OUR STORY
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.
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.
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.
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.

Lectionary Citation to Pearl Cycle A 2026:
Lectionary Citation
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Advent 1st Sun. A
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Advent 2nd Sun. A
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Advent 3rd Sun. A
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Advent 4th Sun. A
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Holy Family A
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Epiphany A
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Baptism of the Lord A
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Ordinary 2nd Sun. A
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Ordinary 3rd Sun. A
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Ordinary 4th Sun. A
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Ordinary 5th Sun. A
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Ordinary 6th Sun. A
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Lent 1st Sun. A
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Lent 2nd Sun. A
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Lent 3rd Sun. A
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Lent 4th Sun. A
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Lent 5th Sun. A
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Passion Sun A
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Easter Sun A
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Easter 2nd Sun A
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Easter 3rd Sun A
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Easter 4th Sun A
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Easter 5th Sun A
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Easter 6th Sun A
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Ascension of the Lord A
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Pentecost Sun A
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Trinity Sunday A
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Body & Blood of Christ A
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Ordinary 11th Sun A
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Ordinary 12th Sun A
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Ordinary 13th Sun. A
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Ordinary 14th Sun. A
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Ordinary 15th Sun A
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Ordinary 16th Sun A
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Ordinary 17th Sun. A
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Ordinary 18th Sun A
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Ordinary 19th Sun. A
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Ordinary 20th Sun. A
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Ordinary 21st Sun A
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Ordinary 22nd Sun A
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Ordinary 23rd Sun. A
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Ordinary 24th Sun. A
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Ordinary 25th Sun A
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Ordinary 26th Sun A
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Ordinary 27th Sun A
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Ordinary 28th Sun A
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Ordinary 29th Sun A
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Ordinary 30th Sun A
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All Saints A
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Ordinary 32nd Sun A
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Ordinary 33rd Sun. A
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Jesus Christ the King A
Pearl
Contradiction
Anxiety
Victory in Jesus
Prepare the Way
Holy Obedience
See, Seek, Share
Initiation
New Birth
God Gives
My Way
Righteousness and Truth
Believing the Message
Sweet Victory
Anticipating Faith
Satisfied
We There Yet?
Conversion
Passionate Love
Holy Beginning
Mercy Conquers
Jesus With Us
New Life
Showing God
Who has You?
Power Acts
The Spirit Leads
Mystery
Real Presence
You Say
Being Christ
Hospitality
Show Me Jesus
Bible Power
Like God
Fulfill Your Purpose
Satisfied?
No Other God
Right & Just
Holy Keys
God Speaking
Bold Faith
Surrender
Mercy
Trust in Jesus
Failure Not an Option
Invitation
God's Boundaries
The Greatest of These
Be a Saint
Foolsh Gamble
Got Virtue?
Bucket List

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ. This site contains reflections current to the Sunday Lectionary Cycle. Reflections for Cycle A 2026 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.
For questions contact Deacon Ralph at homilypearls@aol.com or phone/text 601-310-0104
