The Sermon on the Mount | Part 1: The Master Teacher | Homily for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Luke 10:41

In this homily for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we begin a three-part series on The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ longest and most profound teaching in the Gospel. Jesus is not merely offering moral advice or spiritual ideals. As the Master Teacher, He invites His disciples to see reality from His perspective. In the Beatitudes, Christ overturns our assumptions about happiness, strength, and success, revealing what truly leads to human flourishing. This first homily focuses on how Jesus teaches us to see the world as it truly is—and how learning to see through His eyes is essential for authentic discipleship.
  1. The Sermon on the Mount | Part 1: The Master Teacher | Homily for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time
  2. Called By Name | Mission – Come After Me | 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
  3. That They May Have Life | Part 2 -Why Is It So Hard to Be Good? Sin, Freedom, and the Moral Act
  4. Called by Name | Identity – Beloved Sons and Daughters | 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
  5. That they may have life | Part 1 – Foundations | What does it really mean to live a good life?

Thanks to Fr. James Swift, CM my rector from Holy Trinity Seminary for teaching me the origin of the term “hobo.” My friend Br. Elijah Dubek was also inspired by Fr. Jim.

Two hobos walking along railroad tracks, after being put off a train. One carries a bindle.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you long for heaven? How do you actively seek the kingdom of heaven?
  2. What are the sources of aniexty in your life? How do you these things take away your peace?
  3. What can you do to remind yourself each day that you are made for heaven?

Readings from the EF

Published by Fr. Will Rooney

Fr. Will Rooney was baptized at St. Anthony’s Parish in Bryan, TX where his parents had been married. He has two younger brothers, David and Travis. Will received his First Communion at St. Anthony’s and around that time began to think about becoming a priest. Will was confirmed at St. Thomas Aquinas in May 2006. During high school, he actively participated in the parish youth group and was involved in robotics competitions. He and his brothers also raised poultry for 4-H and FFA projects. Upon graduation from A&M Consolidated High School in 2009, Will studied Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University. While at A&M, he worked as a Middle School youth minister and felt a growing desire toward the priesthood. In his senior year at A&M, he decided to apply for seminary, was accepted, and began attending Holy Trinity Seminary for pre-theology after he graduated. Two years later, Will was sent to St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston for theological studies. He served his pastoral year at St. Louis, King of France, Catholic Church and School in Austin (2017-2018). He was ordained to the Diaconate May 18, 2019, and served his deacon year at Our Lady of the Visitation in Lockhart, TX. He was ordained to the priesthood June 27, 2020 currently ministers at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin.

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