Deep South Deacon

The following is a close approximation of the homily I delivered at St. Luke the Evangelist Church for the Feast of the Holy Family on December 27, 2020

A few years ago, I read what was supposed to be a funny story. There is a grammar school that puts on an over-the-top Nativity play each year. They always have a line of people trying out for almost all of the parts – but few for the role of the innkeeper. The role is very small, the costume is not very interesting, and the inn keeper is looked at as the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge

This particular year, only 1 person, a 3rd grade boy tried out. He of course got the role.  He did great in rehearsals.  But, when it came time for his line in the actual play, after Joseph knocks on the door and asks for a place to stay.

The following is a close approximation of the homily I delivered the weekend of November 14 -15 at St Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell.  The scripture readings on which this is based can be found at this link 

Fear is defined on Websters.com as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.. “    .  According to one authoritative list, the # 1 fear in the world is that of spiders.  #2 is snakes.

The following is a close approximation of the homily I delivered for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary time Year A.  The readings on which this homily are based can be found at this link

On the 8th grade, basketball team, I was making about 20% of my free throws. In one game, I missed all 13 free throws. That was the last straw for my coach. He made me shoot 100 free throws or 10 made ones in a row after every practice. I almost always shot the hundred.  But I did get a lot better, making about 65%.

In last week's homily I told the story about Thomas More and how he ended up losing everything for the sake of the Truth. I made what has possibly turned out to be a prophetic statement.

I have been publishing what I call "close approximations" of  homilies since I was ordained 13 years ago.  This is because although I have either notes or an outline in front of me, I frequently preach differently from what is on the paper.  Hopefully, these deviations are responses to gentle movements of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes I am never quite sure.

Sometimes I preach 2-3 times in a weekend, homily 1 only distantly resembles homily 3.