Praying Persistently for Others – Nov 18 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 18, 2025, where he reflects on the Gospel account of Zacchaeus to highlight God's boundless mercy and the call to pray for sinners, while celebrating the dedication of St. Peter and St. Paul Basilicas as reminders to adorn our souls as temples of faith.

In his homily, Father draws from the story of Zacchaeus to show how Jesus seeks out each person by name, offering redemption no matter how far we've strayed. He encourages us not to despair in sin but to turn to Confession for renewal. Father also urges praying for those living against Christ's teachings, recalling Our Lady's message from Fatima. On this feast day, he celebrates the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, built over the Apostles' tombs, as symbols of faith's triumph over the Roman Empire. These remind us that through Baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells in our souls, which we should beautify with virtues for eternity. Finally, Father calls us to witness our faith fearlessly, inspired by the Apostles' sacrifices.

Further Reading:

Our Lady of Fatima - Message on praying for souls - https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000626_message-fatima_en.html
CCC 1265 - Baptism's indwelling Trinity - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1265.htm
St. Peter and St. Paul - Apostolic martyrdom sites - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-peter-and-paul/
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Bodies as God's temple - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/3

Ave Maria!

Mass: Dedication of St. Peters and Pauls Basilicas - Opt Mem - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St. _Peter%27s_Basilica
Readings: Tuesday 33rd Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111825.cfm
1st: 2ma 6:18-31
Resp: psa 3:2-8
Gsp: luk 19:1-10

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1198&r=1554

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