Father Dave Preaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 02-05-24

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

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

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