Monday of the Second Week of Advent. Father Dave discusses how the Scriptures use a reversal of fortunes. He uses the example of Mary's Magnificat in which she claims God will lift up the lowly. It is important to ask ourselves which areas in our lives need a reversal in order to grow closer to God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-10-18

Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the practical and inspiring dimensions of our faith. He reflects on today's Gospel in which Jesus says being charitable is a practical element of faith, and today's psalm which inspires us to make room for the Lord in our lives. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-26-18

Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr. Father Dave discusses the relevance of the day's readings with the current state of the Church. Saint Paul gives a list of qualities and virtues a bishop must possess. Father Dave reiterates that these qualities are essential today, and that it's important for us to come together as a Church and trust in Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-18

Thursday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave explains that it doesn't matter what we have on our resumes; we should desire to be known by our virtues. He discusses today's reading in which Saint Paul boasts in his identity in Christ. We should take inspiration from Saint Paul and do the same. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-08-18

Solemnity of All Saints. Father Dave shares that he enjoys the New York City marathon because people come together and cheer each other on. He relates this to the communion of saints, and how the saints cheer us on as we run the race towards heaven. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-01-18

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on today's reading from Mark's Gospel in which Bartimaeus, who is blind, is healed. Father Dave encourages us to ask Jesus to help us to see clearly as well. We should ask Jesus to help us see the world the way God sees it, and open our eyes to the ways in which we can serve others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-28-18

Monday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's reading from Saint Paul's letter to the Ephesians during which Paul explains that we are God's handiwork. God created us, therefore he takes pride in us, just an artist takes pride in his or her work. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-22-18

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Father Dave discusses Saint Teresa of Avila and the ways in which she inspired others to go deeper in their spiritual lives. He also explains today's Gospel in which Jesus explains that he is greater than the prophets of old, and God has much more planned. Preached at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Glen Allen, Virginia 10-15-18

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave tells a story of how monkeys are lured and trapped in the jungle by placing food in a hole and getting their hands stuck. He relates this to the ways in which we are easily trapped by sin and love of our possessions or bad habits. These things trap us, but we are able to be freed by God and use our hands to serve others. Preached at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Glen Allen, Virginia on 10-14-18

Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. In today's readings, Saint Paul calls the Galatians "stupid" and Jesus calls people "wicked." Father Dave points out that this is done to remind us of our flawed nature, and to remember who God is and what he is calling us to, especially since it's easy it is to fall off of the path. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 10-11-18

Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave compares how we follow tour guides to the way we should follow God. We should trust in his knowledge and goodness and allow ourselves to be led by him, just as today's Psalm says. Preached at San Marco Square Basilica, Venice, Italy on 10-08-18

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi. Father Dave reflects on the life of Saint Anthony of Padua and his great gift of preaching. St. Anthony trusted in the Lord's promise that his Holy Spirit would work through him. We must trust, like Saint Anthony and Saint Francis, that God will send his Spirit to help us evangelize. Preached at the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Padua, Italy on 10-04-18

Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading in which Jesus asks us to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He explains that the first reading from Job is a plea to make God great again -- to appreciate and respect the goodness of God and all of His creation. Preached at Ravenna Cathedral, Ravenna, Italy on 10-03-18

Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the gift of pilgrimage and the burden that comes along with it. He talks about the life of Saint Dominic and how his relentless preaching defeated heresies. We must be like Saint Dominic and in patience and stand up for the truths that God gives us. Preached at the Basilica of San Domenico, Bologna, Italy on 10-03-18

Monday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's first reading which talks about immorality, and the Gospel which talks about the failure of religious leaders of Jesus' time. Father Dave points out that faith needs to seek understanding. We want to understand things about our faith, and Jesus helps us to do that. It's also important to understand ourselves, and recognize the ways in which we fall short. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 9-10-18

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel in which Jesus heals the deaf man and gives him the ability to speak. He relates this to those who have spoken out in the clergy sexual abuse scandals, and shares that he recently spoke with a victim whose faith is inspiring. Jesus gives us the ability to speak, and we must not sit back and remain silent in difficult times. God promises redemption and healing, and we must walk humbly with God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 9-09-18

Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's reading from Luke's Gospel in which Jesus fills the empty nets with fish. He explains that the Apostles left everything to follow Christ. It is not enough to be amazed by Jesus' words and works. Discipleship requires leaving ourselves behind. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 8-06-18

Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope. Father Dave reminds us that the word of God is living and relevant. He discusses today's Gospel reading in which Peter asks what he will gain in following Christ. Father Dave reminds us that it is not about what is in it for us, but about how we, as a Church, live according to the Gospel. We must be humble and recognize that God is in control. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 8-21-18

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave discusses the sexual abuse scandal in the Church and how the latest news out of Pennsylvania has left many feeling hopeless. He explains that it is important for us to listen and be there for one another, just as Mary was for her cousin Elizabeth, and considers how we can support and encourage one another during this difficult time. Preached at Saint Mary's on the Lake, Lake George, NY on 8-19-18

Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave addresses the recent news of sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania. He discusses today's reading from Ezekiel in which God orders Ezekiel to act while others are looking on. Father Dave relates this passage to the horrific sexual abuse report and emphasizes that we are all looking on and waiting for change in our Church. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 8-16-18

Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's reading from Jeremiah in which God claims that he will write his law on our hearts. Father Dave points out that we must begin with ourselves, asking God to create clean hearts for us, as the psalm proclaims. We must make room for God in our hearts in order to become who God desires us to be. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 8-09-18

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today's Gospel, Jesus mentions our ancestors who ate manna, a food understood to be perishable, in the desert. Father Dave compares the Eucharist to Twinkies, a food that does not perish. He also contrasts the Bread of Life with Black Friday, a time when people tend to be self-interested and act uncharitably towards others. Rather, the Eucharist is a communal meal and brings us together. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 8-5-18

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest. Father Dave talks about repentance, and having the confidence to ask for God's mercy. He discusses Saint Ignatius of Loyola and how he turned his life around. Saint Ignatius came from a wealthy background and had a successful military career. After an injury on the battlefield, he began to read about the lives of the saints and read scripture. Saint Ignatius had a plan for his life, but by following the voice of God he became a great saint. We should follow in his footsteps. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 7-31-18

Memorial of Saints Joachim & Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave reflects on our tendency to be self-reliant. In today's reading, God tells Jeremiah that his people have forsaken him and dug themselves broken cisterns. They did not rely on the Lord, rather they relied on themselves. Father Dave points out that we must trust God and leave things in his hands, just like saints Joachim and Anne. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 7-26-18

Feast of Saint James, Apostle. On this feast of Saint James, Father Dave discusses the Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, which is a walking pilgrimage through Northern Spain. He points out that the camino is challenging but worth it. Father Dave asks if we are able to live our lives like Saint James and walk in his footsteps. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 7-25-18

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading in which the hemorrhaging woman is healed by touching Jesus' cloak. The story of the woman interrupts the narrative of Jairus' daughter needing healing. Father Dave asks why Mark would interrupt the story in this way. He explains that the interruption is the story for us. It is a demonstration that God doesn't only have time for the very important. He has time for all of us. Preached at Saint Boniface Church, Cold Spring, Minnesota, on 7-01-18

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the passage in the Old Testament in which God refers to the people as "stiff-necked." While it's important to stay focused and set our eyes on Christ, we should not take that to the extreme and have blinders on. To be a person of faith, we must know our surroundings and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-25-18

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Father Dave discusses the Lord's Prayer. In today's Gospel, Jesus references the pagans and their belief system. They believed that their gods did not listen to all of their prayers, so they would have to pray multiple prayers. Jesus tells us not to pray in this way, and to believe that God hears our prayers. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-21-18

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the contrast between the first reading, in which Jezebel has her husband killed, and the Gospel, where Jesus asks us to be forgiving and not to seek revenge. Father Dave asks if we take Jesus' message to heart and follow this teaching today. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-18-18

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave considers how powerful our smartphones are to work off of a small chip. He relates this to the parable of faith and the mustard seed the Jesus explains in response to the disciples asking him to increase their faith. We must trust that God will nurture the seed of our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-17-18

Father Dave discusses today's reading in which Elijah looks for God. He relates Elijah's search to our search for God today, and how we can sometimes feel abandoned. God is always present, even when we can't recognize him, and we must keep searching like Elijah. Preached 6-14-18

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle. Father Dave considers how a job description lists a person's duties, and relates this to today's Gospel in which Jesus gives the Apostles a job description as they embark on their mission to preach. He sends them forth to share the faith, just as we are called to go forth today. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-11-18

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the advice in St. Paul's letters from prison. In today's reading, St. Paul tells everyone to avoid meaningless disputes. Father Dave relates this to our tendency to argue over things that don't really matter. The only thing we have to fear is denying Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-07-18

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Father Dave thinks back to a report he wrote in the third grade about aerodynamics. Even though he researched how planes work, he admits that it still remained somewhat of a mystery to him. Father Dave relates this to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. He discusses today's reading in which Matthew claims that disciples worshiped but doubted. We worship, even though sometimes we don't understand. This is where faith and trust comes in. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-27-18

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. Father Dave relates today's reading to being benched in sports. Father Dave explains that those on the team who sit on the bench are just as important as those playing in the game. He relates this to the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, in which Matthias is chosen as a replacement for Judas. Father Dave points out that we, like Matthias, are called at some point to get up from the bench. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-14-18

Seventh Sunday of Easter. Father Dave discusses Jesus' last night before the crucifixion, and highlights Jesus' prayer to the Father to keep us united. Father Dave points out that Jesus did not pray for uniformity, but that we may be one as a community of believers. Father Dave encourages us to remain united, especially in light of the discord in our Church and in our world today, just as Jesus asked. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 5-13-18

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on Paul preaching to the Gentiles, and points out that people were not happy about this. But God begins to expand people's minds and hearts. It is important for us to realize that God's ways are not ours, and we must be open to that. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-30-18

Fifth Sunday of Easter. Father Dave mentions a study which states that the average American checks their phone 70-80 times per day, nearly every 10 minutes. He relates this to the metaphor of the vine and branch that Jesus uses in the Gospel. The vine is genuine nourishment, but there are certain brances which bear no fruit. We can survive without our phones, and plug into the real source of power, Jesus. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-29-18

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Father Dave discusses the way in which Saint Paul looks back at history and proclaims how God helped his people. Father Dave points out that this practice is helpful for all of us, and we should look back and see where God clearly acted in our lives, especially during times when we might feel that God is not present. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-26-18

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter. Reflecting on the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Father Dave points out the first real controversy among the leaders of the Church. Many believed that in order to be a believer in Christ, you had to be a Jew. Peter had a dream in which he was asked to accompany everyone, including the gentiles. This dream makes Peter ask himself, "Who am I to hinder God?" Father Dave encourages us to ask ourselves this same question. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-23-18

Monday of the Third Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on the reading from the Acts of the Apostles in which Steven preaches. The reading states that the people could not resist his wisdom and spirit, and so they were convinced. We must also practice the discipline of channeling the Holy Spirit so that we can reach others as Steven did. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-16-18

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on how the Apostles were told to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Names are powerful, and the Apostles recognized this and were bold enough to continue to preach in his name. Father Dave encourages us to be as bold as the apostles. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-12-18

Thursday in the Octave of Easter. Father Dave points out how we sometimes miss important details in our lives. In the Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection, and they think he is a ghost. This leaves us asking, "how did they miss that?" In our own lives, Jesus continues to reveal himself over and over again, and we must open our eyes and hearts, so as not to miss it. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-05-18

Monday in the Octave of Easter. Father Dave discusses today's Gospel reading from Matthew in which Jesus instructs Mary Magdalene and Mary to tell the disciples to go to Galilee. Father Dave points out that this was where Jesus first called his apostles, and it serves as a good reminder for us to go back to the roots of our faith. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-2-18

Easter Sunday. Father Dave contrasts the joy of Easter with today's Gospel reading, which ends with the empty tomb. Father Dave points out that it is in the emptiness that the disciples have faith. It's not about proof, it's about faith, and sometimes our faith feels like the empty tomb. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 4-01-18

Monday of Holy Week. Father Dave focuses on the Gospel reading in which Judas complains about the woman using expensive oil to anoint Jesus. While many argue that Judas was saying this out of greed, Father Dave relates this story to our complaints about churches looking expensive. The beauty of the church can draw us in, and it is good to want a beautiful space to worship God. Our faith is what should draw us to serve the poor. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 3-26-18

Monday of the Third Week of Lent. Father Dave discusses the story of Namaan and his healing. Namaan was asked to do something very simple in order to be healed from leprosy, and did not believe it would work because it was such a small task. Father Dave points out that often we look for something big in our spiritual lives, but it is possible that God is asking something simple of us, and we might miss out on it if we are focused on bigger plans. Preached at St. Benedict Catholic Church, New Jersey, on 3-05-18

Monday of the Second Week in Lent. Father Dave explains Daniel's description of sin: a rebellion against God's commandments. He points out that it is easier to fall into sin than we may think, and discusses the Gospel message that says we will be forgiven if we forgive others. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 2-26-18

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle. Father Dave discusses the chair of St. Peter, which represents the authority that Jesus gave to Peter to represent Him, and the authority of the office of the pope. This feast day is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the sources of authority in our lives, and consider who represents God. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle, New York City on 2-22-18

Monday of the First Week of Lent. Lent goes beyond self-help. Father Dave explains that while self-denial is an important component of Lent, we have a tendency to focus on just that piece and not see the bigger picture: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. So, we shouldn't just focus on ourselves this Lent, but focus on others as well. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-19-18

Thursday after Ash Wednesday. Father Dave discusses Lenten promises and how we have the freedom to choose whether or not to keep them. He discusses today's reading in which God gives Moses the choice to adore other gods. He poses the question, "How often do we choose to adore God?" Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-15-18

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the confidence and optimism of Olympians competing in the winter games. He relates this to our relationship with Christ. We should have confidence in God. He also discusses today's reading from James in which we are called to persevere. Father Dave points out that persistence is important, especially during this Lenten season. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-12-18

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the readings about lepers. Society shamed and avoided them, but Jesus sets an example by approaching a leper and healing him in today's Gospel. Father Dave explains that leprosy in Scripture is also a metaphor for our own sinfulness. We should seek healing, and be compassionate like Jesus. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-11-18

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave talks about Solomon's idol worship, and also discusses today's psalm, which refers to idols as snares or traps. Father Dave relates idols to a pothole tripping us up. He asks, what are the potholes or traps in our lives? How can we avoid them? Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City 2-08-18

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on biblical numbers. He discusses how King David reigned for 40 years, and in the Gospel, Mark mentions the number twelve. He points out that in today's Gospel, Jesus sent the Apostles out two by two, and argues that Jesus did this so that they would hold each other accountable. It is important for us to have a community that supports us and holds us accountable in our own lives. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 2-01-18

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave asks, "What voice do you listen to?" He considers the many voices we hear today: blogs, sports TV, friends. He explains that there was something about the way that Jesus spoke that touched the hearts of the people in today's Gospel. He also speaks about the annual Paulist Appeal and shares the great work that the Paulist Fathers do. Preached at the Paulist Center, Boston on 1-28-18

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Father Dave explains the meaning behind Jesus' words about blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the "unforgivable sin." He discusses St. John Paull II's encyclical, "Dominum et Vivificantem," on the Holy Spirit, which explains that because God gave us free will, if we choose to permanently turn our backs on God, God will not force us to receive the Holy Spirit. It is "unforgivable" because God will not override that person's choice. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-22-18

Father Dave discusses the first reading in which Jonah is called by God. Jonah did not want to be a prophet, but eventually followed the Lord's call. Father Dave points out that we can relate to Jonah's reaction because his response was realistic. It is sometimes difficult to follow God's will, but we must find the courage to do so, like Jonah and the apostles. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-21-18

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. today's first reading, we hear the story of Saul becoming jealous of David. Father Dave asks, "Wouldn't it be great if we could be happy for someone else's success or good fortune?" He goes on to explain that in the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love, to forgive, and devote ourselves to God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 1-18-18

Feast of the Holy Family. Father Dave explains that the feast of the Holy Family is about God becoming one of us in the context of our closest relationships. The Holy Family was a real family who had similar struggles and joys as families today. We are called to imitate the Holy Family by placing Jesus at the center of our family life. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-31-17

Feast of the Holy Innocents. In light of today's feast, Father Dave relates Mary and Joseph's fleeing to protect Jesus to the many children currently suffering persecution in our world today. We must see the face of Christ in all who are suffering from the death of children. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 12-28-17.