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Single Pearl on Marble

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Homily Pearls are Reflections on the Sunday readings that follow a clear and logical format that will aid priests and deacons with homily preparation, content and delivery. In each Reflection you will find: 
 

The “Pearl” - A salient, memorable overview of the readings in three words or less that relates to everyday life, gleaned from my diligent practice of Lectio Divina. 

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An opening Reflection; a story, image, metaphor or contemporary parable that is practical and timeless and can be used across multiple Sunday and Weekday Lectionary readings. They peak audience attention, create connectivity between preacher and assembly, and smoothly segue to commentary on the scripture readings.

 

Commentary that respects timeless truths of the Catholic faith in the context of the Liturgical celebration. 

Suggestions on why the salient points of the message are important and how the gathered assembly can adopt these. 

Closing Comments that recapitulate the core of the message and offer action responses. 


Not a canned homily that should be read word for word but a companion that will streamline, sharpen focus, and expedite preparation in constructing a homily for the assembly the preacher knows so well. 

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Why a Pearl?
An extensive six-year study conducted by Bishop Untener (Preaching Better, Practical

suggestions for Homilists) revealed that one of the most frequent and common complaints from people critiquing hundreds of homilies was, "Too many thoughts/failure to stay with one thought."  The "Pearl," a core thought with depth, corrects that problem. That the Pearl is one thought does not limit but, in fact, enhances the focus of the message. 

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Why Homily Pearls Were Created.
Homily Pearls meld my many years as a preacher, teacher and writer of homilies to assist and support homilists who have the awesome privilege of proclaiming the mystery of faith in a relevant and Spirit-anointed way to God's people. This ministry is fueled by the passion of knowing that what we as preachers do is transformative - not only for those hearing the word but for those preparing, proclaiming, and delivering that word. 


IMPORTANT PLEASE READ. This site contains reflections current to the Sunday Lectionary Cycle. Reflections for Cycle C 2025 are available now. Upon ordering, you will receive an email receipt and instructions to download the files. With just one click, on the Download tab, these 52 commentary/reflections are electronically downloaded to your computer and will reside in your File Explorer under DOWNLOADS. 

 

You can modify the text to produce the document you will use in your Homily. These are your files to be used by you - please do not share them. 

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As a bonus, you will receive an XL Spreadsheet Cross-referencing 104 companion Sunday and weekday citations for references to aid in your weekday preaching as well. Additionally, there are 52 Gospel parallels referenced for further preparatory research.  

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For questions contact Deacon Ralph at homilypearls@gmail.com or phone/text 601-310-0104

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Lectionary Citation to Pearl Cycle C 2025:

Lectionary Citation                              Pearl

  • Advent 1st Sun. C                        Chance or Faith?

  • Advent 2nd Sun. C                       Anticipation

  • Advent 3rd Sun. C                        Happiness

  • Advent 4th Sun. C                        Christmas Wishes

  • Holy Family C                               Lessons Learned

  • Epiphany of the Lord C                Manifestation

  • Baptism of the Lord C                  New Birth

  • Ordinary 2nd Sun. C                    New Life

  • Ordinary 3rd Sun. C                     Three L's 

  • Presentation of the Lord              Prepare the Way

  • Ordinary 5th Sun. C                    Invite the Lord

  • Ordinary 6th Sun. C                    Be Blessed 

  • Ordinary 7th Sun. C                    Be Like God

  • Ordinary 8th Sun. C                    From the Heart

  • Lent 1st Sun C                           Comfort Zone

  • Lent 2nd Sun C                          Prompt Action

  • Lent 3rd Sun C                          Reflect and Believe

  • Lent 4th Sun C                          Power of Forgiveness

  • Lent 5th Sun C                          Victory in Jesus

  • Passion Sunday C                    Despair or Hope?

  • Easter Sunday C                       Holiness

  • Easter 2nd Sun Divine Mercy   Mercy Acts

  • Easter 3rd Sun C                      Defining Moments

  • Easter 4th Sun C                      Attitude of Gratitude

  • Easter 5th Sun C                      Exercising Faith

  • Easter 6th Sun C                      Hoping to Goodness

  • Ascension of the Lord C           Being Jesus

  • Pentecost Sun C                       Receive Power

  • Trinity Sunday C                       God is One

  • Body and Blood of Christ C      Real Presence

  • Saint Peter and St. Paul           Apostolic Commission 

  • Ordinary 14th Sun C                Free to Serve

  • Ordinary 15th Sun C                History Repeats

  • Ordinary 16th Sun C                Just Like You!

  • Ordinary 17th Sun c                 Mind of God

  • Ordinary 18th Sun C                The Devil in the Details

  • Ordinary 19th Sun C                Wisdom Thru Faith

  • Ordinary 20th Sun C               Disturbing Love

  • Ordinary 21st Sun C               Mercy Unearned

  • Ordinary 22nd Sun C              Humility

  • Ordinary 23nd Sun C              All to Jesus

  • Exaltation of the Cross           Relationship Cycle

  • Ordinary 25th Sun C              My Plan or Gods?

  • Ordinary 26th Sun C              Wayward Heart

  • Ordinary 27th Sun C              Faith of our Fathers

  • Ordinary 28th Sun C              Exercise Humility

  • Ordinary 29th Sun C              Empowered by God 

  • Ordinary 30th Sun C              Prayer

  • All Souls                                Faithful Departed

  • Dedication Lateran Basilica  Living Stones 

  • Ordinary 33rd Sun. C            Hope or Hopeless

  • Jesus Christ the King C        Choose Jesus 

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