Tag: catechumenate

A sermon for Oculi, the Third Sunday in Lent, by Father Josh Leigeber.

On Oculi Sunday—“Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord”—the Church calls us to consider where our attention is fixed. In the Gospel, the Pharisees are so focused on themselves and their own standing that they fail to recognize the work of God happening right before them, even when Jesus casts out a demon and sets a man free.

We face the same temptation. Our lives easily become consumed with our own concerns and distractions, causing us to overlook the gracious work Christ continues to do among us. Yet in His Church He is still at work—casting out the devil in Holy Baptism, forgiving sins in Holy Absolution, feeding His people in the Holy Eucharist, and giving life through His Word.

Oculi Sunday calls us to lift our eyes again to Christ and to the saving gifts He gives in His Church. You can listen to the full homily below.

A sermon for Reminiscere, the Second Sunday in Lent, by Father Dan Suelzle.

Wrestling with God is not an act of rebellion, but a profound expression of faith that clings to His character when circumstances suggest He is distant or indifferent. As seen in the persistent boldness of Jacob and the unwavering humility of the Canaanite woman, true faith refuses to succumb to despair or entitlement, choosing instead to hold God to His own promises. This “holy combat” serves as a safe training ground where the Lord strengthens us against the world and our own doubts, not to destroy us, but to drive us deeper into the certainty of His Word. Ultimately, our confidence rests in the objective reality of Christ’s work—delivered through the font, the pulpit, and the altar—assuring us that because God cannot deny Himself, He will never fail to be the merciful, promise-keeping Father He has declared Himself to be.

A sermon for Invocavit, the First Sunday in Lent, by Father Josh Leigeber.

Lent begins not in comfort but in the wilderness, where Christ enters the field of battle as our Champion. Driven by the Spirit, Jesus confronts the ancient enemy and withstands every temptation—where Adam fell and Israel failed. His victory is not merely an example but a triumph won on behalf of sinners who cannot stand on their own.

The sermon highlights the subtle and persistent nature of temptation, including the quiet spiritual weariness the fathers called the “noonday devil.” Yet Christ answers every assault with the sure Word of God and remains faithful even when offered glory without the cross. In doing so, He secures the victory that is now given to His Church.

Psalm 91 finds its fulfillment in Christ, who still shelters His people under His wings. He delivers His protection concretely through the means of grace: in Baptism, in the living Word, in the Holy Supper, and through His holy angels. Christians therefore do not face the wilderness alone.

With special encouragement for the catechumens, the sermon calls the faithful to remain close to Christ throughout Lent. The battle is real, but far more certain is the promise that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High abide safely under His shadow.