Homilies of Fr. Ken Fortney

Unyielding Faith: Moses, the Persistent Widow, and the Call to Persevere

Today's homily explores the theme of persistence in Scripture, from Moses holding up his hands in battle to Paul's urgent charge to Timothy to proclaim the Word whether convenient or inconvenient.
It reflects on the persistent widow’s victory, St. Monica’s patient prayers for Augustine, and the challenge of witnessing faith in a world that resists the truth.
Through the sacrament and Christ’s example, the episode urges believers to remain steadfast, to pray, and to bring God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness to others.

From Leprosy to Thanksgiving: The Samaritan Who Returned

Two healing accounts involving lepers are recounted: ten are healed and told to show themselves to the priests, but only one—surprisingly a Samaritan—returns to give thanks. The episode highlights his gratitude and the power of recognizing God as the source of healing.The message connects our hidden wounds to the need for reconciliation, confession, and the Eucharist. It calls for humility, forgiveness, and bringing others to the gift of God’s healing and grace.

Jonah's Anger and God's Mercy

Fr. Ken's homily explores Jonah's struggle with God's mercy, showing how we often mirror his anger and reluctance to forgive. It emphasizes God's unwavering compassion, the importance of forgiving ourselves, and the power of the Lord's Prayer to deepen our union with God and others.

Mustard-Seed Faith: Trusting a Caring Master

Our homily reflects on a gospel about trusting God even with faith the size of a mustard seed and on the surprising lesson of being servants who wait on their Master instead of trying to control everything.
We are invited to grow in compassion and wisdom as we age, to rely on God’s provision, and to live out our faith by loving others. The Eucharist strengthens and sends us to share that love.

Woe and Welcome: Hearing the Lord’s Call Today

Today's homily reflects on a challenging scripture that condemns complacency but ends with gratitude, reminding listeners that the past’s warnings still speak to our present lives.
It calls each believer—not just clergy—to live and share the faith, relying on baptism, communion, confirmation, and the Holy Spirit to become instruments of grace for others.

Forgiven — Don’t Look Back: Finding Freedom in God’s Mercy

This homily explores the power of God’s forgiveness and the danger of fixating on past sins. It encourages trusting in grace, looking forward in faith, and living as instruments of God to help others.
Using examples like confession and a scene from The Exorcist, the speaker warns that dwelling on past mistakes—often stoked by Satan—prevents effective ministry and spiritual growth. The message centers on receiving the Eucharist, embracing God’s love, and moving toward the promised goal of eternal life.

Seeing the Son of Man: Nathaniel’s Moment of Truth

Today's homily reflects on Nathaniel’s honest faith and his recognition of Jesus as the Son of God while Jesus called himself the Son of Man.
It celebrates the role of angels and archangels as God’s messengers and protectors, sharing personal stories of guardian angel protection and an invitation to be open to their guidance.

Across the Chasm: Lazarus and the Rich Man

Today's homily explores the biblical paradox between Lazarus, the poor man at the gate, and the rich man behind his wall. It contrasts suffering and divine hope with indifference and abundance, asking listeners to consider which side of the chasm they occupy.
Fr. Ken urges personal responsibility and compassion, reminding believers that God provides and calls them to love and serve their neighbors through both church ministry and daily, tangible acts of mercy.

From Temple to Test: Ezra's Call to Repentance

Our homily contrasts Ezra’s account of the temple’s restoration—brought about even through a foreign king—with the people’s honest confession of sin and need for repentance.
It also reflects on Jesus sending the Twelve to minister without provisions, trusting God to provide, and challenges listeners to respond with mercy, responsibility, and gratitude for God’s ongoing care.

Rejoice in the House of the Lord: Joy, Mercy, and Family

The homily explores the joy of coming together as the Lord’s family, honoring the sacred place of worship, and the call to care for one another with humility—even when that means confronting and being confronted. It emphasizes repentance, mercy, and the challenge of loving those we sit beside as true siblings in Christ.
Honoring Padre Pio, the homily reflects on his lifelong sacrifice of confession and suffering, his bearing of the stigmata described as a fragrance rather than blood, and how his example reminds us that God loves us despite our wounds and calls us to mercy and peace.