A Homily for Christmas Day 2024 In a late essay, reflecting on Luke chapter 2, verse 7: "...because there was no room for them in the inn," Thomas Merton wrote: "Those that lament the fact that there is no room for God must also be called to account for this. Have they perhaps added to … Continue reading Hail Space for the Uncontained God
Author: frjcoop
Fr. Jeff Cooper, CSC is a Roman Catholic Priest and a religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross (US Province). Fr. Jeff has spent most of his ministry in the work of formation and education. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Spirituality. He currently serves as Director of Novices at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Colorado.
The Ordinary Unexpected Joy
A Homily for Gaudete Sunday (The 3rd Sunday of Advent) Today is Gaudete Sunday and we are kindly invited to "Rejoice!" But what exactly is this "joy" we are called to make manifest? The prophet Zephaniah exclaims: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!" The prophet Isaiah encourages us to: "Cry out with joy and gladness." … Continue reading The Ordinary Unexpected Joy
I am Grateful
A Homily for Thanksgiving Day 2024 Have you ever been grateful for losing? Have you ever been grateful for what you've lost? Have you ever been grateful for your failures? This Thanksgiving day I think it's important to remember that gratitude is not a privilege nor is it a choice. Gratitude is not something we … Continue reading I am Grateful
God Waits!
A Homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time There is a wisdom that founds a vision and the vision opens out onto a mission and the mission requires we take the risk of faith. We read today in the Book of the prophet Daniel: "But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of … Continue reading God Waits!
Thank You & Goodbye
A Homily for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time When God says to the Prophet Isaiah or to the visionary, John, in the Book of Revelation: "See, I make all things new!" Or when St. Paul tells us "all that matters now is a new creation." Do we realize that for God new means new? … Continue reading Thank You & Goodbye
“Yes”
A Homily for the 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time He only needed to say "yes." But sometimes saying "yes" can be the hardest thing to do. Jesus looked at him and loved him and that look of love is the safest place any of us could ever hope to find ourselves, but even in the … Continue reading “Yes”
Fare Forward, Voyagers
A Homily for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time "Old men ought to be explorers Here and there does not matter We must be still and still moving Into another intensity For a further union, a deeper communion. Through the dark cold and the empty desolation: The wave cry, the wind cry, the vast waters … Continue reading Fare Forward, Voyagers
A Praise of God’s Glory
A Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time The world is more than happy to step in and tell you who you are; define you by it's own limited vision. Your parents, partners and friends, your employers, your coworkers, your teachers and mentors. And some of what they say will hit the target but … Continue reading A Praise of God’s Glory
Homnification
A Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time The Christian path is neither a path of Domination nor a path of Subordination, but rather a path of Homnification. Today, in our second reading from Ephesians, we hear, what you might call, the infamous scripture passage instructing wives to be subordinate to their husbands. No … Continue reading Homnification
Blessed Exhaustion
A Homily for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time I'm exhausted! How's that for an inspirational way to begin a homily? But it's true: I'm exhausted! Some of you may know I am the novice director of our Holy Cross Novitiate just down the street from here. Last Saturday we had our most recent class … Continue reading Blessed Exhaustion
Chiaroscuro Spirituality 