Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, 31 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today David weeps over the death of his son Absalom who had seized the thrown and was attempting to take his life. David cries out as every parent at the death of their child "If only I had died instead of you." Jesus came to die so that we might have eternal life. The women with the hemorrhage is healed just by touching Jesus' cloths after 12 years of suffering. Jairus' daughter is resurrected at the touch of Jesus. Come to the Eucharist and touch and be touched by Jesus. St John Bosco, Pray for us.

Readings: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3; Psalm 86, Mark 5:21-43

Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, 30 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (13 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima Parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today King David's son Absalom attempts to take the thrown. While David flees for his life, a member of Saul's clan curses and throws stones. David accepts this action open to the possibility that it is the will of God. Jesus brings salvation to the Gentiles when he drives out the evil spirits "Legion" into the pigs and the pigs rush into the sea. The man who had been set free preaches the good news through out the region. Let is follow both these examples today.

Readings: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13; Psalm 3; Mark 5:1-20

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B, 29 Jan 2012

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. Moses promises that God will raise up a prophet like himself from among there kin. Jesus in today's Gospel teaches and drives out demons as God with us. God continues to raise up prophets to guide us to all truth. Are we listening?

A Letter from Bishop Burns detailing the weakening for our First Amendment rights as Catholics who will be forced by the department of Health and Human Services to provide and pay for sterilizations, abortion causing drugs, and contraceptive services.

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 95; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28

St Thomas Aquinas, 28 Jan 2012

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. St Thomas Aquinas endeavoring to show the relation between faith and reason, brilliantly adapted the philosophy of Aristotle in the service is Christian theology. He showed that, "Every truth without exception--and whoever may utter it--is from the Holy Spirit." Nathan tells a story to David to show him the depth of his sin. We can live without fear because Jesus calms every storm.

Readings: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17; Psalm 51; Mark 4:35-41

Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, 27 Jan 2012

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 tell parables about how amazing growth comes from the smallest seeds. We do are part in planting the seed and God brings about the growth. St Angela Merici, Foundress of the Ursuline Sisters (1474-1540) did just that.


Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Psalm 51; Mark 4:26-34

Sts Timothy and Titus, 26 Jan 2012

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. Paul's encourages his young companions Timothy and Titus (and us) when he writes: "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to the Lord." St Catherine of Siena, in Dialogue 110 writes that our candle is love and we receive the light from Christ.

Readings: 2 Timothy 1-8; Psalm 96; Mark 4:21-25

Conversion of St Paul the Apostle, 25 Jan 2012

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. Paul, on his way to Damascus intending to do harm to the followers of Jesus, meets the risen Lord in a blight light and voice from Heaven. "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Saul replies, "Who are you, sir?" And he said to me, "I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting." Paul never forgot this encounter as he took the Gospel to world as Apostle to the Gentiles. He preached and taught that we are all members of the Body of Christ, therefor good or ill done to any member is done to Jesus Christ himself.

Readings: Acts 22:3-16; Psalm 117; Mark 16:15-18

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Ordinary Time, 24 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today David dances before the Lord as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem. Jesus' mother and siblings/cousins show up to take him home. Jesus proclaims that God's family is a lot bigger that blood ties when he says, "For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." St Francis de Sales showed through his life and writings that everyone is called and able to live the devout life and there by be a sibling of Jesus.

Readings: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19; Psalm 24; Mark 3:31-35

Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, 23 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. David is elected by all the tribes of Israel to be their king and he establishes his capital in Jerusalem. Scribes from Jerusalem accuse Jesus, "By the prince of demons he drives out demons." Jesus proclaims that a house divided against itself can not stand. Let us be united in prayer to end abortion by creating an environment that supports women and families by welcoming every child with love as a gift from God.

Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10; Psalm 89; Mark 3:22-30

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B, 22 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. The people of Nineveh repent at the preaching of Jonah. St Paul warns us that this world is passing away. Jesus calls four fisherman to be his first disciples.

Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 25; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Saturday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 21 Jan 2012

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 see David weep and fast after the death of his enemy King Saul. How well do we do this as a "christian" nation? In fact after the death of Osama Ben Ladin there were street festivals. Every death is tragic and fails to honor every human life as a temple of God's diving indwelling! How about loving our enemies as Jesus instructed us to do.  Jesus' relatives think "He is out of his mind." St Agnes commits her self to Christ and is martyr at the age of 13! To be a follower of Jesus means we will necessarily act differently then the general population. We will (on our best days) act like Jesus.

Readings: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Psalm 80; Mark 3:20-21

Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 20 Jan 2012

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 David spares the life of king Saul who was delivered into his hands, confident that God is in charge of settling the score between them. Do we take the same attitude and let God settle those scores? Jesus "summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him." We are those people, now sent out to preach and heal.

Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57; Mark 3:13-19

Thursday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 19 Jan 2012

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 Jonathan looks out for David and protects him from his dad, King Saul's evil intent. Jesus is Gathering the Nations, show that salvation is for jews and gentiles alike.


Readings: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7; Psalm 56; Mark 3:7-12

Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 18 Jan 2012

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 anew how David's Trust in God combines with his skill and practice as a rock slinging shepherd to slay Goliath. Jesus heals the man with the withered hand by speaking "Stretch out your hand."

Readings: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Psalm 144, Mark 3:1-6

Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 17 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we celebrate with St Anthony of the Desert (251-356) Abbot. He heard in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus instructs the rich young man to sell all he has, give to the poor, and find treasure in heaven. Deeply moved Anthony sold all that he had and retreated to a cave in the desert. Through study of Scripture, Manual Labor, Prayer and Fasting he grew in holiness, eventually gathering others around himself into a monastery. Jesus says, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath." What are we doing today to rest in the Lord.

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89; Mark 2:23-28

Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, 16 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 Minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today we hear Jesus note that his disciples will fast when he is no longer with them. The old Catholic practice of fasting on bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays is being renewed at the recommendation of Our Lady of Medugorje. Just like a crab that sheds it's shell in order to grow we must shed our hardness of heart in order to grow in our ability to love others as God loves us.

Readings: 1 Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50; Mark 2:18-22

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B, 15 Jan 2012

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. Today we hear young Samuel answer the call of God, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." He was taught to respond this way by his spiritual mentor, Eli. We hear St Paul act as a spiritual mentor through his written letter, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" After John the Baptist points out Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God." Andrew brings Peter to Jesus. Let's pay attention to our spiritual mentors as well as being one for others.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3b-10, 19; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20; John 1:35-42

Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, 14 Jan 2012

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 Samuel anoints Saul as King of Israel. Jesus calls Levi the tax collector to follow Him. When challenged by the religious leaders about eating with sinners Jesus responds, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." May we always have the courage and humility to hang out with the people Jesus loves.

Readings: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21; Mark 2:13-17

Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, 13 Jan 2012

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. St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) Bishop, Doctor of the Church strongly defends the divinity of Jesus against the Arians. Today Jesus forgives the sins of the paralytic seeing the faith of his friends. May we often carry our friends to Jesus who is both God and Man.

Readings: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a; Psalm 89; Mark 2:1-12

Thursday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, 12 Jan 2012

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 reaches out and touches the one who had Leprosy and heals him, restoring him to his family and community. St Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700) is Foundress of the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters of Montreal.

Readings: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, Psalm 44, Mark 1:4-45

Wednesday of the 1st Week of Ordinary Time, 11 Jan 2012

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 God calling young Samuel. We note the important role that Eli plays as mentor teaching Samuel about the Lord. Who will you mentor this week? When Jesus heals us or sets us free it is so we can serve others.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20; Psalm 40; Mark 1:29-39

Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, 10 Jan 2012

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 in Mark's Gospel Jesus calls the fishermen to follow after him. In the synagog at Capernaum Jesus teaches with the authority of God. Even the daemons know who he is.

Readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Mark 1:14-28

Baptism of the Lord, 9 Jan 2012

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 is the Baptism of the Lord Jesus. He goes down into the Jordan River refreshing all the waters of the Earth. The creator entering his creation. He enters into our sinfulness and our need for repentance and therefor sets us free. Let us remember that we are God's beloved sons and daughters and that the Holy Spirit has come down on us. Renewing our own baptismal promises to reject Satan and all sin and believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, let us act in love as God's beloved children.


Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Mark 1:7-11

Epiphany of the Lord Jesus, 8 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. Today is the Epiphany of the Lord. That all peoples will be saved through Jesus Christ. The Magi offer gifts of Gold (for a king), Frankincense (for a God), Myrrh (for anointing Jesus after his death). St Fustina was asked by Jesus to give him something that he had not already given here. She could not think of anything that she had or was or would ever become that was not given to her by God, even her free will was God's gift. So Jesus said, "Give me your misery, your brokenness, your sins." For these are the only things that are truly of our own making. She did in the Sacrament of Penance. What will be our gift to Jesus this year? Jesus I give you my misery: transform it with your infinite love in the furnace of the Sacred Heart and set me free. Jesus I Trust in You!

St Raymond Penafort, 7 Jan 2012

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. St Raymond Penafort (1175-1275) Dominican Friar. At the request of Pope Gregory IX he collected together various decrees into the Code of Cannon Law, he wrote a Summa of Cases which gave order to the Sacrament of Penance. He was drawn to sinners and captives wanting to bring freedom to all of them.


Readings: 1 John 5:14-21; Psalm 149; John 2:1-11

St Andre Besette, 6 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (7 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St Andre Besette (1845-1937) was born to working-class family in Quebec, orphaned at 12 and weak and in ill health was almost rejected by the Holy Cross Order. After the novitiate Brother Andre was assigned the post of doorman. He liked to joke that on completing his novitiate he was shown the door and remained there for forty years. He spent much of his spare time visiting the sick, and was credited with many healing miracles, which he was always quick to credit to the mercy of God and the intercession of St Joseph.

Readings: 1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147; Mark 1:7-11

St John Neumann, 5 Jan 2012

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 John Neumann (1811-1860) born in Bohemia, ordained a priest in New York, gifted with languages and worked with the Catholic Immigrants arriving from Europe. He was consecrated the fourth bishop of Philadelphia in 1852 where he established a thriving network of parochial schools, started with one and reach 200 at his death from exhaustion eight years later.

Readings: 1 John 3:11-21; Psalm 100; John 1:43-51

St Elizabeth Ann Seton, 4 Jan 2012

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. St Elizabeth Ann Seton, (1774-1821) raised five children then after the death of her husband joined the Catholic church, moved from New York to Baltimore, founded the Daughters of Charity of St Joseph and started the Catholic School System in the USA.


Readings: 1 John 3:7-10; Psalm 98; John 1:35-42

Holy Name of Jesus, IHS, 3 Jan 2012

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 we celebrate the optional memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus. IHS is the three letter monogram of the Holy Name of Jesus. If you look carefully you will find it everywhere in Christian Art. In First John we are told the wonderful news that we are all God's children now. John the Baptist did not recognize his cousin as the "Lamb of God" until the Holy Spirit came down on him. Come Holy Spirit and show us that we are all God's beloved children.

Readings: 1 John 2:29-3:6; Psalm 98; John 1:29-34

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, 2 Jan 2012

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's saints Basil and Gregory had a tremendous love for each other and encouraged each other to grow in wisdom and holiness. In today's Gospel, it is John the Baptist' humility that we can emulate. So together in humility and love we can aid each other as we journey to Heaven our final goal.

Readings: 1 John 2:22-28; Psalm 98; John 1:19-28

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, 1 Jan 2012

Click here to download and listen to this homily (24 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Rose of Lima parish in Wrangell, Alaska. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the model disciple reflecting on everything about her son in her heart. Our Lady of Medjugorje recommends five practices that will help us grow in holiness: Prayer with the heart-Rosary, Mass-Eucharist, Holy Bible, Fasting, Monthly Confession.

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