Mercy Triumphs: Weekly Homilies of a Catholic Priest

My grandfather passed away when I was in the fifth grade. Now, I share this with the utmost respect for my grandfather, but we didn't have a great relationship: I remember sometimes feeling like I was an annoyance to him. I also don't remember our relationship being warm or affectionate. That's just how it was, although I did love him and I know he loved me. That said, when he died, I felt really inspired to pray for his soul. Every night, right before falling asleep, I decided to offer some Hail Mary’s, Our Fathers, and Glory Be’s for him. And, after offering these prayers each night for well over a year, I remember having a very vivid dream. And, in this dream, my grandfather and I were in what looked to be a large country club dining room, and, there, he hugs me and is crying so hard. And, through his tears, he repeats: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” I woke up and understood he was thanking me for the prayers and sacrifice I offered to God for him.  …That experi...

In college, for me and the people I associated with, drinking was a big part of socializing.   Friday and/or Saturday was when we would go out all night, and, if we went out on a Saturday, I was sick in bed that Sunday. I lived at home most of my college years, so, on those Sundays, my mom would knock on my door and ask if I was going to Mass. I’d say, “No. I’m not feeling well.” And, I remember her asking me: “What’s more important: God or drinking?” I still didn’t get up but it was a good question that pointed out a big problem: Whether I wanted to admit it or not, drinking was more important to me than God because it was keeping me from following Jesus the way Jesus calls us to. For example, I was definitely ignoring Jesus’ command given at the Last Supper, when He took bread and said, “This is my Body,” and took the cup and said, “This is my Blood.” And, then, He commanded: “Do this in memory of me.” But I was choosing drinking instead. …In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns ...