Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Strength for the Journey: Eucharist and Courage in Times of Fear

In today's homily, Fr. Ken reflects on end-of-year scripture readings and the early church’s struggles, drawing hope from the courage of the disciples and St. Paul despite persecution.
Central to the message is the Eucharist: receiving Christ’s body and blood gives believers the strength to recognize Jesus, share the faith, and be witnesses even in the face of danger, with prayerful solidarity for modern martyrs.

Facing the End: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

As readings grow foreboding toward the end of the church year, this episode reflects on end-times predictions and the certainty that only God knows the hour. It urges listeners to be prepared by deepening their relationship with Christ, appreciating the gift of His presence in the Eucharist, and striving for spiritual growth rather than perfection. The message calls Catholics to welcome the Lord, allow Him to transform their lives, and live out love and care for others.

Wisdom for the End Times: Always Be Ready

The homily explores the wisdom of Solomon and Jesus' call to constant readiness, rejecting fear-driven predictions about the end times.
It emphasizes the sustaining power of God's presence and the Eucharist, encouraging listeners to live transformed by God's love and be prepared every moment.

The One Who Returned: A Samaritan’s Grateful Heart

This episode reflects on the Gospel story of the ten lepers: their isolation, the miracle of healing, and the fear of approaching the priests. It highlights the one Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus and explores themes of trust, inclusion, and recognition of God’s mercy.It connects that gratitude to the meaning of the Eucharist as thanksgiving, encouraging listeners to seek God’s healing, give thanks, and welcome their place in the community.

Ought, Not Should: Living as Unprofitable Servants

This episode challenges listeners to live as faithful servants who do what they ought to do, trusting the Lord and witnessing His presence in everyday life.It speaks about defending life from conception to natural death, reflects on the death penalty and mercy, and draws inspiration from St. Martin of Tours to bring Christ’s love to others.

Who Do You Say I Am? Peter's Bold Confession

In today's homily, we reflect on Matthew's account of Jesus asking his disciples who he is, and Peter's powerful confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
We explore how that understanding comes from God's help, how the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist strengthen us, and why we must turn to God in times of fear and weakness.
Finally, we are encouraged to live as examples of faith—supporting family, friends, and community—and to love others as God loves us.

St. John Lateran: Rome’s Hidden Heart

On the feast of St. John Lateran we are reminded that the true basilica of Rome is not a building but the Church as the living Body of Christ. The scriptural images of streams flowing from the temple point to our mission to bring Christ’s presence to others.St. Paul calls Jesus the firm foundation that shapes who we are; recognizing our likeness to God invites ongoing conversion and growth so we can be a steady example for others.In the Gospel Jesus confronts the temple merchants to reveal the greater sacrificial presence before them—himself. Through his death and the ongoing gift of the Eucharist we are nourished and sent to bring life, justice, peace, and hope to our brothers and sisters.

Choose Less, Follow More: The Challenge of Letting Go

This episode reflects on the Gospel call to give up possessions and resist consumer culture, urging listeners to prioritize a relationship with the Lord over material wants.Through personal examples — including a priest's own struggles after retirement — the speaker emphasizes simplicity, trusting God for what is necessary, taking up the cross, and asking for help to let go of what controls us.

The Bread of Life: God's Ultimate Gift

The homily explores the Eucharist as the ultimate gift: God giving us His Son in body and blood, offering hope that does not disappoint.
It calls listeners to recognize Christ’s real presence, to trust God, turn from sin, and be nourished so we can share holiness, faithfulness, and mercy with others.

We Ought to Pray: A Call to Deeper Commitment

St. Paul’s instruction to "pray as we ought" is explored as a call to committed, wholehearted prayer—whether at Mass, in the rosary, or in private devotion. The episode urges listeners to engage fully in prayer and in acts of love toward others.Reflecting on the narrow gate and the Christian race, it challenges us to examine our lives, grow closer to God, and serve our brothers and sisters through physical and spiritual acts that lead them toward a deeper relationship with God.