Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons - Catholic Preaching and Homilies
Religion & Spirituality
About
Weekly homilies from Bishop Robert Barron, produced by Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.
Episodes
- Five Signs of the Holy Spirit
This episode of Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons, released on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, discusses five signs of the Holy Spirit's presence in the Church and in individual lives. The episode approaches the Solemnity of Pentecost.
- The Dwelling Place of God
The episode discusses the theme of the temple, highlighting its significance as a central aspect of ancient Israelite life. It explains the temple's function as a political, cultural, and religious hub, and its symbolic representation as t…
- Cut to the Heart
This episode of Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons examines Peter's Pentecost oration from the Acts of the Apostles. Bishop Barron discusses Peter's proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Christ, which led listeners to ask, "What are we to do?"
- The Pattern and Presence of Jesus
This episode of Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons examines the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, highlighting its relevance to understanding Jesus and the Church.
- Both His Wounds and His Peace
In this homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, Bishop Barron reflects on the risen Jesus offering peace to his disciples while simultaneously showing them his wounds. He discusses the significance of understanding both elements together i…
- The Earthquake of the Resurrection
Bishop Barron explores the significance of the Resurrection as the central pillar of the Christian faith. He discusses why Easter is the most important liturgical event and reflects on the theme of earthquakes in relation to the Resurrecti…
- God Enters Into Our Darkness
Bishop Barron reflects on the Palm Sunday Gospel of Matthew, specifically discussing the narrative of Judas' betrayal and regret. The sermon challenges listeners to contemplate the reach of God's mercy.
- Jesus Wept
In this sermon, Bishop Barron reflects on the raising of Lazarus as a sign of God's power. He discusses the spiritual significance of the miracle and examines how it addresses the persistent question of God's role during times of human suf…
- The Light of the World
Bishop Barron reflects on the Gospel story of the man born blind for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. He discusses the nature of original sin and Christ's role as the light of the world who brings healing and illumination.
- Thirsting for God
Bishop Barron discusses the Gospel of John's story of the woman at the well, framing it as a lesson on the nature of evangelization and the human search for life. He highlights this narrative as a common experience for all people.
- The Adventure of Salvation
Bishop Barron discusses the theme of salvation as an adventure, reflecting on the story of Abraham and the Transfiguration of Jesus. He emphasizes that true life is found by letting go of oneself and experiencing the splendor of reality.
- The Serpent’s Slogans
The podcast episode
- Which Path Will You Choose?
This episode focuses on the importance of freedom and choice in the spiritual life, particularly before Lent begins. Bishop Barron explains that God desires glory through humanity's intellect and will, using Thomas More's ideas to illustra…
- Become Someone for Others
This episode of Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons discusses how focusing on others, rather than oneself, leads to happiness and fulfillment, drawing parallels to Jordan Peterson's ideas and the Sermon on the Mount.
- Do You Want to Be Happy?
This episode delves into the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, starting a series on Jesus' primal teachings. Bishop Barron explains that the Beatitudes, meaning happiness, directly address the fundamental human desire for joy and…
- Unity in Christ
Bishop Barron focuses on the less-discussed passages about Zebulun and Naphtali from Isaiah and Matthew for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, rather than the more familiar sections.
- The Lamb Who Takes Away the Sin of the World
In this episode, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, a pivotal moment that provides a key interpretive lens for understanding Jesus. These words,
- Side by Side with Sinners
In this sermon, Bishop Barron discusses the paradoxical nature of Jesus seeking a baptism of repentance from John the Baptist, an act initially seen as embarrassing for early Christians but ultimately central to Jesus' public ministry.
- The Answer to Your Deepest Longing
The episode discusses the Epiphany story, highlighting humanity's deep longing for God, the journey of seeking divine signs, and the revelation that God actively seeks us, culminating in His arrival in person.
- Protect the Life of Christ in You
The episode discusses the juxtaposition of the Holy Family feast with Christmas, highlighting Jesus' vulnerability and the need to protect the nascent 'Christ life' within us from unseen opposition.
- Are You Willing to Surrender to God?
Bishop Barron discusses the central spiritual motif of surrender to God's higher purpose, contrasting it with today's self-oriented culture. The Bible encourages moving away from self-focus towards aligning with divine will.
- Waiting in Action
Bishop Barron's sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent, "Waiting in Action," emphasizes that the Christian life involves an active, not passive, waiting for Christ's return. This period of waiting includes prayer and various actions, reflec…
- The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
This episode discusses the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Isaiah 11, which are associated with the Messiah's arrival and are central to the Advent season's themes of longing, watching, waiting, and praying.
- The Season of Sacred Waiting
Bishop Barron reflects on the First Sunday of Advent, describing the season as a time of sacred waiting. He discusses the biblical theme of waiting and how this practice aids in the process of decentering the ego.
- The Marks of Spiritual Leadership
This episode discusses the spiritual significance of kingship, especially in light of the Solemnity of Christ the King. It explains that baptism conforms individuals to Christ, the priest, prophet, and king, empowering them to orient thems…
- The Old World Has Been Shaken
This episode discusses apocalyptic readings, focusing on the Gospel of Luke's
- The Place of Right Praise
This episode discusses the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Pope in Rome, and its importance as a global Catholic temple. The readings focus on the temple as the place where God and His people meet and find union.
- Why We Pray for All Souls
This episode discusses the Catholic feast of All Souls Day, November 2nd, and delves into the spiritual significance of praying for souls in purgatory, touching upon the concept of the soul as a divine principle.
- Are You Revolving Around God—Or God Around You?
This episode discusses the parable of the Pharisee and the publican from Luke 18. It highlights the spiritual principle that one's ego should revolve around God, not the other way around, noting that outward religious appearance doesn't al…
- The Power of Prayer
This episode examines the historical belief in the power of prayer, contrasting it with modern sentiments that sometimes dismiss prayer in favor of action. It highlights how prayer, exemplified in the reading from Exodus 17, not only susta…
- The Gospel Is Jesus Christ
This sermon, based on Paul's letter to Timothy, clarifies that the Gospel is Jesus Christ himself, not merely his ethical or doctrinal teachings. Christianity is presented as a relationship with Jesus, with other aspects flowing from this…
- Trust in God’s Plan
This episode discusses faith, clarifying that it is not superstition but a humble trust in God's ways, drawing insights from the week's readings.
- Love for the Poor
This episode examines the Church's call to serve the poor, using the prophet Amos and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It challenges listeners to consider their own indifference and actions towards those in need.
- The Use—and Abuse—of Power
Bishop Barron's sermon for the Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time discusses Catholic social teaching on power, focusing on how it is used. The sermon does not demonize power but emphasizes its proper application, drawing connections betw…
- Christ, and Him Crucified
This episode reflects on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, examining the early Christian practice of exalting the cross, a symbol that was originally terrifying. Saint Paul
- Are You Ready for Serious Discipleship?
This episode, based on Luke 14, challenges the notion of a low-level spirituality. Bishop Barron explores Jesus's demanding message about what serious discipleship truly entails.
- Don’t Play the Pride Game
This sermon addresses the theme of pride, identifying it as the most dangerous sin. Bishop Barron contrasts pride with humility, explaining that humility involves moving away from self-absorption towards reality, as illustrated in the day'…
- Does God Punish Us?
This episode examines the biblical motif of divine punishment, drawing from the Letter to the Hebrews to interpret this theme constructively and avoid misconceptions of God.
- Christ Came to Cast Fire Upon the Earth
In this sermon, Bishop Barron explores the Gospel's theme of Jesus casting fire upon the earth. He interprets this fire not as a comforting flame, but as a dangerous and divisive force, reflecting Christ's role as the light of the world.
- What Is Faith?
This episode explores the biblical definition of faith, differentiating it from common misunderstandings that equate it with blind acceptance or superstition. Bishop Barron clarifies that biblical faith is distinct from these simplistic no…
- All Things Must Pass
This episode discusses the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of detachment, referencing George Harrison's song 'All Things Must Pass' and the readings from the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.
- Lord, Teach Us to Pray
This episode discusses the Lord's Prayer as presented in Luke's Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus, the Son of God, taught his followers how to pray. It touches on the spiritual significance of the Our Father, which can be overlooked due to fa…
- Are You Anxious and Worried About Many Things?
This sermon explores the Gospel story of Martha and Mary from the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Considering the first reading about Abraham, it suggests reading Martha and Mary together to understand the
- The Natural Law
This episode discusses the concept of natural law, drawing from Moses' words in Deuteronomy. It explains that natural law represents a deep, internal moral intuition that provides a sense of meaning, purpose, and direction in life.
- The Church’s Marching Orders
This sermon, based on Luke 10, discusses the Church's ordinary work through the ages, covering mission, prayer, providence, and proclaiming the kingdom of God.
- The Church Is Built on the Rock
This episode reflects on Saint Peter, the Apostle, and his enduring legacy. It notes that Peter, a fisherman from Galilee, was martyred in Rome around 64 AD, and contrasts the fall of the Roman Empire with the lasting influence of Peter's…
- Join Your Life to Christ’s Sacrifice
This episode discusses the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, exploring the connection between temple sacrifice, the altar of the cross, and the Mass.
- The Theology of the Trinity
This episode delves into the theology of the Trinity, referencing medieval theologian Saint Bonaventure and Western theology's key figure Saint Augustine. Bishop Barron discusses the dynamics of Trinitarian life and its connection to bapti…
- The Fruit of the Spirit
This sermon focuses on Galatians 5:22-26, exploring the
- Seated at the Right Hand of the Father
Bishop Barron explains the importance of understanding the Ascension of the Lord, linking it to the Church's life. He explores the topic from both political and liturgical perspectives, referencing the statement "He ascended into heaven an…