Fr. Robert Altier

The second reading emphasizes that we are called to live for others, not ourselves, and that forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this. Forgiveness is challenging, but it is essential for our own spiritual well-being and for aligning ourselves with Christ’s teachings. Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts us, not the person who wronged

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of fearing God, not in a servile sense, but with filial fear, which is rooted in love. This fear of offending God, born out of love, leads to confidence and peace, even in the face of death. By focusing on loving God and living a life for Him, we

St. Paul advises the Corinthians on marriage and virginity, emphasizing that both are valid vocations leading to sainthood. The key is to discern God’s will through prayer, seeking detachment and clarity about one’s calling. Fulfillment comes from living in one’s true vocation, even amidst struggles, while living outside of it may lead to a sense

The people recognized Jesus as God visiting His people, but they didn’t fully understand His divinity. To truly live by the Spirit, as St. Paul instructs, we must not only acknowledge our dependence on God but actively walk according to the Spirit, rejecting worldly ways and conforming ourselves to Christ. This requires humility and a

The second reading emphasizes the obligation to love one another, a challenging task that requires charity. This love is demonstrated through the fulfillment of the offices of priest, prophet, and king, shared by all baptized individuals. The priest offers sacrifice and mediates, the prophet teaches God’s will, and the king serves, all with the ultimate

St. Paul reveals that God chose to reveal the fullness of His love and the mystery of the Eucharist to humanity through the Church, rather than directly to angels. This revelation, which angels cannot fully comprehend due to their lack of human nature, is a profound exchange of love between God and humanity. By receiving

St. Paul emphasizes that God, not individuals, is the source of growth and goodness. While acknowledging our human limitations and sinfulness, we must also recognize the immense dignity God has given us, both natural and supernatural. This balance between our nothingness and God’s greatness is crucial for our spiritual life.

The gospel reading prompts a reflection on sacrifice for the Lord. True sacrifice involves giving up everything, not just superficial things like potato chips for Lent. The question of how much one is willing to sacrifice for Jesus should be considered, as it reflects the depth of one’s love for Him.

The gospel reading emphasizes the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy through Christ’s death and resurrection. St. Paul’s preaching in Corinth focused on the power of God demonstrated in the crucifixion and resurrection, highlighting the need for a faith based on this truth rather than human wisdom or a “buddy” Jesus. We are challenged to examine our

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of serving God, not just believing in Him. True service stems from love, not obligation, and requires trusting God’s provision. St. Paul’s list of vices highlights the need to overcome selfishness and prioritize love for God and others, as the commandments exemplify. The ultimate goal is to become saints,

The first reading highlights Jeremiah’s struggle with God’s will, questioning why God allows suffering despite his call to preach. The second reading emphasizes the need for a transformed mind to discern God’s will, which often involves trials and suffering. These trials, while challenging, are necessary for spiritual growth and strengthening our faith, ultimately conforming us

The gospel reading criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy: they appear righteous on the outside but lack true righteousness. This serves as a reminder to stay true to God’s objective truth, even when it contradicts societal norms or public opinion. We must avoid compromising our beliefs to fit in, as this leads to

The parable of the talents highlights the importance of using the gifts God has given us to love Him and our neighbors. While some reject Jesus as their king, choosing to be their own, true freedom lies in following His command to love. By doing so, we fulfill our purpose and prepare for eternal life

The gospel reading about the call of Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, is rich with Old Testament references. Nathaniel recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel, fulfilling prophecies from Moses, Zechariah, and Hosea. This recognition leads him to a profound commitment that ultimately results in martyrdom, highlighting the importance of

The gospel reading emphasizes that where Jesus is, his servant will also be. To be with Jesus, we must be willing to do the “little things” and die to ourselves, putting Jesus’ needs before our own. This means embracing the cross and suffering in this world, as Jesus did, to attain eternal life and glory

The reading from Ezekiel highlights the need for purification within the church and ourselves. It emphasizes the importance of following God’s commandments and being willing to do His will, even when it is difficult or requires sacrifice. Fr. Altier urges us to examine our prayer life, moral life, and willingness to conform to God’s will,

The new covenant, written on our hearts, emphasizes acting out of love and charity rather than mere obligation. While the old covenant focused on following rules, the new covenant calls us to internalize God’s will and live it out through genuine love for God and others. This higher standard, though challenging, ultimately leads to fulfillment

Fr. Altier explores the concept of wisdom, highlighting its connection to Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He emphasizes the importance of conforming to the Word of God, as Mary did, to achieve a deeper understanding and ability to explain it. Fr. Altier concludes by encouraging us to strive for union with Christ through prayer

Living by faith, as emphasized by St. Paul, requires a deep trust in God and a life oriented towards Him. This involves acknowledging God in all aspects of life, seeking His guidance, and finding joy in His will, even amidst trials and tribulations. By living by faith, we can find strength and grace to endure

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of dying to self to produce much fruit, not just for ourselves but for others and God. This requires a joyful disposition, giving ourselves to God and others out of love, not selfishness. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, glorify Him, and grow spiritually, ultimately becoming

The apostles, struggling against a storm on the Sea of Galilee, mistake Jesus walking on water for a ghost. Jesus reassures them, revealing his divine identity with “I am,” the same name God gave to Moses. This story, along with Peter’s brief walk on water, emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus during

The gospel reading emphasizes the impossibility of serving two masters, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing money, materialism, or self over God. True service to God requires a wholehearted commitment, not just lip service or a desire for personal gain. We must constantly examine our priorities and ask ourselves whom we truly serve, striving to make

The prophet Jeremiah, who wore a yoke to symbolize Israel’s subjugation under Nebuchadnezzar, warns against false prophets who offer false hope. Fr. Altier emphasizes the importance of following the truth found in Scripture, rather than seeking out modern-day prophecies. They caution against rebellion against God’s will, urging a return to obedience and prayer.

The gospel reading emphasizes God’s care for us, highlighting that we are of greater value than sparrows. The true question is not whether God remembers us, but whether we remember Him, especially during difficult times. We should strive to acknowledge and glorify God in all circumstances, recognizing His will and trusting in His providence.

St. Paul’s gospel centers on Jesus Christ’s resurrection and descent from David, fulfilling Old Testament promises. Persecution for living piously in Christ is inevitable, as the world hates the Lord. The true challenge lies in accepting persecution with charity and love, as Jesus did, rather than focusing on the injustice of others’ actions.

The prophet Jeremiah, despite being called by God to preach the truth, grew frustrated and angry with those who refused to listen. This highlights the importance of delivering the truth with charity, as anger and negativity can detract from the message. To maintain peace and joy, we must keep our focus on Jesus, the source

The gospel reading describes Jesus weeping over Jerusalem for its lack of faith and turning the temple into a den of thieves. This reading is a call to examine ourselves, as we are the temple of the Lord, and to ensure we are not stealing from God what belongs to Him. St. Paul warns against

The gospel reading reveals that Jesus came to reveal the love of God, which has been hidden since the foundation of the world. This love is profound and requires us to change and accept it fully, which can be challenging due to our pride and fear of change. However, God’s love is the ultimate fulfillment,

St. Paul teaches that all things work together for good for those who love God, not that everything in life will be good. God allows challenges to perfect us in His image, as seen in Jesus’ life and the suffering of the Church. The ultimate glory is in heaven, but on earth, it is found

During times of spiritual difficulty and purification, it may feel like God has abandoned us, but this is not the case. God allows us to experience these feelings to purify us of selfishness and strengthen our virtues. Like Mother Teresa, we should focus on loving and serving others, even when we don’t feel God’s presence,

The gospel reading about Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the resurrected Lord emphasizes the importance of loving God with our whole heart. Mary Magdalene’s unwavering love for Jesus, despite her past, serves as an example for us to seek and love God selflessly. The spiritual life involves purifying our hearts of selfishness and seeking God’s love,

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of love and charity, urging us to love one another as Christ loved us. It challenges us to examine our hearts for hatred or unforgiveness, reminding us that true charity comes from the heart and is a commandment. By loving others, even our enemies, we demonstrate our love for

True contentment comes from godliness and a focus on God, not material possessions. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of pursuing justice, faith, charity, and patience, while Jesus teaches that giving up everything for Him results in gaining everything. The key to fulfillment lies in loving God and allowing Him to fill our hearts, as He

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of childlike simplicity and humility in understanding God’s will. Like the saints, we should recognize that our gifts and talents come from God and use them for His glory, not our own. By seeking God’s will and becoming pure of heart, we can open ourselves to His revelation and

The gospel reading emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s law, stating that not a single detail will be lost until it is fulfilled. This is contrasted with the current societal trend of rejecting and criminalizing biblical teachings, particularly regarding marriage and human life. Fr. Altier urges us to uphold the truth of God’s word, despite

True love for God and neighbor requires prioritizing God above all else. This selfless love, flowing from our love for God, leads to fulfillment and helps us become the people God created us to be. By loving God first, we are better equipped to love others with genuine charity and compassion.

The gospel reading emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, as the foundation of the Church. This belief is crucial for salvation, as Jesus is the only means of salvation, not just one among many. The Church, established by Jesus, is the means through which this saving

The true measure of being a child of God is not just baptism, but striving to do God’s will, as exemplified by the woman in the first reading. This striving involves living out our baptismal vows, seeking God’s will, and serving others with charity. God desires a genuine relationship with us, and this is achieved

In the first reading today, the importance of examining one’s heart is emphasized as it is the temple of God. We are warned against allowing false gods or priorities to take precedence over God, turning our hearts into a “house of iniquity.” We are encouraged to be apostles for Christ, living out our faith authentically

Fr. Altier reflects on the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting the positive experiences of international visitors who were surprised by the kindness and patriotism of Americans. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the country’s strengths, despite its flaws, and the deep meaning behind the American flag, which represents values worth fighting for. He

The gospel reading highlights the tragic choice people make to reject Jesus, preferring their sins and the devil’s offerings. This rejection is evident in society’s acceptance of sin and the need for a genuine commitment to God’s will. True worship and sacrifice require a heart transformed by God’s love, rejecting sin and embracing holiness.

St. Paul’s conversion story highlights God’s plan for each individual, even before birth. God allowed Paul to persecute the Church to humble him and prepare him for his mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. This demonstrates that God uses all experiences, even past sins, for the greater good.

The gospel reading emphasizes the need for holiness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees and rejects the notion of universal salvation. The importance of living out the teachings of scripture is emphasized, particularly regarding anger, forgiveness, and treating others with compassion, mercy, and humility. St. Peter’s letter to persecuted Christians underscores the call

The apostles, like St. Peter and St. Paul, faced immense suffering and imprisonment for their faith, yet remained faithful and joyful. Their example teaches us to view our struggles as opportunities to grow in faith and charity, rather than as reasons to abandon God. By learning to handle our current challenges with grace, we prepare

The Gospel reading emphasizes the rewards of living a life of charity and love, particularly for those baptized into Christ. This life of charity is exemplified in marriage, where spouses are called to love each other selflessly, mirroring Christ’s love for the Church. By dying to themselves and living for their spouse, married couples participate

The Gospel reading warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who preached well but lacked charity and used their knowledge to condemn others. True faith requires balancing truth with charity, avoiding judgment, and fearing only God, who holds the power of eternal life. We should be ready to die for our faith, focusing on loving

Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story teaches us that God’s plans may not align with our expectations, but He has greater purposes in mind. Jeremiah’s story reminds us that God calls us from the womb and equips us for His purposes, even if we feel unworthy or incapable. We are all called to be saints, to love

The Israelites were exiled due to their sinfulness, turning away from God and worshiping false gods. Despite God’s teachings and the example of Jesus Christ, people continue to justify their sins and reject the truth. To truly love God, one must strive to conform their heart to the truth, overcome weaknesses, and demonstrate love through

The Gospel reading highlights the difference between intellectually accepting the truth of Jesus as the Son of God and living that truth. While Peter professed his faith, he struggled to understand the practical implications of Jesus’s mission, including suffering and death. This journey of faith requires purification through suffering, allowing us to truly live as

The Gospel reading about the five foolish and five wise virgins reminds us that we are all part of the church, the bride of Christ. We must be prepared for His coming by continually growing in our love for Him, not settling for the bare minimum. This requires self-sacrifice and vulnerability, but it is the

Fr. Altier emphasizes the importance of trusting God and giving our anxieties to Him, as He cares for us deeply. He highlights the human tendency to seek control and the irony of trusting ourselves despite our frequent failures. We are encouraged to reflect on the root causes of anxiety, including the impact of modern conveniences

The story of Nabot and Jezebel highlights the injustice of taking someone’s ancestral land, a violation of Mosaic law. While God’s justice may not be immediately apparent, it will be served in the afterlife. In the meantime, God uses these injustices to help us grow in holiness, teaching us to forgive and respond with charity,

God loves everyone infinitely, but the amount of love a person can receive depends on their openness to it. While God offers grace to all, only those who listen to His voice and keep His covenant become His special possession. Fr. Altier emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s voice, being willing to follow His guidance,