Month: March 2014

Saint James the Greater Parish Lenten Mission Oklahoma City, OK

Father Tom Boyer

Opening Sunday Homily    March 30, 2014    John 9, 1-41

There is a story told about an Indian peasant who had a lifelong passion to visit Bombay. He talked about going there so often that his friends and neighbors decided to take up a collection and pay for the trip. When it was time for his departure the whole community gathered at the edge of town to wish him well. He thanked everyone and started walking down the road to Bombay to fulfill his dream. To everyone’s surprise, he returned much earlier than expected. When they asked him if something had happened to keep him from reaching the city, he answered, “Nothing,” assuring them that the trip had gone well and he had seen Bombay. … more »

Funeral Homily for Max Hollman – March 29, 2014 – Cathedral of Our Lady, Oklahoma City

Father Tom Boyer

2 Corinthians 5, 6-8 + Mark 5, 21-43

 If we understand the words of this Gospel correctly, then we can say with all the confidence with which Jesus spoke: “Max is not dead. He is asleep.” What lies before us in this holy place is not Max. What we have placed before this altar where Max was fed on the Body and Blood of Christ is not Max. It is the remains of what was given to Max and what Max used so well to live his life and grow to be a man. Each of us has a personal sorrow on our hearts this week after the news that brings us here together. There is a mother’s sorrow beyond measure. … more »

The Fourth Sunday in Lent March 30, 2014 St James the Greater Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, OK

Father Tom Boyer

Saint James the Greater Catholic Church l Oklahoma City, OK

1 Samuel 16, 1, 6-7 + Psalm 23 + Ephesians 5, 8-14 + John 9, 1-41

There is a story told about an Indian peasant who had a lifelong passion to visit Bombay. He talked about going there so often that his friends and neighbors decided to take up a collection and pay for the trip. When it was time for his departure the whole community gathered at the edge of town to wish him well. He thanked everyone and started walking down the road to Bombay to fulfill his dream. To everyone’s surprise, he returned much earlier than expected. When they asked him if something had happened to keep him from reaching the city, he answered, “Nothing,” assuring them that the trip had gone well and he had seen Bombay. … more »

The Third Sunday in Lent March 23, 2014

Father Tom Boyer

SAINT JOSEPH OLD CATHEDRAL, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Exodus 17, 3-7 + Psalm 95 + Romans 5, 1-2, 5-8 + John 4, 5-42

John says that Jesus “had to pass” through Samaria to get from Judea to Galilee because something was going on with baptisms by his disciples in Galilee. There was probably a little competition between disciples of John and disciples of Jesus over who could baptize the most. At any rate, Jesus is headed to Galilee which is north of Judea with Samaria in between. It was probably the shortest way and may have had the best road. It would be like going to Stillwater up I-35 meaning you would have to pass through Logan County. However, there was hostility between Samaritans and Jews, and unless you were in a big hurry, it would be better to go another way. … more »