In this homily, Deacon Robin Waters highlights how Jesus warns against false prophets who deceive with outward appearances of goodness but inwardly are harmful. This caution echoes through history, recalling how Israel strayed under wicked kings. Today, similar deceit lures people from faith, distorting the Truth and convincing them that the approval of a secular culture determines right from wrong. Jesus urges discernment: judge by their fruits, aligning with what brings us closer to Him. Emphasizing reliance on Church teachings and the sacraments, Deacon Robin encourages humility and surrender to God amid cultural challenges, affirming that only through the Lord's guidance can we navigate deception and uphold truth.

Based on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal from 1 Kings, Deacon Robin speaks on the current societal climate, where Catholic values face abandonment. In today's world, much like the time of Elijah, the allure of pleasure, wealth, and ideological trends often supersedes devotion to God. Many profess faith yet compromise it for societal acceptance or personal convenience. Despite this, says Deacon Robin, we're urged to uphold the truth. It's a daunting task, but necessary. Join us in proceeding with courage!

Deacon Robin reveals the profound mystery of the Holy Trinity, exploring how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit unite us in a divine family. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, he reflects on the significance of the Trinity in our daily lives, the grace received through baptism, and our call to live out our faith in unity with God. Join us as we celebrate the depth of our Catholic identity and our eternal connection with the Triune God.

This homily reflects on Jesus' prayer for his disciples before his passion and death, emphasizing his request for God to protect them from evil rather than removing them from the world. It explains that Jesus' intention was to prepare his followers for their mission by bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit, which they receive through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers them to spread the gospel and live a life united with Christ. The homily also highlights the Feast of St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers, and calls for humility and dedication in serving Jesus and the Church.

Deacon Robin reflects on Jesus' conversation with Simon Peter, emphasizing the importance of Peter's role in leading the Church and spreading the Gospel. The homily also highlights the sacrifices required of Peter and other apostles, drawing parallels to St. Paul and St. Philip Neri's unwavering commitment to their faith despite persecution. It concludes with a call for all Christians to discern their own roles in evangelization and live out their faith with courage and joy.

Jesus called his people "sheep" and himself the "shepherd" for more reasons than you might think. It wasn't just because agriculture was the dominant occupation of the day. Deacon Robin at one time raised sheep and he shares in today's reflection that sheep have a very specific kind of response to their shepherd that they don't have for anyone else—which makes it the perfect analogy for our relationship to Jesus.

A very wise nun once said, "Pray to the Holy Spirit—nobody remembers to pray to the Holy Spirit." As the third member of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit has unlimited power and is called a "Paraclete" or advocate in the Scriptures. In today's reflection, Deacon Robin Waters shares a reflection on what the world was like before the Holy Spirit was sent to us, before Jesus ascended to his throne—and it's UNRECOGNIZABLE.

Having passed through the Passion and trials of Jesus during Holy Week, we are now entering the Easter Season! Deacon Robin Waters shares an interesting reflection on the Apostles this week. They had already seen his miracles. They had already seen him rise from the dead. In fact, they'd already seen him twice! Why did the Apostles still need pentecost in order to boldly proclaim what they already knew to be true?

Why is it that our society continues to make the same mistake, over and over again, in turning away from God and his will? Deacon Robin Waters shares that this phenomenon was predicted all the way back in the Old Testament, in the Wisdom of Solomon. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated me first." Discover how to live in a world that hates you because of Jesus in today's reflection.

One of the most common questions of doubt you'll hear from non-believers is: "If God is Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen?" Deacon Robin Waters shares this beautiful reflection on Genesis, chapter 37 and Matthew, chapter 21, which when taken together show a full picture of how God uses even bad things to make something beautiful. If you're at a dark point in your story, this reflection will help you see what God has in store for you.

Lent is a time to reflect on the weight of our sin and to take steps to remove the stain and effects of sine from our lives. Deacon Robin Waters shares this reflection about the power confession has to strengthen God's influence in our lives through grace, while diminishing any power or sway the devil may have over us. Confession gives us the grace to stand up to opposition in the Christian Life.

There aren't too many Christians being martyred for their faith in America today. But would it surprise you to discover that around the world, Christians are far and away the most persecuted group in existence? Today, Deacon Robin shares a reflection that challenges us to think about how far we are willing to go for God? You may never be called upon to be a martyr for your faith, but what would you do if you were?

We are told that God is always with us and that He hears our prayers, but if that is the case, then why to good people suffer, just as much or even more than the wicked? Deacon Robin shares a great reflection on this, pulling from a recent Mass reading from Isaiah about true sacrifice and how an insincere sacrifice is unacceptable to the Father. God does not promise us freedom from suffering, but He does offer us freedom from suffering without meaning.

There are a lot of hard teachings in the Gospels. Teachings about morality, money, worship, charity, love, life, death, and countless others. Jesus wasn't afraid to challenge his followers and he never backed down, not even when they all walked away from him. Deacon Robin shares a reflection on the attitude we should have toward hard teachings, and how only when we accept them can we truly understand God's love for us.

Reflecting on the recent Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Deacon Robin reminds us to be and to pray like Simeon. The Jewish people had been praying and waiting for the Messiah for thousands of years, and Simeon had been waiting and praying all his life to witness the Christ, though that seemed impossible. Today is a reminder that if you're not praying for the impossible, you're not giving God enough credit!

Discover the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ amid a world chasing fleeting desires. Embrace a call to authenticity, a challenge against modern distortions, and an invitation to an unwavering faith. Stand firm with the wisdom of the ages — choose a life of purpose and divine connection over passing trends. Embrace the eternal over the ephemeral. Join the journey back to the roots of steadfast belief.

Recalling his struggles with loss, Deacon Robin recalls crying for mercy, paralleling his pain with a biblical story of clemency. He challenges readers: Do we forgive our foes as we seek forgiveness? By showing mercy, we align with a higher grace, transforming wounds into wisdom, hatred into healing. It's a tough, essential commandment for personal growth and peace.

Discover the transformative power of action in faith through the inspiring journey of St. John Neumann. Deacon Robin challenges us to live life beyond comfort zones, where bold deeds and unwavering commitment bring you closer to the divine. True belief propels greatness in the spiritual life, and that greatness spills over into every other area.

Uncover the two lesser-known aspects of the Epiphany that add incredible depth to the story of how the world came to know Jesus as God. Deacon Mike shares how the Wedding Feast at Cana and the Baptism of Jesus also factor into the Epiphany, and how meditating on and engaging with these sacred mysteries can help us to experience our own Epiphany every week at Mass.

Discover the profound impact of unwavering faith in the face of tragedy, as Deacon Robin Waters shares his son's courageous fight against cancer and how he himself drew strength from the example of St. André Bessette's enduring legacy—a testament to the triumph of spiritual resilience over life's greatest challenges.