Dominican Friars

Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

A Word of Hope

6 Nov • The Lost Sheep: Discipleship is Seeking the Lost

reflecting on the powerful parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15, this reflection explores how we can take God's vision to heart by seeking out the lost, the poor, and the hopeless in our own lives. Discover how a spirit of love and commitment can bring God's vision to fruition in the world.

#GospelReflection #Catholic #Faith #LostSheep #Discipleship #Luke15 #Love #Hope #Religion #Christianity #AquinasInstitute #OrdinaryTime #Catholicism #WordOfGod #Inspiration #SeekingTheLost

Timestamps:
0:00:00 Introduction: Reflection on Luke 15
0:00:28 The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Leaving the 99
0:00:47 A Question of Discipleship: Beyond Cost-Benefit Analysis
0:01:01 God's Vision: Seeking the Lost, the Poor, and the Hopeless
0:01:20 Psalm 27: Believing in the Goodness of the Lord
0:01:59 Romans: Living and Dying for the Lord
0:02:23 The Challenge: Who Is the Lost Sheep We Can Seek 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:

4 April • Living Faithfully: Risks, Persecution, and Hope in Lent

Apr 4, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

Fr. Brendan reflects on the challenging readings of Friday in the fourth week of Lent, exploring the themes of risk, persecution, and unwavering faith. He draws parallels between the Gospel's accounts of Jesus facing threats and the modern-day struggles of those persecuted for their beliefs.
3 April • Finding God's Signs in Doubt: Lent's Message of Hope

Apr 3, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

Join Fr. Brendan as he explores the Gospel of John and the human experience of doubt during Lent. He reminds us that even in our uncertainties, God sends us signs and messengers of hope through the people in our lives.
2 April • "I Will Never Forget You": Finding God's Fidelity in Lent | Daily Catholic Homily

Apr 2, 2025 by Fr. Andrew Carl Wisdom, OP

Join us for a comforting daily homily reflecting on God's unwavering love and fidelity, as seen in the readings of Wednesday in the fourth week of Lent. Fr. Andrew Carl shares a touching personal story of his mother's faith, illustrated by a Hummel figurine and the powerful words of Isaiah: 'Can a mother forget her infant...even should she forget, I will never forget you.'
1 April • Lent's True Purpose: Shaping Our Hearts for Easter Joy

Apr 1, 2025 by Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Join us for a thoughtful daily homily on the purpose of our Lenten observances. As we journey through the fourth week of Lent, Fr. Samuel reminds us that these venerable exercises are not mere endurance tests, but tools to shape our hearts for the joy of Easter. Discover how our Lenten penances prepare us to 'welcome worthily the paschal mystery' and 'proclaim the praises of God's salvation.'
31 March • Faith Beyond Miracles

Mar 31, 2025 by Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Join us for a powerful daily Catholic homily reflecting on the Gospel of John, where Jesus heals the son of a royal official in Cana. In this insightful Catholic reflection, Fr. Samuel delves into Jesus' challenging words about signs and wonders, and explores the true nature of faith. Discover how miracles serve as signs pointing to Jesus' divine identity and our ultimate salvation, rather than mere displays of power.
30 March • Turning Inward, Finding Light & Grace | Prodigal Son Reflection

Mar 30, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Join us for a powerful Lenten homily as we journey inward, inspired by the timeless parable of the Prodigal Son and a unique reflection on a country music song. This homily, delivered during the Fourth Sunday of Lent, explores the profound call to self-examination and the transformative power of God's grace.
29 March • Lent Reflection: Finding Divine Light Within

Mar 29, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Journey with us through Lent as we reflect on Hosea’s call to return to the Lord. Today’s homily explores Salvador Dali’s powerful imagery from Dante’s Divine Comedy, contrasting Lucifer's isolation with the soul's path to purification.
28 March • The Greatest Commandment in Lent

Mar 28, 2025 by Fr. Louis Morrone, OP

Fr. Louis delves into how we can express our love for God through the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, emphasizing the importance of genuine generosity and attentive listening to God's presence.
27 March • Jesus, Demons, and the Power of Good

Mar 27, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

Join Fr. Dominic for a powerful homily on Luke 11:14-23 (March 27, 2025), focusing on Jesus' confrontation with evil and His casting out of demons. This reflection explores the ongoing battle between good and evil, and the ways in which some still choose to reject God's message.
26 March • God's Law: A Guide, Not a Burden

Mar 26, 2025 by Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP

Join Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP, for a insightful homily on Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 for March 26, 2025. In this reflection, Fr. Dominic unpacks Moses' presentation of God's law, emphasizing that it's a source of pride and guidance, not a burden.
25 March • Mary's "Yes": Embracing God's Plan

Mar 25, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

This homily delves into the question: Are we, like Mary, willing to listen to God's voice and embrace His divine plan for our lives? Discover how Mary's humility and faith can inspire us to say our own 'yes' to God's calling.
24 March • God Welcomes All

Mar 24, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Join Fr. James Marchionda, OP for today's insightful daily homily (Monday, March 24th) as we reflect on the powerful readings from 2 Kings 5:1-15 and Luke 4:24-30. Discover how God's healing extends beyond borders, as seen in the story of Naaman, and how Jesus reminds us that God's love and grace are for everyone.
23 Mar • Finding the Spirit in Suffering: Hope & Endurance (Luke 13)

Mar 23, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

Join Fr. Bob Keller, OP, as he offers a profound reflection on Jesus's message in Luke 13:1-9. When faced with news of suffering, Jesus reminds us that even in the midst of trials, we must remain awake to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
22 Mar • The Prodigal Father's Embrace: Do You Believe in God's Love? (Luke 15)

Mar 22, 2025 by Fr. Bob Keller, OP

Join Fr. Bob Keller, OP, for a heartfelt reflection on the powerful parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). In this daily Catholic homily, Fr. Bob explores the depth of the father's unconditional love and how both sons struggled to truly believe in it. He asks us a crucial question: Do we truly believe in God's unwavering love for us?
21 Mar • Finding Victory in Defeat (Matthew 21)

Mar 21, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

Join Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP for a powerful daily homily on the Parable of the Vineyard from Matthew 21:33-46. Discover how Jesus's prediction of rejection and death is ultimately transformed into the ultimate victory of life over death. In this reflection, Fr. Jordan encourages us to find hope and strength in our own moments of defeat, reminding us that God's plan always leads to triumph.
20 Mar • Caring About the Right Things

Mar 20, 2025 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP

Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters—compassion, justice, and faith. Are we paying attention to those in need, or are we blinded by worldly comforts?
19 Mar • Good St. Joseph

Mar 19, 2025 by Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

On this Solemnity of St. Joseph, we honor his trust in God, his role as protector of the Holy Family, and his obedience to divine guidance. Like Joseph, may we surrender to God’s will and live in faith.
18 Mar • Distinguish the Message from the Messenger

Mar 18, 2025 by Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

Jesus warned against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging His followers to listen to their words but not imitate their actions. Today, we still face this challenge—learning to separate God’s truth from imperfect messengers.
17 Mar • Becoming Good vs. Opposing Evil

Mar 17, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

On this St. Patrick’s Day, we reflect on two powerful Gospel parables from Matthew 13:24-32 that reveal a profound truth about the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead of focusing solely on opposing evil, Jesus teaches us that true spiritual growth comes from nurturing faith, virtue, and holiness within ourselves.
16 Mar • God giving clarity

Mar 16, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

When Abram believed God's promise, his role in God's plan became clear. How can we open our hearts to receive the clarity God offers?
15 Mar • Love as God does—everyone

Mar 15, 2025 by Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

Jesus challenged his disciples to love everyone, as God loves everyone, friend and enemy, legal or illegal immigrant.
14 Mar • A higher standard

Mar 14, 2025 by Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

Jesus challenged his disciples to go beyond the Law, adding to the sin of murder that it was a sin to even be angry with your brother. Lent is a time to try to live up to this higher standard.
13 Mar • Earnest, persistent prayer

Mar 13, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Today in our reading we hear the prayer of Esther, who in a seemingly hopeless situation turns to God in earnest prayer and prevails against all odds. We are reminded of the importance of persistent prayer, especially when things seem impossible to resolve on our own. God is there for us.
12 Mar • Redeeming the whole world

Mar 12, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

When the Ninevites believed the preaching of Jonah, they all repented in sackcloth and ashes—even the animals! We are all bound up in sin together, so while we begin with ridding ourselves of our own sinful behaviors, we do not end there. We have to deal with all the sins of society against one another and against the environment.

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