Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Healed and Serving: Jesus Restores and Inspires

Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, who immediately rises and begins to serve, showing grateful devotion after being restored.Word spreads and many bring the sick; Jesus heals them all, and even the devil recognizes who he is. The passage also invites reflection on the gift of the Eucharist and Christ’s real presence among us.Jesus moves on to continue his mission, and we are called to share the healing and nourishment we have received by reaching out and serving others.

Are You Ready? St. Paul's Call to Watchfulness

St. Paul reminds believers they've been richly blessed and challenges each of us to be ready for the Lord's unexpected coming. He urges constant watchfulness and a life lived for the good of ourselves, our families, and our community.The episode explores the difficulty of accepting correction, God's continual invitation to return, and how the Eucharist strengthens and calls us toward holiness and love for one another.

He Walked Through Them: A Message Rejected and Continued

Today’s readings show Jesus boldly proclaiming God’s word, facing anger and rejection, yet walking through his challengers and continuing his mission.Saint Paul’s conversion and tireless travels across the Mediterranean illustrate the courage to bring Christ to people of different languages and cultures.We are called to follow their example—proclaiming Christ, serving others, and relying on the Eucharist for strength on our journey of faith.

Humbled Before the Altar: Finding True Humility

The key to our scriptures today is humility. A seminary anecdote about a falling chair leads into a reflection on how God humbles us to remind us that only He has true righteousness. Priests and laypeople alike are called to step down from pride and serve with trust and love.As we celebrate the Eucharist, we are invited to come before the Lord in humility, receiving His grace and recognizing His sacrifice. This episode encourages believers to imitate the humble service of Christ and to guide others toward the gift of eternal life.

Ready to Learn: A Blessing for the New School Year

Today's homily is a back-to-school blessing asking listeners to be prepared for a year of learning and growth, trusting that God will fill their minds with good ideas and gifts of love and mercy.
Rooted in Scripture and Catholic tradition, the speaker prays for students, teachers, parents, the sick, those serving in the military, clergy, and the deceased, emphasizing community, unity, and God’s guidance throughout the year.

Awake and Faithful: Thessalonica's Call to Witness

St. Paul urges the Thessalonians — and us — to change our lives by remaining faithful, staying awake, and witnessing the faith to others. We are called to be loving stewards who care for one another, relying on God’s help rather than our own strength.Though staying attentive and open can be difficult, God provides the assistance and timing we need. By praying for and supporting family, friends, neighbors, and our broader community, we become visible signs of God’s presence and love.

Clean the Inside: Confronting Hypocrisy in Faith

This episode challenges the hypocrisy of religious leaders, using the cup illustration to show how outward appearances can hide inner emptiness. It calls listeners to honest self-examination and spiritual renewal.Despite our flaws, God's mercy invites us to receive forgiveness and strength through baptism, the Eucharist, and confirmation, empowering us to live authentically and serve others with love.

Discipleship Is Discipline: Embracing the Challenge

This episode explores what it means to be a disciple: the discipline required, the challenges we face, and the growth that comes from trusting the Lord. Using personal stories from priesthood and the example of Peter stepping out onto the water, it highlights the cost and reward of accepting God’s call.Through the gift of the Eucharist and daily commitment, listeners are encouraged to take courageous steps in faith, rely on God’s strength, and strive each day to grow closer to Christ for the good of themselves and their community.

Servant Leaders: Humility Over Authority

This episode explores Christian humility and the call to servant leadership, emphasizing that no one should claim authority over others and that all believers are called to serve. Fr. Ken reflects on the role of priests, bishops, and the Pope as examples of service, and highlights the Eucharist as a moment of humble giving.
Listeners are encouraged to embrace the priesthood of the laity and to let Christ be the central focus, serving their brothers and sisters with compassion and selflessness.

Entering Heaven: The Cost and the Promise

Jesus tells the disciples that entering the kingdom of heaven is difficult, using the image of a camel passing through the gate known as the "eye of the needle" to illustrate the need for radical surrender and trust.He calls people to put God first—even above family—and promises that through grace, especially received in the Eucharist, God will nourish, strengthen, and bless those who sacrifice and witness his presence.