Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Put on His Yoke: Finding Strength in God's Guidance

Drawing on a memory of oxen and yokes in Taiwan, this episode uses the yoke as a powerful metaphor for accepting Christ's guidance and finding strength through trust in God. It shows how His yoke makes life's journey lighter, even amid turmoil.The speaker reflects on the witness of martyrs and saints who faced danger with courage, encouraging listeners to be prepared, to follow God’s direction, and to be a source of strength and hope for others.

When an Angel Appears: Promise of a Miracle

An angel appears with an astonishing promise: a son will be born through the glory of God, even when it seems impossible. The episode reflects on how God works in mysterious ways during both good and difficult times to bring what we need at the proper moment.It celebrates the gift of the Son as the source of salvation and honors the compassion and love of the blessed mother who accepts this calling. The message invites listeners to recognize and receive this precious gift with gratitude.

Prepare the Way: John the Baptist and the Promise of Advent

This episode reflects on Isaiah's vision of the day of the Lord and the joyful reunion with God, emphasizing His boundless mercy and love.Through the witness of John the Baptist and the sacrament of baptism, we are called to prepare, renew our commitment, and recognize God's transforming grace.As Advent progresses, we anticipate the birth of salvation and are invited to be reborn in love, sharing God's gift with others.

Two Sundays, One Call: Preparing to Meet the Lord

This homily reflects on two meaningful Sundays—one looking back at how we have grown closer to Christ and the other looking forward to how we will change to better reflect his love and mercy.
Using Advent imagery of lighting candles and preparing for the Lord’s coming, the speaker urges listeners to live with joy, grace, and to be transformed by the Eucharist so they can be witnesses of Christ to others.

The Writing on the Wall: Persevere for Eternal Life

Reflection on today’s gospel, highlighting that perseverance secures not our present life but the life to come—eternal union with God, free from suffering and full of joy.
Using the image of a king confronted by the writing on the wall and personal stories from priestly ministry, the speaker calls for humility, faithful worship, and embracing the Eucharist as God’s grace to be received and shared with others.

When Empires Fall: Stand Ready for the Lord

As the church year ends, readings move from warning to hope: Nicodemus receives the sign of the Lord’s coming and Nebuchadnezzar’s great vision shows how worldly power will collapse.Despite foreboding and conflict, Revelation and the scriptures promise that if we prepare, change our lives, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will be welcomed home by the Lord.Hold fast with faith and love into the new year—trust that God provides what we need and will greet us with open arms when the time comes.

Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise: A Message of Forgiveness

This episode reflects on the thief on the cross who recognized his sin, received Jesus' promise of paradise, and points to the power of repentance and the resurrection.It celebrates the sacraments—reconciliation and the Eucharist—as channels of God's forgiveness and grace, and calls listeners to live bravely in faith, bringing Christ to others through word and action.

When Family Includes Everyone: Jesus Redefines Kinship

This episode reflects on Jesus' words about family, showing how he expands kinship beyond blood to include all believers and reassures the disciples that their true family is the community of faith.It highlights the priesthood and each Christian's call to offer guidance, comfort, and challenge, and affirms that the Eucharist strengthens us to reach out with love, courage, and grace.

Faith That Refuses: Lessons from the Maccabees

We explore the Maccabees' courageous witness to God, highlighting a mother and son's refusal to abandon their faith and how their example calls Christians to live and pass on the tradition. The episode connects their sacrifice to the gift of Christ in the Eucharist, encouraging believers to be signs of God's love and strength for future generations.

Stand Firm: Lessons from Eleazar and the Maccabees

This episode reflects on a powerful reading from 1 Maccabees, highlighting Eleazar’s courage to refuse compromise even at great personal cost.It calls listeners to be examples of faith and sacrifice—especially for younger generations—and connects that witness to the gift of the Eucharist and the call to follow God rather than the world.