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.

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD, shares the remarkable story of St. Andreas Wouters, a 16th-century priest whose life was marked by serious sin and moral weakness, yet who ultimately gave his life rather than deny the Catholic faith.

His story points to a powerful truth at the heart of the Gospel: no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman and St. Paul’s reminder that all have fallen into disobedience, Fr. Travis explains that Christ did not come to save only a select few. He came to save the world. No matter our past, our sins or how far we may feel from God, the possibility of forgiveness, conversion and even sainthood remains open to us.

We should never despair of God’s mercy, either for ourselves or for someone else. The same grace that transformed sinners into saints throughout the history of the Church is still at work today.

“No matter how sinful, no matter how distant they may be in culture or in practice, Christ has come to save all.”

Life can feel like a boat caught in rough seas. Our worries, responsibilities and struggles can quickly become overwhelming. So where do we find peace in the midst of it all?

Drawing on his recent experience sailing on Lake Michigan, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Peter stepping out of the boat toward Jesus, Elijah encountering God in the stillness and St. John Bosco's famous dream of the Church navigating stormy seas between the pillars of Mary and the Eucharist.

God is not found only in the noise, power and chaos of the world. He meets us in stillness. Fr. Travis encourages us to seek that stillness especially in Eucharistic Adoration, where we can simply remain in the presence of Jesus and receive the peace and consolation He desires for us.

When the waters of life become rough, we don't have to face them alone. Christ is present, and He invites us to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Sign up for some peace by being a regular visitor to eucharist adoration at St. Alphonsus at: https://www.zionsvillecatholic.weadorehim.com.

In this homily on Jesus' parable of the pearl of great price, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on King Solomon's request for wisdom and the fleeting nature of worldly success. Wealth, power, health and even long life are all temporary and dependent. They can be taken away. But there is one treasure that lasts forever: our relationship with God.

Drawing from the Sunday readings, Fr. Travis reminds us that true wisdom is recognizing what is eternal and ordering our lives around it. When we seek God above everything else, we discover the lasting peace and joy that nothing in this world can provide.

If you've ever wondered what is truly worth giving your life for, this homily offers a powerful answer.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

Where is your faith today? Is it growing stronger, or has it begun to fade?

In this homily, Deacon Tim Perry reflects on Jesus' parables of the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, and the yeast to remind us that God is remarkably patient with us. No matter where we are on our journey of faith, the Lord continually invites us to return to Him, repent, and grow.

Deacon Tim also explains how the Holy Spirit quietly works within us, aligning our prayers with the Father's will and nurturing even the smallest seed of faith into something that bears lasting fruit. Every Mass, every prayer, and every day is another opportunity to let God transform our hearts.

If you've ever wondered whether your faith is "enough" or felt like you've drifted from God, this message offers hope: God has not given up on you. He is patiently calling you closer to Him.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Jesus' invitation to exchange fear for peace and reminds us that true peace is much more than the absence of conflict. Drawing from this Sunday's readings, he explains that lasting peace and authentic joy are fruits of the Holy Spirit that begin in the hearts of individual believers.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Fr. Travis challenges us to consider how our nation can truly flourish. The answer isn't found only in external circumstances but in allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Whether you're reflecting on faith, patriotism or the call to Christian discipleship, this homily offers a timely reminder that renewal begins with each of us.

Subscribe for more Catholic homilies and faith-filled content from St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Zionsville, Indiana.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment