SJBExcelsior Podcast

Fr. Josh Brown dives into the significance of Baptism on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this past Sunday.

During the Advent season, we hear a recurring theme of light. Light helps us to see clearly, through darkness. Advent is a time to rekindle the flame inside us - the living flame of our relationship with Christ. When we do this, we put on the armor of Christ and it transforms us.

Souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves. That duty falls to us. Deacon Michael gives us four simple things we can do to assist the souls in purgatory: https://seton-parish.org/plenary-indulgences-for-all-souls-week-and-the-month-of-november#:~:text=Visiting%20a%20Cemetery%3A%20Visiting%20a,only%20mentally%2C%20for%20the%20departedhttps://prayforsouls.org/ways/prayers/st-gertrude

Don’t grow weary in prayer, especially in challenging times. Go to the Lord, he’s going to help. Psalm 121 - I will raise my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. We’re not battling by ourselves. The Lord is with us.

Fr. Carlson concludes his homily series on gratitude.

Fr. Carlson begins a two-part homily series on gratitude.

There is an obvious call from Jesus in this past Sunday's parable of Lazarus and the rich man, but there is a deeper spiritual understanding as well. Jesus addresses this parable to the Pharisees, and is calling them, and us, to conversion. He is the Lazarus in the story, the one the rich man does not want to see. He has come to save them, but they have closed their eyes to him and want none of it. The invitation for us to to consider today as the time of conversion. Don't wait until tomorrow. Jesus longs for us to be in relationship with Him today.

Fr. Carlson dives into the often misunderstood Parable of the Dishonest Steward. Does Jesus commend the dishonesty of the steward? No, rather, he is pointing out something deeper.

Fr. Carlson speaks about the reason we exalt the Cross of Christ.

In challenging times, can I still say yes to the Lord?

Fr. Carlson shares how to go to the Lord when our hearts are heavy, and speaks to the tragic events of last Wednesday.

We have to spend time with God in order to grow. Are we stuck in the same place as when we were 10 years old, 20 years old? How do we grow spiritually?

Sometimes it gets hard, but never give up hope. Deacon Michael Nevin, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2025

Fr. Carlson's homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 8.10.2025

Jealousy is saying - “God, I like the gift that you gave to this other person better than the gifts that you gave to me.” Fr. Michael Van Sloun unpacks how easily we can fall into the various forms of greed, and how to remedy it.

The disciples come to Jesus asking Him to teach them how to pray. We, as disciples, also ask this question. We all know the importance of prayer but how do we actually pray? Here at St. John's we will be holding a 6-week School of Prayer to explore this very question. Find more details here: https://stjohns-excelsior.org/school-of-prayer/

How do we enter into prayer? How do we enter into Mass? Fr. Carlson gives practical tips to be less distracted and more present.

Deacon Michael unpacks the parable of the Good Samaritan, explaining who each of the people in the story represent. He also invites us to reflect on the times we’ve chosen the other side of the street, rather than helping someone in need. We are called to serve no matter the cost, knowing that God will give us the grace.

Do we cry to God with joy, as the psalmist says in Psalm 66? This week, Fr. Carlson invites us to praise God for His goodness, in small moments and in big.