In the homily for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (Jan 29, 2019), Fr. Matthias explains how the Old Testament prepares for the New Testament, and how the central figures in both are always Jesus and Mary, the “New Adam and Eve.” Our Lady’s close association with the Savior is abundantly evident in the New Testament, but also clearly discernible in Old Testament prefigurations such as the Arc of the Covenant, of which we read in today’s liturgy. In contrast with contemporary attempts to diminish the importance of this association between the Son of God and his Mother, Father shares a prayer of Pope Pius XI (message to the pilgrims of Lourdes for the Jubilee of the Redemption, April 29, 1935), in which the Pope clearly acknowledges Mary as Co-Redemptrix.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 3rd Week of Ordinary Time – Wkdy
Readings: 
1st: 2 Sam 7:4-17
Resp: Ps 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30
Gsp: Mk 4:1-20

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Fr Matthias explains in the homily for Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent (Mar 11, 2020) that the original blueprint for God’s salvation plan is fully visible only in Mary Immaculate. God will to preserve us from sin and the loss of life that goes with it. He accomplishes that salvation now, after the fact of sin, by redeeming us through his sacrifice of self.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 2nd Week of Lent – Wkdy
Readings: 
1st: Jer 18:18-20
Resp: Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16
Gsp: Mt 20:17-28

More on the Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031120.cfm

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Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 17, 2023, on how Franciscan Spirituality emphasizes Our Lady’s predestined role in God’s plan, with teachings from St. Paul and Blessed John Duns Scotus, highlighting her immaculate nature and her intertwined destiny with Jesus.

Franciscan spirituality focuses on Our Lady and Her role in God’s plan. St. Paul speaks of predestination, a concept we should understand correctly. God’s words, unlike ours, have eternal significance. As mentioned in Isaiah 55:11 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/55?11 – God’s word will not return empty but will achieve its purpose. When God created Eve as a helper for Adam in Genesis 2:18 -https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?18, He had Our Lady in mind. Mary, unlike Eve in Genesis 3:20 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?20, is the mother of all living by grace. Our true models are Jesus and Mary, through whom we are born of God as stated in John 1:13 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?13.

Mary’s predestination is closely tied to Jesus. They are the foundation of God’s works. The 18th-century Franciscan Carlos del Moral emphasized that everything was created for Jesus and Mary. Blessed John Duns Scotus highlighted the excellence of the Virgin.

Mary’s perfection is a reflection of Jesus. She holds the fullness of every created grace, free from sin. In Colossians 2:9 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/2?9, St. Paul speaks of Jesus’ divine fullness. Mary is depicted as the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12:1 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/12?1 and is the woman from Genesis 3:15 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15 who will defeat the serpent.

Blessed John Duns Scotus addressed Mary’s Immaculate Conception, teaching that Mary’s immaculate nature doesn’t exclude her from Christ’s redemptive mediation. Mary was preserved from sin, a concept Franciscan theologian Ludovico Collini da Castelplanio elaborated on. Mary’s predestination is solely based on Christ, not Adam’s sin.

The Immaculate Conception is a significant achievement of Franciscan theology, championed by Blessed John Duns Scotus and Blessed Pius IX.

00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – God’s Eternal Plan
01:24 – Mary as New Eve
02:59 – Mary’s Predestination
04:29 – Attributing the Most Excellent to Mary
05:49 – Mary’s Immaculate Conception
08:04 – Mary Preserved, Not Redeemed
09:00 – Mary Predestined Before Sin
10:03 – Bond Between Jesus and Mary
10:57 – Marian Dogmas and Franciscan Theology

This is a continuation of his series of homilies on Franciscan Spirituality – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNN151zTIO4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4xgMllKrzSasL2Hljd5BHom
and the subsection “Mary’s Role”

The material for this series comes primarily from Ciccarelli, Marciano M., “I capisaldi della spiritualità francescana” in Italian, which translates as “The Cornerstones of Franciscan Spirituality.” No English translations of this book exist at the time of this recording.

Ave Maria!

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Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 09, 2024, where he underscores the crucial role of Baptism and living out its promises, particularly through Marian devotion, as the path to salvation.

Father emphasizes the significance of Baptism in achieving salvation, referencing the Gospel where Jesus converses with Nicodemus, highlighting that one must be “born of water and spirit” to enter the kingdom of God,  John 3:5 – “no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?5. He points out the necessity of Baptism for salvation, as reiterated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifying that sacramental Baptism (water Baptism) is essential for those who can request it, while those unable to do so may achieve salvation through the Baptism of desire or, in rare cases, the Baptism of blood, as demonstrated by the holy innocents. However, Baptism alone is deemed necessary but insufficient for salvation without living according to Baptismal promises. Renewing these promises, particularly through consecration to Mary, embodies living the Christian faith fully. Father ties the significance of Marian devotion back to the Gospel, where Jesus entrusts John with Mary, symbolizing the fullness of grace and guidance towards keeping Baptismal promises and achieving salvation.

John 3:5 – born of water and Spirit for kingdom entry – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?5
CCC 1257 – Baptism essential for salvation, mandated by Christ, Church-focused – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1257.htm and video on Baptism’s necessity here

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday 2nd Week of Easter – Wkdy
Readings:  – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040924.cfm
1st: act 4:32-37
Resp: psa 93:1-2, 5
Gsp: joh 3:7-15

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God the Father communicated to His Son the divine nature. Mary gave Him a human nature, subject to pain and death, in which to redeem us. But Mary’s Son is the only begotten Son of the Father and in that consists the whole grandeur of her maternity…

The reason why Mary was given a fullness of grace from the first incident was that she might be an able to conceive the Man-God in holiness, by uttering her fiat with the utmost generosity on the day of the Annunciation in spite of the sufferings which she knew had been foretold of the Messiah; it was given her, too, that she might bring forth her child while remaining a virgin, that she might surround Him with the most motherly and most holy devotion. It was given her, finally, that she might unite herself to Him in the closest conformity, as only a most holy mother can, during His hidden life, His apostolic life, and His suffering life… that she might utter her second Fiat most heroically at the foot of the cross, with Him, by Him, and in Him…

There is this the most complete conformity between the will of Mary and her Son’s oblation which was, as it were, the soul of the Sacrifice of the Cross.

+Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O. P.

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Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 24, 2024, on how St. John the Baptist’s miraculous birth, filled with grace and the Holy Spirit, exemplifies the call to humbly decrease so Christ may increase in us.

Celebrating St. John the Baptist’s birth is vital as he was the greatest in Israel’s history. His birth was miraculous due to his sterile mother, yet what sets his birth apart is grace. Since we are born without God’s grace, we need baptism. Jesus said, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 –  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?5). John was filled with the Holy Spirit in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary greeted her (Luke 1:41 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?41). Only three births are celebrated: Jesus, Mary, and John. Jesus is holy as God, and Mary is holy from conception (CCC 490 – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/490.htm). John, conceived in original sin, was redeemed and filled with grace by Jesus.

John’s circumcision and naming show his grace. His name means “the Lord has been gracious,” highlighting his unique sanctification (Isaiah 49:1 – The Lord called me from the womb, from my mother’s body he pronounced my name – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49?1). He spoke boldly, even confronting Herod on marriage, which led to his martyrdom (Matthew 14:3-4 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/14?3). St. John Fisher, martyred for marriage truth (CCC 1601 – Marriage between a man and a woman – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1601.htm), shows this truth leads to freedom. John grew strong in spirit, preparing in the desert (Luke 1:80 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?80). He humbly acknowledged Christ’s mission, saying, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?30). Their birthdates symbolize Christ’s increasing light. We learn to decrease so Christ may increase in us.

00:00 – Introduction
00:14 – Importance of St. John
00:34 – Grace of Birth
01:00 – Filled with the Holy Spirit
01:42 – Circumcision and Naming
04:25 – John’s Prophetic Words
05:02 – Truth About Marriage
05:37 – Growing in Spirit, Decreasing for Christ

Ave Maria!

Mass: Birth of St. John the Baptist – Solemnity – http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=152
Readings:  – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062424.cfm
1st: isa 49:1-6
Resp: psa 139:1-3, 13-15
2nd: act 13:22-26
Gsp: luk 1:57-66, 80

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Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 09, 2024, on how the Immaculate Conception of Mary shows her unique role as the New Eve and model of holiness, helping us to live in God’s grace.

Father explains the Catholic teaching on the Immaculate Conception of Mary, emphasizing that she was conceived without original sin. This doctrine underscores the perfection of Christ as Redeemer and Mary’s unique role as the New Eve, contrasting her immaculate state with humanity’s fallen nature due to original sin.

Original Sin: Father begins by discussing original sin, referring to Genesis where God created human nature as good but acknowledges the disorder introduced through Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 1:31 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/1?31). This sin spiritually impoverished humanity, akin to an ancestor squandering an inheritance. The consequences include a tendency toward sin and physical death.

Mary as the New Eve: In contrast to Eve, Mary, as the New Eve, was preserved from sin, a truth foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15 (Genesis 3:15 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15), where God declares enmity between the serpent and the Woman. Father explains that Mary’s Immaculate Conception was a preventative redemption, reflecting God’s perfect plan. Blessed John Duns Scotus provided theological grounding for this belief.

Mary and Christ’s Role: Mary is the mother of the New Adam, Christ, who refounded humanity. Christ offers the grace and immortality lost through Adam. Just as Eve was called “Mother of all the living,” Mary, through her Immaculate Conception, becomes the true Mother of eternal life.

Living the Call to Holiness: The second reading (Ephesians 1:4 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1?4) calls believers to be holy and “immaculate.” Father highlights Mary as a model of virtues such as faith, charity, and obedience, urging the faithful to imitate her and live a life of grace that opposes sin.

Further Reading
Genesis 1:31 NAB – God’s creation was very good – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/1?31
Genesis 3:15 NAB – Enmity between the serpent and the Woman – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Ephesians 1:4 NAB – God’s call for us to be holy – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1?4
Catechism of the Catholic Church 491 – The Immaculate Conception defined – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#491
Catholic Answers – What the Early Church Believed: Original Sin – https://www.catholic.com/tract/what-the-early-church-believed-original-sin
Catholic Answers –  What Is the Immaculate Conception? – https://www.catholic.com/tract/immaculate-conception-and-assumption

00:00 – Introduction
00:12 – Immaculate Conception and Original Sin
01:06 – Human Nature and Society’s Role
01:47 – Adam’s Sin and Spiritual Poverty
03:27 – The New Eve and Christ’s Role
04:38 – Mary as Immaculate Conception Explained
06:59 – Mary as Model of Holiness
09:22 – Conclusion: Living a Holy Life

Ave Maria!

Mass: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Solemnity – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm
Readings:  – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm
1st: gen 3:9-15, 20
Resp: psa 98:1-4
2nd: eph 1:3-6, 11-12
Gsp: luk 1:26-38

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Guest Homilist gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 09, 2025, where he shares a childhood dream of crushing a snake, linking it to Genesis 3:15 and Mary’s role in spiritual victory.

Father begins by discussing Genesis 3:15, which, depending on translation, prophesies that “He,” “She,” or “They” will crush the serpent’s head, interpreted as Jesus, Mary, or both, fulfilling Old Testament roles of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15). He accepts all translations, seeing them as a unified prophecy of Christ’s and Mary’s victory over evil. Father then shares a vivid childhood dream where he crushed a snake with his foot, linking it to Genesis 3:15 and his consecration to Mary that same day. He reflects on dreams as potential divine messages, referencing Joseph’s dreams and those of his fellow prisoners in Genesis 40, where one prisoner forgot his mission, a reminder of Father’s own need to recall Mary’s protection (Genesis 40:14, 40:23). Citing St. John Bosco’s meaningful dreams, he underscores their spiritual significance. Father connects the dream to Mary’s role in the spiritual battle against “principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12), urging consecration to her as taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 975 (CCC 975). Noticing his vestment’s design resembling Our Lady of Guadalupe’s mantle, he sees it as a reminder of her motherly protection. He concludes by encouraging devotion to Mary, who, with Her Son, enables believers to partake in crushing the serpent’s head, fulfilling Genesis 3:15.

For Further Reading:
Genesis 3:15 – NAB – Protoevangelium: First Gospel Promise – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Genesis 40:14 – NAB – Joseph’s Plea to Cupbearer – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/40?14
Genesis 40:23 – NAB – Cupbearer Forgets Joseph – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/40?23
Ephesians 6:12 – NAB – Spiritual Battle Against Evil – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/6?12
Catechism of the Catholic Church #975 – Mary’s Motherhood – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#975
Catechism of the Catholic Church #971 – Devotion to Mary – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#971
Catechism of the Catholic Church #494 – Mary’s Fiat and Role – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#494
Catholic Encyclopedia – Our Lady of Guadalupe – Marian Apparition History – https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07043a.htm
Franciscan Media – St. John Bosco – Saint’s Life and Dreams – https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-bosco
Catholic Answers – Mary’s Role in Salvation – https://www.catholic.com/tract/mary-mother-of-god

00:00 – Genesis 3:15 Introduced
00:34 – Multiple Translation Meanings
01:00 – Dream’s Symbolic Connection
01:39 – Biblical Dreams Context
02:42 – Vivid Snake Dream
04:21 – Mary’s Consecration Day
05:27 – Spiritual Battle Support
06:36 – Mary’s Mantle Symbolism

Ave Maria!

Mass: Mary, Mother of the Church (Gen 3) – Feast – http://en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_of_the_Church
Readings:  – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060925.cfm
1st: gen 3:9-15, 20
Resp: psa 87:1-3, 5-7
Gsp: joh 19:25-34

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Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 05, 2025, on how Jesus Christ is the center and purpose of all creation, emphasizing His primacy over everything as taught by St. Paul and the Franciscan perspective.

Mass: St. Teresa of Calcutta – Opt Mem – http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5611
Readings: Friday 22nd Week of Ordinary Time – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090525.cfm
1st: col 1:15-20
Resp: psa 100:1-5
Gsp: luk 5:33-39

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Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 08, 2025, where he celebrates the Nativity of Our Lady, reflecting on her profound qualities and her role as a loving mother who brings us closer to her Son, Jesus.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Feast – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10712b.htm
Readings:  – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090825.cfm
1st: mic 5:1-4
Resp: psa 13:6
Gsp: mat 1:1-16, 18-23

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