Dominican Friars

Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

A Word of Hope

22 Nov • The Heavenly Choir: Singing with St. Cecilia

A Word of Hope by Br. Edward Van Merrienboer, OP on the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patroness of sacred music. This reflection explores the profound spiritual importance of singing in liturgy, connecting our earthly voices to the heavenly chorus of saints and angels. Discover how our worship through music is a powerful act of faith, uniting us with God and preparing us for our eternal home.
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**Chapters:**
0:00 Welcome & Introduction (Brother Edward, St. Vincent Ferrer Priory)
0:00:08 Celebrating the Feast of St. Cecilia, Patroness of Sacred Music
0:00:26 St. Cecilia: A Martyr from the Early Church
0:00:55 The Importance of Sacred Music in Modern Liturgy
0:01:19 The Gift of Singing: Unity in Prayer
0:01:48 Singing in Scripture: From Old Testament to Early Church
0:02:22 Revelation: Saints and Angels Singing Praise to God
0:02:58 Singing: Connecting Earthly Community to Our Heavenly Home
0:03:11 Practice for Heaven: Joining the Chorus of Holy Ones

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A Word of Hope with dove

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:

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 9, 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.
5 April • Hope Needs God's Vengeance

Apr 5, 2025 by Br. Joseph Trout, OP

Explore the counter-intuitive connection between hope and vengeance in Catholic teaching. Br. Joe Trout explains how Jeremiah's cry reflects a deep trust that God is good and will not let evil stand unaddressed. Learn why this belief in divine justice, tempered by mercy, is crucial for maintaining hope in difficult times.
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.

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