Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, our second reading today on this Feast of the Epiphany, says this: “The mystery was made known to me by revelation” (Ephesians 3:3).

I love the fact that Saint Matthew includes in his Gospel this scene of John the Baptist doubting whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

A couple weeks ago I gave a homily, “Church History Part III: The Church in America.” I’d like to repeat some of that here, for the Catholic Church in America embodies the line from Isaiah in our first reading this weekend: “a shoot shall sprout from the stump.” Catholicism in America was a shoot that has become a blossom.

Those of you who know me know that my typical response to a question or problem someone will pose is “Have you prayed about that? Have you asked Jesus?” Often the answer I receive from the person is, “Yes,” to which my retort is, “And what did Jesus say?” The reply: “I don’t know.” When I ask for elaboration, what I get is: “I didn’t/don’t hear Jesus say anything.”

The other day I overheard during our school’s morning drop-off the song “I just can’t wait to be king” from The Lion King. I think we all whistle that tune subconsciously, and justifiably so. For when we are baptized, we are baptized into Christ’s kingship. This is why the newly baptized is anointed on the head with the Sacred Chrism, resembling a coronation.

Jesus makes this prediction in this weekend’s Gospel: “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

I gave a brief lesson in ancient Church history in my homily a couple weeks ago, and I feel compelled to repeat some of that here, since today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The way All Souls Day last Sunday trumped what would have been the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, this weekend, the Lateran Feast trumps what would have been the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

This Sunday we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). Because November 2nd falls on a Sunday, it trumps what would have been the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time. Instead of reflecting on Zacchaeus, who would have been the subject of the Gospel, we’re reflecting on death and the afterlife.

I think most of us look to this Sunday’s Gospel scene with fondness. The Pharisee is proud that he fasts twice a week, pays tithes, and doesn’t sin.

What do you do when it is hard to pray? When you’re confused about something and in your head about a variety of options you could possibly take, and talking to God seems to only add to the confusion? It’s as if God is giving you just another opinion that has its pros and cons. Praying can actually be somewhat detrimental to your peace.

The return of the leper to give thanks to God is one of the first Gospel stories I can recall from my earliest days.

I read recently a study that mentioned mustard seeds have radioprotective qualities. An experiment was conducted where a bunch of different seeds were put under radiation and the mustard seed was the only seed that wasn’t deformed.

In the canon law class I teach weekly up at the seminary, we recently covered the topic of criminal law in the church.

The phrase “rock bottom” comes to mind when praying about this Gospel passage (and also reflecting on the Chicago Bears, but that’s another story).

We often use the word “consolation” in prayer. Someone in spiritual consolation feels close to God and sees evidence of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their life.

Jesus says in the Gospel today, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” He can’t actually mean this, right?

I mentioned a couple weeks ago in my homily about how many Japanese soldiers in World War II admitted, after the war, that the guns and anti-aircraft weapons they were firing were blanks.

Our passage from the Letter to the Hebrews this weekend gives us an important principle to remember: God challenges those who are good. “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.”

Some people will love the readings this weekend. Some will hate them.

In my homily last Sunday I spoke about the five different ways to connect to God.