Archive of "The Unauthorized Homily" column

By Bill Dunn

A commentary on the Gospel reading from the Sunday Lectionary

Knowing About God Not the Same as Knowing God
Sad Anniversary and 'Generation Juno'
The Eucharist Transforms Lives (part 12)
A Personal Relationship with Jesus (part 11)
Why Sacraments? (part 10)
Is It Idolatry? (part 9)
Where Is the Reverence God Deserves? (part 8)
The Eucharist and the Protestant Reformation (part 7)
But How Can It Be? (part 6)
The Early Church - First Few Centuries (part 5)
The Early Church and the Eucharist (part 4)
John 6: Eat My Body, Drink My Blood (part 3)
Jesus' Teachings: Figurative or Literal? (part2)
Major Difference of Opinion (part 1)
The Two Great Commandments
When Political Power Is Threatened, Opponent Must Be Destroyed
Acceptance of Hard Times An Unknown Concept
Jesus Confronts Sin With a Compelling Story
Despite Complexities, Christianity Is Simple
The Lord's Love Is Unfair and Foolish -- Thank God!
Ten-Year Anniversary and Conflicting Gospel Message
Jesus Tells Us To Confront Sin
St. Peter Goes from Champ to Chump
Who Is Jesus?
Why Should We Pray?
Peace and Quiet Needed to Hear the Lord
God's Love Conquers Sin and Death
God Works All Things for Good
Jesus Says Hell Is Real
The Word of God Gives Life
Hard to Please Everybody
Body and Blood of Christ Still a Hard Teaching
God's Grace Needed to Avoid Factions
Holy Spirit Makes Us God's Children
What Think Ye of Christ?
Always Be Ready With an Explanation
The Scandal of Exclusivity
Peace and Joy Possible in This World, Too
Sad and Confused? Open Up the Word
Thomas Turns Doubt Into Faith
Focus on Risen Lord Rather Than Religion of Me-ism
The Real Presence Is Really Real
Jesus Showed His Emotions
God Is Not Impressed By Appearances
Samaritan Woman Finally Finds True Love
Transfiguration Points to Supernatural Realm
Why Repent When You're So Wonderful?
Jesus Speaks On Doctrine of Assurance
Despite Serious Challenges, the Good Guys Win
Love Our Enemies? Jesus Must Be Kidding
Jesus Offers Strong Words About Lust
Our Attitude Must Be Meek and Humble
No Time for Despair -- We're On the Winning Side
Matthew Emphasized Fulfilled Prophecies
If God Is For Israel, Who Can Be Against Her?
Baptism of the Lord Fulfills All Righteousness
God 'Reveals' That Deism Can't Be True
Forgiveness the Key to Family Peace and Love
The Virgin Birth Is Still a Scandal
A Little Doubt Can Help Build Faith
The Most Important Question in the World
Time to be Prepared for Cataclysmic Change
Where Are All the Men?
Prayer Warriors Have Heavenly Reunion
If There Is No Resurrection, Then Who Cares?
Little Man Offers Big Lesson
A New Era of Christian Persecution?
A Lesson In Persistence
The Attitude of Gratitude Brings Happiness
A Master Waiting On the Servant? Preposterous
We've Been Given More Than Enough Warning
Puzzling Parable Perplexes Pundit
We Must Identify with Prodigal Son's Father
Jesus' Message Is Radical
Jesus Teaches About Pride, Vanity, and Facebook
Perseverance vs. Assurance
Don't Make Wrong Assumption About Mary
Where (and What) Is Your Treasure?
Selfishness and Greed Not Just For Kids
God Is Not A Cruel Drill Sergeant
Martha Not the Only Anxious Complainer
Hidden Message In Well-Known Parable
Missionary Work Still Needed Among the Wolves
Is Salvation By Faith or Works ... or What?
No Denominations In Heaven
Forgiveness Is Awesome, But Sin Still Hurts
Jesus' Body & Blood the Most Important Sacrament
Profound Truth Found in Simple Lesson
God Is Not A Deist
Jesus Wants Us To Share Our Faith With Others
Peace and Serenity Possible In This World
More Scandals Test the Faithful
Jewish-Christian Relations Often Strained
Are We Obeying God Or Obeying Men?
Doubting Thomas Learned Resurrection Is Real
The Resurrection Makes Life Meaningful
Peter and Judas: Similar But Very Different
More Lessons In Forgiveness
Prodigal Father's Behavior As Scandalous As Son
Jesus Says We Must Repent -- Or Perish
Citizens of Heaven Get Ready for 'Bad Ol' Days'
Can Catholics Be Saved?
Young Pup Reminds Us Resurrection Is the Key
The Simon Peter Chronicles, Chapter 2
What Did Jesus Know?
Rediscovering God's Word Leads to Joy
Mom's Request Saves the Party
Baptism of the Lord: Divinity Revealed
The Joy of Jesus
Holy Family Experienced Pain and Sorrow
Essays of Christmas Past
War Against Christmas Now War Against Christianity
2nd Sunday of Advent: Time for Basic Knowledge
Advent: A Good Time To Examine Priorities
The King of Kings Demonstrates Power in Weakness
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Desperate 'Widowhood' Now Encouraged by Modern Culture
Beatitude Promises Persecution
Founding Fathers Not Blind To Importance of Faith
God Is Near and He Does Care
Rich Man Chooses Fleeting Wealth Rather Than Eternal Life
More Hard Teachings, and More Hard Feelings
Millstones for Sale - One Size Fits All
Disciples Were Far From Perfect
We Must Think As God Does
Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
Commandments Repeated for a Reason
Focus on Big Picture, Not Single 'Hard' Issue
We Must Not Be Foolish in These Evil Days
Kindness and Compassion Trump Bitterness and Anger
Follow the Dude with the Food
Despite Differences, Christians Must Be Unified
Woe to Shepherds Who Call Evil Good
Trusting God Is Hard
Faith Needed for Miracles
Don't Worry, Be Faithful
Faith and Fear on the High Seas
The Real Presence of the Body and Blood
Trinity Sunday and the Great Commission
One Body, Many Parts
Battlefield Update: Satan Is Winning, Christians Are Snoozing
God's Love Offered To Everyone
Jesus Can Transform the Worst Sinners
God's Inclusive Exclusivity
God Is Not an Impartial Judge
The 'Acts 4:32 Household' May Be Wave of the Future
Happy Easter, and Ho! Ho! Ho!
Passion Sunday - Worldviews Matter More Than Ever
Moment of Truth Is Now
God's Love Is Overwhelming
Ignore Commandments At Your Own Risk
Unscientific Apostles Were Not Morons
A Basic Outline of the Gospel
Jesus Heals Body and Soul
God Is All Powerful AND All Good
Prayer Is the Source of Strength
Knowing About God Not the Same As Knowing God
Zebedee's Story
Christianity At Odds With 'Whateverism'
Faith Is a Two-Sided Coin
'Slaughter of the Innocents' Not a Pleasant Topic
Simeon's Saga
Perfect Submission to God's Will
Identity of Jesus Is Key - Part 2
The Identity of Jesus Is Key
Is Faith Being 'Expelled' This Christmas Season?
Are You a Sheep Or a Goat?
Are You Using Your Talent?
Don't Try This At Home
All Saints, All Souls, and Life After Death
God's Law Is Simple
When Political Power Is Threatened, Opponent Must Be Destroyed
God Shows No Favorites -- We're All the Same
Skillful Debate Reveals Wisdom of God
What Is the Father's Will?
Never Too Late for Workers in the Vineyard
For Better or Verse
Watchmen Have Duty to Sound Alarm
Following Christ Can Be Tough These Days
Jesus Is the Son of God -- Yabba Dabba Do!
The 'Good News' Is for the Whole World
Quiet Solitude Needed for Effective Prayer
Death Not Final, But It Still Hurts
Sell All To Buy Priceless Possession
Give Jesus 90 Seconds, He'll Give You the Full Story
Parable of the Sower Touches Home
Being a Slave to Sin Is Hard Work
It's Time for the Church to Attack
World Views In Conflict
True Shepherds in Short Supply
The Message Is Still 'Mercy Not Sacrifice'
We Must Know and Follow God's Word
The 'New' Seven Deadly Sins Not So Impressive
Transformed by the Holy Spirit - Part 3
Transformed by the Holy Spirit - Part 2
Transformed by the Holy Spirit - Part 1
St. Peter Must've Been On Drugs
Jesus: The Most Politically Incorrect Person in History - Part 3
Jesus: The Most Politically Incorrect Person in History - Part 2
Jesus: The Most Politically Incorrect Person in History - Part 1
Disciples Grow in Courage and Conviction
'Easter-Only Catholics' Invited Back Next Week
The Final Act Turns Tragedy Into Triumph
Resurrection Is the Heart of Christianity
Blind Man Sees in More Ways Than One
Samaritan Woman Was an Honest Seeker
Who Is Jesus?
Temptation and Sin
Beatitude Promises Persecution
(All) Disciples Are Called to be 'Fishers of Men'
Understanding Jesus' Identity Is Crucial
The Baptism of the Lord
Epiphany: Messiah Revealed to the World
Holiday Stress Hurts Families
God Reveals Himself Through the Incarnation
A Little Doubt Can Help Build Faith
Have We Become a 'Brood of Vipers'?
Not Popular, But Judgment Is Real
The King Is Dead -- Long Live the King
Jesus Offers Profound Message: 'Lighten Up!'
If There Is No Resurrection, Then Who Cares?
Little Man Offers Big Lesson
Jesus Warns Against Pride
Persistent, Pestering Prayer
More on the 'The Attitude of Gratitude'
Servant Should Have Attitude of Gratitude
We've Been Given More Than Enough Warning
Do You Serve God or Mammon?
Repent and All of Heaven Will Rejoice
Jesus' Message Is Radical
Jesus Says: Quid Pro No
A Big Mouth Raises Disturbing Questions
Cheshire Murders Highlight Battle of Worldviews
Can Episcopal Priest Be Both Christian and Muslim?
Greed Is Idolatry
God Is Not a Cruel Drill Sergeant
Are You a Mary or a Martha?
Hidden Message in Well-Known Parable
Even in Secular Society, We Are Called To Witness
Guest Homilist Feels Good
Special Calling Not Just For Biblical Heroes
Forgiveness Is Awesome, But Sin Still Hurts
Angry Atheists Launch Bold Attack on Faith
Profound Truth Found in Simple Lesson
The Long Lost 29th Chapter of 'Acts'
Brooding Over Ignorant Christians
Favorite Sister Raises Difficult Questions
Screwtape Visits Connecticut
Do Subjective Feelings Equal Objective Truth?
Why Was Jesus So Secretive?
Oh Brother, Seeing Is Believing
Media Mockers Can't Change Reality
Awful Friday Became Good on Sunday
Let the One Without Sin Cast the First Stone
Prodigal Father's Behavior As Scandalous As Son's
Jesus Says We Must Repent -- Or Perish
Getting Ready for the Transfiguration
The Temptation of Jesus
We're Commanded to Love Our Enemies
Beatitudes Beautiful Only if the Resurrection Is True
Despite Fears, Laity Must Share Gospel
Jesus' Divinity Trumps Arrogant Statements
Power of the Spirit Available to All
Jesus Turned Water Into...Grape Juice?
God 'Reveals' That Deism Can't Be True
Feast of the Holy Heart Attack
Essays of Christmas Past
Wheat and Chaff at the Final Judgment
The Most Important Question in the World
Advent Season Points Toward Second Coming
The King of Truth
Jesus Discusses the End of the World
Is God Impressed With Our Giving?
Jesus Needed Only Two Commandments
The 'J' Word Can Get You In Trouble
To Be Great, Be A Servant
Rich Man Chooses Wealth Rather Than Eternal Life
What God Has Joined Let No Man Separate
Millstones For Sale -- One Size Fits All
Disciples Were Far From Perfect
We Must Think As God Does
Don't Flunk Important Pop Quiz
Evil Comes From Within
Focus On Big Picture, Not Single 'Hard' Issue
The Truth About Jesus' Identity
The Bread of Life or a Cool Dude? You Decide
Personal Opinion Tells Compelling Story
Childlike Faith Feed 5,000
'Rest A While' vs. Information Overload
'Two-By-Two' Beats Lone Ranger Every Time
Christian Ministry Is Sacrifice and Struggle
Jesus Reversed the Curse
Faith and Fear on the High Seas
The Real Presence of the Body and Blood
Trinity Sunday and the Great Commission
Pentecost and 'The Da Vinci Code'
'Gospel of Judas' Betray an Anti-Christian Bias
God Is Love
'I AM' Says Abide In Me
God's Inclusive Exclusivity
Grace Is Offered to U2
'Acts 4:32 Household' May Be Wave of the Future
Focus on Risen Lord Rather than Religion of Me-ism
Part 6: The Awakening?
Part 5: The Intercession
Part 4: The Review
Part 3: The Reunion
Part 2: The Judgment
Part 1: The Passage
No Fasting While the Bridegroom Is Here
Fools for Christ Don't Care What Others Say
God Is All Powerful and All Good
Job: A Study of Faith Despite Suffering
More Difficult Teachings on Marriage
Confusing Verse Requires Much Research
We Are Greater Than John the Baptist
Magi Had Little Information But Great Faith
Mary: Mother of Jesus, Mother of God
The Secular War Against You-Know-What
Perfect Submission to God's Will
John the Baptist's Final Diary Entry
John the Baptist's Personal Diary
With Commercial Clutter and Secular Censors, Jesus Is Hard to Find
Christ the King Is All Powerful - And a Little Frightening
The Proverbial Wonder Woman
Death Is No Laughing Matter
Is Calling a Man 'Father' a Sin?
The Two Great Commandments
Render Unto Caesar
Acceptance of Hard Times an Unknown Concept
God Offers Peace, Even In Anxious Times
Despite Complexities, Christianity Is Simple
God Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Forgiveness Is the Key to Heaven
Jesus Tells Us To Confront Sin
Be Not Conformed to This Age
Who Is Jesus?
On the Origin of Specious
Peace and Quiet Needed to Hear the Lord Speak
God's Love Conquers Sin and Death
God Works All Things For Good
Jesus Says Hell Is Real
Parable of the Sower Touches Home
Hard to Please Everybody
No Room for 'Patronizing Nonsense'
World Views in Conflict
The Harvest Is Abundant, But Where Are The Laborers?
Jesus Seeks Sinners - Perfect People Not Welcomed
Body & Blood of Christ Still a Hard Teaching
God's Grace Needed to Avoid Factions
The Long Lost 29th Chapter of 'Acts'
What Think Ye of Christ?
Always Be Ready With an Explanation
Do Subjective Feelings Equal Objective Truth?
Peace and Joy Possible in This World, Too
Sad and Confused? Open Up the Word
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part III)
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part II)
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part I)
Resurrection is the Heart of Christianity
God Not Impressed By Appearances
Dear Diary: Greetings From Samaria
It's Easy to Obey God, Except When It's Not
Why Repent When You're So Wonderful?
Our Attitude Must Be Meek and Humble
Pride Is the Deadliest of All Sins
Matthew Emphasized Fulfilled Prophecies
If God Is For Israel, Who Can Be Against It?
Baptism of the Lord Fulfills All Righteousness
Epiphany: God's Salvation Revealed to Foreigners
Holiday Stress Hurts Families
The Virgin Birth Is Still A Scandal
A Call To Action
The Keys To Happiness
What Happens On The Other Side Of Eternity?
Where Are All The Men?
The Heir Is Not Apparent
Thy Will or My Will Be Done?
Stuck in the 'Sunday Morning Ghetto'
The 'Big 3' Attack Christian Worldview
First Amendment Does Not Grant Freedom From Religion
Why Do Christians So Often Act Like Pagans?
Worldviews Are Mutually Exclusive
Five Different Worldviews - Only One Makes Sense
Theism: The God Who Communicates With Us
Deism: The Distant, Indifferent God
Polytheism and Pantheism
Atheism: Nature Is All There Is
Are 'Religious Nuts' Ruining American Society?
Shining Example of Faith and Trust
Drawing Closer to God Can Be 'Fun' and 'Exciting'
Greed Is Idolatry
Persistent, Pestering Prayer
Surrounded By a Great Cloud of Witnesses
Is 'The Bible Alone' Biblical?
A Visit From an Old Friend
Is Salvation by Faith or Works ... or What?
No Denominations in Heaven
The Body and Blood: Super Symbol or Super-Natural?
Holy Spirit Teaches Truth
Holy Spirit Makes Us God's Children
Jesus Wants Us To Share Our Faith With Others
Peace and Serenity Possible in this World
This World Is Not Our Home
Jewish-Christian Relations Often Strained
Are We Obeying God or Obeying Men?
Thomas Turns Doubt Into Faith
The Resurrection Makes Life Meaningful
Attacks on 'The Passion' Based on Secular World-View
More Lessons in Forgiveness
'Prodigal Son' Contains Many Lessons
What Can We Do About Immoral Culture?
Halftime Show Disgusting? Says Who?
Can Catholics Be Saved?
Love Enemies? You Gotta Be Kidding Me
Secular Humanists Deny Reality
Biblical Heroes Answer the Call
Speaking the Truth in Love
Every Part of the Body of Christ Is Important
Mom's Request Saves the Party
Baptism of the Lord: Divinity Revealed
Epiphany: Messiah Revealed to the World
Forgiveness the Key to Family Peace and Love
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come
Christmas Joy Found in Quiet, Prayerful Places
To Receive Joy, Give Joy
It's the Mossst De-press-ing Time ... of the Year
Grief, Loads, and Angry Toads
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Don't Try This at Home
Mankind's Most Frightening Problem Solved
Founding Fathers Not Blind to Importance of Faith
God Is Near and He Does Care
A Honda Through the Eye of a Needle
Two Shall Become One Flesh
Gospel Message More Important than Denominational Differences
The Last Shall Be First
Love and Righteousness
Some Sins Are Worse Than Others
Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law
Time for the 'Sex Talk'
Is the Real Presence Really Present?
Unhappiness Caused by Selfishness and Fear
Count Your Blessings
We're Called To Feed the Hungry
Shepherds Held to Higher Standard
Witnesses Wanted: No Training Required
New Morning Drive-Time Host
Who Is Jesus?
The Blood of the New Covenant
Trinity Sunday and the Great Commission
The Long Lost 29th Chapter of 'Acts'
The Church Is Not an Exclusive Social Club
God's Love Offered to Everyone
Jesus Can Transform the Worst of Sinners
God's Inclusive Exclusivity
God Is Not an Impartial Judge
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part III)
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part II)
A Connecticut Yankee in King Jesus' Court (part I)
Moment of Truth Is Now
God's Love is Overwhelming
Ignore Commandments at Your Own Risk
Unscientific Apostles Were Not Morons
A Basic Outline of the Gospel
No Fasting While the Bridegroom Is Here
Jesus Heals Body and Soul
Dr. Jesus Offers Instant Cure
Prayer Is the Source of Strength
Simeon's Saga
Zebedee's Story
Christianity at Odds with 'Whateverism'
Faith is a Two-Sided Coin
Time Marches On, But Jesus Has a Solution
Why Jesus Came
Perfect Submission to God's Will
Identity of Jesus is the Key -- Part 2
The Identity of Jesus is the Key
It's Hard to Find Jesus Amid Christmas Clutter
Are You a Sheep or a Goat?
Are You Using Your Talent?
Be Prepared for the Most Important Day
Practicing What We Preach
God's Law Is Simple
Render Unto Caesar
God Shows No Favorites - We're All the Same
Skillful Debate Reveals Wisdom of God
What Is the Father's Will?
God Is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Forgiveness Is the Key to Heaven
Watchman Has a Duty to Sound Alarm
Following Christ Can Be Tough These Days
Jesus is the Son of God (Yabba Dabba Do)
Why Should We Pray?
Quiet Solitude Needed for Effective Prayer
Death Not Final, But It Still Hurts
Sell All to Buy Priceless Possession
Jesus Says Hell Is Real
The Word of God Gives Life
Being a Slave to Sin Is Hard Work
Amazing Discover: Sin Is Real
World Views in Conflict
Harvest is Abundant, But Where Are the Laborers?
Mercy, Not Sacrifice
A Stunning Victory Over the (Blue) Devils
Holy Trinity Beyond Comprehension
One Body -- Many Parts
Suffering, Fortitude, and Charlie Chubbo Christians
St. Peter Must've Been On Drugs
Drowning in a Sea of Administrative Duties
The Scandal of Exclusivity
Can't Have Christianity Without the Old Testament
Disciples Grow in Courage and Conviction
How Do You Repay Such a Debt?
Final Act Turns Tragedy Into Triumph
Jesus Shows His Emotions
Blind Man Sees In More Ways Than One
The Samaritan Woman Was An Honest Seeker
Who Is Jesus?
Temptation and Sin
Salt and Light to the World
Beatitude Promises Persecution
Disciples Are Called To Be Fishers of Men
Understanding Jesus' Identity is Crucial
Baptism of the Lord
The Three Wise Guys
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
God Reveals Himself Through the Incarnation
A Little Doubt Can Help Build Faith
Have We Become a 'Brood of Vipers'?
Stop Procrastinating Before It's Too Late
The King is Dead - Long Live the King
Heavenly Reunion
If There Is No Resurrection, Then Who Cares?
Little Man Offers Big Lesson
Jesus Warns Against Pride
A Lesson in Persistence
The Attitude of Gratitude
A Master Waiting on the Servant? Preposterous
We've Been Given More Than Enough Warning
Puzzling Parable Perplexes Pundit
Repent and All of Heaven Will Rejoice
Jesus' Message is Radical
Jesus Says: Quid Pro No
A Big Mouth Raises Disturbing Question
The Truth Can Cause Division
Where (and What) is Your Treasure?
Selfishness and Greed Not Just for Kids
God is Not a Cruel Drill Sergeant
Are You a Mary or a Martha?
Hidden Message in Well-Known Parable
Missionary Work Still Needed
Cost of Discipleship is High
John the Baptist's Humble Passion
Time Slows Down Before Moment of Truth
The Holy Trinity is Beyond Comprehension
God is Not a Deist
Jesus' Prayer for Unity
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
Screwtape Visits Connecticut
Do Subjective Feelings Equal Objective Truth?
Why Was Jesus So Secretive?
Seeing Is Believing
Happy Easter and Ho! Ho! Ho!
Awful Friday Becomes Good on Sunday
Let the One Without Sin Cast the First Stone
Sorrow Turns to Glee for Prodigal Son's Father
All Sincere Paths Lead to Heaven, Right?
Getting Ready for the Transfiguration
The Temptation of Jesus
Jesus Describes Slapstick Hypocrite
Loving Enemies Requires Special Love
Blessings, Woes, and Cosmic Justice
Conflict Churns in the Heart
'But We've Always Done It That Way'
Power of Spirit Available to All
Marriage Takes Three
The Joy of Jesus
Feast of the Holy Heart Attack
Ho Ho Ho! And Happy Easter
Wheat and Chaff at the Final Judgment
The Most Important Question in the World
Advent Points Toward Second Coming
The King of Truth
Jesus Discusses the End of the World
Is God Impressed With Our Giving?
Jesus Needed Only Two Commandments
Founding Fathers Not Blind
To Be Great, Be a Servant
Rich Man Chooses Wealth Over Life
Jesus Speaks on Divorce
Millstones for Sale
Disciples Were Far From Perfect
We Must Think As God Does
Don't Flunk Pop Quiz
Evil Comes From Within
Focus on Big Picture, Not Single Hard Issue
The True Spiritual Battle in the 21st Century
Bread of Life or a Cool Dude?
Transfiguration Points to Supernatural
Childlike Faith: Boy's Lunch Feeds 5,000
Rest Awhile vs. Information Overload
Trusting God is Hard
Faith Needed for Miracles
Don't Worry, Be Faithful
 
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