Fr. David Hogan

Episode 334: Ascension is Not Absence

The Ascension of the Lord In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus' final words before His glorious Ascension into heaven: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations."  Though this was part of God's plan, there is a tempting belief that Jesus has now abandoned us. Think about our prayer lives. The times we are most distracted and experience deafening silence for long periods of time, this lie is reinforced.  Notice, Jesus is not saying "Good luck." But "Behold I am with you always, until the end of the age. Jesus ascended into glory, yet He give us the hope and courage to follow Him wherever that may lead. Scripture Readings for May 17, 2026 Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20

Episode 333: Saints in Training

Fifth Sunday in Easter God does not work with finished projects. Rather, He builds them. Like a construction site, which is messy, loud, unfinished, yet purposeful. So too, is the Church in the world today. St. Peter reminds you and I that we are living stones being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.  The only place we find real life is in Jesus Christ. Where are you in this journey? Are you resisting Jesus either subtly or intentionally? Our foundation is built upon a personal relationship rooted in Jesus Christ, loving concretely, and serving wherever our lives may take us.  Scripture Readings for May 3, 2026 Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12

Episode 332: The Shepherd Summons

Fourth Sunday in Easter As the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday, it is important to take the time to reflect upon your calling or vocation. Vocation (Vocare) means a call or summons. In John 10, Jesus says, " My sheep hear my voice...and they follow me." Life in Christ is not an escape from suffering. It is a transformation of suffering. The easy road avoids suffering whereas the Shepherd leads us through it to freedom. The wide road is easy to walk-but it never leads you home. Only the voice you follow will decide the man or woman you become.  Scripture Reading for April 26, 2026 Acts 2:14, 36-41 Psalm 23: 1-6 1 Peter 2:20-25 John 10:1-10

Episode 331: Their Eyes Were Opened

Third Sunday in Easter Have you ever walked away from something thinking, "I didn't get anything out of that." Unfortunately, that is how many people experience Mass. "I go...but I do not feel anything." In our Gospel for today, the two disciples leaving Jerusalem felt the same way. They just witnessed the greatest event in history...and walked away empty. The problem is not the Mass. The problem is expecting feelings instead of recognizing reality. Therefore, come to Mass with one prayer: "Lord open my eyes..." Jesus is present at the Mass substantially, body, blood, soul, and divinity whether you feel it or not. Scripture Readings for April 19, 2026 Acts 2:14, 22-33 Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 1 Peter 1:17-21 Luke 24:13-35

Episode 330: He Is Truly Risen

The Resurrection of the Lord The Mass of Easter Day On Easter Sunday, we proclaim with joy that Jesus Christ is risen, and death no longer has the final word. The empty tomb is not just an event of the past, but a living invitation to new life here and now. In every place of darkness, sin, or despair, the Resurrection declares that hope is real and victory is possible.  As disciples, we are called to live as people of the Resurrection—marked by faith, courage, and love. Let us go forth today not as people of the tomb, but as witnesses to the risen Lord. Scripture Readings for April 5, 2026 Acts 10:34, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 John 20:1-9