Examination of Conscience

The substance of the homily was:
what is the XoC; why is it important; how to make it.

The reality of the homily on Saturday was:
confusing, blabbering, incoherent.

That's probably not a reliable critique from an objective standpoint. But no one can deny me that that's what it felt like delivering it.

How to build a thesis sentence:

The thesis stands alone, provides structure, and resists wordiness.

"Look to the left"

...that is, my 'right.'
Helpful critique.
I'm not engaging the 'down-stage-right' seating section during the homily.
The ambo is on the down-stage-left side of the rather large sanctuary, so the opposite side of the house needs a little love.
Gratefully received and duly noted.

Perseverance

The Gospel was on the parable of the persistent widow and the crooked judge, or as the evangelist says "the necessity of praying always without growing weary."
So, I preached on the importance of perseverance in the spiritual life.
Our perseverance relies on good examples, having a plan, and—most importantly—love.
Good examples abound. Jesus, the saints—Thomas More, for example, Chilean miners. Our grandparents are also inspiring examples.
Having a plan is key, too. You can't just say in advance you're gonna persevere. It doesn't work that way with this particular virtue. You can't acquire it move on to the next virtue. Rather, it's a matter of a lifetime. So having short-term, medium-term and long term goals are important. "What am I doing today to strengthen my relationship with God?" "What about tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, etc."
Love is the secret to perseverance. St. Josemaría said it in his last point in "The Way." "Fall in love and you will not leave him." It's true. Men, in love, will do amazing things. Just ask Percy Sledge. He sang it, so did Michael Bolton with all his hair, "He'd give up all his comforts, and sleep out in the rain..."

Prayer

Prayer:
Dominican spirituality in action: that is, praying and passing along the fruit of prayer. Either that or it's just a powerful story.
Sad, true, and good story: A mom loses three children in a house fire. It was an accident with a space heater a blanket and the children jumping on the bed. It was all over very quickly.
Mom, grieving for months found herself asking Jesus to give her her children back. That became her prayer. She wanted them back.
Then he consoled her. He told her that he wanted to return her children to her, but where her children were they didn't want to go. They were with him and were happy.
God wants to give us our heart's desire, but if he withholds such a gift in a particular situation it's only because he's gonna give us the most amazing gift ever.
Prayer. Petition, Gratitude, Trust.
We must ask God to supply us what we need. God wants us to go to him. If he withholds, it's for our good.
We mustn't neglect the gifts he's given us. That means giving thanks for all he has given us.
We pray in faith. We hand ourselves over in an act of trust. Pouring ourselves out. Giving ourselves over completely to the will of our father in heaven.
Pray.
Pray before you go to sleep tonight. Just like we learned when we were little. "Now I lay me down to sleep..." Pray it like a little child. He'll protect us. Give us our heart's desire. He'll keep us safe and sound.