Self-emptying is part of what it means to be a Christian. Following Christ means learning to put God and others before ourselves, and that kind of self-sacrifice does not happen all at once. We grow into it through the small sacrifices and daily opportunities to die to ourselves that God places before us.

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Christian love as willing the good of another. Rather than focusing on ourselves, our own comfort or what we want, Christ calls us to choose what is good for God and for the people around us, even when that choice costs us something.

The prophet Jeremiah knew this kind of self-denial. His fidelity to God's call brought suffering, rejection and discouragement. Peter, too, had to learn that Jesus was not the kind of Messiah the world expected. Christ would save us not through worldly power, but through suffering, self-emptying love and ultimately the Cross.

Fr. Travis also reflects on the remarkable example of a border guard who continued directing people to safety as a devastating flash flood approached. When the flood came, he was swept away while still carrying out his duty. His final act of sacrifice points to an important lesson: the ability to give ourselves for others is formed long before the moment of crisis.

Why did Jesus give Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven? And what does that tell us about the role of the pope today?

In this homily, Deacon Tim Perry explores the biblical foundation of the papacy, beginning with the striking parallel between Eliakim in the Old Testament, who receives the key to the House of David, and St. Peter in the Gospel, to whom Jesus entrusts the keys to the Kingdom.

Peter is established as the rock upon which Christ will build His Church. And just as the apostles understood that an office should be filled when its holder died, as we see with Matthias replacing Judas in the Acts of the Apostles, the Church continues through apostolic succession.

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV's first words as pope, "Peace be with you," Deacon Tim connects this structure of the Church to a deeper understanding of peace: the tranquility of order. Christ did not leave His Church without guidance. He established an enduring order through which He continues to lead His people.

In this presentation given at a prayer service, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Jacob Miller explains the history and meaning behind the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.