St Anthony Mary Claret, Reforming Hardened Hearts – Oct 24 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 24, 2025, where he reflects on Jesus' lament over hardened hearts that fail to recognize Him, highlights the life and courageous reforms of St. Anthony Mary Claret, and encourages devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for strength in faith.

Jesus was sad because people could read the weather signs but couldn't see that He, the Savior, was right there with them—their hearts were too closed off. He urges us to keep our hearts open to the Holy Spirit's help so we can follow the right path to heaven and grow closer to God. The homily honors St. Anthony Mary Claret, a brave Spanish bishop who went to Cuba to clean up bad influences in society and the Church, like closing down places or ill repute, even facing death threats for it. He was a powerful preacher on topics like dressing modestly to avoid imitating the devil, performed exorcisms, and even predicted events like deaths and crop failures. Later, he served as confessor to Spain's queen, wrote books to help people follow Jesus, supported the Pope's infallibility, but ended up in exile and suffering. Finally, he calls us to ask St. Claret's help to be bold in sharing our faith, turning to Mary's pure heart for courage.

For Further Reading:

Luke 12:54-56 - NAB - Jesus laments hypocrites who read weather signs but not the time. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?54
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1831 - Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Explanation of how the Spirit guides and sanctifies believers. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a7.htm#1831
Catechism of the Catholic Church 497 - Mary's Immaculate Conception - Description of Mary's sinless heart and devotion to it. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#496
Catholic Encyclopedia - St. Anthony Mary Claret - Biography of his life, reforms, and exile. - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01623b.htm
Wikipedia - Anthony Mary Claret - Historical overview of his Cuban bishopric and prophecies. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Mary_Claret

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Anthony Mary Claret - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1452
Readings: Friday 29th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102425.cfm
1st: rom 7:18-25
Resp: psa 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
Gsp: luk 12:54-59

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1184&r=1533

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