Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Be Salt and Light: Living as Witnesses of Faith

This episode explains Jesus' call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, showing how Christians must witness God's presence or risk becoming ineffective and overlooked.It highlights the courage of the saints and modern believers facing persecution, and emphasizes the Eucharist and the paschal light as sources of strength to nourish and empower us to share our faith with others.

When Faith Is Tested: David’s Impossible Choices

This episode reflects on a crisis of faith using David’s three difficult options and Abraham’s testing as examples, asking how we respond to God’s invitations and trials.It explores daily choices between trusting God or turning away, the sustaining power of the Eucharist, and practical prayers for guidance, unity, and mercy within the church and the world.

Chosen Weakness, Divine Strength

Paul’s message to the Corinthians reminds us that God often chooses the humble, weak, and lowly so that no one may boast before Him. The episode reflects on how true wisdom and strength come from humility, not human status or intellect, and connects this teaching to the Beatitudes and priestly ministry.Through examples of saints and ministers, the talk urges listeners to embrace servant-hearted service—whether as clergy or lay ministers—and to rely on God’s grace in the Eucharist to bring joy, humility, and love to others.

Leave Everything: The Call to Follow Christ

This episode reflects on the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus, Paul’s appeal to unity in his letter to the Corinthians, and the ongoing call for all believers to witness Christ’s love. It encourages courage in sharing the gospel, highlights baptism and confirmation as moments of mission, and invites listeners to receive strength from the Eucharist as they bring God’s presence to their community.

When an Intercessor Stops the Threat: Saul, David, and Divine Rescue

In this episode we reflect on how God provided an intercessor to protect David from Saul’s intent to kill him, and how we often need a mediator in our lives. That intercessor is Jesus Christ, who guides us toward truth and justice and offers himself to us in the Eucharist.We are reminded that Jesus is present at every Mass, giving himself to heal, bless, and strengthen us. May we recognize and receive this gift with humility and trust, allowing the intercessor to bring grace to our lives and to others.

Humble Hearts: St. Paul and St. Agnes on Calling

In this episode the speaker reflects on St. Paul’s words about calling, humility, and how few are wise, powerful, or noble by human standards. He shares personal observations about seminary formation and the injustice of excluding good candidates for lack of intellect, while highlighting the vital role of humility in priestly life.Using St. Agnes and other humble saints as examples, the speaker emphasizes that God works through those who put others first. The episode encourages being instruments of God’s peace, offering joy, consolation, and compassion to others even in hardship.

When 'Ordinary Time' Becomes Extraordinary: Answering God's Call

This episode reflects on how ordinary time becomes extraordinary when we enter God's presence, exploring Samuel's calling and the challenge of answering God's voice.It also shares a priest's journey of vocation and service and celebrates Christ's healing power and the sacrament of anointing, encouraging listeners to be instruments of God's grace for one another.

Humble King: The Gentle Voice of Christ

This episode reflects on Isaiah’s prophecy and John the Baptist’s encounter with Jesus, highlighting Christ’s humility, the meaning of baptism, and the sacraments as gifts of grace.It invites listeners to receive Christ humbly, become the body of Christ, and carry his mercy and peace into the world.

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.