This sermon critiques the popular advice "be true to yourself," arguing it can lead to self-centered decision-making. Using Jesus's parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, the preacher advocates for honest self-knowledge that acknowledges both good and bad aspects of ourselves, seeking God's guidance rather than relying solely on personal instincts. [30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C]
Not only persistent prayer, but persistent dedication to truth and justice and faith that these might prevail with God's help are required of Christians. This is illustrated by the widow’s relentless demand for justice from the unjust judge. It challenges believers to stand up against injustice, hold truth accountable, and pursue communal truth-seeking, rooted in scripture. Faithfulness and courage are essential when confronting power and injustice in society.
This reflection contrasts truth used as political instrument with truth that liberates the soul. Politicians often curate facts to persuade and gain power; by contrast, the Gospel’s “truth will set you free” describes truths that reshape identity. Using the healed leper as an example, the talk shows how genuine gratitude—especially directed to God—reveals our dependence, exposes entitlement, and transforms how we see ourselves and others. Cultivating gratitude turns gifts into formative experiences, teaching us to speak and live truthfully rather than treat people as means to power. [28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C]
Reflecting on Naaman’s cleansing and Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers, this homily contrasts merely seeing facts with embracing the truth behind them—the latter can be transformative. That is why one grateful leper was saved—not just healed of his disease. In the same way, in the second reading Paul’s call to hold fast to truth leads to life, and turning away from truth leads nowhere.
This reflection by Megan McElroy, OP explores the need for modern prophets who speak truth to power and challenge complacency. Drawing from scripture and figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Dorothy Day, McElroy suggests we must each examine whether we're called to be prophets today. True prophets are discerned through their fruits—love, peace, and justice—and their willingness to speak difficult truths despite personal cost.
