This week’s homilies were interesting. These were for the Exultation of the Cross. I am fascinated by the production values of the homilies. There are great words shared with us this week. Fr. John begins what is the second part video of his homily talking about the essential element of suffering for us as people of faith. He contrasts this element of suffering with the words of an unnamed worldwide popular preacher who never talks about suffering because he likes to keep it positive.

He gives great examples of how suffering and offering suffering up is a reality in our faith. He also uses the technique of holding the procession cross as he cites the suffering of Christ and some of his contemporary followers.

He also cites that we need to bear one another’s burdens. This of course goes all the way back to the preaching of St. James the Apostle.

Fr. Stevenson makes his videos in advance and so his homily was the actually on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. He tells a great reality of the fact that Christians are not perfect. He uses this to discuss the reality of people holding grudges and the need to forgive. He does a great job telling an anecdote of a grudge he held and eventually learned to forgive in a healing of memories ceremony.

Fr. Stevenson takes great pains in his video production and does a great job with a background and background soundtrack that enhances his greenscreen production.

Also notice that he actually does not homilize as much as presents his homily in the format of video where he talks calmly to the individual viewer.

We, ironically, have a point of crossing in our lives. Both of us have been ministered to by Fr. John Hampsch a West Coast Claretian priest working mostly in Southern California.

Fr. Joshua Wagner’s homilies begin as usual with good anecdotes from his early years. He tells the classic midwest stories and uses them to make his point. This week he tells the story of taking a train  with a burden of a packed bag mostly full of books. He then relates that to the greater burden of Jesus carrying the cross. He as usual has a very listenable style that works well in this format.

I try to keep my remarks positive and but one note I do have to make is that the blog referred which is a decent blog uses Google Ads and an ad is placed under this embedded video on that blog for Dianetics which is basically Scientology’s bible. These things happen but bloggers need to know that the key words the advertiser uses can sometimes bring unforeseen consequences for bloggers.

There are others this week, including my own, you can see the whole playlist at:
http://www.youtube.com/romcathhomilies