Father Dave Preaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday of the First Week of Advent. Father Dave relates Isaiah’s words in our First Reading to hiking. Advent and Christmas will be more spiritually rewarding for us if we put in the work to be closer to Jesus. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-04-23

First Sunday of Advent. Father Dave reflects on an image of God as the potter and us as the clay. We are called to let God smooth our rough edges and be like him, though he gives us the free will to say no. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-03-23

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Father Dave describes an unfinished painting in the Berlin Museum of Art, where the artist waited to paint the most important element last. However, the artist passed away before finishing his work. Father Dave reminds us to not wait to put Christ at the center of our lives. Preached at St. Austin Church, Austin, TX on 11-26-23

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls a recent gala where they honored certain individuals in the community. While we can be celebrated for our work, we should not feel entitled to praise or success. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-14-23

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts a current TV commercial that highlights an app for delivering items. He explains how shortcuts can’t help us create a meaningful relationship with God, and we must put in the time and effort. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-23

Monday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about being transfixed by an exhibit at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. We should similarly stand in awe of God, and not take his majesty for granted. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-06-23

Feast of Saint Luke. Father Dave reflects on Saint Luke and how he gives us a different perspective on Jesus in his writings. He explains how we can model ourselves after Luke’s loyalty and become friends of the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-18-23

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks us to think of the best party we’ve ever been to, and why Jesus often uses the image of a wedding to help explain heaven. We’re called to invite everyone to share in the banquet of the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-15-23

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul. Father Dave relates today’s Gospel reading to packing luggage for his recent trip to Colorado. He explains how Jesus challenges us to pack light for our journey to help us better relate to the poor and sick that we serve. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-27-23

Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today’s first reading and the hospitality of our friends and neighbors. We’re commanded to help our neighbors, since that is how Christ’s light shines for others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 09-25-23

Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. Father Dave reflects on today’s feast as well as St. Paul’s message in today’s first reading. We are called to share the good news of the Gospel, but also to give of our very selves to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-29-23

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. As Father Dave preaches to college students, he notes how Jesus tests the disciples when asking them, “Who do you say that I am?” We should not get caught up in what the world says about Jesus. Rather, we each need to answer who he is in our lives. Preached at University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY on 08-27-23