On this First Saturday, we are reminded why the Blessed Mother asked for this special devotion — to draw our hearts closer to Jesus. Reflecting on Solomon’s prayer for an understanding heart and Christ’s compassion for His people, the homily shows how God wants to shape our hearts too. Mary’s Immaculate Heart becomes a refuge that leads us back to confession, prayer, and the Eucharist. In a world filled with uncertainty, this devotion helps us renew our faith, receive Jesus more deeply, and trust in the victory of His love.

In today’s homily, we learn that our biggest struggles aren’t just with the world around us — they’re spiritual. From King David to John the Baptist and the Japanese martyrs, we see that true victory comes through faith, courage, and a change of heart. Jesus shows us that the battle against sin and temptation can be fought through prayer, confession, Mass, and devotions like First Friday and First Saturday. Even small acts of love and devotion bring God’s grace into our lives and into the world.

This homily reminds us that God’s plan was never meant for just a small group of people at one moment in history — it was meant for every generation. From King David passing his kingdom to Solomon to Jesus preparing the apostles, we see how God ensures His grace continues through the Church. Even persecution and martyrdom could not stop it. Like water flowing down a mountain, God’s grace keeps moving. Today is our turn to receive that grace, live it faithfully, and pass it on to the next generation, trusting that God’s plan includes all of us.

Today’s readings reveal how pride can quietly close our hearts to God. King David recognizes that arrogance shaped his actions, while the people in Jesus’ hometown reject Him because they think they already know Him. This homily challenges us to examine where familiarity, comfort, or self-reliance may be dulling our faith. Moments when faith feels ordinary are not failures — they are invitations to go deeper. When we ask the Lord to break through our pride, He renews our hearts and restores our sense of wonder and trust in Him.

On the Feast of Saint Blaise, we celebrate God’s healing power. Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just heal the body—He heals the heart and welcomes us back into God’s family. From the woman who suffered alone for years to the child who seemed lifeless, Jesus shows us that faith brings true life. Let’s reflect on these miracles and let them inspire us to trust God more deeply.

This homily invites us to see God’s glory in a new way. Instead of power and spectacle, God comes quietly into the temple as a humble child. Jesus shows us that true glory is found in humility—most clearly in His birth and ultimately on the Cross. We are reminded that God works gently and often unnoticed, and that our own trials and sacrifices, when accepted with love, can purify our hearts and draw us closer to Him.

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR, reminds us that true happiness isn’t found in fame or money, but in living like Jesus taught us. Through the Beatitudes, he shows how God values the humble, faithful, and loving people who serve others with care. Even small acts of love and prayer can make us reflect God’s mercy and bring real joy, peace, and fulfillment in our lives.

Today’s homily reflects on the life of Saint John Bosco and the story of King David’s repentance after being confronted by the prophet Nathan. We are invited to see God’s response to sin—not as punishment, but as mercy that allows us to experience the consequences of our choices so that we can be healed. Drawing from the message of Fatima and Sister Lucia’s words, this homily reminds us that God continually calls us back through repentance, prayer, and penance, leading us away from destruction and toward life, holiness, and peace.