Homilies preached by Father Dave Dwyer, CSP. Father Dave is a Catholic priest, member of the Paulist Fathers, and Executive Director of Busted Halo Ministries. He is also host of the popular show, “The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer” on The Catholic Channel, SiriusXM, channel 129. He most often preaches at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City.
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Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church. On Father Dave’s 60th birthday, he reflects on humility as detailed in today’s readings. We are called to know our place before God and to bless his name. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-30-24
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Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on if we can attain heaven through faith or good works alone. He challenges us to have a faith that inspires action and helps us follow Jesus into difficult situations. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-15-24
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Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time. On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Father Dave reflects on the reality of evil. We remember that eternal life comes from the ashes, as Luke’s Gospel details in the Beatitudes. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-11-24…
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Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave challenges us to think of a time when we could not physically speak. We are called to remember those in our lives without a voice and help bring them to God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-08-24
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Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. Father Dave asks if we’ve ever made a promise that we could not live up to. Today’s readings remind us that God always keeps his promises, even when we feel like he is not present. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-29-24…
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Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave relates today’s readings to the airline policy of putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. While we are called to spread the Good News and share our faith, we must first look inward and connect with the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-25-24…
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Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope. Father Dave asks us to reflect on our reaction when God is generous to others. While we may have questions or struggles in our faith, we are to trust God’s judgment. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-21-24
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Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave compares Mary’s assumption to an architect’s rendering of a beautiful new building. We are to find hope in Mary as a model of what God plans for us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-15-24
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Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the life of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who died in Auschwitz during World War II. Despite the evils in our world, we are called to live in service to each other. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-09-24…
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Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how we dislike hearing tough criticism. When we hear God rebuke us as in today’s readings, we must listen and be open to his call. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-02-24
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Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Father Dave relates Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to our perception of God’s presence. Christ is with us in our everyday lives, not just far off into the future. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-29-24
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Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses what Jesus means when he calls us to be like a child. We are to be dependent on God and let go of our own illusions of control. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-17-24
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Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts today’s Gospel about two of Jesus’ healings. Even when facing serious illness or impossible odds, we should have hope that God can heal us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-29-24
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Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Father Dave challenges us to live like John the Baptist and bring others to Jesus. We are called to be a light to the world, and God equips us to show his glory. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-24-24
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Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we are often surprised by literal and metaphorical storms in our lives. He asks who Jesus is for us, especially during difficult times, and how we can share that witness with others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-23-24…
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Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. While preaching in Italy, Father Dave reflects on how the Kingdom of God starts small, but continues to grow today. God will help our faith flourish, even if we feel stagnant at times. Preached at St. Patrick's Catholic American Parish in Rome, Italy on 06-16-24
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Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how we rely on online reviews to feel confident before purchasing a product or service. We can find similar comfort knowing that God who made the heavens and the Earth is also by our side. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-10-24…
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Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave breaks his homily into two sections, first explaining common misconceptions from today’s readings. Then, he reflects on the story of Adam and Eve, and how God also asks us where we are in our faith journey. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-09-24…
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Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr. Father Dave relates St. Paul’s words to Timothy to a recent evening spent around a fire pit. We have to fan the flames of faith in our life, just as we’d stoke the embers of a bonfire. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-05-24…
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Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs. Father Dave reflects on how often we ask God for things. Today’s readings remind us how God has given us all we need to be convicted in our faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-03-24
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Father Dave recalls movies from the 1980s where friends would become “blood brothers.” In a similar way, Christ bonds himself to us through the crucifixion. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-02-24
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Seventh Sunday of Easter. Father Dave asks us to imagine our reaction if we were named an Apostle. We may not feel qualified to serve the Church, but God provides us with the proper skills if we say yes. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 05-12-24
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Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on women in the Church and specifically spotlights Lydia from today’s readings. Lydia reminds us how to worship God, practice humility, and spread hospitality while living our faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 05-06-24…
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Sunday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Father Dave uses Aspen trees to help us understand Jesus’ words about the vine and branches. We are connected in the body of Christ, and are called to abide in God to bear fruit. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-28-24
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Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave notes that the first thing he does when planning travel is book a place to stay. Similarly, Jesus preparing a place for us in heaven helps us focus on living out the Christian life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-26-24…
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Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on the two-step process to being a Christian that is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles today. We are called to both give our lives to God and to receive grace. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-16-24
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Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave connects today’s readings about people seeking darkness to this week’s solar eclipse. We’re called to embrace the light and embrace hope, even if it’s uncomfortable and shows our flaws. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-10-24…
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Wednesday in the Octave of Easter. While preaching on the story of the Road to Emmaus in today’s readings, Father Dave reflects on how some people today still have not heard the good news of Jesus. It is now up to us, as disciples, to spread Easter joy. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-03-24…
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Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter. Father Dave focuses on two Latin words: “Consummatum Est,” which translate to Jesus’ last words, “It is finished.” Jesus has accomplished his work on Earth, but now our mission as children of God is just beginning. Preached at Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids, MI on 03-30-24…
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Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion. Father Dave notes how we shy away from suffering and death in our modern world. We venerate the cross because Jesus takes away the eternal suffering that we deserve. Preached at Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids, MI on 03-29-24
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Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Father Dave discusses the importance of meals, but also notes how John’s Gospel account focuses on Jesus washing the apostles’ feet. The Eucharist is nourishment but also an assignment for us to go and serve others. Preached at Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids, MI on 03-28-24…
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Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Father Dave shares his pet peeve: when people use the word “truth” as an excuse to say unkind words. Jesus reminds us that he is the way, truth, and life, and the only thing that can set us free. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-20-24…
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Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Father Dave describes how solutions in our faith are often basic. God often appears in small ways, and we’re called to not overlook those experiences. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-04-24
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Third Sunday of Lent. Father Dave recounts a conversation with a friend that dug into life’s difficulties. In today’s Gospel, we are called to be our authentic selves with God and bring him our real problems. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 03-03-24
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Second Sunday of Lent. While preaching at a bilingual Mass in San Francisco, Father Dave reflects on Lent and the Transfiguration in today’s Gospel. We can hear God’s voice more clearly in this penitential season when we strip away life’s many distractions. Preached at Old St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, CA on 02-25-24…
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Ash Wednesday. Father Dave describes a friend’s toddler at Mass who pointed to the ashes on peoples’ foreheads while saying, “like me!” He reminds us that we are all humbled by ashes and are called to be ambassadors for Christ this Lent. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-14-24…
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Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the theme of leprosy in today’s readings. As we end Ordinary Time, we are encouraged to reach out to those who feel shunned by society or the Church. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Los Angeles, CA on 02-11-24
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Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Father Dave notes how we often compare ourselves to others and think some people are holier than we could ever be. Regardless of where we are in our faith journey, today’s readings remind us that Christ is present to all those who seek him. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02…
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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches about how many people relate to Job’s lament and struggles in today’s first reading. Despite our own brokenness, Christ can make us whole to help transform the world. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 02-04-24
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Memorial of St. Francis de Sales. Father Dave reflects on how God desires our success and happiness. Our spiritual lives are not meant to be just for us, but rather we’re called to nurture seeds of faith and bear fruit for ourselves and others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-24-24…
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Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we often think we know better than God. While he will always forgive us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, being obedient is a better plan than sinning. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-15-24
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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks us if we’ve ever had a phone call that has changed our lives. We are meant to be like Eli and Andrew in today’s readings, and help facilitate God’s call in someone’s life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-14-24
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Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time. As we begin Ordinary Time, Father Dave notes how today’s readings highlight relatable people. Our spiritual lives are not meant to be compartmentalized, for God is found in the messiness of ordinary life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-09-24…
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The Epiphany of the Lord. Father Dave looks to the Magi as inspiration as we start a new year. We are called to be changed by our experience of Church and leave spiritually different than we came. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 01-07-24
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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Father Dave emphasizes that family is not about being perfect, but about practicing virtues of the Christian life. Paul’s first reading lists qualities we should strive for, and Father Dave challenges us to focus on one this week. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-31-23…
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Nativity of the Lord, Mass During the Night. While preaching Midnight Mass on a cruise, Father Dave underscores the images of darkness and light. He calls us to let God shed his light on any challenge or hurt we face in daily life. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-24-23
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Monday of the Third Week of Advent. As we continue through Advent, Father Dave focuses on the hope of the Old Testament. As we wait for Christ to come again, we are challenged to hope for what often seems unattainable. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-18-23
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Monday of the Second Week of Advent. Father Dave discusses how we actively need to pursue God and practice our faith. He calls us to think about someone who needs Christ, and how we can help make God manifest to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-11-23
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Second Sunday of Advent. Father Dave talks about friends who recently welcomed a child, and their shift from waiting to preparing. As we anticipate Christmas, we prepare for all of the ways that Christ comes into our lives every day. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-10-23
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