7; Luke 1:5-25

4th Sunday of Advent, 18 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. We hear again, for the third time in December, that the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. After some reasonable hesitation Mary says YES. "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." May we give our yes to God's indwelling in the same way.

Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent, 17 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we read from the beginning of the holy Gospel according to Matthew: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Jesus has human DNA. He even has a few black sheep in his family tree. Praise be Jesus come to save us as one of us!

Readings: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 1:1-17

3rd Week of Advent, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 12 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we learn of the tremendous love of God for us in sending Our Lady of Guadalupe to the peoples of the Americas way back in 1531.

Readings: Zechariah 2:14-17; Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-28

3rd Sunday Advent, 11 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg. John the Baptist teaches us humility.

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8 19-28.

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent, 10 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus were recognized at the time for who they really were because the people were expecting them to be and act different then they were or did. I wonder how often I miss God breaking into my life through people He sends, and through the experiences He allows; and I miss His messages of Love and Peace because in my little limited way God's blessings are just too good to be true.


Readings: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80; Matthew 17:9a 10-13

Friday of the Second Week of Advent, 9 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily, (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. John the Baptist was ignored as a radical in the desert and Jesus was ignored because he ate and drank with sinners. How am I, How are we ignoring the prophets God sends to us today (too radical)? How am I, How are we ignoring Jesus' message of love (too good to be true)? Saint Juan Diego, Pray for Us.

Readings: Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11:16-19

Immaculate Conception, 8 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Mary, conceived in the womb of Jesus' grandmother St Ann, was preserved from all stain of original sin, so that endowed with the rich fullness of God's grace, she was prepared as the worthy Mother of the Son of God, and would be the beginning of the Church, an advocate of Grace and a model of holiness.

Readings: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent, 7 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. How about "Do Nothing the Lord Jesus is Coming." In today's Gospel Jesus says to us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Plan some down time with Jesus this Advent. 


We celebrate St Ambrose (339-397), Bishop of Milan, and Doctor of the Church.


Readings: Isaiah 40:25-31; Psalm 103; Matthew 11:28-30

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent, 6 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. We celebrate images of God as the Good Shepherd in today's readings and see them lived out beautifully in the life of St Nicholas the Wonder Worker.

Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96; Matthew 18:12-14

Monday of the Second Week of Advent, 5 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Seeing the faith and determination of his friends Jesus forgives the sins of the one who was lowered through the roof lying paralyzed on a mat. To prove that he is God Incarnate he tells the man to pick up his mat and go home, and he does so Glorifying God. I want to be that friend who will stop at nothing to carry my friends to Jesus; and to have friends who will carry me to Jesus in my need.

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85; Luke 5:17-26

Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle B, 4 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (15 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we hear the beginning of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptist is out in the desert baptizing those who acknowledged their sins. Isaiah calls for us to make straight a Highway for our God. The building of the Alaska HWY in 1942 was just the beginning. The highway is under constant maintenance and improvement, so much so it is now 320 miles shorted than when it was first completed. Our relationship with God is damaged or destroyed through our sin, so our relationship with God needs constant maintenance and improvement.

Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent, 3 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we celebrate with St Francis Xavier, S.J. the Joy of working in the missions for the Lord. Jesus sends us out, just as he sent those first Apostles out, to share the Good News that the Kingdom of God is at Hand! Let us do so with the same care and zeal as St Francis Xavier.

Readings: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Friday of the First Week of Advent, 2 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus heals the two persons who were blind because they believed that Jesus could do it. Jesus heal me of my blindness to your presence and action in my life. Yes, Lord I do believe you can do it.

Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27; Matthew 9:27-31

Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent, 1 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. I firm spiritual foundation is built on the dual process of hearing God's word and putting it into action. One without the other and our faith will collapse when buffeted by life's storms.

Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Feast of St Andrew, Apostle, 30 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus calles Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their nets and boats and to follow Him becoming fishers of people for the Kingdom. How well do we preach the Gospel with our lives: in what we say or don't say, do or don't do?

Readings: Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 4:18-22

Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent, 29 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. May we do the same, developing a childlike trust in God.

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Luke 10:21-24

Monday of the First Week of Advent, 28 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we hear the Centurion's act of faith when he says to Jesus, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." Jesus notes, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith." May our faith be as strong as this Centurion's when we come forward to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Come Lord Jesus.

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Matthew 8:5-11

1st Sunday of Advent, Cycle B, 27 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (16 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today's readings speak to us of Hope. In order to grow in Hope we need to grow in humility. Just like the clay, that remains a pile of dirt without the work and creativity of the potter, so are we with out a humble openness to God's Will for each of us. Happy Catholic New Year!

Readings: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37

Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, 26 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus cautions us, "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and the day catch you like by surprise like a trap." A cure for a drowsy heart is Catholic New Year Resolutions. Do something different for Jesus this Advent. Happy Catholic New Year!

Readings: Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3; Luke 21:34-36

Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, 25 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) give by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus warns us that all kinds of calamities will happen as the Kingdom of God is being manifest as surely as the Fig Tree's blossoms indicate that Summer is here. Watching the news we see that indeed the Kingdom of God is upon us both in the area of calamities and the real good that is being accomplished by Christians across the world motivated by their love of Jesus to care for those in need. We pray for religious freedom, and access to education especially for girls and women through the intercession of St Catherine of Alexandria.

Readings: Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3; Luke 21:29-35

Thanksgiving Day, 24 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg Alaska. Today across the United States of America we celebrate Thanksgiving. I love that the Greek word for Thanksgiving is Eucharist. So every time we gather for Mass we can have the same grateful heart that we have on Thanksgiving Day. "In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

Readings: Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19

Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, 23 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today Jesus warns us that because we follow Him we will be persecuted, yet he promises to be with us and the Holy Spirit will gives us courage and the words to speak as we give witness to Love. Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, Pray for Us!

Readings: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3; Luke 21:12-19

Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, 22 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus talks about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in today's Gospel. Warning all of us that we will not know the day nor the hour of our death nor the Coming of the Lord. Let us daily sing our prayers and praises to God along with St Cecilia and all the saints that we might always be ready.

Readings: Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 3; Luke 21:5-11

Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, 21 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we celebrate the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple at the age of three. We pray that all parents will bring their children to the Church for instruction in their Catholic Faith.

Readings: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3; Luke 21:1-4

Lord Jesus Christ the King, 20 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Just as we can find and honor Jesus Christ our King in the Eucharist, we can find and honor Jesus Christ our King in one another, especially in those in need. Because Jesus chooses make his dwelling in each one of us.

Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46

Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 19 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. God is the God of the living, not the dead. In the resurrection of the dead the connections we have made in love to God and each other will remain. Those who are alive in God always "are." That is the beauty of the resurrection of the dead. For we are all alive in God.

Resurrection: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9; Luke 20:27-40

Friday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 18 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg Alaska. Jesus cleanses the Temple because the attitudes of calculation and competition that we need to conduct commerce are not the attitudes of a good hearer of the Word of God. We are invite to be vigilant in keeping our temples--our whole self--prepared for the presence of the Lord just as St Rose-Philippine Duchesnes did through praying always.

Readings: 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29; Luke 19:45-48

Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 17 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because he knows they will choose the way of violence over the way of love.  St Elizabeth of Hungry pray for us.

Readings: Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19:41-44

Wednesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 16 Nov 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. We are called, especially today, to give heroic witness to the Truth of our faith. We must hold firm till the end, counting on the Lord's promise that the Holy Spirit will be with us to give us strength and wisdom.


Readings: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19:41-44

Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 15 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today Jesus finds Zacchaeus who had humbled himself by climbing a tree hoping to see Jesus. St Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor, helps rediscover the writings of Aristotle and through these inspires his student St Thomas Aquinas. "Lord God, you made Saint Albert great by his gift for reconciling human wisdom with divine faith. Help us so to follow his teaching that every advance in science may lead us to a deeper knowledge and love of you. Amen."

Readings: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3; Luke 19:1-10

Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 14 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (5 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus heals the blind man who calls out to him. We join in and call out "Jesus let me see again."

Readings: Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119; Luke 18:35-43

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 13 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (22 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus tells us the Parable of the Talents. We can learn at least for things from this parable. Act I: Don't burry the talents God has given you. Act II: Develop you natural God-given talents for true excellence. Act III: Do not let fear of failure make the decision not to act. Act IV: Even tragic experiences redeemed by God's love can be a gift through which we can help others. Let us all work at using our unique gifts to give glory God!


Readings: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30


These homilies now available through the iPhone App "Catholic Homily"

Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, 3 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. We begin Luke 15: Parable(s) of the Found Sheep and the Found Coin. There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine who have no need of repentance. Let heaven rejoice through our acts of daily repentance.

Readings: Romans 14:7-12; Psalm 27; Luke 15:1-10

All Souls Day, 2 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish n Wrangell, Alaska. Today we join together and pray for all the faithful departed who wait in purgatory for their entrance into heaven. Purgatory is like a tight knot hole which the rope of our life must pass through scraping all the accumulated ungodly stuff off as God draws us to himself.  Purgatory is like the mud room where we take off our soiled shoes and garments before we join God in the living room.  Purgatory is the place where we take care of the unfinished business of growing in holiness.

We pray for all the souls in purgatory. May they enter into heaven soon! Amen.

All Saints Day, 1 Nov 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we celebrate all the Saints who have gone before us into heaven. All Saints Day is especially for all those "un canonized" saints who lived lives of holiness and now enjoy eternal life with God in Heaven. The Saints all received there strength of holiness from Jesus, especially at Mass in the Eucharist. Let us follow their example.

Oh when the Saints, go marching in! Oh when the Saints go marching in! Oh how I long to be in that number! Oh when the Saints go marching in!

Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, 31 October 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus asks us to invite someone to dinner who has no way of inviting us back.  If we are not able to invite them to dinner, then let us do good to someone who has no way of paying us back. Even better do good anonymously!

Readings: Romans 11:29-36; Psalm 69; Luke 14:12-14

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 30 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena and St Rose of Lima parishes in the heart of Southeast Alaska. The first sept for growth in humility is to recognize our gifts and talents while also humbly accepting what we don't do well. We give glory to God when we use our talents to build the Kingdom, while we waste precious time trying to do something we have no giftedness or passion for. Do what you do well more often! The next sept is to convict ourself of sin before the Lord and with courage bring those sins to the sacrament of confession. Yet true humility is a willingness to accept correction from our Church, friends, neighbors and enemies without resistance from our ego, for only one outside of ourself can truly show us our blind spots.


Readings: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; Psalm 131; 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13; Matthew 23:1-12

Saturday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, 29 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. "My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God. For great is the power of the Lord; by the humble he is glorified." ~Sirach 3:17-18, 20.

The first sept of growth in humility is to convict ourself of sin before the Lord, the next is with courage bring those sins to the sacrament of confession. Yet true humility is a willingness to accept correction from our friends, neighbors and enemies without resistance from our ego, for only one outside of ourself can truly show us our blind spots.

Readings: Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Psalm 94; Luke 14:1, 7-11

Feast of Saints Simon & Jude, 28 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Celebrating with Saints Simon and Jude. We are called to follow Jesus, learn from him, then head out into the world to share the good news as the Apostles did.

Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 19; Luke 6:12-16

Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, 27 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. It is in today's Gospel that we find the only place Jesus describes him self as an animal. We could want Jesus to be a great powerful horse or mighty lion, yet Jesus likens himself to a mother hen desiring to gather us under his wings. Jesus came into the world weak and vulnerable to show us God's love. May we always be humble enough to take shelter under his wings.

Readings: Romans 8:31b-39; Psalm 109; Luke 13:31-35

Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, 25 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. The Kingdom of God starts as the tiniest of seeds, yet it grows into a huge flowering of Love. Let us scatter seeds of Hope every where we go today.

Readings: Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 126; Luke 13:18-21

Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, 24 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. We can be crippled by many things or by just about anything without God: chronic worry, physical or mental illness, the burden of unconfessed sins, an inability to forgive, exhaustion from caring of an ill or elderly relative, the deep sorrow of a loveless marriage, grinding poverty, etc... Jesus wants us to come to every Sunday Mass and be set free of all of these and more. "Jesus came that we might have life and have that life in abundance" (John 10:10).

St Anthony Mary Claret, Pray for Us.

Readings: Romans 8:12-17; Psalm 68; Luke 13:10-17

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 23 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (20 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise. The greatest commandment is to love God with your entire being: heart, mind, body, and soul. The second is like the first. To love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus equates loving God with loving neighbor as we love our selves. When I have difficulty loving God or neighbor, it reminds me to check in and examine how free of the emotional baggage of shame, quilt, sin, unforgiveness, etc... that prevents me from truly love myself with the same joy that God loves me. Love always wins!

Readings: Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18; Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40

Saturday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, 22 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Many of us have not been bearing abundant fruit in God's Kingdom. So now is the time to fertilize our faith with prayer, fasting, alms giving, reading the Bible, monthly confession, Sunday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, etc.. All for the purpose of deepening our relationship with God. Because we do not know the day nor the hour our eternal life will begin.


Readings: Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 24; Luke 13:1-9

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 16 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise in St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we are challenged by Isaiah showing how God can use even the pagan King Cyrus. Calling him the Lord's anointed. Jesus, the Lord's anointed, helps us navigate between local politics and religion. "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." The challenge is to recognize that everything, all of us: heart, mind, body, soul; all of us belongs to God.


Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a; Matthew 22:15-21

Saturday of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time, 15 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St Teresa of Avila teaches us to speak directly to God in prayer about all things. Abraham "Believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations." Jesus promises that in times of trial  "the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say."


Readings: Romans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105; Luke 12:8-12

Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, 14 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus cautions us to "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees." St Callistus I, Pope 217-222 put forward the innovative idea that when Jesus said to the Apostles that they could bind and loose sin that make room for mercy and forgiveness after baptism. Absolution and eventually the sacrament of Penance would grow out of this reading of Sacred Scripture. Thank You Jesus!

Readings: Romans 4:1-7; Psalm 32; Luke 12:1-7

Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, 13 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. In the Third chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans he writes "For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law." sowing the seed (unknowingly) for the Protestant Reformation. Jesus continues to call to account the Scribes and Pharisees and all of us who make more important the letter of the law and not the relationship between the God who is love and each of us and all of creation.

Readings: Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130; Luke 11:47-54

Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, 12 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima in Wrangell, Alaska. St Paul calls us all to account for our judgment of others for the very sins we often commit. Jesus calls the Pharisees and Scribes (and us) to account for the self-righteousness and devotion to the details of the law while missing the point about loving God and loving neighbor.

Readings: Romans 2:1-11; Psalm 62; Luke 11:42-46

Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Paul jumps right in to his first central theme, that he is in no way ashamed of the Gospel. He point out the error of all those who hold that there is no God, or turn the things of creation into "gods" while failing to worship the one true God. Jesus, at the house of a Pharisee for dinner fails to wash his hands, brining ridicule from his host. He answers the our inner disposition must match our outer ritual observance. We are all called to examen how we life our lives and make sure that we have not set up idols of our own making in our hearts while outwardly acting like we are followers of Christ.

Readings: Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19; Luke 11:37-41

Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, 10 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we begin a close reading of Paul's Letter to the Romans. We learn that Paul is both a slave of the Gospel and an Apostle sent to preach the Good News.  Jesus warns this generation that we have more than enough signs of His goodness and love and therefore we should repent and be converted.

Readings: Romans 1:1-7; Psalm 95; Luke 11:29-32

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 9 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (16 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. We are all invited to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Many of us fail to say yes to Jesus on a daily basis. Thankfully the Father continues to call us to the Feast, yet we are too busy with our little lives here on earth, forsaking our readiness for eternal life. Let us learn to "put on Christ" and thus being clothed in Love we will be ready to meet the King of all creation.

Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14

Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, 8 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (4 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. "Blesses are those who hear the word of god and observe it."

Readings: Joel 4:11-21; Psalm 97; Luke 11:27-28

Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Our Lady of the Rosary, 7 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus teaches us that a house divided can not stand, yet a Family the Prays Together Stays Together! Lets pray the Rosary together so that we might stay together.  Happy Birthday Bishop Edward J Burns.

Readings: Joel 1:13-15, 2:1-2; Psalm 9; Luke 11:15-26

Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, St Bruno, 6 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus teaches us that friendship with God and persistence in prayer go together. Our Heavenly Father will giv us all that we need as often as we ask for God loves us without limit. St Bruno (1030-1101) Founder of the Carthusian Order, whose Mother House is Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps, found friendship with God in Silence and the Beauty of the Mountains. Let us do the same.

Readings: Malachi 3:13-20b; Psalm 1; Luke 11:5-13

Wednesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, 5 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. We hear the end of the story of Jonah and Jesus teaches us the Lord's Prayer. Let us learn to do the will of God and rejoice in it.

Readings: Jonah 4:1-11; Psalm 86; Luke 11:1-4

Tuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, St Francis, 4 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. As we celebrate with St Francis, Jonah, Martha and Mary we see different responses to the Word of God

Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130; Luke 10:38-42

Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, 3 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. The beginning of the story of Jonah teaches us that God will get us where God needs us to be, eventually. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us how to go way out of our way to Love our neighbor. Jesus recommends that if we want to inherit eternal life we should, "Go and do likewise."

Readings: Jonah 1:1-2:2; Jonah 2:3, 4, 5, 8: Luke 10:25-37

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 2 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Building on the images in Isaiah, Jesus calls each of us to account. Have we produced good fruit or sour wild grapes in the Vineyard of the Lord? The good news is that through the Sacrament of Confession we are able to begin again to produce good fruit. God is so good and loves us so much that God sent his Son to show us the way home to heaven.


Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, St Therese, 1 Oct 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we celebrate with St Therese of the Child Jesus, Doctor of the Church and Parton of the three Dioceses of Alaska. St Therese's "Little Way" was to offer every little act out of Love for Jesus. Her child like simplicity and trust continues to bring new life to the Church.

St Therese, Pray for us.

Readings: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69, Luke 10:17-24

3rd Sunday of Easter, 6 April 2008, Feedburner Test

In celebration of the The SemperGumbyInAlaska homily blog just going over 3,000 page views and in an attempt to build a feedburner I am republishing an old homily about the two disciples walking away from their faith on Easter morning and Jesus coming to them to bring them back by opening the scriptures for them and breaking the bread. I thought is appropriate as this homily is the most listened to and had over 200 downloads for the JuneauCathedralPodcast blog. 

St Jerome pray for us as we use this modern technology to get the Message of the Gospel out to the far corners of the Earth. "Evangelizing the Digital Continent" at the request of Pope Benedict XVI.

Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, St Jerome, 30 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St Jerome said, "Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ Himself." Let us open our bibles and read our ignorance away.

Readings: Baruch 1:15-22; Psalm 79; Luke 10:13-16

Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Feast of the Archangels, 29 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus tells Nathanael that he will see Angels. Let us learn to call on these heavenly beings for protection, guidance, and healing. I pray today for my alma mater Mount Angel Seminary and Abbey in Mount Angel, Oregon.

Readings: Revelation 12:7-12ab; Psalm 138; John 1:47-51

Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, St Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, 28 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus is headed to Jerusalem to accomplish his mission to save the world through his passion death and resurrection. He cautions his disciples that they need to be "all in." we can not allow the distractions of Money and family obligations to hold us back. We are called to have Jesus be all that need need or desire. St Lawrence Ruiz (First Philippine Martyr) and his companions did just that.

Readings: Nehemiah 2:1-8; Psalm 137; Luke 9:57-62

Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, St Vincent de Paul, 27 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. We are called to follow Jesus as did St Vincent de Paul. Who after a conversion experience at midlife devoted the rest of his life to caring for Jesus whom he found in the poor.

Readings: Zechariah 8:20-23; Psalm 87; Luke 9:51-56.

Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Saints Cosmas & Damian, 26 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus teaches us that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are seen as little children in this world.  Let us work to be least in this life, following Jesus' downward mobility, that we might join Him in the next. Jesus also calls us to give the benefit of the doubt to others. They are likely for us, when we assume they are against us. We celebrate with the Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers who as physicians brought about many miraculous cures.

Readings: Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102; Luke 9:46-50

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 25 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today's readings are about sustaining a lifelong yes to God. Every time we set our selves aside and say yes to another we fall deeper and deeper in love.  This is true of our relationships with other people as well as our relationship with God.

Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32

Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, 24 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus makes the second prediction of his passion and death leaving the disciples speechless. They and we want to deny the intimate connection between suffering and love.  Looking at unavoidable suffering as God's gift to us for growth in holiness changes it to redemptive suffering.  Let us unite our suffering to that of Jesus Christ and so fall deeper and deeper into love with him.

Readings: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a; Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13; Luke 9:43b-45

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 4 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (24 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Jesus empowers us to practice fraternal correction out of love and duty  for your brother or sister.  He promises to be with us when we gather.  Jesus gives each of us the power to forgive those who have injured us. Forgiveness leads to true freedom.  Forgive today!

Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20.

Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Padre Pio, 23 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus asked "Who do the crowds say that I am?" Then he asks us, "Who do you say that I am?" We answer that question by how we live our lives. What we do and what we do with the short amount of time we have and what we not do, etc... We celebrate with St Padre Pio today, Capuchin Friar and Mystic (1887-1968). Look up how he lived his life and be inspired by clicking here.

Readings: Haggai 2:1-9; Psalm 43; Luke 9:18-22

Thursday of the 25th Week, 22 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Herod is curious about Jesus.  He has heard about him.  In this age of computer electronics it is still vital to spread the Gospel from person to person. So send this link to a friend! ;-)

Readings: Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149; Luke 9:7-9

Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Feast of St Matthew, 21 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector.  The great evangelist's first action is to invite all his friends to meet Jesus.  May we all take this as an example and invite others to share a meal (Mass) with Jesus.  May we like Matthew use our unique gifts and talents to build up the Kingdom of God.

Readings: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9:9-13

Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Korean Martyrs, 20 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Through the intercession of the Korean Martyrs Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their 100+ companion martyrs I begin a daily homily podcast.  The Church in Korea was founded by layman and thrived and grew for nearly a century without ordained ministry. Jesus in today's Gospel says that we can be his blood relatives if we act of his word. Come Holy Spirit. Let us pray for the Church of Korea!

Readings: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Psalm 122; Luke 8:19-21

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, 19 Sept 2010

Click here to download and listen to this homily (22 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Jesus tells the parable of the generous landowner who gives all those that worked in his vineyard the same just daily wage. Let us all be sure to be working in the Lord's vineyard as soon as we can and not be grumpy if others come late.  We need all the help we can get Building the Kingdom of God!

Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a; Matthew 20:1-16a

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 28 Aug 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (16 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus calls each one of us to follow him.  Pope Benedict at World Youth Day in Madrid asks us to fall in love with Jesus. He recommended these tools to us: Read and Study the Bible, Pray the Rosary, Study your Faith, Go to Mass, Go to Confession, and visit Jesus' Real Physical Presence often in the Tabernacle. We can start doing all these every month, then every week, then daily; and as we grow in holiness the Church will be renewed. We should hunger for holiness like the mule deer for running streams in the desert. Come Holy Spirit!


Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 11 Sept 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (22 minutes) by Fr Thomas Weise given in St Rose of Lima Parish in Wrangell AK. Jesus calls us to forgive both in small ways but especially in large unreasonably generous ways.  It is no accident that these readings challenge us to forgive as we celebrate Patriots Day on the tenth anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on our nation. True peace and freedom comes through forgiveness not just seven times, but seventy seven times.

Readings: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 17 July 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena Parish in Petersburg AK. In the parable of the weeds and the wheat Jesus teaches us not to jump to conclusions and quickly judge others or even ourselves as good or bad.  Real strength is shown in mercy. Or as in the story of the old Chines farmer who's mare ran away. "How are we to know if this is a blessing or not?"  Nothing that happens in the world does so without the passive or active will of God.  Let us work this week at suspending judgment or if we do judge let us judge everything as a blessing from God.

Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 86; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 10 July 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (23 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, AK. Jesus tells the parable of the sower and explains it to us.  The seed is the word of God.  How well I am listening is indicated by my response to God's Word. Are all aspects of my life bearing abundant fruit because of my deep listening to the Word of God? If not: Prayer throughout the day, a daily Rosary, Fasting twice a week Wed & Fri on bread and water, daily/weekly Mass, monthly Confession, and Reading daily God's Word prepares the soil of our soul to hear God's Word deeply and bear abundant Fruit. Try one or more of these this week. Fall in love with the Word of God and your whole life will change for the better.

Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 3 July 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, AK. Jesus says each of us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light." Is is our pride or our sinfulness, or both, that keep us from seeking rest in the Lord? Go to confession this week and you will find rest.

Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30.

6th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A, 29 May 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (13 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, AK. St Peter says, "We must always be ready to give a reason for our hope." We have so many aspects of our faith that fill us with hope: the Holy Spirit, promise of Eternal Life, the gift of the Eucharist, God's mercy and forgiveness, Jesus' abiding presence with us. Let us take Jesus with us out into the world, for we are Christians!

Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21.

5th Sunday of Easter, 22 May 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell AK. Jesus is going ahead of us to prepare a place for us in Heaven.  How do we get there?  By following after Him in our care for the needs of the poor, like those first seven Deacons did. We are to be living stones, having a firm foundation in our faith yet adapting to all the new situations life presents us.  Always choosing to love.

Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

4th Sunday of Easter, 15 May 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  We need to plan quite time into our daily and weekly schedule to listen to the voice of the Shepherd. Jesus is calling to us as the Good Shepherd. Are we listening or is our day too full of noise, other voices distracting us?

Readings: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10

Divine Mercy Sunday, 1 May 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (18 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena Parish in Petersburg, Alaska. In today's Resurrection appearance of Jesus he breaths on those gathered in the upper room and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sin you forgive and forgiven them, and whose sin you retain are retained." So every one of us has the power to forgive sins and retain them, though we are often better at the retaining than forgiving. Let us learn from Jesus how to forgive and be forgiven. This will do more to spread Divine Mercy than anything else. We can not do Forgiveness without the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus I Trust in You! Blessed Pope John Paul II, Pray For Us!

Readings: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31.

Easter Sunday, 24 April 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Jesus has been raised from the dead by the Love of God the Father! Because we experience new life through Baptism and we have the promise of Eternal Life we REJOICE! Whenever we feel that joy fading we come to the Mass and feast from the Table of the Word and Eucharist and are restored.

Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; John 20:1-9

Easter Vigil, 23 April 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Just as the Chilean Miners were pull from their living tomb trapped deep in the mine, so does Jesus want to pull us from our living tombs of depression, regret, addiction, sin, etc... and set us free.  Jesus' resurrection gives us hope that we too can rise from the countless little deaths we suffer with his help across the Red Sea. Jesus is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10

Good Friday, 22 April 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (23 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Jesus came to show us how to love and be loved.  Let us learn to return love to our Lord who first loved us.

Lord, send down your abundant blessing upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son in the sure hope of the resurrection.  Grant them pardon, bring them comfort.  May their faith grow stronger and their eternal salvation be assured.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 31; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

Holy Thursday, 21 April 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. "When the Lord of the world comes and undertakes the slave's task of foot-washing--which is an illustration of the way he washes our feet all through our lives--we have a totally different picture.  God doesn't want to trample on us, but kneels down before us so as to exult us.  The mystery of the greatness of God is seen precisely in the fact that he can be small... Only when power is changed from the inside, and we accept Jesus and his way of life, whose whole self is there in the action of foot-washing, only then can the world be healed and the people be able to live at peace with one another." ~ Pope Benedict XVI

Do this in Remembrance of Me.

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15.

Palm ~ Passion Sunday, Cycle A, 17 April 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (30 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. It is Jesus' love for each one of us that takes him all the way to the cross of our rejection of that love.

Readings: Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66

5th Sunday Lent, Cycle A, 10 April 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (15 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Just as Jesus calls Lazarus to come forth from the tomb to resurrection in this life,  Jesus calls each of us to come out of those tomb areas of our lives: addictions, self-centerness, self-hatred, old festering hurts and grudges, stereotypes and prejudices, anything that is not of God. Jesus is the Resurrection and the life!

Readings: Ezekiel: 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

4th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A, 3 April 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Jesus heals the man born blind showing all of us that only God can free us from our blindness.  Reading the Lives of the Saints is a great way for the Holy Spirit to work on us and help free us from our blind spots. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate our blind spots this Easter that we might truly see Jesus as Lord and find Him in our selves and our neighbor.

Homework: Research the life of one Saint this week.

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

3rd Sunday of Lent, Cycle A, 27 March 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (21 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus thirsts for the faith of the Samaritan women at Jacob's Well.  There are five acts: Encounter, Dialogue, Revelation, Choice, and Sharing.  We need to go places with the right disposition to Encounter God. Dialogue with God is two ways, are we listening? Through this process of encounter and dialogue something of God and ourselves is revealed. Then we can choose God's Will or not.  Choosing God often fills us with so much joy we desire to share the Good News with others.

Readings: Exodus17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42

1st Sunday of Lent, Cycle A, 13 March 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima Parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  After his Baptism, Jesus is lead by the Spirit into the desert to fast and pray for 40 days. He is tempted by Satan to use his power for his own good, to make himself more important than the message, and to forsake his relationship with the Father for the things of this world.  Strengthened by the Spirit let us resist the temptation to make this Lent all about us, instead of being about connecting to God at ever deeper levels through Prayer, Fasting, and Alms giving (mercy). Let us pray for one another.

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Ash Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  We are Ambassadors for Christ.  God is appealing through us to the world.  May this season of renewal awaken each of us from whatever distracts us from following Jesus and allow the Light of Christ to burn more brightly in each of us and dispel the darkness in our world.

My goal this Lent is to put up daily posts to this blog from a variety of sources.

Let us have a great Lent and grow in holiness together as we pray for each other.

Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 6 March 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (15 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  Jesus warns us that, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."  So we pray, "Lord, as you give us the body and blood of your Son, guide us with your Spirit that we may honor you not only with our lips, but also with the lives we lead, and so enter your kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord."


Homework: Read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  Matthew 5, 6, and 7.

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 27 Feb 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus tells us "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ... Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-Span?" We have been clothed in Christ Jesus through Baptism and in the Eucharist we feast of the Body Blood Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.  Jesus gives us His very self so the we can be free from anxiety. Let us trust in the Lord.

Readings: Isaiah 49:14-15; Psalm 62; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 20 Feb 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise as the close of the Jesuit Volunteer Winter Retreat at the Shrine of St Therese in Juneau, Alaska.  Jesus calls us to freedom and loving our enemies sets us free. Lord help me to see you and your love in those I have difficulty loving. Just as you live in me you live in every one of us. Open my eyes to your presence.

Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 13 Feb 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus calls us to keep the commandments not only in our external behavior but also in our internal thought processes. Modern psychology is just beginning to understand just how powerfully our thoughts cause gene expression and the production of powerful hormones and neural transmitters.  Jesus was way ahead of his time in teaching his followers that thoughts really matter.

Homework: Read Matthew Chapters 5-7.

Readings: Sirach 15:15-20; Psalm 119; 1Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 6 Feb 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (15 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Jesus calls each of us "the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World."  It is in little acts of kindness, going out of our way to help another, that our Christianity flavors the world.  Christ's light often shines most brightly out of our faults and failures. So if you and broken then Jesus is calling you to reach out to those in need and your wounds will be healed (Isaiah 58:8).

Homework: Read all of the Sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7.

Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112; 1Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 30 Jan 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (18 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. The Beatitudes that we hear today can be seen as a prelude to the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus, the new Mosses, lays out the Law of Love in Matthew Chapters 5-7.  Our homework this week is to read those chapters and put on the mind of Christ as reveled in the beatitudes.

Readings: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13; Psalm 146; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12a

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 23 Jan 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (24 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima Parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Jesus, the Light in the darkness, calls four fishermen to "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Against all good reason they do follow Him on the most amazing adventure.  Pope John Paul II witnessed to this evangelization of character and presence throughout his life.  He will be Beatified on 1 May 2011, that his life and ministry might witness to the universal call to holiness we all share.  Each of us are called by Jesus to invite people into relationship with Him. Be not afraid!

Readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 27; 1Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 16 Jan 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  John the Baptist gives witness to just who Jesus is, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."  We need to support each other in the faith that we might always give a strong and attractive witness to just who Jesus is.

Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34.

Early Refections of the Baptism of Jesus

A sermon by St Gregory Nazianzen (325-389)

The Baptism of Christ

Christ is bathed in light; let us also be bathed in light. Christ is baptised; let us also go down with him, and rise with him.

John is baptising when Jesus draws near. Perhaps he comes to sanctify his baptiser; certainly he comes to bury sinful humanity in the waters. He comes to sanctify the Jordan for our sake and in readiness for us; he who is spirit and flesh comes to begin a new creation through the Spirit and water.

The Baptist protests; Jesus insists. Then John says: I ought to be baptised by you. He is the lamp in the presence of the sun, the voice in the presence of the Word, the friend in the presence of the Bridegroom, the greatest of all born of woman in the presence of the firstborn of all creation, the one who leapt in his mother’s womb in the presence of him who was adored in the womb, the forerunner and future forerunner in the presence of him who has already come and is to come again. I ought to be baptised by you: we should also add, “and for you,” for John is to be baptised in blood, washed clean like Peter, not only by the washing of his feet.

Jesus rises from the waters; the world rises with him. The heavens, like Paradise with its flaming sword, closed by Adam for himself and his descendants, are rent open. The Spirit comes to him as to an equal, bearing witness to his Godhead. A voice bears witness to him from heaven, his place of origin. The Spirit descends in bodily form like the dove that so long ago announced the ending of the flood and so gives honour to the body that is one with God.

Today let us do honour to Christ’s baptism and celebrate this feast in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of men, for whom his every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all mankind, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is the light of heaven. You are to enjoy more and more the pure and dazzling light of the Trinity, as now you have received – though not in its fullness – a ray of its splendour, proceeding from the one God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

A sermon by St Maximus of Turin (380-465)

The mystery of the Lord's Baptism

The Gospel tells us that the Lord went to the Jordan River to be baptised and that he wished to consecrate himself in the river by signs from heaven.

Reason demands that this feast of the Lord’s baptism, which I think could be called the feast of his birthday, should follow soon after the Lord’s birthday, during the same season, even though many years intervened between the two events.

At Christmas he was born a man; today he is reborn sacramentally. Then he was born from the Virgin; today he is born in mystery. When he was born a man, his mother Mary held him close to her heart; when he is born in mystery, God the Father embraces him with his voice when he says: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased: listen to him. The mother caresses the tender baby on her lap; the Father serves his Son by his loving testimony. The mother holds the child for the Magi to adore; the Father reveals that his Son is to be worshipped by all the nations.

That is why the Lord Jesus went to the river for baptism; that is why he wanted his holy body to be washed with Jordan’s water.

Someone might ask, “Why would a holy man desire baptism?” Listen to the answer: Christ is baptised, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by his cleansing to purify the waters which he touched. For the consecration of Christ involves a more significant consecration of the water.

For when the Saviour is washed, all water for our baptism is made clean, purified at its source for the dispensing of baptismal grace to the people of future ages. Christ is the first to be baptised, then, so that Christians will follow after him with confidence. 

I understand the mystery as this. The column of fire went before the sons of Israel through the Red Sea so they could follow on their brave journey; the column went first through the waters to prepare a path for those who followed. As the apostle Paul said, what was accomplished then was the mystery of baptism. Clearly it was baptism in a certain sense when the cloud was covering the people and bringing them through the water.

But Christ the Lord does all these things: in the column of fire he went through the sea before the sons of Israel; so now, in the column of his body, he goes through baptism before the Christian people. At the time of the Exodus the column provided light for the people who followed; now it gives light to the hearts of believers. Then it made a firm pathway through the waters; now it strengthens the footsteps of faith in the bath of baptism.

Baptism of the Lord, 9 Jan 2011

Click here to listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska.  Today Jesus is Baptized by John and begins his public ministry.  The heavens are opened and the Holy Spirit comes down upon Jesus at the Jordan.  The Father's voice is heard from Heaven, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  This all happened for each of us at our Baptisms. We are God's beloved Children.

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.

New Year's Resolutions?

I love making New Year's resolutions and then failing big, getting up and going for it again, and again.  That means I am trying to change and creating the opportunity through trial and error to grow into the amazing person God created me to be.  We are not called to be static like a wax museum figures.  No this human drama of renewal is spiritually charged.  Our heart connection to God who lives and moves and has being in us is what has generated the dream. This holy desire for wholeness that guides us is informed by the inflowing love of the Trinity within.  Our project each new year is to make this mode of fullness actual, to incarnate our Spirit of good intentions into the Flesh of action.  As we go about this, we become more and more who God desires us to be.  Our resolutions may be accompanied by oaths and penalties--anything to make the will stick it out.  This is a sobering process, so there is release in trivializing our resolutions.  But at the root is our identity as a Son or Daughter of God; and resolving to be anew in the coming year is really resolving to be faithful to who we are!

Happy New Decade!
Our best years are yet ahead of us!
Peace, Love and Joy,
Thomas

Epiphany of the Lord, 2 Jan 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (20 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  We celebrate today that Jesus did not come only for the Jews, nor only for Catholic Christians, but Jesus came to save everyone and all of creation.  Symbolized in todays feast in the Magi coming from the east to adore the new born king and offer their gifts.  Be Bold Radiant Christians in this new decade offering your gifts and talents to build God's Kingdom that others might find their way to Jesus Christ through your unique and intriguing witness.

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Of God, 1 Jan 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (6 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska.  We celebrate today with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Model of the Church and Model Disciple.  In religious art she has at least four postures: Kneeling, Standing, Embracing, and Resting.  We too are called to: kneel in adoration of Jesus, stand at the ready to do God's Will, embrace Jesus in the neediness of the poor, and take a regular Sabbath rest in order to be recharged for ministry.  Happy New Decade!

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21.