Third Sunday of Advent

John is confused for long-awaited, important, and noteworthy figures, yet John says that there is another greater than he who is coming.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on December 16, 2023.

Second Sunday of Advent

John prepares the people for the coming of Jesus. He always points to Jesus, who is coming after him and who is greater than him.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 10, 2023.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

What is the measure of readiness for entry into the kingdom of God? It is that you perform the corporal acts of mercy from your heart, with pure motiveand without self-flattery or desire to curry favor with someone.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on November 25, 2023.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The generosity of the landowner does not pair with typical human understanding of justice, but that is the very point of this parable on the kingdom of heaven. What matters most is responding to the call of discipleship no matter the time in one's life.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 24, 2023.

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus ensures his disciples of the efficacy of prayer and the omportance of community. When two or more come together to pray, they must believe that the Father will hear their prayer.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 10, 2023.

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

When Peter makes a profound statement of faith and openness to the Spirit, Jesus does not simply offer words of praise but instead grants him complete authority over his future mission.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on August 27, 2023.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The persistent pleadings of a Canaanite woman cause Jesus to appreciate the depths of her faith, and he cures her daughter from a distance at that very moment.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on August 20, 2023.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As Christianity began to separate itself from Judaism in the second century AD, Christians used this text to argue that the Jew's refusal to accept Jesus as the messiah resulted in God's covenant being extended to Gentile believers.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 16, 2023.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This is a call for radical discipleship! We are told that we must love Jesus more than father or mother and son or daughter. We must be willing to take up our crosses and follow Jesus even to death.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 2, 2023.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Because of their identity as followers of God, the disciples are cared for by God. They must act in a manner that illustrates this, trusting in God and remaining in him.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on June 25, 2023.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Jesus continuously invites us to shjare in this eucharistic experience so that we can remain in him and he in us.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on June 11, 2023.

The Most Holy Trinity

The point of this reading is that God is so generous and unconditional with divine love that he is willing to give his only Son to effect salvation for the whole world.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on June 4, 2023.

Pentecost Sunday of Easter

The statement "Receive the Holy Spirit" should recall for us the Genesis story when God creates a man, Adam, and breathes into him the breath of life and he "became a living being".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on May 27, 2023.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Jesus states clearly that the prayer he utters is to benefit those who have believed in him. He does not pray for the world as a whole, because the world has not accepted him or the Father's message that he reveals.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on May 20, 2023.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Ongoing divine revelation is made known by keeping the commandments and persevering in the love of the Lord. Doing these things also expresses the theological theme of remaining iin the Lord as a description of Christian life.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on May 13, 2023.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

For readers of the Gospel who are unable to see Jesus in the flesh, trusting in their faith and accomplishing great works in his name ought to be signs enough that the Son and the Father are one.  Those who see with eyes of faith see the way, the truth, and the life; this sight is far greater than anything perceived by human sight alone.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on May 7, 2023.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus refers to himself as a "gate" that protects the sheep and keeps "thieves and robbers" away from the sheep.  This reference applies to salvation, as those who pass through the gate, namely those who come to believe in Jesus and hear his voice, will have access to the Father.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 30, 2023.

Third Sunday of Easter

At a meal with two of his disciples, the a man they had met took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  Their eyes were opened and they recognized that this man was the risen Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 23, 2023.

Second Sunday of Easter.

The risen Jesus appears again after eight days  to respond to Thomas' demand to see the risen Jesus' wounds. The blessing from Jesus is driected toward those who have not seen  but believe.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on April 16, 2023.

Palm Sunday

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 2, 2023.

Fifth Sunday of Lent.

Jesus coud have avoided the tragedy of Lazarus' death by coming as soon as Mary and Martha called for him. Or is that the point of the story: to show that Jesus could raise the dead, even as the act of resuscitating Lazarus will lead directly to his own death?

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm March 25, 2023.

Fourth Sunday of Lent.

As light of the world, Jesus' mission is one of judgment, not against people who are physically blind, but against those who are spiritually blind and who refuse to recognize Jesus' true identity.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm March 18, 2023.

Third Sunday of Lent.

When the villages meet Jesus and hear his words, they proclaim him to be "the savior of the world".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm March 11, 2023.

Second Sunday of Lent.

The disciples are so awestruck by the heaveny voice that prostrate themselves in reverence. Although some biblical scholars interpret the scene to be a preview of the resurrection, it is first and foremost a theophany, a manifestation of the divine Jesus, the Son of God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on March 5, 2023.

First Sunday of Lent.

Satan's temptations are tests of God's willingness, as Son of God, to rely on God alone for nourishment, protection, and safety.  There is a cause for rejoicing in Jesus's responses because, unlike the dialogue between Eve and the serpent, Jesus wins this debate! 

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on Feburary 26, 2023.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

We continue to hear from the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus focuses on two basic Christian attitudes: acting with selflessness and loving one's enemies.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on February 19,, 2023.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus continues his teaching to his followers by addressing the thorny issues of adultery, divorce, and lying.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on February 12, 2023.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

In mentioning "kingdom" Jesus is not talking about a place. Instead we should think about kingdom as the reign of God., when God's power is fully manifest for all to see and when there is no more hunger or violence, sickness or death in all the world. Such is the good news of Jesus Christ!

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on January 21, 2023.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God and Son of God only because it was revealed to him through the work he was commissioned to do.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on January 15, 2023.

The Epiphany of the Lord.

This passage illustrates the universalism of God's revelation. It is not insiders from the Jewish establishment who recognize and pay homage to the newborn babe: instead foreigners come "from the east" to offer their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on January 8, 2023.

Mary, The Holy Mother of God.

Today we repeat the proclamation of the Gospel for the Mass of the Nativity at dawn, with the addition of the verse that announces the naming of Jesus at the time of his circumcision.In the context of today's feast, we are meant to focus particular attention on the figure of Mary.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on December 31, 2022.

The Nativity of the Lord.

John's prologue places us before the symbol of Christ as the true Lighht of the World.  In these days of winter darkness, the Church holds on to the hope that Christ's light will endure; there is no darkness that the light of Christ cannot dispel.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on December 25, 2022.

Fourth Sunday in Advent.

The beginning of Matthew's Gospel is clearly meant to impress upon his audience that through the bloodline of David and through the obedient listening of one of its own, Jospeh, God would be with his people.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 18, 2022.

Third Sunday in Advent.

Jesus tells them that they have encountered "more than a prophet" in John.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on December 10, 2022.

Second Sunday of Advent.

John's ministry was one of calling Israel to repentance and to a baptism that would mark their restored allegiance to God and the coming of the kingdom of heaven.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 4, 2022.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Jesus sees in a criminal a person worthy of the life he offers and grants his final desire; that very day he will be with Jesus in Paradise.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on November 20, 2022.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus also teaches that if his disciples remain faithful to him and his mission, they must expect to be hated. These painful experiences, Jesus says, are the vehicles that bring disciples into the presence of people that God wants to hear about Jesus' resurrection and reign.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on November 13, 2022.

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus elaborates that resurrected human beings will leave behind this wordly fixations like avoiding pain and having a sound body. They will be "like angels".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on November 6, 2022.

Thirty-First unday in Ordinary Time.

This Gospel invites Jesus' disciples to evaluate what drastic changes they made because they believe that, in Jesus, salvation "comes" or literally, "happens" to them.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 29, 2022.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Through this parable Jesus is talking to people who are both self-righteous and enjoy looking down on everyone else.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on October 23, 2022.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

If God's people pray continually, Jesus assures them that God will suddenly or quickly act.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on October 16, 2022.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The anecdote in the Gosple shows that the proof of each person;s faith is the thanksgiving that he or she directs to God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 8, 2022.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus' teaching forces us to assess if we are truly bearing our share of hardship for the Gospel.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on October 2, 2022.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Today's parable haunts us with the possibility that after death, like the self-absorbed rich man, we too could find ourselves on the wrong side of an uncrossable chasm.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 25, 2022.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Drawing nearer to Jerusalem and to his death, Jesus seems desperate for his hearers to understand that commitment to him requires rearranging their views on eveerything. Today, he addresses the touchy subject of the place of wealth in the lives of believers.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on September 18, 2022.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Even though a son left the housesehold and became a sinner, when he returns to his father and asks forgiveness, his father rejoices and welcomes him back.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 11, 2022.

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus offers a declaration that suggests that one's attachment or freedom from possessions provides an instant read on one's understanding of how much discipleship can cost him or her.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 4, 2022.

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus tells the host of a wedding that he should not invite the people that he normally does but instead those who, perhaps for physical or financial reasons, are unable to repay him.  If he does this, Jesus declares that he "will be repaid" by God in ways beyond human imagining.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on August 28, 2022.

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus warns us that when he returns, we could find ourselves standing outside the marrow gate, watching a diverse group of other people pass into the kngdom of God..

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on August 21, 2022.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus reminds us today that discipleship is extrememly demanding and that the kingdom is a gift whose value exceeds all others.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on August 7, 2022.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus warns the crowd to guard against the constant urge to acquire more stuff because this habit distracts one from acquiring true riches.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 31, 2022.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Father goves the Holy Spirit to everyone who asks for it. This Spirit ledds and guides disciples from within and helps them perceive how God is active in their life.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on July 24, 2022.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus tells Martha that she is anxious and worried about many things and is not doing the most important one -- listening to him.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 17, 2022.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ... July 10, 2022

"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 10, 2022.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

After completing their mission, the disciples return to Jesus "rejoicing" in their accomplishment.  Jesus affirms their success but provides a word of caution for them. They are not to revel in the power that they have as his disciples; rather, they are to rejoice because they have secured a place in heaven.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on July 3, 2022.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

The miraculous feeding of five thousand serves as the link between the work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the heralding of Jesus as savior. The feeding seals the work of ministry with compassion and points to the grace from which it comes.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on June 18, 2022.

The Most Holy Trinity.

Jesus tells the disciples that it will be the role of the Spirit to guide them to "all truth".

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on June 12, 2022.

Seventh Sunday of Easter.

Jesus states that he has given his followers a share in the glory thay was bestowed upon him by his Father.  This glory is nothing less than perfect unity with God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on May 28, 2022.

Jesus will leave the gift of peace with his disciples.  Beacause the disciples will be given the gift of the Lord's peace, they should be able to rejoice that the Lord is going to retur to the Father.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on May 22, 2022.

Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Jesus introduces a "new commandment". The answer lies in the difference between a love based upon law and a love based upon a heartfelt relationship.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on May 15, 2022.

The point abput the story of the sheep is that leadership of the flock is not provided from the outside but from inside the fold.  Jesus has an intimate knowledge of those he came to save.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on May 8, 2022.

Third Sunday of Easter.

As Jesus elicits from Peter three statements of faith, he also commands Peter and the other disciples to go out into the world to care for his flock..

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on May 1, 2022.

Second Sunday of Easter.

Thomas did not come to believe because he saw the risen Jesus but because he witnessed the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the gift of mercy.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 24, 2022.

Easter Sunday.

While Peter is the first to "see", it is every faithful and loving Christian who is called to believe..

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 17, 2022.

Palm Sunday in Lent.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus. During this Holy Week, let us walk with Jesus on this journey, which will lead us toward a transformed life in God's kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 10, 2022.

Jesus notes that he does not condemn the accused woman, We should not takes this to assume that Jesus condones adultery but rather that sins of self-righteousness, duplicity, and violation of human dignity are deserving of much greater punishment.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on April 3, 2022.

Third Sunday in Lent.

Follow the warnings from God before it is too late. The message of the parables is that God is a God of second chances for those willing to repent.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on March 20, 2022.

Second Sunday in Lent.

The apostles see the appearance as an opportunity to enjoy the coming of a heavenly group.  A voice from heaven is clear, however in directing that they listen to the chosen Son.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on March 12, 2022.

First Sunday in Lent.

The devil test Jesus three times and then slinks away. The narrator tells us that he will be back.  It is appropriate, then, that this third temptation takes place in Jerusalem, where Jesus will suffer and die

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on March 5, 2022.

We hear of those whom Jesus calls "Blessed".  Also, we hear of those warned with "Woe to you". For both groups the context is the coming reign of God, when God's power is fully manifested against the forces of evil in the world.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on February 13, 2022.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

After catching stunning loads of fish after a night of low harvests, Jesus gives the call to ministry to his disciples.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on February 6, 2022.

The people of Jesus' hometown believed that they knew him! Who does he think he is?

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on January 29, 2022.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Lukes assures us (through Theophilus and his associates) that he has done his homework, examining the other Gospels, and talked to eyerwitnesses of the Jesus story, so that they can know with certainty the teachings that we will receive.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on January 23, 2022.

Wine is the blood of the grape. When Jesus says that his hour has not yet come he is telling his mother that the time to shed his blood is not yet, but, when he has completed the work that his Father has given him to do, his glory will be revealed and God's people will enjoy a celebration that knows no bounds.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on January 15, 2022.

The Baptism of the Lord.

John's message was addressed to "all" in the crowd. The message of repentance for the forgiveness of sin is intended for everyone.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on January 8, 2022.

The Epiphany of the Lord

Magi were scholars engaged in astrology, dream interpretation, and predictions of the future. These magi observed a star that was believed to signal the birth of a king "at its rising". 

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on January 2, 2022.

Mary, The Holy Mother of God.

When the shepherds saw the Holy Family just as the angels described, they spread the news all around, and everyone was in wonder about what they heard. Mary treasured all these things, keeping them close to her heart.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 11:00 am on January 1, 2022.

Third Sunday of Advent.

As though John the Baptist preached much of the same actions as Jesus, some people questioned whether John was the messiah.  John let them know of the coming of Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 12, 2021.

Lessons and Carols.

The children of 14 Holy Helpers present a selection of readings and carols relevan for the holiday season. 

Recording is of a service held at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY on December 11, 2021.

Second Sunday of Advent.

John's mission models how we ought to prepare for the coming reign of God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on December 5, 2021.

First Sunday of Advent.

Today's reading describes "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" to rescue the believers. And what should a believer do? Stand tall with your heads high, Jesus says, because your redemption is at hand.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 7:30 am on November 28, 2021.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual one that exists in people of every nation who have a personal relationship with him and thus with each other. The primary mission of this global community is to bear witness to the truth for which Jesus died, namely that God loves all peoples, seeks their common good and desires to live with them forever.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 7:30 am on November 21, 2021.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus reminds his followers that their mission is to watch constantly for his coming, that is, to live like he will come back this evening, or this midnight, or dawn tomorrow, or tomorrow morning ...

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on November14, 2021.

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' linking of the two commandments leads the scribe to realize that love of God, which entails incarnating God's concern for people, is more important than the correct performance of long-standing liturgical rituals.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on October 31, 2021.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As they travel, Jesus tries to open the eyes of his disciples to "see' what discipleship entails.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on October 24, 2021.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' humble deference to the will of others trained him for his final act of service on the cross. His entire life of voluntary servitude is the ransom that he paid to humankind from captivity to sin.  Disciples who seek greatness will make themselves the servant of others because that is what he did.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on October 17, 2021.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus teaches about the danger of earthly riches. He declares that wealth "is" ... he does not say "can be," but "is" ... an enormous obstacle to entry into God's kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 9, 2021.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus is indignant or angry that his followers keep the children from him, that they decide whom he should welcome. Jesus declares that children, who depend on others for life's necessities and simply accept what is given to them, are models for how to receive and experience life in God's kingdom.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 4:30 pm on October 2, 2021.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There is a tendency among some of Jesus' followers to make God's kingdom an exclusive club, limited to like minded people. They think that they can control how and when the Spirit acts ... an arrogant presumption which Jesus rejects.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on September 26, 2021.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

One evening the disciples discuss who among them is the greatest, who is the most important? Jesus exploits the discussion to deepen their understanding of gospel greatness.  He tells them that if any of them want to be first, they shall be the last of all and the servant of all.  No exceptions ... in every situation.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on September 19, 2021.

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus' disciples must aim to lose their life in his risen life, so that he can continue him mission on earth through them. Disciples "give" their bodies over to all that is "ruining" it so that the risen Lord can work through them.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 9:00 am on September 12, 2021.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus orders those that witness the event to not tell anyone.  . Some scholars suggest that Jesus' command to silence shows that he is not one among other healers in the biblical world. The secret is that there is more to him than people see, more that can only be understood after he is raised from the dead.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on September 5, 2021.

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus tells the crowds that nothing from the world around them can make them unworthy of God's service. Only what comes from within them can do this.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 29, 2021.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comprehension of Jesus' real presence in daily life begins with a decision to believe in him.  Like Peter, they "come to" believe and be convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 22, 2021.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Divine power works through the humble who trust that God is in control and defer to his will ... like Mary and Elizabeth. All who hunger for good things are filled with divine gifts.  But those who hunger for what money and machination can procure, God sends away empty-handed.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 15, 2021.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time with Polka Style Music

The people challenge Jesus' authority and claim that he came down from heaven. Jesus counters back about the need to listen to the Father. They are totally clueless about the bigger truth. ... that everything has its origin in God even the desire to believe in Jesus, and that one cannot hear the word of God except through Jesus.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 8, 2021.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The crowd was pressing Jesus to perform more miracles.  They asked earthly bread for their stomachs.  Jesus said that they should focus on the food that endures for eternal life.   

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on August 1, 2021.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel presents the miracles of the loaves and fishes where Jesus takes a very small amount of food ... 5 loaves of bread and two fish ... and has his disciples distribute it to five thousand people. After they complete eating, the leftovers were collected and they totaled more than was available in the first place.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 12:00 pm on July 25, 2021.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The narrator identifies Jesus as the compassionate shepherd of the lost sheep.  But Mark's inner story reminds us that this shepherd's compassion will reach its fullness when he lays down his life for the sheep.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on July 18, 2021.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel focuses on what it means to be chosen. In this case, the apostles were chosen to do what Jesus was doing ... teaching and healing.

Recording is of a Mass offered at 14 Holy Helpers Church in West Seneca, NY at 10:30 am on July 11, 2021.