Sunday Homily: Bishop Rice

“As Catholics, we engage; we do not hide. Catholics are called to transform the culture. We have everything we need. It’s all about Jesus.” – Bishop Rice

Bishop Rice celebrated Mass with us this Sunday and began his homily discussing an article he read about our current American culture. It stated that 18-29 year olds feel a “collective emptiness.” that 47% of people 18-29 have felt depressed or hopeless, and 34% have stepped away from religion. Our culture has rejected Jesus, “the very remedy to the hopelessness and depression” they feel. Bishop Rice explained that what we as Catholics have to offer the culture is Jesus. A relationship with Christ makes life worth living. He is our refuge.

“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” CCC 27

Bishop Rice reminded us that we have everything we need to counter this collective emptiness, but where do we start? He quoted Pope Francis: “Put down the phone. Look up to God in prayer and look at each other. Our eyes are meant to look into the eyes of other people.” When we engage with others, we build community. Community gives us the strength and support to continue growing in our faith and love of Jesus, even when it’s difficult.

Finally, Bishop Rice prompted us to make a resolution at the end of this weekend. What we have experienced here shouldn’t end here. We need to bring the love of Jesus back with us to our homes, our parishes, and our communities.

Resolutions from Bishop Rice

1. Delete TikTok.
2. Go to adoration.
3. Grow in the love of Our Lady and the Rosary.
4. Grow in understanding and love for the Mass.
5. Open your heart to the forgiveness of sins more frequently in reconciliation.

“Turn to the heart of Christ where you find refuge, and then go out and witness to Christ to bear fruit 30, 60, or one hundred-fold.”