Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

A Word of Hope

On the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena (April 29th), and during the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, this Word of Hope reflects on two powerful figures who called for unity, mercy, and charity in divided times. Just as St. Catherine was a voice for truth and a bridgebuilder 700 years ago, Pope Francis emphasized these same virtues, reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters. Drawing inspiration from their lives and the Acts of the Apostles, we explore Christ as the ultimate bridge uniting heaven and earth and our call to be bridgebuilders today.

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Every day the Chicago Dominicans offer "A Word of Hope" video to bolster our faith through these trying times. We welcome any feedback you have at hope@opcentral.org . You can see them all below, or you can see other preaching by a particular person by clicking on his name, and you can have them emailed to you each morning by signing up for our email service:

28 April • Born from Above - Like the Wind

Apr 28, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

Today's Gospel features the famous dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus about being "born again" or, more accurately, "born from above" (John 3). Jesus uses the analogy of the wind: "The Spirit blows where it wills... you do not know where it comes from or where it goes."
27 April • Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing

Apr 27, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

While we might wish for individual, private appearances of the Risen Lord, God's design for faith is communal. We are meant to come to faith through the shared testimony and proclamation of others—like the apostles (including Thomas after his encounter) and St. John writing the Book of Revelation. Faith isn't meant to be lived "siloed."
26 April • Easter Hope & Farewell to Pope Francis: Jesus Appears to Disciples

Apr 26, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Join us for a Word of Hope on this significant Saturday of the Octave of Easter, as we reflect on the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and commemorate the funeral mass of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
25 April • A Reflection on Overcoming Fear

Apr 25, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

This reflection touches upon the courage, kindness, and compassion shown by leaders, drawing inspiration from figures like Pope Francis.
24 April • "Peace Be With You": Christ's Easter Greeting Explained

Apr 24, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

What is the true meaning of the Risen Christ's first words, "Peace be with you"? This isn't just a casual greeting; it's the profound gift resulting from Christ's harrowing journey through suffering and death, ultimately conquering both sin and the grave.
23 April • Finding Christ on the Road to Emmaus

Apr 23, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

We all know what it means to be "downcast" – facing loss, disappointment, or shattered hopes, just like the two disciples leaving Jerusalem after Jesus' brutal execution. Fr. Bob explores how the Risen Christ meets them in their despair, walking alongside them even when they don't recognize Him.
22 April • Easter Hope vs. The Secular Age: Finding More

Apr 22, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

The Resurrection fundamentally challenges a limited worldview. The Risen Christ embodies both the familiar and the radically new, demonstrating that reality extends far beyond what we can see and touch.
21 April • Finding Hope When God Feels Distant: Your Spiritual Galilee

Apr 21, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

Christ is Risen, Alleluia! But what happens when faith feels difficult or God seems distant? In this Easter Octave Monday reflection from Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP, discover the powerful message of hope in Jesus' command to the disciples: "Go to Galilee."
20 April • Bees, Frogs & Alleluias: An Easter Homily Celebrating All Creation

Apr 20, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! In this expansive Easter homily, Fr. Greg connects the liturgical celebrations of Easter with the joyful response of all creation. From the Easter Vigil candle wax ("work of bees") praised in the Exultet, to a personal memory of frogs singing at the Easter fire.
19 April • Holy Saturday Reflection: Waiting, with a Sliver of Hope

Apr 19, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Drawing parallels with the stillness of off-season Alaska, Fr. Scott reflects on Mary Magdalene's experience: her hope shattered, unable to even anoint Jesus' body due to the Sabbath. Yet, even in devastation, a "sliver of hope" remained, motivating her plan to perform that one last act of love.
18 April • Good Friday Reflection: Finding Hope in Christ's Passion & Our Mortality

Apr 18, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Join Father Charles Bouchard, OP, for a powerful and insightful reflection on the readings for Good Friday. He explores the significance of Christ's passion and death, and how it connects with our own mortality, offering a message of hope and the promise of eternal life.
18 April • The Cross: A Symbol Transformed from Death to Life

Apr 18, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

On this Good Friday, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner OP delivers a moving "Word of Hope" reflection exploring the dual nature of the Cross. Originally a brutal tool of Roman power meant to crush the human spirit, the Cross was radically transformed by Christ's sacrifice. By embracing suffering with love and forgiveness, Jesus turned this "cross of death" into the life-giving "cross of life"—a symbol of redemption, humanity's triumph, and God's boundless mercy.
17 April • Encountering Jesus in Eucharist, Priesthood & the Poor

Apr 17, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

It's Holy Thursday! Fr. Dominic addresses why priests are specifically asked to preach on the Institution of the Eucharist, the Priesthood, and the Command of Fraternal Charity today.
16 April • Hope Beyond Failure - Lessons from Judas & Peter

Apr 16, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

While Judas repented of betraying Jesus, he ultimately despaired, unable to believe in forgiveness. Peter, after denying Christ three times, remained open to God's mercy, eventually experiencing restoration through Jesus's love after the Resurrection (John 21). Both apostles failed, but only one held onto the possibility of hope.
15 April • When Your Work Seems in Vain - Hope from Isaiah's Suffering Servant

Apr 15, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Do you ever feel like you've "labored in vain" or "spent your strength for nothing"? The prophet Isaiah expressed this same feeling, yet found hope. Hear how God revealed a plan far exceeding the prophet's expectations – a mission to be a "light to the nations," bringing salvation worldwide.
14 April • The Poor You WIll Always Have With You

Apr 14, 2025 by Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

Delve into this scene of profound hospitality and foreshadowing. Contrast Mary's generous act with Judas Iscariot's duplicitous objection about selling the ointment for the poor. Br. Ed clarifies Jesus's famous reply, "The poor are always with you... she is anointing me for my burial," explaining how it references Deuteronomy 15:11 and actually reinforces our ongoing duty to care for the needy, while acknowledging the extraordinary moment at hand.
13 April • Holy Week Begins: The Crowd Cries "Save Us!" - What's Our Plea?

Apr 13, 2025 by Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

Discover why the common idea of a "fickle crowd" (cheering Sunday, condemning Friday) might be inaccurate, and focus on the Palm Sunday group's specific cry: "Hosanna!" Learn that this meant "Save us!" – a plea directed at Jesus from people burdened by Roman and religious oppression, seeking the salvation only the Messiah could bring. They saw Jesus as the healer and forgiver who could liberate them.
12 April • Jesus' Sacrifice Gathers God's Children

Apr 12, 2025 by Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

Explore the profound meaning behind Caiaphas' statement that it was better for one man to die for the people (John 11:49-52). This homily unpacks how Jesus' death was foretold as a means to gather God's scattered children into one family. Understand Jesus' voluntary sacrifice on the cross as a historical manifestation of eternal, Trinitarian, redemptive love between the Father and the Son.
11 April • Threatened for Doing Good? Jesus' Example

Apr 11, 2025 by Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

As Lent nears its end, the liturgy confronts us with Jesus' imminent suffering. This homily explores the clash between Jesus' good works and the accusations of blasphemy He faced for revealing His divine identity. Discover the Lenten call to awaken our own identity as children of God and boldly perform works of love and justice, following Jesus' path towards the Paschal Mystery.
10 April • Keeping Our Covenant: Beyond Abraham's Fertility

Apr 10, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

God promised Abraham incredible fertility (Genesis 17), making him the father of nations. But the covenant wasn't just about God's promises; it required faithfulness from Abraham and his descendants. In this Word of Hope for Thursday, 5th Week of Lent (April 10, 2025), Fr. Charlie Bouchard OP asks: How are we keeping our side of the covenant?
9 April • "The Truth Will Set You Free" (John 8:32) - Finding Real Freedom

Apr 8, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Join Fr. Charlie Bouchard OP for a Word of Hope reflection for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent (April 9, 2025). We talk a lot about freedom today, but what kind? Reflecting on the Gospel (John 8:31-42), Fr. Charlie explores Jesus' profound statement: "The truth will set you free."
8 April • Don't Go Back! Look to the Cross for Lasting Renewal

Apr 8, 2025 by Fr. Tom Lynch, OP

Are you tempted to go back to old habits after Lent? Fr. Tom Lynch OP challenges that mindset in this A Word of Hope reflection. Drawing parallels between the Israelites grumbling in the desert (wanting to return to Egypt!) and our own spiritual journey, he points to the ultimate remedy: Jesus lifted up on the cross.
7 April • Would You Risk Death Rather Than Sin? Susanna's Story

Apr 7, 2025 by Fr. Tom Lynch, OP

Fr. Tom Lynch OP delves into the gripping story of Susanna from Daniel 13. Faced with lustful elders, she had to choose between secret sin and public disgrace (likely leading to death).
6 April • Possessed by Christ: The Surprising Foundation of Hope

Apr 6, 2025 by Br. Joseph Trout, OP

Discover St. Paul's profound insight: we don't just pursue God; we can pursue Him because He has already possessed us through His grace. Learn how understanding that our lives belong to God frees us to work for good without carrying the world's weight, trusting in His ultimate plan and the glorious inheritance He promises.

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