St. John Neumann & Daily Conversion – Jan 05 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 05, 2026, reflecting on the Epiphany's light of Christ entering our lives through Baptism and daily conversion, urging us to avoid harmful influences like Herod while honoring St. John Neumann's zeal in serving Jesus.

In this homily during Christmastide after Epiphany, Father reminds us of the great gift of Jesus, the Child in the manger, who is a light for the world. The Gospel shows people in darkness seeing this great light, revealed yesterday through the Magi's adoration. This light comes to us via Baptism and our daily walk with Christ, and we are called to share it everywhere. Today's Gospel highlights Jesus' immediate call to repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, inspiring us to daily conversion, growing in love for God, following Christ more closely, and detaching from sin. Father emphasizes avoiding bad influences like Herod, who sought Christ's death and represents anything that kills divine life in our souls. He also honors St. John Neumann, the short but zealous Bishop of Philadelphia from Bohemia, a Redemptorist who built parishes and schools until his death around 1860. Father shares his visit to Neumann's shrine and asks for his intercession for renewed dedication to Christ in the new year.

For Further Reading:
Isaiah 9:1 - People in darkness see light - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/9?1
Matthew 2:12 - Magi avoid returning Herod - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2?12
CCC 1212 - Baptism necessary for salvation - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1.htm#1212
CCC 1427 - Conversion interior disposition change - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1427
St. John Neumann - Franciscan Media biography - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-neumann/

Ave Maria!

Mass: Mon post Epiphany or Jan 7 - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010526.cfm
1st: 1jo 3:22-4:6
Resp: psa 2:7bc-8, 10-12a
Gsp: mat 4:12-17, 23-25

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1322

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