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