Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Following the True Star: Lessons from the Wise Men

This episode reflects on the journey of the wise men who followed a miraculous star to find the Christ child, exploring courage, discernment, and the danger of following false stars like fame or worldly power.It contrasts Herod’s deceitful intentions with the wise men’s faithful homage, highlights the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and urges listeners to choose Christ and the saints as the true guides for the new year.

Mary's Yes: The Gift That Restored Humanity

This episode celebrates the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary — her Immaculate Conception and her willing 'yes' that opened the way for our salvation through Jesus Christ.It calls listeners to live that gift by loving others, caring for family, rejecting selfishness, and recognizing our need for repentance and reconciliation.As a new year begins, the episode reminds us that the Eucharist sustains and fills us with grace so we can become the living gift of God to others.

Anna's Vigil: Witnessing Christ in the Temple

This episode recounts the second part of the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple, highlighting Anna's lifelong prayer for Jerusalem and Simeon's fulfillment in seeing Israel's redemption.It reflects on the gift of being present to the Lord—through prayer, the rosary, and the Eucharist—and encourages saying "yes" to God's love and presence in our lives.

Simeon’s Promise: Seeing Salvation in the Eucharist

It is amazing how the Lord touches lives. Simeon was blessed to see the salvation of the world in the temple, and that same encounter happens each time we come to Mass and meet the Lord on the altar.The greatest gift is the Lord giving himself to us; he feeds and sustains us. We are called to recognize and cherish this gift in our journey of faith.In a secular world that rushes Christmas music away after December, we are reminded that the true celebration of the Lord’s presence lasts from Christmas through Epiphany and can shape how we live our faith year-round.May the Lord bless and strengthen our faith and bring his grace to our brothers and sisters.

If the Holy Family Were Born Today: A Christmas That Changes Us

Imagine the Holy Family captured like a modern Christmas photo: Mary holding the Christ child, Joseph watching with love, relatives gathered, and a prophetic voice pointing to the salvation of the world. The episode traces their journey from Bethlehem to Egypt, then Nazareth, highlighting God’s care during hardship and Jesus’ early devotion at the temple.St. Paul’s message on mutual love and respect in the family is emphasized — husbands and wives honoring one another, parents nurturing children, and children honoring their parents — inviting listeners to examine their lives, change for the better, and live in holiness, peace, and love.

Facing the Crowd: St. Stephen's Courageous Witness

St. Stephen boldly proclaimed God’s truth before those who opposed the early Church, trusting the words God gave him and seeing the glory of heaven, which removed his fear even in the face of death.This episode calls us to seek that same courage and trust: to ask God for the right words, accept His gift of love in the Eucharist, and use it to serve and challenge others for the good of God’s kingdom.

Do Not Be Afraid: The Gift of the Second Adam

This episode reflects on the Christmas gospel’s message of comfort — “do not be afraid” — and connects Christ’s birth to the gift of new life through his resurrection.It explores the idea of Jesus as the Second Adam who restores our relationship with God, the courage to trust beyond worldly fears, and the continual gift of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.

Do Not Be Afraid: Joseph's Faith and the Gift of Christ

This episode reflects on Joseph's deep faith and courage when the angel reassures him "do not be afraid," highlighting his acceptance of Mary and his steadfast trust amid ridicule. It celebrates Mary's role, Joseph's holiness, and the example they give to families and believers.The talk also focuses on the Eucharist as God's greatest gift, St. Paul's words of blessing, and the call to receive Christ mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It encourages sharing the Gospel, living in trust, and preparing for the Lord's coming.

Gaudete Sunday: Joy in Rose and Light

On this Rose (Gaudete) Sunday we celebrate the coming of the Savior with rejoicing and hope. The priest’s rose vestments remind us of the Lord’s presence and the gift of eternal life.We remember the recent Marian feasts—the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe—and give thanks for Mary’s role in receiving and sharing the gift of Christ so we may become gifts of grace to others.

Mary's Yes: A Gift That Changes Everything

Today's homily reflects on the Blessed Mother's "yes," the joy of Elizabeth and the unborn John who leapt in the womb, and the powerful message that life and grace begin at conception.
It celebrates the sound of babies in Mass as the future of the Church, calls listeners to pray for mothers, and reaffirms a commitment to protecting and blessing life from conception to natural death.