Making Friends With The Lord Jesus
Making Friends With The Lord Jesus
Fr. Edwin
Ways of getting closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Beyond the Signs of Jonah and Solomon - 20 July 2026
This homily reflects on the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on the moment the Scribes and Pharisees demand a miraculous sign from Jesus. I emphasize that Jesus criticized their lack of faith, pointing to the sign of Jonah and his own future resurrection as the ultimate proof of his divinity. By comparing Jesus to figures like Solomon and the prophet Jonah, the gospel illustrates that Christ represents something far greater than any historical predecessor. Jesus’s material presence is also highlighted as a physical sign of the living God, lamenting the spiritual blindness of those who witnessed his miracles yet remained unconvinced. Ultimately, the reflection serves as a religious commentary urging listeners to recognize divine guidance and the clear evidence of God’s work in their lives.
Jul 17
9 min
The Field of Providence: Wheat, Weeds, and Divine Grace - July 19, 2026
Behold a spiritual reflection delivered on the 3rd Sunday of July, marking the anniversary of the speaker’s father’s passing. The consideration draws on several parables from the Gospel of Matthew to explain how good and evil coexist in the world. By examining the story of the wheat and the weeds, I suggest that the presence of corruption serves to test and refine the virtuous until the final harvest. Additionally, the parable of the yeast is highlighted to illustrate how divine grace often begins in small, humble ways to transform a flawed environment. Ultimately, the homily encourages listeners to seek understanding through prayer and to remain faithful despite the complexities of a world where justice is deferred until the end of time.
Jul 17
15 min
The Gentle Messiah and the Fulfillment of Justice - 18 July 2026
This commentary examines the Gospel of Matthew’s account of the Pharisees’ hostile reaction to Jesus’ authoritative interpretation of the Sabbath. Jesus did not respond with violence or seek an earthly throne; instead, he withdrew, showing a peaceful mission that fulfilled Isaiah’s ancient prophecies. I explain that the Jewish people expected a militant conqueror like King David, but Jesus offered a spiritual kingdom marked by sacrifice and mercy rather than military power. He remained hidden because the public was not yet ready to grasp his identity as the gentle savior who would die for humanity. Ultimately, the homily shows that Christ’s victory over sin and death came through humility and invites listeners to deepen their personal friendship with Him.
Jul 17
9 min
The Spirit of the Sabbath: Mercy Over Ritual Law - 18 July 2026
This homily examines a scriptural passage from St. Matthew where the Pharisees accuse Jesus’s disciples of violating the Sabbath by gathering grain to eat as they were passing by. I explain that the religious leaders prioritized external legalism over internal conversion, failing to recognize the hierarchy of moral duties. By referencing King David and the duties of temple priests, the reflection illustrates that the law of charity and the preservation of life take precedence over ritualistic rest. A central theme is the Son of Man’s authority as the ultimate lawmaker who desires mercy over sacrifice. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a critique of spiritual rigidity and a call for a more flexible, compassionate exercise of faith.
Jul 17
13 min
The Lord of the Sabbath and the Law of Mercy - 17 July 2026
I offer a theological reflection on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus defends his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. A connection is made between this biblical scene and the modern challenges of practicing faith in Israel, sharing personal anecdotes about the strict regulations encountered while constructing a conference center. Through these stories, the homily explores the tension between rigid legalism and the higher law of mercy, suggesting that spiritual rules must be applied with breadth of mind. The discussion highlights that Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath, prioritizes people's well-being and nourishment over the minute details of ritual sacrifice. Ultimately, today's gospel story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of applying principles properly to the complex circumstances of everyday life.
Jul 14
13 min
The Yoke of Rest: Humility and the Sacred Burden - 16 July 2026
Behold a spiritual reflection centered on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the comforting promises of the Gospel of Matthew! The homily explores the significance of the scapular and the Sabbatine privilege, which offers hope for a swift entry into heaven after death. Central to the message is Jesus’ invitation for those who are burdened and weary to find rest by embracing His yoke of humility and meekness. By sharing personal anecdotes about financial discrepancies and daily frustrations, I illustrate how pride and worry create unnecessary weight, whereas trusting in God lightens the load. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to imitate Christ's perseverance and submission to the Father's will as a remedy for life's trials.
Jul 14
14 min
The Wisdom of the Childlike Heart - 15 July 2026
This reflection is on a specific passage from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus praises His Father. I emphasize the importance of emotional prayer, suggesting that believers should use their natural feelings and exclamations to praise God reverently rather than using holy names as mere habits. By examining the childlike humility praised by Christ, the homily argues that arrogance and selfishness can blind even the most educated people to divine truths. I encourage listeners to adopt a simple and sincere spirit better to understand God's love and the mysteries of faith. Ultimately, the reflection serves as a call to move beyond external piety and embrace a genuine, heartfelt connection with the Holy Family.
Jul 13
12 min
The Call to Repentance and the Gift of Now - 14 July 2026
In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful moment in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus calls out the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Even though they saw incredible miracles firsthand, they didn't really change their hearts—they got caught up in the spectacle rather than the message. We'll talk about how the more spiritual insight we're given, the more God expects from us. It’s a reminder for all of us today that genuine, internal change matters way more than chasing signs and wonders. Ultimately, this reflection is a gentle wake-up call to look inward and realign our lives with God right now, while we still have the time.
Jul 13
10 min
Prioritizing God: The Sword and the Sacred Structure - 13 July 2026
In this commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, I explore the challenging demand of divine priority over familial and earthly ties. I explain that Christ’s metaphorical “sword” represents the necessary detachment from worldly ambitions and relationships that might hinder a person’s spiritual calling. Through historical examples such as St. Francis of Assisi, the homily illustrates how a radical commitment to God often leads to misunderstanding and personal sacrifice. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of the ministerial priesthood and Church hierarchy, contrasting these structures with the views of the Reformation. Ultimately, our reflection highlights the intensive formation Jesus provided his apostles to establish a firm foundation for the future Church. Through this intimate teaching, believers are encouraged to embrace their individual crosses to find true life in God.
Jul 13
11 min
Cultivating the Heart: The Parable of the Sower Explained - 12 July 2026
This commentary explores the Parable of the Sower in the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the vital importance of spiritual receptiveness. The reflection explains how the seed of God's word interacts with different types of "soil," representing the varying dispositions of the human heart. To avoid the distractions of modern living and the lure of riches, individuals must practice temperance and intentionally set aside time for reflection. The text highlights that while the disciples were granted a deeper understanding, everyone must actively pay attention to prevent their faith from being choked by worldly anxieties. Ultimately, the homily encourages listeners to cultivate rich soil within themselves so they can truly understand and bear fruit.
Jul 11
10 min
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