A sermon by Fr. Michael Novotny. Texts: Revelation 7:9–17; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11–23; Luke 6:20–36
Why does the Church celebrate the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple? Isn’t this event an obscure detail in the life of Christ? This week’s gospel text is Luke 2:22-40. Join Fr. Michael Novotny, as he addresses these questions and helps us understand how Jesus’ presentation in the Temple applies to the life of the Church today.
Jesus was and is a missionary. He is seeking disciples. This week’s gospel text is Matthew 4:12-22 and tells the story of Jesus calling his first disciples. “Follow me,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” What was Jesus talking about? What does fishing for men have to do with calling disciples? Listen to this week’s message by Fr. Gerry McDermott, titled “Fishing Lessons.”
The ministry of John the Baptist was always to point to Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s Messiah. Just as John’s disciple followed Jesus and later became apostles, all Christians are called to proclaim Jesus’ sacrificial death for the sins of the world. Listen to this week’s message as Fr. Michael Novotny reminds us that when Christians minister in the name of Christ, we are declaring with John the Baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
When 12-year-old Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover, Mary and Joseph found him in the temple among the teachers. Jesus tells them that he must be in his Father’s house. St. Luke tells us that Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and submitted to them. What can we learn from this rare glimpse into the early life of our Savior? Listen to this week’s message by Fr. Gerry McDermott on the Twelve-Year-Old Jesus.
