Homily Ideas

Homily ideas for May 3, 2020

First Reading:  Acts 2:14, 36-41

Peter preaches to the crowd on Pentecost, exhorting them to be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit.

The vocation angle: When Peter addressed the crowd, “they were cut to the heart.” Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks in a moment of clarity deep in one’s spirit. Many men who have been called to the priesthood have had this experience—during Mass, on a retreat, or at a youth event. Preach on how to respond to this grace: “Will you be like those in the crowd that day, who responded wholeheartedly to the call?”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23

The most well-known psalm describes peace in the midst of danger because of reliance on the Shepherd.

The vocation angle: When a young person feels called to the priesthood or religious life, he or she can experience a lot of confusion and anxiety. But the saints tell us never to make a decision about one’s vocation in a state of fear. Rather, like the psalmist, we must learn to discover a place of inner peace, where we hear Jesus best, and then respond with full trust.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20-25

Jesus offers an example of suffering patiently for the sake of the good.

The vocation angle: When faced with the choice of marriage and family or priesthood and religious life, people are drawn to the former by their very natures. Sometimes, though, sacrifices should be made for the sake of a great good. Like Jesus, some are called to celibacy for the Kingdom of God.

Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Those who hear his voice follow him.

The vocation angle: To hear the Shepherd’s voice requires quiet and prayer.  Pope Saint John Paul II said, “Young people, if they can be taught how to pray, can be trusted to know what to do with God’s call.”  Preach about prayer, methods of prayer, and the importance of listening for God’s voice, especially when making big decisions in life.